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CBS 2 puts on a newscast only a mother could love
Robservations on the media beat:
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Susan Carlson
Watching the debut of WBBM-Channel 2's latest morning newscast Monday, I wondered why news anchor Steve Bartelstein kept making references to his mother. After the third time he mentioned her, I realized it had to be because she was the only other person watching the show. I can't imagine why anyone else would choose to sit through "CBS 2 Morning News," an utterly generic 2 ‚½-hour time-filler without one iota of creativity or a single new idea. Honestly, did anybody put any thought into it at all? News anchor Susan Carlson sounded desperate as she implored viewers to accept Bartelstein and fellow WCBS-TV New York import, weathercaster Megan Glaros, a former Indianapolis Colts cheerleader who's all smiles all the time. Calling them "both delightful people," Carlson said: "You guys are gonna love them! They're fabulous! And they're Chicago natives!" Noting that the show would be going back to visit their respective hometowns, Carlson added: "So you have to watch us at least next week, too."
- It's official: Lauren Cohn, former news anchor and reporter at WFLD-Channel 32, has been hired at WTXF-TV in Philadelphia, starting Sept. 7. Both are Fox-owned stations. The move confirms a report here earlier this month. Cohn, a veteran of three Chicago stations, previously worked in Philadelphia at NBC-owned WCAU-TV. "I am looking forward to getting back to work full-time and doing what I love to do, tell great stories and bring valuable information to the public," Cohn wrote on her blog Monday. "Chicago I will miss you."
- And they wonder why people hate Clear Channel Radio? A press release announcing the hiring ofRyan Gorman the other day as afternoon host at Top 40 WKSC-FM (103.5) was cringe-inducing for two reasons. First, because it never used his actual name. (It referred to him only as "Jordan," the one-word moniker he uses on the air. Then again, this is the station of Drex, Special K, Candi, Summer and other DJs whose names all sound like strippers.) Second, because it quoted Gorman -- excuse me, Jordan -- as saying: "Chitown is going to be insane." Chitown? Sorry, but I have to side with Tribune uber-blogger Eric Zorn and 85 percent of his readers who insist that real Chicagoans never use the term "Chi-town." Said one: "The very phrase induces gags, and bad images of Frank Sinatra stage patter in Las Vegas."
- Steve Carver, the former vice president and general manager of Tribune Co.-owned news/talk WGN-AM (720) and CBS Radio all-news WBBM-AM (780), is on the move for the third time this year. On Monday he was named senior vice president and market manager for CBS Radio in Los Angeles. He'll oversee the company's seven stations in L.A. Carver rejoined CBS Radio last January as market manager in Cleveland and was reassigned to West Palm Beach, Fla., just last month.
- A budget squeeze prompted by a 30 percent drop in sales at NextMedia Group's northwest suburban outlets cost Jim Shea his job Friday after five years as morning personality at oldies WWYW-FM (103.9). Afternoon host Jeff James is expected to shift to mornings, with syndicated programming filling in the blanks. "It has been an amazing run here," Shea said. "We built something out of nothing in the greatest radio city in the world."
- Robert Mulholland, Dennis Swanson and others who went on to hold top jobs in the television industry will be among illustrious alums of Tribune Co.-owned WGN-Channel 9's newsroom from the 1960s who'll be attending a reunion Sept. 26. The main event will be a dinner at Rosewood Restaurant in Rosemont. For additional information, contact Chuck Shriver at:cshriver@sbcglobal.net
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As a former viewer in New York & a current one in Chicago, I wish you'd give Megan the credit she is due. She is a Meteorologist (a certified one at that) & also comes off knowing the weather. To play up the minor cheerleader part of her life detracts from the quality work she does.
Why would the Channel 2 newscastress have to tell the audience that wasn't watching how much they are going to love anyone? The new Channel 2 team may as well have pretended that it had been together for 30 years for all it mattered to anyone. Matter of fact, why doesn't the team refer to their old friends "Bill and Walter"? Why don't they try to speak in pig Latin and see if anyone complains? Why don't they have a host who wears a jumpsuit with post-it notes stuck to it to remind him when it's time to feed the duck walking in the studio?
I didn't think it was possible to make me long for the good old days of Monsters & Money, but...
