-
Get involved.
We want your input!
Apply for Membership and join the conversations about everything related to broadcasting.
After we receive your registration, a moderator will review it. After your registration is approved, you will be permitted to post.
If you use a disposable or false email address, your registration will be rejected.
After your membership is approved, please take a minute to tell us a little bit about yourself.
https://www.radiodiscussions.com/forums/introduce-yourself.1088/
Thanks in advance and have fun!
RadioDiscussions Administrators
WDEL and WILM
- Thread starter dustintv
- Start date
Their news time is pretty solid. Both stations have very good reporters. When it
comes to presentation, I'd give a solid edge to WDEL, which comes off as a lot more
polished. That said, WILM has shown great improvements over the last year or two.
Both provide quality newscasts. It's just a matter of personal taste.
comes to presentation, I'd give a solid edge to WDEL, which comes off as a lot more
polished. That said, WILM has shown great improvements over the last year or two.
Both provide quality newscasts. It's just a matter of personal taste.
I'd agree with QzarDE that both WDEL and WILM have quality newscasts with good reporters, etc. Its more of personal taste as to which one a person likes better. Sort of like which TV channel's local newscast you prefer, channels 3,6,10, 12, or 29. Wilmington is fortunate to have two news/talk stations that do local news.
Personally for me, I prefer WILM's newscast for one simple reason, they give you the actual weather forecast frequently in the morning, whereas WDEL's newscast teases it until :15 and :45. When I'm getting ready for work the two things I want to know above all else is the weather and traffic. So for me, that's what puts WILM over the top and why I listen to them in the mornings while getting ready for work.
I agree with QzarDE that WDEL's presentation of the news has a "slicker" sound, a more polished sound, but I don't want to wait 30 minutes to finally get to hear the forecast so I go with the less polished sound for traffic and weather every 10 minutes on WILM in the morning.
Personally for me, I prefer WILM's newscast for one simple reason, they give you the actual weather forecast frequently in the morning, whereas WDEL's newscast teases it until :15 and :45. When I'm getting ready for work the two things I want to know above all else is the weather and traffic. So for me, that's what puts WILM over the top and why I listen to them in the mornings while getting ready for work.
I agree with QzarDE that WDEL's presentation of the news has a "slicker" sound, a more polished sound, but I don't want to wait 30 minutes to finally get to hear the forecast so I go with the less polished sound for traffic and weather every 10 minutes on WILM in the morning.
I'll agree with Mike in that WILM's weather plays more often, and usually has more content. Point for WILM.
However, when it comes to traffic, I can't STAND Kap'n Ken (or whomever is doing traffic for Ken) and his generic, vanilla reports.
I'll take Robin Bryson or any of his cohorts over that.
However, when it comes to traffic, I can't STAND Kap'n Ken (or whomever is doing traffic for Ken) and his generic, vanilla reports.
I'll take Robin Bryson or any of his cohorts over that.
I agree. I have a short commute so the weather is more important to me, but if I had a long commute, then I might switch back and forth. Catch the weather on WILM and then go to WDEL for the traffic or vis versa.
W
WTUX
Guest
Big Don always does a good job bringing sports news to the listeners.
As to traffic, that is WDEL. Weather? WILM.
As to traffic, that is WDEL. Weather? WILM.
D
dbcinsider
Guest
Mike,
You obviously haven't listened to WDEL for awhile. WDEL does sports at :15 & :45, not weather. WDEL airs weather (during AM & PM drive) at :11, :21, :41 & :51, with teases at the start of the newscasts at :00 & :30.
And last I heard, WILM was just reading a NWS forecast, whereas WDEL has a meterologist giving the forecast, with live Q&As during the course of the morning and afternoon.
How is WILM better?
You obviously haven't listened to WDEL for awhile. WDEL does sports at :15 & :45, not weather. WDEL airs weather (during AM & PM drive) at :11, :21, :41 & :51, with teases at the start of the newscasts at :00 & :30.
And last I heard, WILM was just reading a NWS forecast, whereas WDEL has a meterologist giving the forecast, with live Q&As during the course of the morning and afternoon.
