Cook Officially Co-Host of Hometown Today

The Turner Report lets its readers know that Jeremiah Cook is now the official co-host of KSN's morning news program, Hometown Today.

7 Strong!

The Joplin/Pittsburg CBS affiliate might want to consider going back to its old slogan if future months show the same ratings dominance for KOAM as did the month of July. The Turner Report has the complete breakdown of the ratings, including the fact that channel 7 "reached more viewers than the news programs of KODE and KSNF combined".

You can get the complete details here.

Getting To Know... Angie Weidinger

Recently I had a chance to catch up with a very busy Angie Weidinger, anchor of KSFX News @ 9 and reporter for KOLR 10. Here is some of what she had to say...

2K: How long have you been working at the station?

AW: Five years. I started at the station in June 2002.

2K: So what is the best part about your job?

AW: My favorite part is getting to meet and interview so many interesting people in the Ozarks. And, most of the time, it's not the "famous" people who I enjoy talking with the most. I am constantly amazed at how kind, intelligent, innovative and generous so many residents of this area are. Everyone has a story and I consider myself extremely privileged to get to tell so many of them.

2K: Any drawbacks?

AW: Often times I can't spend as much time as I'd like talking with people. We're often chasing a deadline that forces us to cut an interview or conversation short.

2K: What are some of your other interests outside of the news?

AW: My favorite past time is spending time with my family and friends. I grew up in mid-Missouri and still live close enough that I can drive home and catch a Sunday night family meal with not just my mom, dad, brother and sister, but also my grandpa, aunts and uncles.

I also enjoy running. I recently completed a marathon this past June with the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society's Team in Training. Talk about an incredible experience! Not only did I make it through those 26.2 miles, but I was able to work with a group to raise thousands of dollars to help area cancer patients. If anyone is considering training for a marathon, that's definitely the way to do it!

2K: That makes me tired just thinking about it. Congrats! So, if you weren't a journalist, which other profession would you choose?

AW: A journalism teacher. Unfortunately, there are many people in my profession who work with a very loose set of ethics. I would love to teach students how to tell a story fairly and accurately with a rigorous set of morals, just like my professors in college did for me.

I want to thank Angie for her time. Again you can find Angie in the Springfield area on KSFX, Fox 27 News @ 9, Monday - Friday.

KYTV will air the 4th hour of Today

KY3 has confirmed to The News2K that they will be airing the 4th hour of Today at 10 am central. This additional hour means that the station will no longer air Live! with Regis and Kelly. It moves to sister station KSPR at 9.

Earlier this month, we confirmed that KSHB would be airing the 4th hour of Today in tape delay mode at 11 a.m. We have still received no word on plans from KSNF, KOMU, and KSDK.

New Morning Anchor at NBC Action News

Bottom Line Communications is reporting that former KSHB newsteam member Christa Dubill will be returning to that station in September. She will report to duty as the morning news anchor.

KSPR: Let The Countdown Begin...

If you don't believe me, check out www.kspr.com which looks to be the new home on the web for the station soon to formerly be known as Springfield 33. On the site you can the site's new logo along with the new programming schedule.

Blogging Woes

Just wanted to drop a line to let readers know that my internet has been acting up the last few days and, as a result, my blogging has been sparse. The service provider is supposed to be here Friday to check it out. Hopefully then I can bring you more regular updates. Until then, I am at the mercy of the internet gods.

If you have any questions, comments, or news scoop in the meantime... keep sending it to: thenews2k@gmail.com


Thanks! :)

Food For Thought... Chip Off The Old Peacock, Hurricane Dean, and Olby heads to Sunday Night

* FishBowlDC is reporting that NBC's Congressional Coorespondent, Chip Reid, is leaving NBC and that he is likely to surface at CBS soon.

* Dean has become a Cat 5 Hurricane and all the networks are working to bring the latest Hurricane Dean Coverage to their viewers. TV Newser has a run down on who is where. Check it out here.

* MSNBC announced today that Keith Olbermann's show Countdown will be airing this Sunday night in a special primetime slot at 7 eastern ahead of Sunday Night Football on NBC. This is apparently only a one time deal, but if it is successful... could it lead to a weekly deal? We shall see!

Michelle Sherwood Talks About Her Departure

Michelle is talking about the news that she will be leaving KYTV and begin anchoring the weekend evening news on KSPR 33 in September. In addition to explaining why she is changing positions, Michelle also slips in the fact that she is engaged.