One day and you are ready to bury them? Seinfeld was left for dead, as were other shows after one airing. By the way I know Steve Bartlestein's mother, and the back story of how she helped him through cancer might be enough of an acknowledgement by hin, his way of saying thank you. Lighten up everyone
Never could figure out why Channel 2 would put Susan Carlson at the anchor desk. Still can't.
I did watch about 15 minutes of the CBS news yesterday morning. Its about as exciting as watching Rod comb his hair. Sad to see Susan act as a cheerleader and plead us to watch....Unbelievable. Actually, it seems like ABC7 as well as NBC5's newscasts...all boring. Back to WGN Morning news...the only real circus on in the mornings!
So who will be fillin for Baskerville when he's out? Megan or Mary Kay??? hmmmmmmmm
They should have kept Mike Hegedus from the Monster Mash.
He had the interviewing skills and the financial background to ask
intelligent questions to guests. The new team is not jelling.
Poor Susan, did she look stiff and uncomfortable. Like if this does not work, my job is on the line. Don is the only good thing on that program, works well whatever they have him do, real class. Steve seems to be looking down his nose at us and do we really need another blond weather person. I agree, makes me long for the good old days of Monsters & Money at least they seemed comfortable with each other!
Better than "Morons in the Morning", but that's like being the most popular disease in the hospital. I love Susan Carlson and hope they find the right vehicle for her, although her outfit this morning looked like a test screen. Bartelstein broadcasts with his ample jaw jutting out, like he wants someone to hit it. I'm sure there's a line for the chance. Megan Glaros....Give me Ginger or Amy, thanks. I'm not sure what Jim Shea thinks he built, other than a place for Andy Griffith to ruminate. Mostly like that station's format, but Jeff James is impossible to take, whether it is mornings, afternoons or Saturday nights.
It appears that after one full morning of broadcast, the new Channel 2 morning show is already on life support. It sounded like Susan Carlson echoed the desperation that staffers there feel for the new show. To quote an old movie "desperation, it's the world's worst smelling cologne."
Maybe by watching tapes of Bob Sirott and the late great Jim Hill who did an outstanding morning show on NBC in the eighties and early nineties, all these programming executives could get an idea of what it takes to have a successful,funny and relevant show.
Why doesn't CBS just mount cameras in the studios of NewsRadio 780 and let us watch the anchors read the news each morning. The news would be up to date, and it would certainly be better than anything else they have tried lately.
I think the proper format for both CBS2 in the early morning and Garry Meier would be a long form interview program (like Garry's Ch. 26 show and Charlie Rose), with children of current and former Chi-town news people doing weather, news and sports updates.
Then the Ponces could end the show with a doo wop song.
Really happy to hear you calcify what I've been saying about the moniker "chi-town". It's strictly for use by tourists and car dealerships.
Apparently the darker blue the studio the lower the appeal of the newscast. Perhaps that's why ABC7's morning set is light blue? Just wondering...
Hmmm. When I first read the comments about channel 2’s generic show, I couldn’t help but think that it really isn’t fair to single that one out. Channel 7, 5 and 32 all present the same generic format and personalities. The only time I was compelled to watch the news outside of present day channel 9 was FOX Thing In The Morning with Sirott and that other chick… forget her name but she was cute – Murciano, that’s it. Marianne Murciano, she was a lovely young gal…I wonder why she’s no longer on any more. What the heck. Maybe Channel 2 should pick her up. Oh well. Anyhow, what’s my point here. Oh yeah. Channel 2. Generic, yeah, but no different than the rest of’em. They should have tried more of a Morning Joe kind of format with Republicans and Democrats discussing actual issues in between the top local stories. But that would have been too radical I suppose.
Rob-No comment on the website writers joining the WGAE?
It shows that CBS 2 management is really asleep at the wheel.
wiseguyx: you've hit it right on the money! With so many choices to choose from in early morning tv, why not be different? It's the main reason the WGN Morning News is still on top (isn't it Rob?), it's unique, goofy, but still gets the news across. It beats anything else that's on the networks (including that embarassing show on Fox32) at that time in the morning.
