MDA drops WABI for telethon coverage

[Maine-i-ac]

After nearly 30 years, WABI will not be hosting the Jerry Lewis MDA telethon in the Bangor market. Of course there are two sides to every story, but it sounds like because of the telethon retooling, the money raised in central and eastern Maine is not significant. I see all sort of directions for this to go, not any of them good.

http://www.wabi.tv/news/20314/mda-telethon-dropped-on-tv5-part-1

 

[newsbot]

Despite WABI's protestations, I wouldn't be surprised if they're privately happy to lose this albatross.

 

[KML0224]

Put it on WVII-TV! I'm sure they'll have nothing to do that day anyways!

 

[newsbot]

Yeah, they could have Jim Kosek scream via satellite from State College during the local cutaways.

 

[azumanga]

Put it on WVII-TV! I'm sure they'll have nothing to do that day anyways!

As I read it, the MDA has not only dropped WABI, but also dropped the market in general, as they felt that it would have little to gain from the telethon, regardless of who carries it.

 

[Bill-in-CT]

According to Variety, the telethon will air for only 6 hours instead of 21 1/2 -
http://www.variety.com/article/VR1118037136

 

[newsbot]

WABI continues to make hay of the announcement
http://www.wabi.tv/news/20356/mda-telethon-dropped-on-tv5-part-2