The News 2K wishes Michelle well. We will be covering the new KSPR in the days and weeks ahead! Coming soon... we will bring you our interview with Michelle.

Oklahoma Flooding: CNN Live!

Amazing live footage on CNN at this time as water rescues are underway from flooding in Oklahoma overnight. CNN is covering the rescue via affiliate KWTV in Oklahoma City. The rescuers have dropped one of the victims they were trying to save from the helicopter.

Fox News covering Hurricane Dean.

MSNBC showing an old Dateline episode.

UPDATE: FOX NEWS is now covering the rescue live as well.

Hurricane Dean: Networks Preparing

As Category 4 Hurricane Dean aims for Jamaica, the news networks are ramping up their coverage. CNN has been providing live reports from Jamaica throughout the morning and MSNBC has Ned Colt reporting live from Kingston.

TV Newser is reporting that the rest of the networks have other coorespondents heading to cover the hurricane.

KSPR: Anchors Have Been Named

The Springfield News-Leader is reporting the anchor changes. Here is what we know:

Morning: Kyle Bosch (current 5 and 10 anchor) - News
Natalie Nunn (current weekend weather) - Weather

Evening: Joe and Christine Daues - News
Meteorologist Kevin Lighty (from Lexington, KY) - Weather
Whitney Scott (former weekend sports anchor) - Sports Director

Weekend: Michelle Sherwood (from KY3) - News
Josh DeBerge (from KOMU) - Weather

Confirmation: KSPR Changes!

The News 2K has confirmed this morning that KSPR will be shaking up its newscast schedule beginning September 10. KSPR will be running the KSPR Morning News from 5-7. It will then air news at 4:30 and 5:30 pm, followed by its regular nighttime news at 10 pm. The 5:00 show will be no more. In its place will be Jeopardy. World News Tonight will move to 6:00 pm.

Who will be anchoring these newscasts? No official word yet.

This is a bold move by KSPR-TV. Similar news shows at 4:30 have had success in other markets, although I am unaware of any stations running a 5:30 newscast in MO.

Christiane Amanpour talks about CNN, God, and Documentaries

CNN's Christiane Amanpour has a three part documentary set to air Aug. 21 - 23 at 9 eastern, 8 central. TV Guide has an interview with her about her years at CNN, the importance of faith, and about documentaries. Check out that interview here.

KSHB's Programming Update

KSHB has confirmed to The News 2K that it will continue to air "KC Live" at 10 a.m. even when the 4th hour of Today begins airing in September. They will tape-delay the hour for playing from 11-noon daily.

I have contacted KSDK, KYTV, and KSNF but I have received no response from them. I will let you know as soon as I do concerning what those stations plan to do.

Whole Lot of Shakin' Goin' On?

Speculation continues as to what is forthcoming at KSPR and KYTV. A couple of sources are telling me that announcements will be made public concerning major changes coming at both stations, possibly as early as August 20.

I have received emails speculating that Joe and Christine Daues, former Springfield TV personalities, will be anchoring on KSPR. I can't confirm that, but it isn't that far fetched of a possibility. Other possibilities include KSPR running a newscast at 4:30 and 6:30. We will know more in a few days.

New News Director at KSHB

Bottom Line Communications is reporting that Rick Iler, assistant news director at the CBS affiliate in Phoenix, will be the news director at KSHB. Apparently early on in his career he worked in Joplin, too.

Answering The Important Questions

TV Newser has a short 5 question interview with ABC's Deborah Roberts, who is married to Al Roker of the Today Show.

And while you are at it, if you missed it before you might check out my recent interview with KSN's Brad Douglas here.

New Blog Link

KYTV's Michelle Sherwood is blogging away. I have placed her blog on in the links section to the right, or you can click here to visit it.

This is "All Day" on NBC

The Today Show is expanding to 4 hours Monday - Friday in September. Broadcasting and Cable scoops on who will be hosting.

Here are some questions that first come to my mind: why the 4th hour? Will the Missouri NBC stations carry it? How will this affect their daytime schedules?

Hopefully we can answer these questions in the days to come.

1/2 Hour News Hour Goes Bye-Bye

TV Newser is scooping that the Sunday night satire show is gone after the current batch of episodes air.

It's Presidential Week on O'Reilly

Okay, okay... not really... just a couple of candidates are stopping by... but they are noteworthy.

