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Friday, July 31, 2009
Baylor University says 'Potter' bad for journalism
A Baylor Unviersity (with University of Houston-Clear Lake) study says that the way JK Rowling portrays newspapers in the Harry Potter series could have a negative impact on young readers:
I never had Sturgill has a Baylor journalism major student, but do remember her. She was considered one of the tougher professors there.
RELATED
- Art Briles has Baylor football on the rise
- Baylor virtual tour
- Baylor University Cuts Ties to Alumni Association
- Bliss back in Texas again after Baylor scandal
Study co-author Amanda Sturgill, senior lecturer in journalism at Baylor University, says in a news release an analysis of the first six books in author J.K. Rowling's best-selling series about the boy wizard found overwhelmingly negative representation of journalism. Sturgill said the concern is that young readers will come away with a perception that journalism is corrupt, deceptive and an unattractive career choice. READ THE REST
I never had Sturgill has a Baylor journalism major student, but do remember her. She was considered one of the tougher professors there.
RELATED
- Art Briles has Baylor football on the rise
- Baylor virtual tour
- Baylor University Cuts Ties to Alumni Association
- Bliss back in Texas again after Baylor scandal
Famous facial hair
Sometimes I just feel like stop shaving my face. I don't know why. Maybe I am trying to get in touch with my primal roots. See an example here.
Seems like I am not the only one. CBS 11 News This Morning meteorologist Jeff Jamison has decided to grow a beard so the station looked at some of the famous dudes with the staches or beards. SEE THEM
(Thanks Will-E, now stop shaving)
Seems like I am not the only one. CBS 11 News This Morning meteorologist Jeff Jamison has decided to grow a beard so the station looked at some of the famous dudes with the staches or beards. SEE THEM
(Thanks Will-E, now stop shaving)
Lanny Griffith leaves Fox 26 KRIV Houston
A ton of emails are coming in saying that longtime Houston broadcaster Lanny Griffith has left Fox 26 KRIV. That's too bad. He says he plans to spend more time with his family and on the bright side at least he can sleep in.
And according to this board, the station is expanding its morning news.
And according to this board, the station is expanding its morning news.
Former Fox 26 KRIV anchor leaves NBC Chicago
Chicago media has been all over the departure of Anna Davlantes from NBC-owned WMAQ Channel 5 in Chicago. You might remember Davlantes as an anchor at Fox 26 KRIV in Houston.- Anna Davlantes leaves WMAQ-Ch. 5
- Anchor-reporter Anna Davlantes quits Channel 5
- Anna Davlantes Leaves WMAQ-Ch.5
- Anna Davlantes out at NBC5
Thursday, July 30, 2009
What's up at ESPN 103.3 in Dallas?
The Dallas Morning News sports blog is letting us know even more changes are coming to ESPN 103.3:
RELATED
- Dale Hansen explains departure from ESPN 103.3 Dallas
Looks like Brian Estridge is leaving Galloway & Company at week's end to jump to WBAP-AM (820) where he will work with the legendary Hal Jay. READ THE REST
RELATED
- Dale Hansen explains departure from ESPN 103.3 Dallas
Remembering Houston's Marvin Zindler
Can't believe it has already been two years since Marvin Zindler left the Houston airwaves forever.
- Two years since Marvin Zindler died
- 'Best Little Whorehouse in Texas' Crusader Marvin Zindler Dies
- Still Missing Marvin Zindler
- ON MARVIN ZINDLER, EYEWITNESS NEWS
RELATED
- My Marvin Zindler coverage
- Two years since Marvin Zindler died
- 'Best Little Whorehouse in Texas' Crusader Marvin Zindler Dies
- Still Missing Marvin Zindler
- ON MARVIN ZINDLER, EYEWITNESS NEWS
RELATED
- My Marvin Zindler coverage
The Buzz Lady goes national
I told you last year how Roseann Rogers, the former Buzz Lady on KPRC 2, has a new home at Channel 55 KTBU The Tube. Now she is taking the Buzz nationally says Ken Hoffman:
RELATED
KPRC's Roseann Rogers takes Buzz Lady thing to 55 KTBU
(Image courtesy of buzzlady.com)
She will provide entertainment, cooking and gossip features from Houston on the nationally syndicated Daily Buzz morning show. The show airs 6-9 a.m., starting Monday.
Rogers will pull double duty on Channel 55 — she's also the marketing manager.
The Daily Buzz boasts “news and weather with personality” and airs on 154 stations coast to coast. The show beams live from Central Florida with hosts Andy Campbell, Mitch English, Kia Malone and Holly Hannula. Each telecast has built-in holes for local features, like the ones Rogers will provide in Houston. READ THE REST
RELATED
KPRC's Roseann Rogers takes Buzz Lady thing to 55 KTBU
(Image courtesy of buzzlady.com)
This kid will be on the Today Show soon. The Saved By the Bell reunion...sort of
I told you about the possible Jimmy Fallon inspired Saved By the Bell reunion, but then I heard nothing further about it. The Bayside news is getting hot again though as some of the NBC teen show's castmembers land on the cover of People.
Tiffani Thiessen, who does not appear to want to do a reunion, did show up on the cover of People (absent are Screech and Mr. Belding). Thiessen (aka Kelly Kapowski) did however make a video for Funny or Die explaining how she is too busy to do the reunion.
OK if she shows up on the magazine cover and then makes an attention getting video (part of which features her poolside) then in my opinion she is doing the reunion. It's called buzz people.
MORE
- 'Saved By The Bell' Reunion Update: Kelly Is Busy, Screech Is AWOL
- Tiffani Thiessen says she is too busy for a 'Saved by the Bell' reunion
- Screech's Saved by the Bell Tell-All Dropped by Gotham Books, Resold
RELATED
- Saved by the Bell reunion taking shape
- Saved by the Bell: Remixed
Tiffani Thiessen, who does not appear to want to do a reunion, did show up on the cover of People (absent are Screech and Mr. Belding). Thiessen (aka Kelly Kapowski) did however make a video for Funny or Die explaining how she is too busy to do the reunion.
OK if she shows up on the magazine cover and then makes an attention getting video (part of which features her poolside) then in my opinion she is doing the reunion. It's called buzz people.
MORE
- 'Saved By The Bell' Reunion Update: Kelly Is Busy, Screech Is AWOL
- Tiffani Thiessen says she is too busy for a 'Saved by the Bell' reunion
- Screech's Saved by the Bell Tell-All Dropped by Gotham Books, Resold
RELATED
- Saved by the Bell reunion taking shape
- Saved by the Bell: Remixed
The Insite's take on 39 KIAH billboards - 'a 1-900 number ad?'
Isiah Carey better known as "The Insite" (actually that is not probably true anymore, he is probably better known as Isiah Carey since his YouTube video fame) posted about the 39 KIAH billboards I talked about in my post TV station billboard war.These are the ads all over Houston freeways that feature 39 News top anchor Mia Gradney in various poses. I believe they all say "Watch me at 9" with Mia's signature below. There are various versions - some have a brown background, some have a white background.
But The Insite was a little confused as to exactly what kind of ad this was:
At one point I wasn't sure if I should watch her on the news or look for a 1-900 number to call! READ THE REST
I guess in Houston this would be easy to mistake. Those types of ads are everywhere. Others have said the same thing to me. Hey, but sex sells in TV and if you don't think so, I have some land on Mars I would like to sell to you.
(Image courtesy littlelostrobot)
Wednesday, July 29, 2009
New faces on Dallas morning TV
Uncle Barky delivers us the news on the new faces hitting Dallas morning television. First up is WFAA Channel 8 Good Morning Texas' new host:
It seems that Gary Cogill is still reviewing movies and now covering the arts scene.
Next is Megan Henderson's replacement at Good Day on KDFW Fox 4:
I think I knew Lauren when I was attending Baylor.
RELATED
- Robert McCollum says he’s adapting well to being co-host of 'Good Morning Texas’
Local actor, comedian and voice-over specialist Robert McCollum is the new male co-host of Good Morning Texas, replacing the reassigned Gary Cogill, Dallas-based WFAA8 announced Sunday. READ THE REST
It seems that Gary Cogill is still reviewing movies and now covering the arts scene.
Next is Megan Henderson's replacement at Good Day on KDFW Fox 4:
Dallas native Lauren Przybyl, currently an anchor-reporter at NBC affiliate WHDH-TV in Boston, will be joining Fox4's Good Day as the program's new co-anchor, informed sources tell unclebarky.com. READ THE REST
I think I knew Lauren when I was attending Baylor.
RELATED
- Robert McCollum says he’s adapting well to being co-host of 'Good Morning Texas’
Austin makes top ten startup-friendly cities for business list
Austin makes the top 10 list of cities that are startup-friendly for businesses:
READ IT
Each city is evaluated in detail in the magazine's August issue, demonstrating how it embodies core entrepreneur-friendly characteristics--whether because of a do-it-yourself ethic, government policies, a byproduct of rapid growth, or a contagious energy in the small-business community that seems to have no limits. Entrepreneur's look at startup-friendly cities addresses issues such as government incentives, population growth, affordability of commercial rents, and openness to new ideas. With economic uncertainties leading more and more people to choose to work for themselves, these issues have come to the forefront of business owners' minds.
Cities covered in the August feature article, along with success stories from each, include:
-- Las Vegas, Nevada
-- Portland, Oregon
-- Orlando, Florida
-- San Diego, California
-- Phoenix, Arizona
-- Chapel Hill, North Carolina
-- Atlanta, Georgia
-- Madison, Wisconsin
-- Youngstown, Ohio
-- Austin, Texas
READ IT
STUDY: Average adult forgets 3 key facts, chores or events every day
I was going to write something up for this blog post, but I don't remember what it was. LINK
(Thanks Brian)
(Thanks Brian)
Dale Hansen explains departure from ESPN 103.3 Dallas
If you can't get your "Hour of Hansen" on ESPN 103.3 in Dallas anymore, well...WFAA Channel 8's Dale Hansen is not there anymore. Richie Whitt from the Dallas Observer found out why. READ IT
VIDEO: Shatner does Palin
From the Huffington Post:
RELATED
- Palin tests radio waters
(Thanks Tim)
William Shatner appeared on the "Tonight Show" and read Sarah's resignation speech in his typical Shatner way, with all the lilting and soft drum beats we've come to expect. It was quite magical.