Susan Carlson, don't try so hard....it's coming across as begging on the air (to want us to watch)
Wait a minute! Marianne Murciano. Are we really looking for a lovely young gal (chick) or are we looking for interesting, creative and spontaneous people? I want to stay tuned to the content and how interesting they can make the news. I can look for pretty by looking in magazines, bars, etc.
I understand that people want to know what the new CBS morning show is like, but I think you have to give them sometime before you can really judge them. The first run will likely be their worst. If the show is still as bad two months from now, then CBS really has problems.
Disappointed to learn that Jim Shea was ousted from y1039. Enjoyed tryin' figure out his 'I buried Paul' backward snippets. Jeff James is alright, but he's been moved twice in the last year, First, from middays, to afternon drive, and now, mornin's. Also, Marci's a bit paranoid to think she'll have stalkers if she gives out her last name. How weird is that? People have to be deranged to stalk others, right, gang? God bless!
More than any other station I know in this area, the listeners of Y103.9 considered ourselves to be part of a radio family. This was particularly true of Jim Shea's morning show, and that's the "something out of nothing" that he helped build. Bob, you have written many times over the years about how heartless the radio business is. NextMedia's actions are a poignant demonstration.
Happened to turn over to CBS2 during a break on ABC7. The first thing I saw was Steve Bartelstein's eyes taking a walk all over Susan Carlson. So the guy must have some intelligence.
Quick...someone get Gorman a "Chi-Tonw" tatoo!
Based on the above photo, it looks like Susan Carlson is channeling Melissa Forman with her bleached teeth and spray-on tan. Could be a new target for Katie Whatever-Her-Last-Name-Is-Today.
Rob: You used to run the salaries of the on-air talent in you old Sun-Times columns when you were talking about their contract negotiations. It would be interesting to see a whole column devoted to a listing of the salaries of all the TV and Radio personalities for whom you have that data. I'd love to see what management thinks they are worth.
I am sorry to read of the news that Jim Shea was let go from his morning gig at 103.9 - I really enjoyed listening to him - all the best Jim - hope you land another gig soon and still in the Chicago area.
NextMedia is 30% down in sales? Shocking. (sarcasm). I am enjoying watching that ship slowly sink.
I am glad to see WBBM TV is keeping their creativity level. I can go another decade without watching their drivel.
OH!CBS shame on you. Don is the best one in the mornings. Please! Put MaryKay or Don in the mornings. What cbs should do is put MaryKay back in the mornings and put Don at weeknights 5p, 6p, and 10p. Steve is getting on my nerves. Please get rid of him and put Phil Schwarz on the weekends. ABC, WGN, and Fox all suck.
I'd like for Feder to make note of Mike Hegedus' tearful and incredibly eloquent (and even biting) valedictory at the end of the final "Monsters and Money" show on Friday morning. Sure, one could mock what Hegedus said, given how short the program's tenure was. But, it was genuine, and it was very nicely done -- watching it, my first reaction was, "Why on earth aren't they giving this guy (and Terry Savage, and Mike North, and Dan Jiggetts) some more time to carve out an audience?" Then I remembered -- O yes, this is the always-wise CBS Television Stations division that has done such great things with WBBM-TV up to now! Lovely. Anyhow, here's one vote for Hegedus and his sign-off -- I haven't had the interest to watch Bartelstein yet, and after reading what Rob wrote today, I don't think I'll be tuning in anytime soon......
Randy memo to Ch.2 morning newshow: Never say 'Chi-town'. It proves you don't know us. Never say 'You guys...' It proves we don't know you. Never say '...on the street' - other than traffic events, nothing happens on the street. Never say 'Chicagoland' because it's just silly. Eliminate, 'at the end of the day' and 'bottom line.' Never speak Northish: 'you's', gonna, dis (this), tree (three) or whadya. Yeeeech. Always say ROB Feder, instead of Bob. You should know that it IS permissable (if not mandatory) to say, 'ChicAHgo', 'pop' instead of 'soda' and 'The Garry Meier Show sucks.'