Tonight: Sen. John McCain (R-AZ)

Tomorrow Night: Rudy Giuliani (R-NY)

The O'Reilly Factor airs at 7 and again at 10 central on the Fox News Channel.

When Experience Counts

The Turner Report has a fair and spot-on assessment of KSN's Jim Jackson and his reports concerning the Neosho church shooting. Check it out!

Covering the Coverage: Why It Matters

Unfortunately for me, I have limited tv access today so my coverage of the press conference in Neosho will be limited. I do, however, think that it is important for you the viewer to know who covers the story, when, where, and how.

Yesterday's breaking news from Neosho isn't about a horserace to see who can get on the scene first, but rather which stations will deploy the resources to keep you, the public, informed during times of breaking news. It will be interesting to see if all stations cover the press conference live today or if they wait to show the highlights of it during their newscast.

It was evident yesterday who was able to get you the story when it matters most. Maybe it served as a wake-up call to those who were simply behind the ball.

Covering the Neosho Shooting

This thread will be updated throughout the evening with coverage notes as I have them.

**10 pm update**

KSN promises team coverage and begins with a taped report by Chris Warner. After a break for weather, KSN has the Chief of Police with Jim Jackson and Tiffany Alaniz live on the scene. They are getting new information quickly and accurately. This is the most informative update thus far. The suspect apparently let the children out of the church before beginning shooting. The prosecutor talked to Tiffany Alaniz and detailed initial charges that will likely be charged in the morning.

KOAM begins with a report from Mike Corcoran in the newsroom. No one else is covering this story for KOAM.

KYTV has team coverage. Chad Plein is leading the coverage live from Neosho. Marie Saevedra is confirming that the shooter was of Pacific Islander descent. She also has eyewitnesses. They will air the press conference live tomorrow morning at 10:30.

KSPR-33 has no live person on the scene. KODE's Ashlin Fleeman is covering the story for that channel.


**9:30 update** Mary Beth Brush reports on FOX 27 that the shooter may have been related to a member of the congregation.

KY3 has Marie Saevedra in Neosho.
KOLR 10 has Mary Beth Brush on the scene.

FOX 27 is leading with the story with details and video. Nothing new to report here. They are reading a statement from MO Gov. Matt Blunt.

Monday Morning Show Updates

* CNN's American Morning has an update on mercury's links to birth defects and heart disease.

* Fox and Friends will have the latest headlines that are making news around the country.

* MSNBC's Morning Joe will be hosted by Willie Geist. Guests include Arkansas Governor Mike Huckabee and Newsweek's Jonathon Alter.

Neosho Church Shooting Update

KSN/KODE's website now has a story that was posted at 5:43 pm. KOAM now also has the story up on its webpage. Although the time the story was posted isn't available, it was not up the last time I checked at 5:15 p.m.

BREAKING... Shooting at Church in Neosho, MO

**UPDATE** CNN now reporting 3 dead with 4-6 injured. At the top of the hour, KY3 reported 3 dead with 3 more injured. Nothing on the Joplin stations still. The shooting occured at the First Congregational Church in Neosho. The gunman is in custody, according to CNN.

CNN reporting 2 people have been killed at a church in Neosho. Fredericka Whitfield talking live to a reporter from the Neosho Daily News. Nothing on any of the Joplin stations at this time, nor on their websites.

Getting To Know... KSN's Brad Douglas

You may know him as Brad, Mr. Douglas, or even "The Gadget Guy". KSN-16's Brad Douglas is a very busy man and has been telling important stories in the 4 states since the fall of 2000. Recently, I had a chance to turn the tables on the journalist and ask him a few questions.

2K: What is the favorite part of your job?

BD: I enjoy the storytelling aspect of it. Every single day is different and some stories are harder to tell than others. I also like that I get to meet new people each and every day, and you really can't predict what the next day will bring. Plus, I like getting out and about and not sitting behind a desk every single day. Everybody does have a story to tell, and it's my job to tell it and do them justice, entertain and hopefully educate.

2K: What is your least favorite part?

BD: Some young journalists fresh out of college really enjoy covering murder cases, court cases and tragedies. The days when I have to cover them are my least favorite.

2K: What are some of your interests outside of the studio?

BD: I'm a big Spider-Man fan. I've been a fan since I was a two year old web-head. In 1998 when I was in college I started up a little website called the Spider-Man Crawl Space http://www.spidermancrawlspace.com/ and it's still up and running. In fact it's one of the most popular Spider-Man sites on the web. We just celebrated nine years online and it's still growing, and I had my biggest month ever in July.