WATCH IT
RELATED
- Palin tests radio waters
(Thanks Tim)
Tuesday, July 28, 2009
The Three Stooges to Satellite Radio
Who knew that Howard Stern and Dancing with the Stars host Tom Bergeron worked to bring The Three Stooges to SiriusXM satellite radio? READ MORE
(Thanks Ed!)
(Thanks Ed!)
Do TV ratings translate into a quality station?
TV blogger Randy Tatano looks at an interesting topic he titles Ratings don't often translate to quality:
I agree with this. I was at a number 3 station in one market I worked in and we worked our asses off to get a good product on the air. As a small market reporter I had to turn one live shot and package for the 5 and another for the 6. Meanwhile the number 1 station simply had their reporters do vosots - maybe a live vosot once in a while. Some days their reporters didn't even have a story on the air. This station did however have an awesome set and production value.
Ratings are perhaps the most deceiving statistic of any station. In some cases, the station that has been on the air the longest is number one because it is the first station people watched in TV's early days. In some markets one network is dominant and it trickles down to the local station. Stations in hyphenated markets (in which stations can be in different towns many miles apart) can often divide the audience geographically, especially if the market extends across two states. And in some cases, the audience just likes trash. (All you have to do is look at reality TV to support that statement.) READ THE REST
I agree with this. I was at a number 3 station in one market I worked in and we worked our asses off to get a good product on the air. As a small market reporter I had to turn one live shot and package for the 5 and another for the 6. Meanwhile the number 1 station simply had their reporters do vosots - maybe a live vosot once in a while. Some days their reporters didn't even have a story on the air. This station did however have an awesome set and production value.
Vote for Houston to get free chocolate
In a way to get attention and harvest email addresses, The Mars company is giving away free chocolate bars to the city that gets the most votes. It's called the "Real Chocolate Relief Act" - and you thought healthcare was an important issue right now.
The good news is Texas is representing so far:
So come on Houston get out and vote so we can be the fattest city again! Voting closes August 31st at RealChocolate.com.
(Thanks Charlie!)
The good news is Texas is representing so far:
According to the Mars Web site Chicago is currently in the lead with New York City in second and Houston in third. READ THE REST
So come on Houston get out and vote so we can be the fattest city again! Voting closes August 31st at RealChocolate.com.
(Thanks Charlie!)
Mom Bloggers find more money and problems
The Mom bloggers are becoming a very large force in the blogging community. But as Puff Daddy, P. Diddy...ok Diddy once rapped "Mo Money, Mo Problems."
It seems the group is making money and receiving lots of free products. Now some say those free products could be their downfall as some of the bloggers almost always guarantee a positive review for not having to shell out the cash on the review items. NPR covered the BlogHer '09 conference in Chicago where this was a hot topic:
It seems the group is making money and receiving lots of free products. Now some say those free products could be their downfall as some of the bloggers almost always guarantee a positive review for not having to shell out the cash on the review items. NPR covered the BlogHer '09 conference in Chicago where this was a hot topic:
[M]any mom bloggers gathered to discuss the momblogosphere and to connect with other online writers. One hot topic was the recent talk by the Federal Trade Commission on whether blogs that review products should offer a disclaimer stating whether they are posting paid reviews or are receiving free products in exchange for positive posts. SEE MORE
TV assignments desk 2.0 - use social media
Before I left KTRK, I showed several of the assignments staff how to find stories through the social media Web 2.0 world. Better learn it now because I feel it is kind of inescapable. This goes for reporters too.
My idea for an assignments desk 2.0 would be to use social media to track the kind of stories you are not getting emailed or faxed in. Echo this for the police and fire scanners. Yes, stations get a lot of viewer tips, but there are some things that are never getting sent in.
Considering it is free and quick to set up, there is no excuse for not using an RSS reader. I set this up for newsroom personnel years ago. You can follow all of the TV stations and newspapers in Houston (or any market) fairly easily via RSS or Really Simple Synidcation. This also includes press releases from city and county agencies. Forget about going to all of the sites everyday only to find out they have not been updated. With RSS, the news comes to you right after it is updated. Easy. The users I set up with this really appreciated it and have now used it happily for years.
A Twitter account is a must have for a desk person too. I can't tell you how many cities and agencies in the Houston area started popping up on the service over the last few months. Using a Twitter client, you could be updated every time an alert is issued. Of course all of the Houston media is on the service too. If you don't do RSS, you can probably keep track of the folks across the street via Twitter. (I even figured out how to get abc13 headlines on a Facebook business class page. Sounds easy right? Must not be, hardly anyone else is doing it. Most of the time stations are breaking Terms of Service and using a personal profile to spam stories to users. That's a Zuckerberg no, no!)
I believe assignment editors have to also use Twitter tracking software like Tweetdeck to follow stories of people they are not following too. A few smartly utilized keywords can make a big difference. I'll give a silly example. When Wrestlemania was in Houston this year, I used Tweetdeck to find out that Triple H and family were at the Children's Museum. A camera was sent. Monitoring keywords on Twitter can be used in any big event. When Swine Flu returns this year, think about using it to see which schools are closing before the school districts make an official announcement. You never know, a parent might Tweet it. Of course this is not reportable, but you will have a leg up on the competition so you win.
There is so much more that can be done but I am not filling the blog with everything. The non-news readers would get bored! Heck, I didn't even get into how reporters can effectively use social media to promote their stories or better yet - themselves. If a station wants to hire me for a lesson, my email is on the right hand side.
My idea for an assignments desk 2.0 would be to use social media to track the kind of stories you are not getting emailed or faxed in. Echo this for the police and fire scanners. Yes, stations get a lot of viewer tips, but there are some things that are never getting sent in.
Considering it is free and quick to set up, there is no excuse for not using an RSS reader. I set this up for newsroom personnel years ago. You can follow all of the TV stations and newspapers in Houston (or any market) fairly easily via RSS or Really Simple Synidcation. This also includes press releases from city and county agencies. Forget about going to all of the sites everyday only to find out they have not been updated. With RSS, the news comes to you right after it is updated. Easy. The users I set up with this really appreciated it and have now used it happily for years.
A Twitter account is a must have for a desk person too. I can't tell you how many cities and agencies in the Houston area started popping up on the service over the last few months. Using a Twitter client, you could be updated every time an alert is issued. Of course all of the Houston media is on the service too. If you don't do RSS, you can probably keep track of the folks across the street via Twitter. (I even figured out how to get abc13 headlines on a Facebook business class page. Sounds easy right? Must not be, hardly anyone else is doing it. Most of the time stations are breaking Terms of Service and using a personal profile to spam stories to users. That's a Zuckerberg no, no!)
I believe assignment editors have to also use Twitter tracking software like Tweetdeck to follow stories of people they are not following too. A few smartly utilized keywords can make a big difference. I'll give a silly example. When Wrestlemania was in Houston this year, I used Tweetdeck to find out that Triple H and family were at the Children's Museum. A camera was sent. Monitoring keywords on Twitter can be used in any big event. When Swine Flu returns this year, think about using it to see which schools are closing before the school districts make an official announcement. You never know, a parent might Tweet it. Of course this is not reportable, but you will have a leg up on the competition so you win.
There is so much more that can be done but I am not filling the blog with everything. The non-news readers would get bored! Heck, I didn't even get into how reporters can effectively use social media to promote their stories or better yet - themselves. If a station wants to hire me for a lesson, my email is on the right hand side.
Monday, July 27, 2009
Bushwick Bill's new album
Bushwick Bill of Houston's the Geto Boys (originally spelled Ghetto Boys) has a new Christian rap album coming out My Testimony Of Redemption
.Talk about a transition.
Sketch the Journalist has more.
CBS 11 KTVT changes frequency, gets sued by reporter Bud Gillett
Two unrelated bits of news about CBS 11 KTVT in the Dallas - Fort Worth television market.
Viewers were having problems picking up KTVT's digital signal so the CBS owned station got the FCC to let it move frequencies August 4th at 11am.
- KTVT's Got Itself a New UHF Signal
- KTVT Moves To UHF, Boosts Power
In other news, the station is being sued by its own reporter, Bud Gillett, for retaliation and reverse discrimination based on his age, sex, race and national origin according to Uncle Barky.
- CBS11 reporter Bud Gillett files sharply worded reverse discrimination suit against his station (updated)
- Bud live: Disgruntled CBS11 reporter sues station, angers management, then has lead story on Thursday's 5 p.m. newscast (updated)
RELATED
What's the frequency, Kenneth? CBS11 wants a new one
Viewers were having problems picking up KTVT's digital signal so the CBS owned station got the FCC to let it move frequencies August 4th at 11am.
- KTVT's Got Itself a New UHF Signal
- KTVT Moves To UHF, Boosts Power
In other news, the station is being sued by its own reporter, Bud Gillett, for retaliation and reverse discrimination based on his age, sex, race and national origin according to Uncle Barky.
- CBS11 reporter Bud Gillett files sharply worded reverse discrimination suit against his station (updated)
- Bud live: Disgruntled CBS11 reporter sues station, angers management, then has lead story on Thursday's 5 p.m. newscast (updated)
RELATED
What's the frequency, Kenneth? CBS11 wants a new one
Sirus XM brings higher montly rates
Looks like some folks listening to SiriusXM satellite radio could be paying higher rates eventually:
(Thanks Charlie!)
In a letter to subscribers, Sirius said that, beginning Wednesday, "A U.S. Music Royalty Fee of $1.98 per month for primary subscriptions and 97 cents per month for multi-receiver subscriptions will be effective upon your next renewal. This fee will be used directly to offset increased payments from XM to the recording industry."
The plan already is generating dozens of consumer complaints at the FCC Web site. READ THE REST
(Thanks Charlie!)