How is WILM better?
dbcinsider, I beg to differ. I've listened within the past two weeks and they do not give an actual forecast except just before sports with Big Don Boltz. I typically listen from 6:20am - 7am. All others mentions are teasers saying something like it's going to be a great day today, warmer than yesterday, details coming up in a few moments with accuweather metreologist, (insert name).
I understand their tactic is to keep you tuned in, but in the morning people don't have time to sit around and wait, so when they give their excellent traffic report the anchor could then read the short version of the real forecast including hi temp and current temp ie, It's going to be sunny and unseasonably warm today with a high of 80 degrees, presently it's 51 degrees at 1150 WDEL and then go into their spot break. That in a few seconds gives you the basic stuff you need, for the details you'd have to catch the longer version twice an hour. This way you only have to play the pre-recorded accu-weather guy twice an hour. Note, at 6:41 they do go live to the accuweather guy. Sometimes he rambles and the anchor has to bring him back to the forecast. So on WILM I've heard the actual forecast a number of times from 6:20am - 7am, as often as I hear traffic I hear the actual weather. It's the one thing I'd say could improve WDEL's morning newscast.
By the way, why do they call him Don Boltz Big? From what I understand, he's not a "big" person in either height or width.
Speaking of pros and cons of WDEL's vs WILM's morning newscast, a plus for WDEL is the CBS and AP feeds of unusual stories the WDEL newsteam will use and the Loudell report too. A con for WILM is the Rush morning rant. Who wants to hear that angry voice so early in the morning. If I am still listening to WILM when that comes on I do switch to WDEL or WHYY-FM. I know it's only a 60 sec bit and the station is require to air it, but it's just way too early in the morning to have to listen to Limbaugh rant even for 60 seconds. I notice that WPHT airs the Limbaugh morning rant during their 9:30am spot break during Glenn Beck, that's better than the earlier time WILM is using in my opinion. If I were WILM I'd air the Rush rant later like WPHT during Watson's show. That would give John something extra to rant about during his show, and the listeners during Watson's show are talkshow listeners, not news info listeners.
I understand their tactic is to keep you tuned in, but in the morning people don't have time to sit around and wait, so when they give their excellent traffic report the anchor could then read the short version of the real forecast including hi temp and current temp ie, It's going to be sunny and unseasonably warm today with a high of 80 degrees, presently it's 51 degrees at 1150 WDEL and then go into their spot break. That in a few seconds gives you the basic stuff you need, for the details you'd have to catch the longer version twice an hour. This way you only have to play the pre-recorded accu-weather guy twice an hour. Note, at 6:41 they do go live to the accuweather guy. Sometimes he rambles and the anchor has to bring him back to the forecast. So on WILM I've heard the actual forecast a number of times from 6:20am - 7am, as often as I hear traffic I hear the actual weather. It's the one thing I'd say could improve WDEL's morning newscast.
By the way, why do they call him Don Boltz Big? From what I understand, he's not a "big" person in either height or width.
Speaking of pros and cons of WDEL's vs WILM's morning newscast, a plus for WDEL is the CBS and AP feeds of unusual stories the WDEL newsteam will use and the Loudell report too. A con for WILM is the Rush morning rant. Who wants to hear that angry voice so early in the morning. If I am still listening to WILM when that comes on I do switch to WDEL or WHYY-FM. I know it's only a 60 sec bit and the station is require to air it, but it's just way too early in the morning to have to listen to Limbaugh rant even for 60 seconds. I notice that WPHT airs the Limbaugh morning rant during their 9:30am spot break during Glenn Beck, that's better than the earlier time WILM is using in my opinion. If I were WILM I'd air the Rush rant later like WPHT during Watson's show. That would give John something extra to rant about during his show, and the listeners during Watson's show are talkshow listeners, not news info listeners.
D
dbcinsider
Guest
Mike,
I guess your definition of "forecast" is different than mine. Again, WDEL gives the same AccuWeather forecast at :11, :21, :41 & :51 - with the exception of when they do live Q&As with the meteorologist, during which the meteorologist gives the forecast. That's four times an hour.
Plus, if you listen beween 6:20-7, then you've heard it twice, along with the live Q&A, plus at least a couple of teases giving you the gist of what it's going to be like today. What's the problem?
