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SOMETHING ABOUT DEBBIE

V

VERITAS DE VOCE

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I would hate to speculate based on my limited knowledge of the situation, but what is up with WFAA constantly stuffing Debbie Denmon on the short bus of broadcasting? She did full weekends, then when HD showed up and Victory was the focus, the powers that be shifted her tail to Sunday's only, and NOW Brad Watson gets anywhere from 15 - 20 minutes to talk politics while Debbie gets even less camera time... er... a breather.

What gives? Anyone? Bueller?
 
Personally, I don't consider Debbie's camera time going away that big of a loss to DFW television. She does have an NT connection, she definitely has some interesting stories from time to time from Denton, but her on-camera delivery has always been lacking IMHO. She never had any chemistry with any of her on-air cohorts (whether they be Scott Sams, Chris Gailus/Catherine Garcia or now with weatherwoman Meghan Danahey). I've only met her in passing one time and I found her a very warm and engaging person, but she just doesn't move me with her on-air style. Just one guy's opinion, though.
 
Wow, I've got to really disagree with you all on that. Yeah, I'm going to be a little biased, since I'm there with Debbie every single Saturday, but she's an absolute pleasure to work with, and I think she does an excellent job on the air. I recall seeing her somewhat tense years back when working with Scott, and just with handling the daily grind of a staid morning show that wasn't given the latitude to get "goofy" like the KDFW one gets at times. But on her own, and now with Meghan getting acclimated and participating more with the interviews, the two seem to mesh well. Debbie was relegated to reporter status when Jackie and Justin were brought in to anchor the morning news, months before the Victory move. Since Debbie's from Denton, she seems to get dibs on the Denton County news, and, if that gives her job security, so be it. But honestly, I've never seen an anchor so calm and relaxed and having a pleasant time with her on-air duties like Debbie does now. I don't know what else she could do to be better. Far as Sundays go, that's my only day to sleep in, so I've never watched. I'm aware of Brad's intense political coverage, but I wouldn't think that's done for Debbie's benefit. Maybe you guys should try Saturday mornings instead and see if your feelings are any different. Sure, maybe what I see in the studio is not carrying over to the viewers, but I don't know how it wouldn't.
 
Mike, it isn't coming across to the viewers. I'm sorry to say that because from what I hear she's a very nice person. But anchoring is just not her thing. She is a far better reporter than anchor. She is prone to saying really inept or dumb things when she's doing banter with a co-anchor. Being able to banter well is a rare talent - and she doesn't have it. I think weekend mornings are fine for her because the opportunities to banter are greatly limited.

Despite that, I don't think the extra political talk has anything to do with Debbie. I think Brad Watson's interviews are designed to take advantage of the audience that will stay tuned for ABC's "The Week" program. It's a way to provide new content for the weekend show that otherwise would probably repeat a bunch of feature stories from the week gone by.
 
As someone completely outside the industry, just a viewer, I like Debbie and I always have. She seems very pleasant and does a good job on the Saturday morning duties. I especially like her when she has her adopt a pet segment each week, I'm sure that segment is somewhat a flying by the seat of your pants, when dealing with animals on the air.

I also have to admire her for still being at Belo, since more or less, they demoted her when they changed the anchors to the early morning show.
 
Mike, I was hoping this would pique your interest.

I have met her on several occasions with clients and just in media circles, and everything you say she is, she is. No question. I enjoy her on-air. She is engaging and provides a warm approach to her stories unlike the robotic wit of Ron Burgundy or Baron "have you seen my new flashy tie/shirt combo that would make Todd Carruth envious" Davis. But she did mornings, GMT and so on well. Very well, if you ask me. Now, it's like she has bumped to the minors.

Saturdays is a different animal. It's Saturdays. But this Sunday thing and then "Camera Two to Brad time" may be the bleedover for ABC, but overall, it's like Jay said, it SEEMS like a demotion and I don't think that's what she deserves at all.
 
Ok I am in the business but Debbie is great on weekends! I love News8 Daybreak Weekend. (ON BOTH DAYS!) I do break away from political block on Sunday but I understand why WFAA does it... to have a "localized" 'This Week' to edge its way in to the National political coverage. I think Debbie and Megan are a GREAT team and look like they get together and work well both on and off camera.

I hope she is on WFAA for a long time to come, I enjoy waking up a little too early Saturday or Sunday and watching WFAA.

Ok yes I am a news nerd/junkie (thus the screenname!)
 
I am a Debbie Denmon fan and I am only viewer. I gave up watching 8 on weekdays mornings after she left, cause all that was left was Mortica and I had never been a fan of hers. I still watch Debbie on weekend mornings, although I wish they started their newscast earlier.

Since I still watch Ch 8 in the evenings most of the time, I have enjoyed her work as a field reporter as well. Yes I have seen her stumble on her words a couple of times, but I have seen every single reporter in the market do that before as well. It happens in real life and its going to happen on camera as well.
 
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