Dancing wedding video is new Net sensation
The video of an entire wedding party dancing down the church aisle before the big event is getting lots of attention. Whoever choregraphed it did a good job. Each group of dancers does something different.
WATCH IT
CNET has more on this:
I don't see this working in a lot of churches though. Many have strict rules on what can happen during a wedding.
WATCH IT
CNET has more on this:
When Jill Peterson and Kevin Hines set their wedding date in St. Paul, Minn., they decided to create a special entrance in the church: a loosely choreographed dance to Chris Brown's "Forever."
Jill had been a dancer, you see. And, well, marching up the aisle to organ music is so 1939. READ IT
I don't see this working in a lot of churches though. Many have strict rules on what can happen during a wedding.
Headlinehouston.com offers Drudge style news from a Houston TV station
I saw a billboard on 610 this past weekend for a site called headlinehouston.com - all Houston, all the time, all here. Of course I had to check that out. What I found was a Houston news Web site that mirrors The Drudge Report by linking to local media. In fact it really looks just like the real Drudge Report (guess Matt doesn't have that copyrighted). I have to say I was a very big fan...more on that later.
It is an interesting idea. But who could be behind this project? There is no obvious answer by just browsing the site. And what kind of startup has money for a billboard on the heavily trafficked 610 near the dead Astroworld site?
You won't find a copyright or terms of service agreement (TOS) on the site. The TOS is what gives away that the Houston Chronicle is behind the 29-95.com site. Ahh, but you know who you are dealing with on this blog...or you wouldn't come here right? They can't hide it from Mike McGuff.
I checked the site's source code which gives away that user generated news tips are going to the email address nlaferty@tribune.com. Tribune.com? The owners of the Chicago Tribune? My second verification was simply doing a "Who is" lookup on headlinehouston.com. Tribune was listed as the owner. But looking at the source code gave me more evidence of who is really behind the site. If you know Houston media, you know that KIAH Channel 39 is owned by Tribune. That's why it makes sense that the site's site analytics Omniture code refers to "s.pageName = "KIAH / news / Headline Houston - front.";."
Bingo.
I think this is a very smart idea for a television station or any media company to start. Google News has proven that news aggregation is hot with users. Why go to every Houston news site in town when you can go straight to headlinehouston.com and link to the best stories? Matt Drudge figured that out a long time ago on an international level. Now someone at KIAH can scan headlines on all of the stations and link to the best stories. Heck, one story might have links to all of the stations so you can get different angles to the same event. This is one stop shopping folks and KIAH makes the money by selling the ads. Now the station just has to figure out how to promote it. Good thing for them they have a powerful television transmitter on their side.
This idea is a much more strategic move than what Dallas sister station KDAF has tried. You might remember how I told you that Channel 33 in Dallas-Fort Worth was simply linking to all other North Texas media on its news page. I like the Houston idea better because the station is simply playing it off like it's a rogue guy in his home office just updating news he finds interesting (the corporate version of the mikemcguff.com blog!). Although if you look on 39online.com, you will see a link under its 'Houston news' tab.
Now to the part of why I really like this. The site has a page dedicated to Houston blogs. There is a very long list. My favorite part is how the editors put the mikemcguff.com blog link at the number 6 position. That's just under all of the MSM blogs and my pals at blogHOUSTON!!!! Go see where your favorite blog ranks.
Congrats to KIAH and Tribune. I think you beat all the Houston media on a big part of the web market. The innovative ones will be the media companies that survive online.
It is an interesting idea. But who could be behind this project? There is no obvious answer by just browsing the site. And what kind of startup has money for a billboard on the heavily trafficked 610 near the dead Astroworld site?
You won't find a copyright or terms of service agreement (TOS) on the site. The TOS is what gives away that the Houston Chronicle is behind the 29-95.com site. Ahh, but you know who you are dealing with on this blog...or you wouldn't come here right? They can't hide it from Mike McGuff.
I checked the site's source code which gives away that user generated news tips are going to the email address nlaferty@tribune.com. Tribune.com? The owners of the Chicago Tribune? My second verification was simply doing a "Who is" lookup on headlinehouston.com. Tribune was listed as the owner. But looking at the source code gave me more evidence of who is really behind the site. If you know Houston media, you know that KIAH Channel 39 is owned by Tribune. That's why it makes sense that the site's site analytics Omniture code refers to "s.pageName = "KIAH / news / Headline Houston - front.";."
Bingo.
I think this is a very smart idea for a television station or any media company to start. Google News has proven that news aggregation is hot with users. Why go to every Houston news site in town when you can go straight to headlinehouston.com and link to the best stories? Matt Drudge figured that out a long time ago on an international level. Now someone at KIAH can scan headlines on all of the stations and link to the best stories. Heck, one story might have links to all of the stations so you can get different angles to the same event. This is one stop shopping folks and KIAH makes the money by selling the ads. Now the station just has to figure out how to promote it. Good thing for them they have a powerful television transmitter on their side.
This idea is a much more strategic move than what Dallas sister station KDAF has tried. You might remember how I told you that Channel 33 in Dallas-Fort Worth was simply linking to all other North Texas media on its news page. I like the Houston idea better because the station is simply playing it off like it's a rogue guy in his home office just updating news he finds interesting (the corporate version of the mikemcguff.com blog!). Although if you look on 39online.com, you will see a link under its 'Houston news' tab.
Now to the part of why I really like this. The site has a page dedicated to Houston blogs. There is a very long list. My favorite part is how the editors put the mikemcguff.com blog link at the number 6 position. That's just under all of the MSM blogs and my pals at blogHOUSTON!!!! Go see where your favorite blog ranks.
Congrats to KIAH and Tribune. I think you beat all the Houston media on a big part of the web market. The innovative ones will be the media companies that survive online.
Sunday, July 26, 2009
Motley Crue, Alice in Chains, U2, Soundgarden, Floyd and more
MÖTLEY CRÜE Kicks Off 'Crüe Fest 2' In Camden; Video Footage
- NIKKI SIXX: I Don't Hate The Internet, I Just Hate Doing Interviews With 'Stupid' Writers
- Dr. Feelgood live from CrueFest 2
IRON MAIDEN's "The Trooper" and THE MONKEES' "I'm A Believer" mashup
- The Clash’s Headon Demonstrates How He Wrote “Rock the Casbah”
ALICE IN CHAINS: Detroit Video Footage, Photos Available
- New Alice in Chains album review
- DUFF MCKAGAN: 'ALICE IN CHAINS Is Back And I'm Finally Excited About Rock Again
U2 Unveil “I’ll Go Crazy If I Don’t Go Crazy Tonight” Animated Video
Former SOUNDGARDEN Guitarist Discusses Possible Reunion
- The Soundgarden Songs You Haven’t Heard: Thayil Speaks Out
LIVING COLOUR: New Song Available For Free Download
Pink Floyd’s Gilmour Recalls Jamming to the Moon Landing
Rob Halford of Judas Priest talks career
Mark McGrath on the Ugly Truth About Sugar Ray
ANTHRAX: More Footage Of ROCKLAHOMA Press Conference, GRASPOP Performance Available
- NIKKI SIXX: I Don't Hate The Internet, I Just Hate Doing Interviews With 'Stupid' Writers
- Dr. Feelgood live from CrueFest 2
IRON MAIDEN's "The Trooper" and THE MONKEES' "I'm A Believer" mashup
- The Clash’s Headon Demonstrates How He Wrote “Rock the Casbah”
ALICE IN CHAINS: Detroit Video Footage, Photos Available
- New Alice in Chains album review
- DUFF MCKAGAN: 'ALICE IN CHAINS Is Back And I'm Finally Excited About Rock Again
U2 Unveil “I’ll Go Crazy If I Don’t Go Crazy Tonight” Animated Video
Former SOUNDGARDEN Guitarist Discusses Possible Reunion
- The Soundgarden Songs You Haven’t Heard: Thayil Speaks Out
LIVING COLOUR: New Song Available For Free Download
Pink Floyd’s Gilmour Recalls Jamming to the Moon Landing
Rob Halford of Judas Priest talks career
Mark McGrath on the Ugly Truth About Sugar Ray
ANTHRAX: More Footage Of ROCKLAHOMA Press Conference, GRASPOP Performance Available
Rod Stewart Houston review (7/24/09)
After seeing Coldplay on Wednesday at the Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion near Houston, I made the loooonnngg trek back up there to see Rod Stewart. For those of you suprised that I like Coldplay, you must be really scratching your heads now. I went to this show because I owed my wife after she went with me to System of a Down a few years ago at the same venue.
I was not a fan of Rod Stewart before the show, but I am now. The show was very good. It's hard to grow up and not hear a Rod Stewart song so obviously I knew most of the material. Plus he did his standards set. He had a great big white stage with he and his band wearing suits. It was a little Las Vegas in the northern suburbs of Houston Friday night. One hit that was absent was Da Ya Think I'm Sexy?
Rod can sing live and knows how to be a classic entertainer with his moves and costume changes. Plus he had a great backup band that sounded good. There were lots of female fans screaming like they were teens again. I am not saying he is up there with Jagger, but he is pretty good.
I had heard Rod kicked soccer balls into the crowd. He did not disappoint at our show. I believe all were signed by him. The guy can kick.
There were some negative reviews of the Houston show and some of his previous shows. These folks must be comparing Stewart's latest tour to to his past shows. Someone said this looks like it belonged in Vegas, but like I said earlier, I think that is the idea. Clearly it is working since it was a sellout crowd or really close to it.
Australian band The Kins were the openers.
RELATED
- VIDEO: Rod Stewart Concert 2009 Houston, TX
- Music group 'The Kin' Opens for Rod Stewart
- The Kin's tour kicks off in Houston Texas
I was not a fan of Rod Stewart before the show, but I am now. The show was very good. It's hard to grow up and not hear a Rod Stewart song so obviously I knew most of the material. Plus he did his standards set. He had a great big white stage with he and his band wearing suits. It was a little Las Vegas in the northern suburbs of Houston Friday night. One hit that was absent was Da Ya Think I'm Sexy?
