WXXI lacking local programming?

[dustintv]

I know that they produce "Need to Know" and but in comparison to WCNY and WMHT they don't seem to produce that much in the way of local programming. Not enough money or not enough interest?

 

[The Voice of Reason]

I know that they produce "Need to Know" and but in comparison to WCNY and WMHT they don't seem to produce that much in the way of local programming. Not enough money or not enough interest?

Last month WXXI TV fired Wyatt Doremus, who produced numerous local documentaries such as the award-winning "Remember When"series. After 20 years of hard work, dedication and service, Mr. Doremus was informed the day before he was to go on vacation that the position he had occupied for 2 decades was being replaced by a similar job, but with a different title. For a station that boasts its "community involvement" they got rid of the one person who knew more about this community than most of the staff at WXXI television. That right there should give you an idea of WXXI's commitment to local programming. Of course someone from WXXI will respond by saying they don't have neither the staff nor financial resources like WCNY or WMHT to produce more local programs.My question is then why get rid of the one person who did a fantastic job in making such local documentaries? I would love to read their response to that question.

 

[bearrent]

I know that they produce "Need to Know" and but in comparison to WCNY and WMHT they don't seem to produce that much in the way of local programming. Not enough money or not enough interest?

I just visited the http://www.wxxi.org/tv/productions.htmlWXXI website and I noticed that WXXI is currently producing Assignment the World, Homework Hotline and Second Opinion. This is in addition to Need to Know. About 15-20 years ago, WXXI produced more shows, some of which were distributed to other PBS stations. My guess is that because there are fewer funding resources and there is less funding from the U.S. government, many PBS stations are producing fewer local programs.

 

[The Voice of Reason]

I noticed that WXXI is currently producing Assignment the World, Homework Hotline and Second Opinion. This is in addition to Need to Know. About 15-20 years ago, WXXI produced more shows, some of which were distributed to other PBS stations. My guess is that because there are fewer funding resources and there is less funding from the U.S. government, many PBS stations are producing fewer local programs.

Wyatt Doremus was the one who produced Assignment the World and Homework Hotline. Now that he's gone I wonder what WXXI will do? As for Second Opinion, that show is distributed nationwide to other PBS affiliates, which I'm sure WXXI gets revenue for. Regarding your statement about less funding for PBS from the U.S. government, WXXI radio host Bob Smith says the station doesn't get any federal tax dollars; that all of their revenue comes from local donations and commercials.....err excuse me, underwriting. The reason for fewer local programs is because:
A. They don't have the staff they did years ago.
B. It cost money that instead goes elsewhere ( I'm keeping my promise folks but you know what I mean).
You visited WXXI's website, look at the casual and part-time jobs being offered. They are paring down on the number of employees to make their bottom-line look good.

 

[Mark Giardina]

I noticed that WXXI is currently producing Assignment the World, Homework Hotline and Second Opinion. This is in addition to Need to Know. About 15-20 years ago, WXXI produced more shows, some of which were distributed to other PBS stations. My guess is that because there are fewer funding resources and there is less funding from the U.S. government, many PBS stations are producing fewer local programs.

Wyatt Doremus was the one who produced Assignment the World and Homework Hotline. Now that he's gone I wonder what WXXI will do? As for Second Opinion, that show is distributed nationwide to other PBS affiliates, which I'm sure WXXI gets revenue for. Regarding your statement about less funding for PBS from the U.S. government, WXXI radio host Bob Smith says the station doesn't get any federal tax dollars; that all of their revenue comes from local donations and commercials.....err excuse me, underwriting. The reason for fewer local programs is because:
A. They don't have the staff they did years ago.
B. It cost money that instead goes elsewhere ( I'm keeping my promise folks but you know what I mean).
You visited WXXI's website, look at the casual and part-time jobs being offered. They are paring down on the number of employees to make their bottom-line look good.

I had the pleasure of knowing and working with Wyatt for many years. To be honest, he will be tough to replace.

Next month a group of his former co-workers are throwing him a "good-bye" party, which I plan to attend.

I emailed Wyatt and he seems to be taking all of this in stride. I'm sure he will land on his feet, if he hasn't already. The guy is talented and smart. He'll find something.

 

[newscool]

Is Wyatt Doremus related to longtime channel 10 reporter Warren Doremus?

 

[dustintv]

Is Wyatt Doremus related to longtime channel 10 reporter Warren Doremus?

I did a quick search to check but couldn't find anything. According to his SUNY Brockport profile it says Wyatt Doremus worked as a reporter at WROC from 1977 to 1987. A search on "Warren Doremus WHEC" doesn't bring up much, except for an old Democrat and Chronicle article on Maggie Brooks which says Warren Doremus hired her in 1980 and worked with until his 1991 retirement as news director. So iff they are indeed related, it must have been pretty awkward for one to be news director at one station and the other be a reporter for a rival station at the same time

 

[Mark Giardina]

Is Wyatt Doremus related to longtime channel 10 reporter Warren Doremus?

Warren is Wyatt's Father.

Warren started working for WHEC TV after WW2 and stayed with the station until his retirement in the early 90s. He is best known as a newsman, but also for his role on the Eddie Meath morning program which ran on Channel 10 until Eddie's untimely death in the early 80s.

Wyatt worked for Channel 8 and left the station to work for WXXI. He was a television producer and made some outstanding local documentaries that included "Remember When."

Hope this answers your question?