I cannot believe for the life of me that airhead Susan Carlson is begging people to watch this trainwreck of a newscast. To Dylan at the top, they're New Yorkers and they don't understand the town they're broadcasting from. They're so used to the limelight of NYC that they will never truly fit in here trying to do Chicago's news. How much did Cohen pay to Carlson to say this on the air? They are NOT from here, despite the fact Carlson has been mentioning they are natives of Chicago. Lady, get it right! They're from Indiana (two of them anyways) and he's a problem case in that if one thing goes wrong and against him, he'll quit as well. This show will ultimately fail by the year's end. Who can actually sit through all this garbage! "Back to you Steve-O?"; was that actually mentioned on the air by this Megan person?
Jed, you've nailed it once again- with your usual thoughtful insights, wit and charm. Let's be honest here: the absolute only reason Susan Carlson is temporarily appearing on that broadcast is because she won the current beauty contest for that time slot. Come on, it's obvious what's going on here- she's young, attractive, sexy even with the phony bleached teeth and spray tan, and...let's just say more than easy on any male demographic's eyes. Typical of television news management's casting decisions- just look for the pretty face to read off the screen. Too bad she's lacking in the talent and personality portion of the pageant!
It's not like CBS2 needs to reinvent the wheel, just put on a good newscast. Susan Carlson has survived so many revamps of the morning show. Does she have incriminating photos of a CBS exec somewhere?
Heres the problem with all these local morning shows:
They all want to emulate the Today Show or GMA's Good Morning America etc. EXCEPT, they do not have people with talent to even come close. Brain dead management takes news readers (sorry that's all they are) and says, "here, go out there and be interesting, be witty, maybe even funny"....and they may as well be asking pigs to do arithmetic.
Its so awkward, so phony, so boring. These new people are actually from INDIANA, not Chicago. Susan Carlson, bless her heart, should be reading the Lotto Numbers....and for her sake, I hope she buys some lucky tickets as well.
There are at least two dozen regular posters here who are more interesting, more witty, and funnier than any local morning news "talent."
I wouldn't want to vouch for their attractiveness though.
This just in....."TV news is vapid"
@Melba: It's "shi-kaw-go", not "shi-kah-go"!
@Bruce: Bite your tongue! No one can replace Linda Kohlmeyer!
Wait, wait, wait: there's too much Susan Carlson bashing going on here - I talked to her at a charity event held by Irene Salerno for the late Randy Salerno - and Susan looks better in person plus she's also nicer in person than some of seem to think.
Not only that, but her boss said "do this & I'll pay you more" and she said yes to her boss - it was an offer she couldn't refuse and none of you would either. (unless you're Mike North, LOL!)
Not to beat a dead horse, but I tried to watch more than five minutes of the Channel 2 morning news team while running on the treadmill today. I just couldn't do it. What a mess they have put together!
OK, I tried to keep an open mind and watched it for 15 minutes this morning.
Could Susan be more desperate? Could Steve look more pissed off that he was sitting there? And the weather person needs to put on clothes that actually fit! At least Don was informative, and I take the train!
I am so glad my two year old asked me to switch the channel to Mickey Mouse as that was far more worth my time than this news crew.
Not mentioned here is that THERE ARE WAY TOO MANY NEWS PROGRAMS!!!
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Just as in sports. expansion dilutes the talent pool to the point of parity. As they add more programming and time dedicated to news what do we expect, some talented genius to emerge?
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Speaking of talent what about Alison Payne from WGN? She talks like an old gal who smoked too much and is either drunk, on pain pills or maybe in the early stages of dementia. Why does someone who slurs words and phrases deserve a job in broadcast news?
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@CZ is right. Too many news shows. MeTV has the right idea with their brilliant line up of My Three Sons, Petticoat Junction, One Day at a Time and of course, the rarely repeated Maude.
As for Alison Payne, I have a glass of vodka or two every day when I wake up and I can really relate to her. Just another reason i love WGN in the am.
CZ where have you been? Alyson Payne had a series of mini stroke a few years back, and was off for a while. I think she is great! Very sensitive pal..I am sure you are perfect...
Bartelstein is just scary to look at.
I like Bartelstein. He totally ignored Susan Carlson and Megan when they gushed about Demi Moore's Twitter account, or some other related inanity. And what's with Megan giving non-weather news-it's like the second coming of "Alderman's Almanac." Bring back John Drummond anchoring both news and sports.