Rod can sing live and knows how to be a classic entertainer with his moves and costume changes. Plus he had a great backup band that sounded good. There were lots of female fans screaming like they were teens again. I am not saying he is up there with Jagger, but he is pretty good.
I had heard Rod kicked soccer balls into the crowd. He did not disappoint at our show. I believe all were signed by him. The guy can kick.
There were some negative reviews of the Houston show and some of his previous shows. These folks must be comparing Stewart's latest tour to to his past shows. Someone said this looks like it belonged in Vegas, but like I said earlier, I think that is the idea. Clearly it is working since it was a sellout crowd or really close to it.
Australian band The Kins were the openers.
RELATED
- VIDEO: Rod Stewart Concert 2009 Houston, TX
- Music group 'The Kin' Opens for Rod Stewart
- The Kin's tour kicks off in Houston Texas
SportsRadio 610 KILT dumps Sunday Block Party w/ Craig Shelton
Blog readers are asking me why the Sunday Block Party w/ Craig Shelton is not on SportsRadio 610 KILT anymore. David "The Man" Barron found out the reason why - the new boss Gavin Spittle from Dallas:
[Spittle's] plans, however, do not include the weekend Sunday Block Party show hosted by Craig Shelton. Shelton was told Thursday that the show has been dropped.
"I was given an opportunity and learned some things, and (the station) gave me a resume," Shelton said. "This is a diverse city, and I think my show reflected that.
"I’ve got a lot to learn. I hope to stay involved. I love talk radio, and I’m hoping for another opportunity."
Spittle said he had no immediate plans on replacing the Sunday show.
"(Shelton and co-host Bobby Z) are great guys, and I wish them the best of luck," he said. "It’s one of those situations where a new coach comes in and has to make some changes." READ THE REST
Friday, July 24, 2009
2009 inductees for the Texas Radio Hall of Fame
The 2009 Inductees
(Texas radio stations and cities represent a partial list of where each worked)
Scott Arthur KEYH/KQUE/KIKK Houston
Bill Bailey KIKK/KTEM/KELP Houston
Randy Brown (Christopher Haze) KNUS/KFJZ/KRLD Dallas-Fort Worth
"The Dudley and Bob Show" Dale Dudley/Bob Fonseca KLBJ-FM Austin
Cathy Forsythe (Deceased) KTRH/KACC/KILT-FM Houston
Harold Gunn KILT/KNUZ/KPRC Houston
Lana Hughes and J.P. Pritchard KTRH-AM Morning News Team Houston
Larry Kane KXYZ/KLBS/KNUZ (Deceased) Houston
TM Productions Tom Merriman Dallas-Fort Worth
Dr. Bruce Nelson KNUZ/KFTX/KENR Houston/Corpus Christi
Paul Ray KUT-FM Austin
Colonel St. James KILT/KLOL/KKRW Houston
Chuck Scott KIKK/KRBE/KNUZ Houston
Thompson Creative - Susan Price Thompson and Larry Thompson Dallas-Fort Worth
More from a KTRH news release on Lana Hughes and J.P. Pritchard KTRH-AM Morning News Team:
(Texas radio stations and cities represent a partial list of where each worked)
Scott Arthur KEYH/KQUE/KIKK Houston
Bill Bailey KIKK/KTEM/KELP Houston
Randy Brown (Christopher Haze) KNUS/KFJZ/KRLD Dallas-Fort Worth
"The Dudley and Bob Show" Dale Dudley/Bob Fonseca KLBJ-FM Austin
Cathy Forsythe (Deceased) KTRH/KACC/KILT-FM Houston
Harold Gunn KILT/KNUZ/KPRC Houston
Lana Hughes and J.P. Pritchard KTRH-AM Morning News Team Houston
Larry Kane KXYZ/KLBS/KNUZ (Deceased) Houston
TM Productions Tom Merriman Dallas-Fort Worth
Dr. Bruce Nelson KNUZ/KFTX/KENR Houston/Corpus Christi
Paul Ray KUT-FM Austin
Colonel St. James KILT/KLOL/KKRW Houston
Chuck Scott KIKK/KRBE/KNUZ Houston
Thompson Creative - Susan Price Thompson and Larry Thompson Dallas-Fort Worth
More from a KTRH news release on Lana Hughes and J.P. Pritchard KTRH-AM Morning News Team:
KTRH’s Lana Hughes and JP Pritchard have been inducted into the Texas Radio Hall of Fame. They are among the stars of the 2009 class, and they join the ranks of The Big Bopper, Dan Rather, Wolfman Jack, Bob Schieffer, and Walter Cronkite. The Texas Radio Hall of Fame recognizes and honors excellence in radio broadcasting.
Having just celebrated 25 years as the morning news duo in May, this is a big honor for the pair. They are believed to be the longest-serving radio news team in America.
KTRH is the heritage news radio station in Texas, having been a part-time home to Walter Cronkite, as well as the starting point for Dan Rather, Wayne Dolcefino, Doug Miller, Stephen Dean, Robert Arnold, Jim Nantz, Ed Brandon, and many more.
Through it all, “Lana and JP” have been the staple of the morning radio landscape in Houston. They are currently enjoying very high ratings, as good as ever. “Lana and JP are as good as they’ve ever been, and they get better every day,” said Houston market manager Eddie Martiny. “They’re just now starting to hit their stride. We think they have at least 25 more great years to inform and entertain Houstonians.”
Former Houston Chronicle reporter makes job move
Former Houston Chronicle city hall reporter Matt Stiles lands new gig:
RELATED
- The future of real journalism?
The former City Hall and Austin-bureau reporter will be on the staff of the Texas Tribune, which describes itself as "a non-profit, nonpartisan public media organization whose mission is to promote civic engagement and discourse on the public policy, politics, government, and other matters of statewide interest." READ THE REST
RELATED
- The future of real journalism?
KZPS radio host Bo Roberts recuperating from surgery
92.5 KZPS' Bo Roberts sounds like a lucky guy (to still be alive):
Longtime radio personality Bo Roberts was released from the hospital Thursday after suffering a heart attack July 14.
Doctors performed a quadruple bypass on Roberts, 55, who is co-host of the morning show on KZPS-FM (92.5). The show's producer, Randy James, is filling in for Roberts until he returns. READ THE REST
Calls For Scottish Independence Still Strong
Being an ignorant American, I had no idea that there was a movement for Scotland to gain independence from the rest of the UK. It wasn't until my trip over there when I saw the "Free Scotland" graffiti and the fact it has its own parliament that gave it away. Rob Gifford of NPR just filed this story:
RELATED
- The UK's identity crisis
- My Scotland coverage
Many Scots have been campaigning for years now for Scotland to become independent of the United Kingdom.
The leaders of the Scottish National Party have said the Scots could become part of what they call the "arc of prosperity," a string of small prosperous countries across Northern Europe from Ireland to Iceland and Scandinavia.
The global financial crisis seemed to destroy that model, but less than a year later, Scottish independence is still very much on the agenda. READ THE REST
RELATED
- The UK's identity crisis
- My Scotland coverage
Thursday, July 23, 2009
Coldplay Houston review (7/22/2009)
No one can believe I like Coldplay, but yes I do. And I went to see them last night at the Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion near Houston.
It was a great show.
Coldplay is a band full of hits. Chris Martin can sing live. He can hold the notes plus dance wildly around the stage. The band sounds tight. Will Champion really hits the drums hard. My friends and I agreed it was great how one of the biggest bands in the world right now carelessly walked through the (what looked like a sold out) audience to play on two separate smaller stages. One of the songs they performed on those smaller stages was an acoustic Billie Jean.
I have to also comment on the new Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion. I had posted a story on abc13.com a few months ago about the post-Hurricane Ike reconstruction project there. The concert venue took quite the beating last September from the storm. While in the rebuilding phase, the operators decided to make some upgrades. Boy did they. More reserved seating with nice views of the stage, huge HD screens, more giant wind turbine like fans (important on Houston summer nights). I think you will notice a difference. The sound was very good too.
The last great thing that happened...on the way out we were handed a free copy of Coldplay's new live EP LeftRightLeftRightLeft. You can download it free here.
RELATED
Watch videos from the Houston show (7/22/09)
It was a great show.
Coldplay is a band full of hits. Chris Martin can sing live. He can hold the notes plus dance wildly around the stage. The band sounds tight. Will Champion really hits the drums hard. My friends and I agreed it was great how one of the biggest bands in the world right now carelessly walked through the (what looked like a sold out) audience to play on two separate smaller stages. One of the songs they performed on those smaller stages was an acoustic Billie Jean.
I have to also comment on the new Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion. I had posted a story on abc13.com a few months ago about the post-Hurricane Ike reconstruction project there. The concert venue took quite the beating last September from the storm. While in the rebuilding phase, the operators decided to make some upgrades. Boy did they. More reserved seating with nice views of the stage, huge HD screens, more giant wind turbine like fans (important on Houston summer nights). I think you will notice a difference. The sound was very good too.
The last great thing that happened...on the way out we were handed a free copy of Coldplay's new live EP LeftRightLeftRightLeft. You can download it free here.
RELATED
Watch videos from the Houston show (7/22/09)
Weird ways to send your resume
I am a sucker for these types of things. It seems some staffing service called OfficeTeam did a survey with companies about strange things job seekers have done to get get their resume noticed:
-- "I remember a job candidate bringing in milk and cookies."
-- "Singing. It's something you don't forget."
-- "I have seen magnets on people's cars directing others to websites for
their resumes."
-- "I remember someone had his resume delivered in a pizza box."
-- "Someone stood outside our building from 9 to 5 every day for a month
until he was hired. It worked."
-- "A job applicant spritzed her resume with perfume."
-- "Someone wrote a press release announcing she had been hired and used
it as her cover letter."
The packaging can be interesting too:
-- "I received a resume rolled up inside a toy semi truck."
-- "Someone sent us a baby shoe with a resume wrapped around it. He said
he wanted to 'get his foot in the door.' He did not get the job, but
it got my attention, and I read his resume twice."
