WHEC Benefits From Library Porn Story During Sweeps

[The Voice of Reason]

One interesting aspect of Channel 10's investigative story on some library patrons trolling the internet for porn is that the day after the story aired former Channel 10 anchor, and now County Executive Maggie Brooks held a news conference threatening the Central Library with cutting off funding in her budget for next year.
Channel 10 certainly played their cards right when it came to generating publicity for their station during the sweeps. Yet the connection between 10 and Brooks concerns me. We know this story was reported now because of the ratings sweep, but was Brooks made aware of this story ahead of time so she could respond in such a timely fashion? It is also ironic that she is seeking a second term. Maybe this is a case where one hand washes the other.

 

[tvnewswatcher]

I would find out what other Magid stations are doing across the country. You won't be surprised to find out that they're all doing stories similar to this one. Frank Magid Associates consults television stations across the country and basically sends out a list of the "hot-button" topics or stories that make good tv. 10's been a magid client for centuries and never fails to come through with some sensational story. One year, a reporter over at the station went into daycare centers armed with "a hidden camera" and took kids out of the daycare centers in order to show the lack of security at places. It was hugely sensational. The first thing I would do is check out Hubbard Television's website and find out what stations they own and then visit those sites and see what types of stories they're all doing. They'll probably have a common thread.

 

[BobRoss]

I would find out what other Magid stations are doing across the country. You won't be surprised to find out that they're all doing stories similar to this one.

I don't think "The Voice of Reason" was questioning the topic of the story, so much as the fast, dramatic action from an elected leader who once worked for the station. I'm not familiar with Brooks' history with channel 10, but if she left the station on good terms, there's a chance part of her actions could be out of a lasting sense of loyalty toward her former station (or to individual friends who still work there).

Another way to put it would be... had channel 8 or 13 done the story, would she have acted as fast? Would she have gone so far as to threaten to pull funding? Or would she have just brushed it aside as nothing more than a "sweeps piece" by one of her former competitors?

 

[therealjm12]

I'm not familiar with Brooks' history with channel 10, but if she left the station on good terms, there's a chance part of her actions could be out of a lasting sense of loyalty toward her former station (or to individual friends who still work there).


Maggie Brooks actually left the employment of WHEC on very bad terms. From what I understand it was very bitter and personal. The AFTRA contract allows the mangement to fire some air talent over the period of the contract with no questions asked

 

[The Voice of Reason]

I'm not familiar with Brooks' history with channel 10, but if she left the station on good terms, there's a chance part of her actions could be out of a lasting sense of loyalty toward her former station (or to individual friends who still work there).


Maggie Brooks actually left the employment of WHEC on very bad terms. From what I understand it was very bitter and personal. The AFTRA contract allows the mangement to fire some air talent over the period of the contract with no questions asked

Channel 10 has a history of getting rid of women who start showing their age or gain a few pounds. Lomax is an exception because the station wants to avoid any EOE problems. As for the reason Brooks was let go, that is shrouded in mystery. There are plenty of rumors floating around of course but no one has publicly come out and said why Brooks and 10 parted company.