2K: Tell me something about things behind the scenes at KSN.

BD: Behind the scenes at KSN are a blast and would make a great sitcom. We really are like family. There usually isn't a day that goes by where we don't laugh out loud about something. It's a fun place to work and one of the reasons I've stayed there so long.

**More of your favorite anchors, reporters, and meteorologists forthcoming.**

New Springfield 33 Meteorologist

I have received a couple of emails regarding a new weekend meteorologist coming to Springfield 33. I did some researching and finally confirmed that the new met will be Josh deBerge, who comes from KOMU-TV in Columbia.

Here is Josh's bio from KOMU. It may not be up very long, depending on how quickly the webmasters remove it. No word on start date at KSPR.

And Now Here's Mary Beth With The Weather...

Were all three KOLR-10 mets out of town this weekend? KOLR 10 reporter Mary Beth Brush was doing the weather tonight at 6 p.m. I know the weather's boring, but I don't think this is standard procedure.

MSNBC...The Place for Politics... Well, Most of the Time

The Iowa Straw Poll took place today with the results announced tonight. CNN and FOX News had reporters live, but MSNBC is in their doc block marathon. While it is true that it is a non-binding result, but one could argue it is crucial. The bigger question is... how can someone take your branding as THE channel for politics if you don't cover these major political results.

On The Marc

KMOV's morning anchor, Marc Cox, blogs about a new Pew Research Poll concerning the public's perception of television news on a local and national basis. A lot can be ascertained by checking out the results.

Larry, Bill, and the King

Several great guests are coming next week on Larry King Live, which airs at 9 eastern, 8 central on CNN. Below are the guests confirmed:

Tuesday, Aug 14: Bill Maher
Wednesday, Aug 15: Remembering Elvis' Death w/ Priscilla Presley
Thursday, Aug 16: Sen. John McCain (R-Az)

Blogging with Loren

WDAF-TV's morning co-anchor Loren Halifax has her own blog with some interesting aspects on some of the stories impacting the KC Metro area. Updated fairly frequently... if you are a Kansas City viewer this would be a blog to keep an eye on.

Rhonda Justice Leaving KOAM

The Turner Report is reporting this morning that Rhonda Justice is leaving her anchoring duties at KOAM, CBS Channel 7. Click the link for the complete details surrounding her departure.

Food For Thought: Patti Fans Unite, Joe Daues Returns?

A couple of quick news items to chew on:

1. TV News Review has a write up on infrequently seen Fox News Channel anchor Patti Ann Browne.

2. An emailer writes suggesting that KSPR TV may be hiring former KOLR 10 anchor Joe Daues. I have no substantial information to back up this claim, but I do know that he is in the Springfield area still.

3. Who is leaving KOAM? The station's website has an opening for a main station anchor.

Just My $.02

Every once in a while, I will take time out of my schedule and give you some of my unvarnished opinions on a variety of topics relating to the local, state, and national media. This is entry #1 and it focuses on KSPR-TV.

Known to many in the Ozarks as Springfield 33 this station has seemed to struggle mightily for years. I say seemed because I have no direct access to ratings, other than sources which seem to suggest what I believe. The high point of Springfield 33 was likely during the tenure of news anchors Bob Snell and Susan Harding. With their departure... Bob to Arkansas and Susan to Oregon, the station seemed to lose what momentum was present.

Now, KSPR has been bought by the same company which owns KYTV. I don't know if the recent changes that have been noticed on Springfield 33 are a direct result of these changes, but I hope it continues. The station is slowly gaining some momentum and is focusing on the news again. Some stability in the anchor chair would help and the station finding a niche that makes it unique in the Springfield market would also be helpful. They had the right idea when they tried an 11:30 am news. Maybe the station could try a 4:30 or 5:30 news? Maybe even 6:30? This way it doesn't directly competes for KY3 viewers but can create a great product.

There are still many hurdles to overcome. For example, the news broke this evening that a 20 year old murder had been solved. A quick glance at the KSPR homepage has a diet recipe as the lead story. Yet, the station is headed in the right direction. I hope it continues.


All right... that's my $.02. What do you think? Fire away, but remember no personal attacks or profanity allowed!

Morning Joe... Really?

Is it just me or is Joe Scarborough absent from his show on MSNBC more than most people are? Tomorrow, Tucker Carlson fills in. Guests will include Retired Col. Jack Jacobs, Mike Barnicle, and Chuck Nice.