-- "A woman dropped off a balloon with her resume."
-- "Once we received a resume rolled in a bottle."
-- "We received a resume made into a paper airplane."
-- "Someone applying for a job in women's fashion designed her resume in
a feminine shape."
-- "I received a laminated resume."
-- "Someone came in with a 10-page binder detailing his work history."
-- "A job seeker came in with an oversized schematic that he rolled out
on the table and used to 'pitch' himself to me."
I have never done anything weird to be noticed. What about you? Although I did start talking about the Mayan calendar ending on my LinkedIn profile. Is that weird?
-- "I remember a job candidate bringing in milk and cookies."
-- "Singing. It's something you don't forget."
-- "I have seen magnets on people's cars directing others to websites for
their resumes."
-- "I remember someone had his resume delivered in a pizza box."
-- "Someone stood outside our building from 9 to 5 every day for a month
until he was hired. It worked."
-- "A job applicant spritzed her resume with perfume."
-- "Someone wrote a press release announcing she had been hired and used
it as her cover letter."
The packaging can be interesting too:
-- "I received a resume rolled up inside a toy semi truck."
-- "Someone sent us a baby shoe with a resume wrapped around it. He said
he wanted to 'get his foot in the door.' He did not get the job, but
it got my attention, and I read his resume twice."
-- "A woman dropped off a balloon with her resume."
-- "Once we received a resume rolled in a bottle."
-- "We received a resume made into a paper airplane."
-- "Someone applying for a job in women's fashion designed her resume in
a feminine shape."
-- "I received a laminated resume."
-- "Someone came in with a 10-page binder detailing his work history."
-- "A job seeker came in with an oversized schematic that he rolled out
on the table and used to 'pitch' himself to me."
I have never done anything weird to be noticed. What about you? Although I did start talking about the Mayan calendar ending on my LinkedIn profile. Is that weird?
KENS 5 reporter writes book about his lost family
KENS 5 reporter James Muñoz (aka James Doughty) has published a book about his search for his family and Walter Cronkite was the catalyst:
RELATED
James Muñoz bio
Muñoz, who grew up without a father, had just finished interviewing the late journalist Walter Cronkite in 2001 about the presidential election when he saw an elderly man with a name tag displaying the last name Doughty, his father’s last name. An exchange of numbers and one lunch meeting later, he soon realized the man was his great-uncle. He was then finally introduced to the family he had been searching for his whole life. READ THE REST
RELATED
James Muñoz bio
Why some TV job openings are never posted
Fascinating post from Randy Tatano about why some television station job openings are never posted (that you know of that is). Suddenly someone new just shows up announced and staffers are left scratching their heads. READ IT
Wednesday, July 22, 2009
Twitcam.com: Stream Live Video on Twitter
I was asked about Twitcam.com the other day. Hadn't heard of it. My honesty got me laughed at. Well Mr. Funnypants (you know who you are), I know more about it now:
I am afraid to test this because usually people are not happy when I appear in video. Let me know if it works.
Twitter users need only to log in to twitcam.com using an existing Twitter user name and password and press the 'go live' button. Twitcam automatically detects the camera, creates a page and live video player for the broadcast, and posts the link in the user's Twitter feed so followers can join in live.
Twitter-centric services for sharing photos and videos have been exploding and are in high demand by Twitter users. Twitcam fills the application void for those wanting to stream live and chat with their followers with a single click.
The service is also interactive as it enables viewers to chat over Twitter while watching the live feed. Twitcam is free and available today at http://www.twitcam.com/.
I am afraid to test this because usually people are not happy when I appear in video. Let me know if it works.
VIDEO: Fairies do exist
Watch a video about the dancing, music and spiritual rites that draw believers to the Fairy and Human Relations Congress held each year near Twisp, Washington. WATCH ITRELATED
Fairy and Human Relations Congress in its ninth year
The Hillcroft name change debate
Seems there is a lot of talk that the Houston street Hillcroft should have its name changed on certain parts. That talk is being met with a mixed reaction. READ THE STORY
Rock 101 KLOL love doesn't die
Fox 26 KRIV's Lanny Griffith told me that there is a bring back Rock 101 KLOL Facebook page online. The page has photos, videos and memories of the heritage Houston rock station. It also has more than 1,000 followers. This amazes me that somewhere around five years later - Rock 101 still lives on.
BECOME A FAN OF THE PAGE
CBS are you listening?
RELATED
- KLOL and KHMX are with CBS
- Rock 101 KLOL DJ Dayna Steele writes book
- David Sadof talks to the Mike McGuff Blog
- Houston radio's Laurie Kendrick talks to Mike McGuff
- 97.1 The Eagle KEGL Dallas, Fort Worth gets rock back (It can happen)
Tuesday, July 21, 2009
VIDEO: Roller dancing babies
I have kept James away from this video because I don't want him trying to lace up a pair of Rollerblades and copying these crazy babies. WATCH IT
Man Arrested For Menacing TV Reporter With Gun
You know I couldn't resist a story with a headline like that. It happened to a KLTV Tyler, TX reporter Courtney Lane. READ THE REST
What's going on with reporters in Texas right now?
RELATED
KTRK 13 Houston reporter Eric James carjacked/kidnapped
What's going on with reporters in Texas right now?
RELATED
KTRK 13 Houston reporter Eric James carjacked/kidnapped
Weinermobile hassled by the man In Houston
Richard Connelly of The Houston Press says he saw the man harassing the occupants of the Weinermobile the other night on I-45 South. READ THE STORY
For those of you who don't know, the Weinermobile is Oscar Meyer's promotional vehicle that looks like a hot dog in a bun.
Be careful what you post on Facebook, the media will use it
Facebook is supposedly a closed network. Meaning most people feel secure about posting items on the site because someone has to be a follower to see it - not just anyone can call up your full profile without you confirming them as a friend.
But wait...
You've heard the stories how potential employers somehow get past that and call up Facebook accounts to get a true gauge of who a job candidate is - now there is the new threat.
Media.
I thought it was interesting how Houston television stations and Web sites were quoting KTRK Channel 13 reporter Eric James' Facebook account yesterday after he says he was kidnapped and
carjacked. I also noticed sites using his Facebook profile photo as his photo in stories.
Clearly Eric James is in the media so he is friends with those reporting the story. But does that really matter? If a person is in the media and happens to be of a friend of someone who makes the news, is that newsmaker's Facebook account fair game for quotes and photos?
RELATED
KTRK 13 Houston reporter Eric James carjacked/kidnapped
But wait...
You've heard the stories how potential employers somehow get past that and call up Facebook accounts to get a true gauge of who a job candidate is - now there is the new threat.
Media.
I thought it was interesting how Houston television stations and Web sites were quoting KTRK Channel 13 reporter Eric James' Facebook account yesterday after he says he was kidnapped and
carjacked. I also noticed sites using his Facebook profile photo as his photo in stories.
Clearly Eric James is in the media so he is friends with those reporting the story. But does that really matter? If a person is in the media and happens to be of a friend of someone who makes the news, is that newsmaker's Facebook account fair game for quotes and photos?
RELATED
KTRK 13 Houston reporter Eric James carjacked/kidnapped
Monday, July 20, 2009
590 KLBJ cancels "The Todd and Don Show"
I told you last week how some controversy was brewing in Austin as the two hosts from the "The Todd and Don Show" were suspended from talker 590 KLBJ-AM. KXAN reported one of the hosts used a derogatory word. Now the station reports the show has been cancelled:
RELATED
- KLBJ cancels 'Todd & Don Show'
- 590 KLBJ Austin hosts suspended for racial remarks
Don Pryor will be reassigned to new "off-the-air" duties. Todd Jeffries will return after his unpaid suspension as the station's news director and will continue to appear on the air. READ THE REST
RELATED
- KLBJ cancels 'Todd & Don Show'
- 590 KLBJ Austin hosts suspended for racial remarks
KXAN 36 news anchor David Scott arrested
Arrest for KXAN 36 anchor David Scott in Austin reports The Statemen:
RELATED
- KXAN news anchor arrested
- KXAN TV Weekend News Anchor Arrested for DWI
Lakeway police officers about 11 p.m. Friday arrested David Michael Torbi, who goes by David Scott anchoring KXAN’s weekend nightcasts, after finding Torbi’s car stuck in a drainage ditch near the 500 block of Lakeway Drive.
Police said the 56-year-old Torbi smelled of alcohol, was uncooperative and used profanity when he was approached, according to the arrest affidavit. READ THE REST
RELATED
- KXAN news anchor arrested
- KXAN TV Weekend News Anchor Arrested for DWI
Beastie Boy cancer, Reznor quits Twitter, Coldplay and more
Beastie Boys Cancel Concerts, Push Back “Hot Sauce” After Yauch Reveals He Has Cancer
The Beatles Recall Making of “Revolver” In Reissue Doc
Trent Reznor Ends Twitter Legacy By Deleting Account
Coldplay Unveil Stop-Animation Video For “Strawberry Swing”
Pearl Jam’s New “Backspacer” Single “The Fixer” Hits Radio
Limp Bizkit Roar Back Into Action at Free Las Vegas Show
Ace Frehley: Ready for Solo LP “Anomaly,” But Not a Kiss Reunion
America Respond To Michael Jackson’s “A Place With No Name”
Mark Hoppus Previews Blink-182 Tour: “Favorite Songs” on “Ridiculous” New Stage
Judas Priest Fan Listens To “Nostradamus” 391 Straight Days
Paula Abdul’s Return to “American Idol” Unlikely, Manager Says
The Beatles Recall Making of “Revolver” In Reissue Doc
Trent Reznor Ends Twitter Legacy By Deleting Account
Coldplay Unveil Stop-Animation Video For “Strawberry Swing”
Pearl Jam’s New “Backspacer” Single “The Fixer” Hits Radio
Limp Bizkit Roar Back Into Action at Free Las Vegas Show
Ace Frehley: Ready for Solo LP “Anomaly,” But Not a Kiss Reunion
America Respond To Michael Jackson’s “A Place With No Name”
Mark Hoppus Previews Blink-182 Tour: “Favorite Songs” on “Ridiculous” New Stage
Judas Priest Fan Listens To “Nostradamus” 391 Straight Days
Paula Abdul’s Return to “American Idol” Unlikely, Manager Says
ESPN putting local sites in Dallas, other cities
I believe I mentioned on Twitter when ESPN opened a local sports site for the Chicago area. That site has proven to be very successful (no surprise).