As for "Big" Don Voltz (that's Voltz with a V), you answered your own question...
I guess your definition of "forecast" is different than mine. Again, WDEL gives the same AccuWeather forecast at :11, :21, :41 & :51 - with the exception of when they do live Q&As with the meteorologist, during which the meteorologist gives the forecast. That's four times an hour.
Plus, if you listen beween 6:20-7, then you've heard it twice, along with the live Q&A, plus at least a couple of teases giving you the gist of what it's going to be like today. What's the problem?
As for "Big" Don Voltz (that's Voltz with a V), you answered your own question...
Perhaps what DBCinsider says about the timing of the WDEL drive-time weather forcasts is true, but I have to agree with Mike. It seems that all WDEL does is tease the content, weather or otherwise, rather than flat-out giving the information. It is annoying.
On Saturday mornings, Edie Scott always intros various elements by saying that they are "coming up," when, in fact she plays them immediately.
On Saturday mornings, Edie Scott always intros various elements by saying that they are "coming up," when, in fact she plays them immediately.
D
dbcinsider
Guest
650AM,
Your point is well taken. As you know, teases are used because a broadcaster's livelihood depends on you listening as long as possible - especially as we enter the PPM era. But there's a fine line. Tease too much and you might lose listeners - obviously having the opposite effect desired.
Your point is well taken. As you know, teases are used because a broadcaster's livelihood depends on you listening as long as possible - especially as we enter the PPM era. But there's a fine line. Tease too much and you might lose listeners - obviously having the opposite effect desired.
I did listen this morning to WDEL from 6:25am to 6:35am and at :35 Melonie did give a very quick forecast that said out of blue after a news story without any into rain today high 62 the full forecast in a few moments with accuweather meterologist...
That is sufficient, the problem is unlike WILM who consistantly does their weather after the traffic report, there is no cue in for your ears to catch it. So in the hustle and bustle of getting ready for work that quickie report probably gets missed. At least say like: accuweather calls for rain today with a high of 62, more details...The word accuweather at least gives your ear a cue to hone in for the forecast. You provide a great deal of information very quickly with plenty of spots (they pay your salary and the stations bills) so a tag to cue the listener back would be helpful in my opinion.
That is sufficient, the problem is unlike WILM who consistantly does their weather after the traffic report, there is no cue in for your ears to catch it. So in the hustle and bustle of getting ready for work that quickie report probably gets missed. At least say like: accuweather calls for rain today with a high of 62, more details...The word accuweather at least gives your ear a cue to hone in for the forecast. You provide a great deal of information very quickly with plenty of spots (they pay your salary and the stations bills) so a tag to cue the listener back would be helpful in my opinion.
D
dbcinsider
Guest
Not a bad idea Mike. I think they do that, but maybe not consistently.
Unfortunately, you were listening in-between times when the forecast is given; but you've already said you have a short commute, so I understand that.
Look, I'm not hear to argue with you or even change your mind, per se. I just didn't want you (or anyone else, for that matter) to have the absurd notion that WDEL only gives the weather report twice an hour during morning drive (see previous posts).
By the way, it's Mellany. Boy, you really butcher names, don't you
Unfortunately, you were listening in-between times when the forecast is given; but you've already said you have a short commute, so I understand that.
Look, I'm not hear to argue with you or even change your mind, per se. I just didn't want you (or anyone else, for that matter) to have the absurd notion that WDEL only gives the weather report twice an hour during morning drive (see previous posts).
By the way, it's Mellany. Boy, you really butcher names, don't you
Well maybe you as a DBCinsider can make that suggestion to Rick Jensen that they do it consistantly. When I worked at WILM we were told to always preface any weather comment with "the metroweather forecast" (which they were using at that time) even if we were reading it vs the metroweather guy doing his thing, so it shouldn't be that big of a deal for the WDEL newsteam of Mellany Armstrong and Peter MacArthur to consistantly say the Accuweather forcast calls for..... Problem solved.
Hey I believe Melonie is the "normal" spelling for Mellany's name (a lot of folks today use alternative spellings like Robyn for Robin, etc; and B's vs V's on the radio are sometimes hard to tell, so cut me some slack.
