The problem: The eye is over-focused on news sets and cute people instead of what really can turn people on: taking the world into your living room. Visually. Pop culture works of course, but there are far better places to get it than on TV news. News photography is often unimaginative or clichéd. The problem is that every station seems to follow the same path. Change is usually so subtle and still within the “80’s focus group” M.O. that it registers as more of the same. Tribune has very talented news and news support people throughout the company. My concern is that they’re so framed within the 80’s “Ultra Action Super News In It For You At 10 On your Side” thing that they and the news itself are undermined. If a station is #1 doing this---please disregard for now. If you're not #1...there lies the issue.
The solution: Treat news like a movie with the story line being the news of the moment. Sexiness can be an ingredient, but the whole show is focused on visual stimulation which is a timeless characteristic of TV. And thinking! If a story really doesn't have a strong visual component, create one! READ THE REST
In full disclosure I worked with Abrams at Tribune's KIAH 39.
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