Now the sports giant is opening sites in New York, Los Angeles and Dallas. I guess the LA site is just for the Lakers really (although people are hopeful about the Dodgers this season, right?).
If I was a news site with sports content in any of those cities - I'd be nervous. Can you really beat the sports leader with AP content? Naturally the newspapers sties have a better shot than the TV station web sites.
At least in New York and Los Angeles there will probably be synergy with ABC owned stations WABC and KABC. WFAA is probably out of luck on this one. I am sure the local ESPN radio stations will contribute to the new site too.
Chicago news outlets, which have some experience competing directly with ESPN, acknowledge that the threat is real.
“We are taking ESPN’s marketing push seriously, and we are looking forward to the local sports turf battle in the weeks and months ahead,” said Bill Adee, The Chicago Tribune’s editor for digital media.
In less than three months, ESPN Chicago has become the city’s top sports site, attracting about 590,000 unique visitors in June, according to data from comScore, an Internet measurement company. Second place went to The Tribune’s online sports section with 455,000 unique visitors. READ THE REST
Now the sports giant is opening sites in New York, Los Angeles and Dallas. I guess the LA site is just for the Lakers really (although people are hopeful about the Dodgers this season, right?).
If I was a news site with sports content in any of those cities - I'd be nervous. Can you really beat the sports leader with AP content? Naturally the newspapers sties have a better shot than the TV station web sites.
At least in New York and Los Angeles there will probably be synergy with ABC owned stations WABC and KABC. WFAA is probably out of luck on this one. I am sure the local ESPN radio stations will contribute to the new site too.
KTRK 13 Houston reporter Eric James carjacked/kidnapped
KPRC Local 2 is reporting that KTRK Channel 13 television reporter Eric James was carjacked and kidnapped in Houston:
UPDATED
- Reporter kidnapped on his way to work (KTRK abc13.com posts story)
- Houston TV Reporter Carjacked, Kidnapped
- Houston reporter says he was kidnapped by carjacker
- Ch. 13 reporter unhurt after carjacking, kidnapping
- KTRK ABC 13 SAYS REPORTER ERIC JAMES WAS KIDNAPPED!
- Houston TV Reporter Carjacked
- Houston reporter kidnapped and driven to Beaumont
- TV reporter held for four hours by carjacker
RELATED
- Eric James bio
(Image courtesy of the Houston Chronicle)
A Houston television reporter was carjacked and kidnapped at gunpoint early Monday and forced to drive to Beaumont, KPRC Local 2 reported.
Houston police said the gunman approached ABC-13 reporter Eric James at a red light on Westheimer Road near West Creek at about 3 a.m.
Investigators said James had just left his apartment and was headed to work. READ THE REST
UPDATED
- Reporter kidnapped on his way to work (KTRK abc13.com posts story)
- Houston TV Reporter Carjacked, Kidnapped
- Houston reporter says he was kidnapped by carjacker
- Ch. 13 reporter unhurt after carjacking, kidnapping
- KTRK ABC 13 SAYS REPORTER ERIC JAMES WAS KIDNAPPED!
- Houston TV Reporter Carjacked
- Houston reporter kidnapped and driven to Beaumont
- TV reporter held for four hours by carjacker
RELATED
- Eric James bio
(Image courtesy of the Houston Chronicle)
Starbucks giving away free pastry July 21
I am not a Starbucks customer. Yes, I am one of the few out there. If I frequented the coffee chain, I'd be first in line tomorrow for free pastry:
Click here for the free coupon offer.
It will give a free pastry to customers buying any beverage on July 21 from a store’s opening to 10:30 a.m.
The Seattle coffee giant (NASDAQ: SBUX) said the free pastry offer includes muffins, scones, bagels, croissants, rolls, breads, pound cakes, morning buns, coffeecakes, cheese Danish, apple fritters, tarts, pies and other pastries. READ THE REST
Click here for the free coupon offer.
From The Moon To KPRC Houston
Great story about KPRC Channel 2's glory days when it pooled the Apollo 11 mission signal for NASA and beamed it to the world:
He said the images were beamed down to Australia. From there, they were sent to Houston and KPRC-TV's equipment set up at Mission Control.
KPRC distributed the images to the NBC, ABC and CBS television networks.
Bryant said, "First, it was black and white. And it was a little fuzzy at first, but then I thought, 'That's from the moon. I better punch it up.' And so, I just took that moment." READ THE REST
Sunday, July 19, 2009
Slash on Velvet Revolver, The Clash, Living Colour and more
SLASH: 'SCOTT WEILAND Is Like GEORGE BUSH To Me – I Like Him Now That He's Gone'
-SLASH On VELVET REVOLVER: 'The Dream Is Alive And Well'
-SLASH Issues Update On Solo Record
GUNS N' ROSES Uploader Gets House Arrest, Will Make Anti-Piracy Ad
- GUNS N' ROSES Uploader Apologizes To AXL ROSE, Slams SLASH
The Clash almost reformed
Trent Reznor offers advice to unknown artists, a must-read for all musicians
RATT: Quality Footage Of ROCKLAHOMA Performance Available
- RATT: Quality Footage From Last Night's L.A. Concert Available
- RATT Frontman On Forthcoming CD: 'It's Exactly What Everybody's Going To Want But A Lot More
ROCKLAHOMA ‘09: EPIC FAIL
TWISTED SISTER Performs On 'Live With Regis And Kelly
MxPx Celebrate 17 Year Anniversary
MÖTLEY CRÜE Bassist On 'Crüe Fest 2' Stage Show: 'It's Pretty Sick, Beginning To End'
- Motley Crue And Monster Energy Add Additional Stage To Crue Fest 2
Living Colour Back With Fifth Studio Album
Kiss Post Update On New Album
Billy Corgan Explains Why He Kept Smashing Pumpkins' Name
- D'Arcy Wretzky formerly of Smashing Pumpkins makes unexpected phone call to Q101 in Chicago
METALLICA: Pro-Shot Footage From Second Madrid Concert Available
Internet radio station WOXY.com is moving to Austin, TX to have greater access to musicians
DELIVERANCE/FASEDOWN Guitarist To Release Solo Album
Short clip of an unreleased Michael Jackson song has leaked
Howard Stern regular Richard Christy issues new album update
David Bowie: The story of Major Tom from Space Oddity to Hallo Spaceboy
-SLASH On VELVET REVOLVER: 'The Dream Is Alive And Well'
-SLASH Issues Update On Solo Record
GUNS N' ROSES Uploader Gets House Arrest, Will Make Anti-Piracy Ad
- GUNS N' ROSES Uploader Apologizes To AXL ROSE, Slams SLASH
The Clash almost reformed
Trent Reznor offers advice to unknown artists, a must-read for all musicians
RATT: Quality Footage Of ROCKLAHOMA Performance Available
- RATT: Quality Footage From Last Night's L.A. Concert Available
- RATT Frontman On Forthcoming CD: 'It's Exactly What Everybody's Going To Want But A Lot More
ROCKLAHOMA ‘09: EPIC FAIL
TWISTED SISTER Performs On 'Live With Regis And Kelly
MxPx Celebrate 17 Year Anniversary
MÖTLEY CRÜE Bassist On 'Crüe Fest 2' Stage Show: 'It's Pretty Sick, Beginning To End'
- Motley Crue And Monster Energy Add Additional Stage To Crue Fest 2
Living Colour Back With Fifth Studio Album
Kiss Post Update On New Album
Billy Corgan Explains Why He Kept Smashing Pumpkins' Name
- D'Arcy Wretzky formerly of Smashing Pumpkins makes unexpected phone call to Q101 in Chicago
METALLICA: Pro-Shot Footage From Second Madrid Concert Available
Internet radio station WOXY.com is moving to Austin, TX to have greater access to musicians
DELIVERANCE/FASEDOWN Guitarist To Release Solo Album
Short clip of an unreleased Michael Jackson song has leaked
Howard Stern regular Richard Christy issues new album update
David Bowie: The story of Major Tom from Space Oddity to Hallo Spaceboy
Saturday, July 18, 2009
Houston radio rankings and changes
We are seeing Walton and Johnson (now of 93.7 The Arrow KKRW) beating the station's former morning team, Dean and Rog who are now on 107.5 The Eagle KGLK. I am reading on the Internet that Hot 95.7 KKHH is beating Top 40 powerhouse 104.1 KRBE. Houston radio is changing.
- Look at Houston radio ratings
- KILT's new director has plenty on plate
Speaking of Houston radio, this weeks's post Jack is dead at 103.7 FM in Houston got a lot of attention. As I predicted based on all the questions I have received, lots of readers had noticed changes on Jack FM and are still confused about what's going on there.
- Look at Houston radio ratings
- KILT's new director has plenty on plate
Speaking of Houston radio, this weeks's post Jack is dead at 103.7 FM in Houston got a lot of attention. As I predicted based on all the questions I have received, lots of readers had noticed changes on Jack FM and are still confused about what's going on there.
Friday, July 17, 2009
RDG: Cafe Annie 2.0 opens in Houston
Goodbye Cafe Annie - hello RDG:
Can you believe I never ate at Cafe Annie (Conan O’Brien did)? Guess you could if you looked at the price tag. I also have never eaten at Tony's. Again, no real surprise. If I eat there, something really good has happened to me...or someone else is paying!
RDG has all but opened, and patrons anxious to be among the first to try it await word on whether it will be later this week or over the weekend (or early next week at the latest).