All kidding aside, I think WDEL's news product is a good one, just make the weather a bit more listener friendly.
Hey I believe Melonie is the "normal" spelling for Mellany's name (a lot of folks today use alternative spellings like Robyn for Robin, etc; and B's vs V's on the radio are sometimes hard to tell, so cut me some slack.
All kidding aside, I think WDEL's news product is a good one, just make the weather a bit more listener friendly.
Making listeners wait until :11 after for weather is a bad move, IMHO.
KYW in Philly gives a full weather forecast 8 times an hour: at :01, :07, :14, :23, :31, :37, :44 and :53. And all the forecasts are five-day except the ones at :01 and :31 which cover the next 36 hours - in morning drive they give you today, tonight and tomorrow. It certainly doesn't hurt KYW's ratings.
I don't know if it's still the case, but WILM used to give the weather 8 times an hour: six times in traffic and weather together and also in the headlines sweeps at :59 and :30.
It's a shame that WDEL is wasting the Accuweather image by burying the forecast at the times that it does. Ironically, you get the forecast sooner by listening to their top of the hour newscasts when they're running a talk show: I imagine they give the weather within the first six minutes after the top of the hour. But you have to wait longer during their news blocks! Strange.
KYW in Philly gives a full weather forecast 8 times an hour: at :01, :07, :14, :23, :31, :37, :44 and :53. And all the forecasts are five-day except the ones at :01 and :31 which cover the next 36 hours - in morning drive they give you today, tonight and tomorrow. It certainly doesn't hurt KYW's ratings.
I don't know if it's still the case, but WILM used to give the weather 8 times an hour: six times in traffic and weather together and also in the headlines sweeps at :59 and :30.
It's a shame that WDEL is wasting the Accuweather image by burying the forecast at the times that it does. Ironically, you get the forecast sooner by listening to their top of the hour newscasts when they're running a talk show: I imagine they give the weather within the first six minutes after the top of the hour. But you have to wait longer during their news blocks! Strange.
W
WTUX
Guest
While WDEL used to be my main station, I have switched to KYW for news/weather/traffic and WILM for talk.
And at 5:41am when WDEL is teasing me to listen to what the Phillies/Eagles/Flyers did, I already heard that at 4:00am on KYW. Their teasers are pretty lame. A better teaser would be "The Eagles lost again. All the gory details in 3 minutes!"
And at 5:41am when WDEL is teasing me to listen to what the Phillies/Eagles/Flyers did, I already heard that at 4:00am on KYW. Their teasers are pretty lame. A better teaser would be "The Eagles lost again. All the gory details in 3 minutes!"
W
WTUX
Guest
I just remembered an incident from the 1990's version of the WDEL morning news. A guy was brought in to host the morning, not as a news anchor like Todd Halliday or as Peter does today, but simply a host. He had been told to give the weather frequently, as in every 3 minutes. This guy was not exceptionally bright and did not last long. In those days, news director Bill Grant would give the forecast in the morning. So this host dude would read the ENTIRE forecast, then introduce Bill to repeat the same forecast!
Like I said, he didn't last long!
Like I said, he didn't last long!
That's quite true. KYW is consistant and you can count on many weather forecasts during each hour. Interestingly KYW is a top rated AM station in the Philly market where there are a bunch of FM's competing for KYW's listeners. An all news AM station. As they say give us 22 minutes and we'll give you the world. WDEL and WILM have that same opportunity during their morning drive time newscasts, before they shift gears and become talk stations. KYW doesn't try to tease you into staying as they realize after one half hour or 22 minutes (after commercials) the news is going to repeat itself and you'll tune out to a music station or NPR's All Things Considered on WHYY-FM for a news magazine format.
So it seems to come down to that WDEL has a good news product, but the weather needs to be more listener friendly, it has improved this past week, I noticed. WILM has a good news product too and their weather is presented often and is easy to catch, more listener friendly.
So it seems to come down to that WDEL has a good news product, but the weather needs to be more listener friendly, it has improved this past week, I noticed. WILM has a good news product too and their weather is presented often and is easy to catch, more listener friendly.
- Status