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WCCB-channel 18

F

fortmill

I know its TV, but I can't believe no one has commented on the turmoil at WCCB, channel 18--the so-called Fox Charlotte. Fist fights in the newsroom, ND director arrested, exit of many key personel, etc. Any one care to clime in?
 
Heard about the news director. I don't understand what the heck he was doing though. As for the rest of it I hadn't heard. Sometimes I just think the world is slowing going nuts!

What's the rest of the story?
 
The news director was originally arrested on a single charge of shop lifting from a Harris Teeter. Later, after security tapes were reviewed, authorities believe he shoplifted from the store on several additional occassions--he has been charged with those also. Regarding the fistfight, it was between a main anchor and office personnel. The police were called, and the anchor sent to the hospital---I believe he is still off the air. It has all been chronicled in the Observer. "Fox Charlotte's" newscasts come accross as very, very low rent---maybe its really true.
 
Very unfortunate. I keep thinking that one day the station will have new owners. I was under the impression it's was better than it used to be. I remember the days when Doug Bell was the lone anchor and only did brief news updates. That's no slight on Doug but it was easy to see he didn't have much of a support system. WCCB ran very lean back then.
 
If you read Mark Washburn's column in the Charlotte Observer for Saturday, January 22nd, another anchor has
departed because of that incident, and as a result, there are no co-anchors for the moment at 10:00 during the
week, and apparently comments posted on the Observer's story gives you an idea how viewers feel about WCCB
and the direction of their news operation.
 
I believe WCCB-TV is Bahakel Communications' largest market and flagship station, so unless the company goes under I doubt it will let it go unless Newscorp/FOX themselves purchases it from them for a large sum. It sounds like chaos indeed at top 20 market FOX affiliate and that's a damn shame...
 
fortmill said:
I know its TV, but I can't believe no one has commented on the turmoil at WCCB, channel 18--the so-called Fox Charlotte. Fist fights in the newsroom, ND director arrested, exit of many key personel, etc. Any one care to clime in?
Click to expand...

Here's what I just saw on our "so called" daily newspaper's website in Greensboro about the continuing story of what really goes on in big time TV news departments. I would think the Charlotte Observer would really be jumping on this drama.

Fight at Fox Charlotte leads to 2nd arrest

http://www.news-record.com/content/2011/01/26/article/fight_at_fox_charlotte_leads_to_2nd_arrest
 
Yes, Charlotte is a major TV market, but WCCB has never had a major market news broadcast. If history is any guide, they never will. I remember back in the 70s when WCCB went through a news team every few months. Bahakel would fire one team, then start up a new newscast with all new players. This is one of the primary reasons 18 lost their ABC affiliation to WSOC and the major reason NBC refused to give their affiliation to WCCB. I wouldn't be surprised if WJZY or even WAXN are licking their chops about now...
 
They have their problems but I think WCCB is stronger now than they have ever been. At least they seem to be trying now.
 
I watch WCCB's 10:00 news, though never the whole thing. I haven't watched an entire local newscast regularly in years. But a few years ago while rewinding after "Family Guy" I noticed the meteorologist, who may have been Reg Taylor since he still does Sundays, actually bothered to give me the high and low for the day, something most meteorologists don't seem to care about any more. Terri Bennett did, but when she wasn't on Brad Panovich couldn't be bothered. So I made a commitment to tape the portion of the newscast when the weather was on. I liked Brien Blakely and Rebecca Clark. I liked Morgan Fogarty who substituted and looked hot.

So I was upset about the recent changes. I was so glad to see Mr. Blakely back--until I realized I was watching Animation Domination episodes I recorded several weeks earlier.
 
I worked at WCCB back in the early 70s. I'm trying to locate an old friend that also worked there... Jack Davidson. Anyone know of his whereabouts?
 
ampex101 said:
I worked at WCCB back in the early 70s. I'm trying to locate an old friend that also worked there... Jack Davidson. Anyone know of his whereabouts?
Click to expand...

Doug Bell might know but I don't think he checks in here. Try the AVS Forums (another site) and look for Charlotte OTA (Over the air vs cable). Lots of TV topics over there.
 
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