The three-concept endeavor is the latest for celebrated chef and restaurateur Robert Del Grande and the Schiller-Del Grande Restaurant Group. Their legendary Café Annie closed June 30 in anticipation of a July 15 opening of RDG, its “spiritual successor.” READ THE REST
Can you believe I never ate at Cafe Annie (Conan O’Brien did)? Guess you could if you looked at the price tag. I also have never eaten at Tony's. Again, no real surprise. If I eat there, something really good has happened to me...or someone else is paying!
When getting the foot in the door doesn't work in TV
Randy Tatano offers good advice on the tvnewsgrapevine blog about folks who apply for a job they don't want 'to get a foot in the door' at a television station. READ IT
Thursday, July 16, 2009
Houston Hip-Hop documentary
There is a new DVD coming out about the Houston hip hop scene by filmmaker Ariel Santschi:
http://www.pitchcontroltv.com/pctv3
On Pitch Control 3 you will find the likes of Underground Kingz (UGK), Trae, ABN, Lil' Keke, Slim Thug, Bosshog Outlawz, Lil' Flip, Big Moe, Hawk, Mike D, Yung Redd and, of course, DJ Screw and the Screwed Up Click.
http://www.pitchcontroltv.com/pctv3
Poynter Online interviews KHOU about "Under Fire" investigation
Interesting read about KHOU Channel 11's Texas National Guard story in Al Tompkins Morning Meeting column for Poynter:
KHOU's executive producer for investigations David Raziq is also interviewed.
For two years, KHOU-TV's Mark Greenblatt has been investigating and reporting allegations that top officials in the Texas National Guard have discriminated against women. These were top ranking, highly decorated women.
The TV station's "Under Fire" investigation went beyond discrimination allegations to include widespread abuse of guard funds, which a female colonel had raised questions about. Eventually, the state's governor stepped in and removed several top generals from power. One of the new generals put in their place, by the way, is a woman. READ THE REST
KHOU's executive producer for investigations David Raziq is also interviewed.
90.1 KPFT schedule changes coming
The Houston Press says there are changes coming to the 90.1 KPFT schedule:
Let's hope Jay Lee and the gang do not get moved around for Technology Bytes.
A major overhaul of KPFT's (90.1 FM) programming starts next week. Most significantly, the station is bringing back longtime Houston DJ Roark Smith to spin two hours of non-Arrow-like classic rock from 10 a.m. to noon weekdays. Several KPFT programs, including BBC News, Democracy Now! and its local news/public-affairs programming, are switching time slots. Rocks Off will have more in a few days. READ THE REST
Let's hope Jay Lee and the gang do not get moved around for Technology Bytes.
AUDIO: Unheard Apollo 11 conversations now available
I'm surprised TMZ.com didn't uncover the tapes and post them first, but yes, the unheard conversations of the first moon mission are now available to the public:
LISTEN HERE
As Neil Armstrong, Buzz Aldrin and Mike Collins flew on Apollo 11 to a lunar landing in July 1969, the world heard communications between the crew and Mission Control live as they happened. But Earth did not hear the private conversations between Armstrong, Aldrin and Collins, although they were recorded aboard the Command Module Columbia and Lunar Module Eagle.
LISTEN HERE
WFAA talks to radio host Russ Martin about charge
I've been following the controversy in Dallas concerning radio host Russ Martin. He was arrested last year and recently received probation after pleading no contest to assaulting his fiancee last summer.
WFAA Channel 8's Janet St. James sat down and talked with the former 105.3 KLLI-FM and 97.1 KEGL host about the incident. It is the first time he has talked:
WFAA Channel 8's Janet St. James sat down and talked with the former 105.3 KLLI-FM and 97.1 KEGL host about the incident. It is the first time he has talked:
From his mansion in Collin County (complete with a statue of Jack Daniels and a signature Batman rock), Martin explained that last July's argument started when his girlfriend missed an IRS deadline over property taxes.
St. James: "Did you touch her in any sort of aggressive way?"
Martin: "No."
St. James: "You didn't touch her at all?"
Martin: "Again, you're talking about a year ago on a night that in my mind, nothing really happened except I was an ass, I busted her laptop, and I asked her to leave." READ THE REST
Beware: The Top 10 Grossest Ice Creams!
Look, I know it is hot out there right and some ice cream might sound like a good idea right now. But whatever you do, stay away from the top 10 grossest ice cream flavors!SEE THE LIST
I know if you are hot Chicken-Fried Steak Ice Cream or Ox Tongue Ice Cream might not sound that bad, but you have to keep your senses.
(Thanks Brian!)
Mike McGuff goes from TV dude to newspaper man
Somehow I have moved from making TV to writing for a newspaper!
That's right, I USED TO WRITE LIKE THIS...WITH WEIRD ELLIPSES BREAKS PUT INTO THE COPY...TIME CODES AND TRTs but now I can go back into sentence case.
It is not a usual transition.
But make sure to catch my first newspaper article in the Houston Examiner Newspapers which cover the Bellaire, West University, River Oaks and Memorial areas. Wow, some wealthy folks will read my first words!
The piece is a longer version of my blog post on HISD's media manager Norm Uhl and his rocking/bluesy ways! He plays keyboards/harmonica in the Houston band Brother 2 Brother which landed on the Grammy ballot.
If you don't live in the above areas, make sure to read the article online here.
That's right, I USED TO WRITE LIKE THIS...WITH WEIRD ELLIPSES BREAKS PUT INTO THE COPY...TIME CODES AND TRTs but now I can go back into sentence case.
It is not a usual transition.
But make sure to catch my first newspaper article in the Houston Examiner Newspapers which cover the Bellaire, West University, River Oaks and Memorial areas. Wow, some wealthy folks will read my first words!
The piece is a longer version of my blog post on HISD's media manager Norm Uhl and his rocking/bluesy ways! He plays keyboards/harmonica in the Houston band Brother 2 Brother which landed on the Grammy ballot.
If you don't live in the above areas, make sure to read the article online here.
Wednesday, July 15, 2009
Guy Fieri gets a taste of Houston
Honestly I don't really know who Guy Fieri is. I recognize him as the dude who did the TGI Friday's commercials. Well his show Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives on the Food Network dropped by Houston:
Local favorites, according to producers, included chicken hash at Lankford Grocery, corned beef at Kenny and Ziggy's, lamb shank at Niko Niko's and armadillo eggs at T-Bone Tom's in Kemah.
“There are so many unique aspects to Houston,” he said. “We've seen some great people and talked to people who love food. We should take a month to shoot all the places that have been recommended to us.” READ THE REST
590 KLBJ Austin hosts suspended for racial remarks
Some controversy is brewing in Austin as the two hosts from the "The Todd and Don Show" have been suspended from talker 590 KLBJ-AM. More from KXAN 36:
Pryor is a famous name in Austin. Don's father is Cactus Pryor who is a radio legend in Austin. Todd Jeffries also happens to be the news director of 590 KLBJ.
RELATED
- Show page
- Todd Jeffries bio
- Don Pryor
Station managers on Wednesday said Todd Jeffries and Don Pryor are suspended without pay after Pryor, a co-host, used a derogatory term several times during a discussion about what to call immigrants during a Tuesday morning show. Undocumented workers and illegal immigrants were among the terms used as common examples in the media. READ THE REST
Pryor is a famous name in Austin. Don's father is Cactus Pryor who is a radio legend in Austin. Todd Jeffries also happens to be the news director of 590 KLBJ.
RELATED
- Show page
- Todd Jeffries bio
- Don Pryor
KEYE 42 in Austin to get 4pm newscast
The Austin Business Journal is reporting that KEYE is getting a new 4pm show:
The show will be an hour long and will debut in September.
KEYE's Ron Oliveira and Judy Maggio will anchor the show, which "will focus on all things Central Texas," according to a statement from KEYE. That means a mix of news and highlights of local events, people and places around town. READ THE REST
The show will be an hour long and will debut in September.
What Fox 26 KRIV anchor Mike Barajas drives
Isiah Carey aka "The Insite" always "ambushes" his coworkers in the Fox 26 KRIV Houston parking lot to see what they drive. Then he posts it on his blog. I like the segment. This would not have been allowed at my old station. In the latest entry he catches up with main anchor Mike Barajas who drives a 2010 Chevy Camaro. Next Isiah needs to photograph Erik Barajas' ride.
(Image courtesy of UH)
Jack is dead at 103.7 FM in Houston
Seems like it is slowly transitioning away from the Jack format to "103.7 FM Adult Alternative." Not the most exciting name, but at least you know what you are getting I guess. I've been listening to the station on 104.1 HD2 (KRBE is the Cumulus sister station) since it comes in clear as a bell compared to the real 103.7 La Porte frequency.
Tuesday I had to check the calendar since I heard Steve Robison DJing alternative music in afternoon drive. It was like I was in the 1990s listening to 107.5 The Buzz all over again (it wasn't always on 94.5 you know). This is another reason Jack must have been killed off. The Jack format doesn't have DJs. I always wondered if CBS would have flipped the 95.7 The Wave to Jack if Cumulus hadn't flipped Rock 103.7 KIOL first.
Next thing you know David Sadof will be back on the air with Lunar Rotation Sunday nights. I hope that happens! David what's going on? Should I start a petition now or later?
Here are some of the songs the station played Tuesday night:
I'll Go Crazy If I Don't Go Crazy Tonight Artist: U2, Karma Police Artist: Radiohead, Blue On Black, Artist: Kenny Wayne Shepherd, Drops Of Jupiter Artist: Train, Unglued Artist: Stone Temple Pilots, Even Flow Artist: Pearl Jam, Everyday Is A Winding Road Artist: Sheryl Crow, Airstream Driver Artist: Gomez, Under The Milky Way Artist: Church
RELATED
- 103.7 KIOL will become Jack FM
- Donna McKenzie is on 103.7 JACK FM KHJK
- Steve Robison to be new program director on 103.7 Jack FM KHJK
- David Sadof talks to the Mike McGuff Blog
- David Sadof flies again with Lunar Rotation
- 93.3 KDBN The Bone in Dallas flips to Quality Rock
John Wayne has one last film coming out
Yes, John Wayne's movie career is not over just yet:
Any fan of old westerns would probably say that the 1976 movie, The Shootist, was John Wayne’s last film.
