KPHO 8 Minute Newscast

[MusicFan2009]

For those of you who are natives to Arizona or have been here longer than me I gotta a little curious about some reading, history I've been doing.

I've gotten curious about the changes in the news media in Phoenix, AZ.

Came across this article and gained some insight about the changes here.

http://www.allbusiness.com/services/business-services-miscellaneous-business/4818395-1.html

Didn't know that KTVK had an hour long evening newcast, not sure when that ended, been here since 2006.

So what I wanted to know from those who have been here longer than me, what were your thoughts of the 8 Minute Newscasts?

What a strange idea to me? But hey I'm not an an expert.

Thoughts, ideas, a little history to share, would be great my friends.

I didn't know that Diana Sullivan used to be lead evening female anchor at KPHO. She and Cary Pfeffer used to be the lead anchors.

Plus they had a 4:30 p.m. newscast. Musta been too much with KPNX & KTVK.

Thanks guys.

 

[formeraa]

I've only been here since late 2004. When I first arrived, KTVK's 10pm newscast was an hourlong with Beverly and Mike Chamberlain. The newscast was shortened to 30 minutes with the start up of 30 minute newscasts at 8pm and 9pm.

 

[desertv]

In the 50s and 60s most local newscasts were shorter than 30 minutes.

 

[desertskies]

The eight minute News/Seinfeld combo probably looked good on paper.
Do a Headline News approach ("Around the world in thirty minutes, this is Headline News"), but go one step further and condense to eight minutes.
2 1/2 - three minutes for news, maybe a minute for weather (it's Arizona. It's either sunny or not; rains or doesn't), break, sports with some highlights and scores, toss for recap, seamless segue to Seinfeld.
Again, the thesis looks good.
Ratings said otherwise.

Bring in a gentleman with the name of Kevin O'Brien to lead Meredith's Broadcast Division.
He literally dismantled all of Meredith B'cast division, firing all deadwood and hired new faces.

As for KPHO, they did enjoy a surge at 10pm after Seinfeld went to KSAZ.
Newsroom made a #1 rating at Ten.

The ugly blue screen of a computer problem eventually showed up when KOB was sued for sexual harassment.
He counter sued and won.

Last I read or heard, he is/was a paid consultant for Granite.
KPHO still struggles.

Cary Pfeffer
Diana Sullivan
Wendy Burch
Wayne Garcia
Christine Wofford
Jeff Kelly
Elisabeth Sanchez

The beat goes on...

 

[oldiesfan6479]

Bring in a gentleman with the name of Kevin O'Brien to lead Meredith's Broadcast Division.

Gentleman? You are being sarcastic...right?

Kind of like the TV news talking head when the Cop Shop spokesflack refers
to the perp they just caught--or are looking for--as a "gentleman." :

 

[landtuna]

So what I wanted to know from those who have been here longer than me, what were your thoughts of the 8 Minute Newscasts?

It's great.....except it takes them 30 minutes to deliver it. :

 

[desertskies]

Bring in a gentleman with the name of Kevin O'Brien to lead Meredith's Broadcast Division.

Gentleman? You are being sarcastic...right?

Kind of like the TV news talking head when the Cop Shop spokesflack refers
to the perp they just caught--or are looking for--as a "gentleman." :

I had the chance to speak with Mr O'Brien and he came across as very sincere and believing of what he could do.
In the short run, he proved his point.

Sarcasm key was turned off.