They’d be mistaken, according to Dave Burleson.
Burleson, who played minor parts in more than 70 westerns and was friends with Wayne, is releasing an independently produced film that contains Duke’s final unseen performance.
The film, a science-fiction western entitled Thunder Riders of the Golden West, was produced by Burleson in 1984, and includes footage that Wayne filmed before his death in 1979. READ THE REST
Vince the ShamWow guy gets remixed for Slap Chop Rap
Vince the headset wearing pitchman is now advertising the Slap Chop and the commercial has been remixed with auto tune and beats:
WATCH THE VIDEO
WATCH THE ORIGINAL
RELATED
- VIDEO: Bill O'Reilly temper dance remix
- Christian Bale goes off on Terminator set REMIX
(Thanks Brian from Luxurata)
DJ Steve Porter didn’t intend to necessarily stir things up when he threw “a bunch of Auto-Tune” on an informercial hosted by pitchman Vince Offer. Rather, “Slap Chop Rap” was born out of boredom. “I became slightly disenchanted with the electronic and dance music scene,” Porter explains. “I reached a point where I wanted to try something different.” READ THE REST
WATCH THE VIDEO
WATCH THE ORIGINAL
RELATED
- VIDEO: Bill O'Reilly temper dance remix
- Christian Bale goes off on Terminator set REMIX
(Thanks Brian from Luxurata)
Tuesday, July 14, 2009
KHOU nominated for The 30th Annual Emmy® Awards
The 30th Annual Emmy® Awards nominations are out for News and Documentary. Guess what? KHOU Channel 11 in Houston got a nomination.
This is not the regional Lone Star Emmys - this is the national one. Here is an explanation I got on Facebook from Misti Torres of the Lone Star Chapter:
Congrats to Channel 11.
SEE FULL LIST OF NOMINATIONS
This is not the regional Lone Star Emmys - this is the national one. Here is an explanation I got on Facebook from Misti Torres of the Lone Star Chapter:
"Regional winners in the investigative and breaking news category are eligible to submit their regional EMMY-winning entries for consideration in the News and Doc. Awards. Those submissions go through another round of judging and nominations are announced. They are not, however, statue eligible at the national level. The winner gets a plaque."
Congrats to Channel 11.
SEE FULL LIST OF NOMINATIONS
Future of Facebook and its war with Google
Great article on the future of Facebook and its war with Google from Wired Magazine - Great Wall of Facebook: The Social Network's Plan to Dominate the Internet — and Keep Google Out. READ IT
KDAF 33 hires Chace Crawford's sister/Miss Missouri
Uncle Barky tells us how KDAF 33 in Dallas has hired former Miss Missouri USA Candice Crawford as its high school sports reporter. Name sound familiar? Well, she is also the sister of Gossip Girl's Chace Crawford. READ MORE
Why would a station hire a 22-year-old (according to Barky) in a top 10 market? Why not hire a seasoned sports journalist?
Why would they want a former Miss Missouri USA for on air talent?
Why would a station that airs Gossip Girl want a sister of one of its hot stars on air?
Why do I ask such stupid questions?
Insane rollercoasters rated!
Brian must be thinking about getting his adrenaline rush on when he sent me the following links. These are countdowns of the ultimate theme park thrill rides. Some I would never ride, others I would be very excited to climb aboard. Like this one (watch the video included through the link).CHECK OUT BRIAN'S LINKS
- Theme Park Rides That Pushed the Limits of Common Sense
- Thrill to the world's tallest, fastest and longest rides
RELATED
- My Astroworld tribute page
- VIDEO: Astroworld's last days
- Houston Astroworld full coverage
VIDEO: Creepy weatherman fan
Do Frank, Gene or Tim have to deal with this kind of fan when they make public appearances? Here is what Funny or Die calls the Creepy Weatherman Fan. It is creepy. WATCH IT
If the guy is acting, he is very good. Give him an Oscar for web video sites. At first I wasn't sure if it was real because why would a crew start a live shot out with the meteorologist signing something? Odd. But Warren Dean of Global Television in Saskatchewan is a real weather dude.
(Thanks Ed!)
Monday, July 13, 2009
Troy Kimmel returning to KEYE TV 42 Austin
Troy Kimmel might be one of the luckiest men in TV news.He seems to float from Austin station to station and never have to leave his home.
He now is back at KEYE 42 as a meteorologist. READ MORE
Swearing makes pain more tolerable
Television newsrooms rejoice! Everyday employees around the country are making the pain go away:
(Thanks Will-E)
"Swearing has been around for centuries and is an almost universal human linguistic phenomenon," said Richard Stephens of Keele University in England and one of the authors of the new study. "It taps into emotional brain centers and appears to arise in the right brain, whereas most language production occurs in the left cerebral hemisphere of the brain." READ MORE
(Thanks Will-E)
VIDEO: Teen freaks after mom cancels Warcraft account
Oh to be a teenage boy. Catch the video of this guy freaking out after he supposedly learns his mom cancelled his online Warcraft account! You won't believe it.WATCH IT
Is the video real? I say yes. I bet if someone cancelled my Blogger account I might act like this!
ABC stations called out for not entering video sharing agreements
I've been talking about how TV station news departments are sharing video with each other in local news sharing agreements across the country. One station owner has been absent from those posts and now an analyst calls ABC out:
RELATED
- TV stations are becoming buddies and sharing
- Dallas-Fort Worth TV news stations now sharing video
Pali Research analyst Richard Greenfield blasts ABC in a report for not partaking in cost-cutting content pools in markets where it owns a station. "Why Do ABC's Stations Want to Have the Highest Cost Structure in Local News?" is the title of Greenfield's report, issued this morning.
With local news viewing and revenue in decline and the sector seeing increased competition from the likes of new local sites from ESPN and Huffington Post, Greenfield says partnerships such as the Local News Service (LNS) between Fox and NBC and, in some markets, others, makes abundant sense. READ THE REST
RELATED
- TV stations are becoming buddies and sharing
- Dallas-Fort Worth TV news stations now sharing video
Houston crime maps
The city of Houston has opened a new crime stats Web site that lets you view crime in your area on a map. It is a good effort. However after clicking through disclaimer after disclaimer you might find the interface a little confusing.SEE THE SITE
HPD + GIS = hours of looking up your address and seeing burglaries.
Sunday, July 12, 2009
Longtime NBC 5 KXAS reporter Brett Johnson dies
Brett Johnson who has been a reporter at NBC 5 KXAS in Dallas-Fort Worth since September 1996 lost his battle with pancreatitis and other complications. He was 48.- Brett Johnson: 1960-2009
- NBC5 reporter Brett Johnson dies at age 48
- NBC5 reporter Brett Johnson dies
- News man Brett Johnson has died
- NBC5 reporter Brett Johnson dies from complications of pancreatitis
- KXAS reporter death
(Thanks Murdock)
David Byrne's Houston ride, NIN, Blur, Lita Ford, Pandora and more
David Byrne of the Talking Heads blogs about his Houston bike ride
867-5309: Pop music's most famous phone number finds a new home with health club chain
The End of NIN Opens Door To Exotic Birds Reunion
Blur releases internet-only live albums of Hyde Park reunion concerts
Celebrate the 40th anniversary of David Bowie's Space Oddity by remixing it from the original tracks
Perez Hilton Confirms Warner Music Imprint: “I Have an Ear”
Inside the lives of Michael Jackson's children
- Paul McCartney “Didn’t Believe For a Second” Michael Jackson Left Him Beatles’ Rights
- When a celebrity dies: Looking at a few front pages of the Houston Chronicle
Lita Ford Returns With “Sexual” LP, Explains Runaways Movie Rift
Chris Cornell Says Soundgarden Talking B Sides, Box Set Releases
Web Radio Companies Reach Deal With Labels: Pandora Survives
OH, SNAP: NO ONE TOLD ZAKK WYLDE HE’S NOT OZZY’S GUITARIST ANYMORE
VIDEO: Metallica playing part of Beat It
- METALLICA: Pro-Shot Footage Of Nimes Concert Available
- METALLICA's LARS ULRICH: I Would Like To Make Another Album With RICK RUBIN
STEVEN ADLER's Guest Appearance On SLASH's Solo Album To Be Recorded Next Week
RATT Guitarist Discusses Forthcoming Album
AEROSMITH Drummer Discusses Autobiography On 'Red Eye'; Video Available
Brett Michaels tour bus involved in multi-vehicle accident in Toronto
867-5309: Pop music's most famous phone number finds a new home with health club chain
The End of NIN Opens Door To Exotic Birds Reunion
Blur releases internet-only live albums of Hyde Park reunion concerts
Celebrate the 40th anniversary of David Bowie's Space Oddity by remixing it from the original tracks
Perez Hilton Confirms Warner Music Imprint: “I Have an Ear”
Inside the lives of Michael Jackson's children
- Paul McCartney “Didn’t Believe For a Second” Michael Jackson Left Him Beatles’ Rights
- When a celebrity dies: Looking at a few front pages of the Houston Chronicle
Lita Ford Returns With “Sexual” LP, Explains Runaways Movie Rift
Chris Cornell Says Soundgarden Talking B Sides, Box Set Releases
Web Radio Companies Reach Deal With Labels: Pandora Survives
OH, SNAP: NO ONE TOLD ZAKK WYLDE HE’S NOT OZZY’S GUITARIST ANYMORE
VIDEO: Metallica playing part of Beat It
- METALLICA: Pro-Shot Footage Of Nimes Concert Available
- METALLICA's LARS ULRICH: I Would Like To Make Another Album With RICK RUBIN
STEVEN ADLER's Guest Appearance On SLASH's Solo Album To Be Recorded Next Week
RATT Guitarist Discusses Forthcoming Album
AEROSMITH Drummer Discusses Autobiography On 'Red Eye'; Video Available
Brett Michaels tour bus involved in multi-vehicle accident in Toronto
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