It's Snowing at koamtv.com

Yes, I know that the Red Cross is opening cooling centers, but is a snowflake the appropriate icon? Sorry, just had to laugh this afternoon.

Why FNC's Gibson Praises A Liberal

Over at the Fox News Channel, The Big Story's John Gibson set the partisan tones aside yesterday and praised Democratic Senator Dianne Feinstein of California. Below are some highlights of his comments:

"I know this will come as a shock for some, but I'm about to effusively praise a liberal.
There are liberals who can be counted on to hardly ever do the right thing, and then there are liberals I think should be commended for doing the right thing when the chips are down."

"There are many things about Sen. Feinstein's politics I don't agree with, but I have always believed she is a prudent judge of danger and has acted in the right way to head off disaster and death..."

It is an interesting read. Be sure to check it out in its entirety here.

The News 2K Returns

After a one day absence due to my birthday, The News 2K is back and running today. Updates coming soon!

Who Needs To See All The Debate Anyway?

The Turner Report has a blog entry on Joplin ABC Station KODE cutting out the last 30 minutes of the Republican Presidential Debate to go to its scheduled religious programming.

That's a curious move...

A Bright Light In The Darkest Hour

On Anderson Cooper's 360 Blog, CNN's Gary Tuchman shares the story of the kindness of a good samaritan following the airing of the story of Marcelo Cruz, a parapelegic man whose van was damaged in last week's I-35 W Bridge Collapse in Minneapolis.

It is a touching blog entry that sheds some light on the often underreported stories in the news media.

MSNBC Super Tuesday Tomorrow

Tomorrow there will be a primarily all-politics day, according to MSNBC, billed as SUPER TUESDAY coverage. Some of the anchors for the Super Tuesday coverage include Matt Lauer, David Gregory, and Andrea Mitchell. Chris Jansing will be live from Chicago, the site of the debate.

This will lead up to the AFL-CIO Democratic Presidential Forum moderated by MSNBC's Keith Olbermann. The forum will air at 7 eastern, 6 central. Chris Matthews will handle post-debate coverage at 8:30 eastern, 7:30 central.

The complete press release can be found here.

Greta: CNN put "Paula Out To Dry"

Interesting commentary from Fox News Channel's Greta Van Susteren on the demise of CNN's Paula Zahn.

Check out the link below to read the commentary. It is a worthwhile read with many valid points.

Link: http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,292267,00.html

KMBC On Top At 10 In July

According to Bottom Line Comunications, KMBC (Channel 9) led the Kansas City metro in the race for 10:00 news, ahead of KCTV 5. NBC Action News 41 falls well behind, followed by FOX 4.

Mornings are still dominated by FOX 4.

Monday AM Cable News Notes

Tomorrow morning...

*CNN's American Morning will discuss training Iraqi police here in the US.

*MSNBC's Mika Brzezinski will be filling in for Joe Scarborough on Morning Joe.

*Fox and Friends will bring you the latest headlines from around the world on the Fox News Channel.

Meet The Press Questions the Secretary of Defense

While the Republican Presidential candidates were talking policy on ABC this morning, Tim Russert had Secretary of Defense Robert Gates on the air discussing the situation in Iraq. It was a fascinating interview as you can from an excerpt from the transcript below (courtesy of http://www.msnbc.com/):

MR. RUSSERT: Should the Iraqi parliament have stayed in session?

SEC’Y GATES: Yes. In fact, when I was in Iraq two months ago, I urged—I strongly urged the presidency council and the, and the prime minister that council of representatives not go out.

MR. RUSSERT: Because the signal it sends, sends to the U.S., whose sons and daughters are over there in 130-degree heat carrying their extraordinarily heavy packs, fighting every day, and the Iraqis adjourn without reconciling.

SEC’Y GATES: Well, I was—I was actually even more blunt than that to them. I said, “We have—for every day that we buy you, we’re buying it with American blood, and the idea of you going on vacation is unacceptable.”

The complete transcript can be found here:

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/20094638/

Sunday Morning Fireworks

ABC's This Week, hosted by George Stephanopoulos, will air a Republican Presidential debate this morning from Iowa. It should be interesting to see who is on their A-Game. Nonetheless, it should be an entertaining (if not informative) 90 minutes of Sunday morning television. The Democrats will debate in two weeks.

For more details and in-depth information:
http://www.abcnews.go.com/Politics/story?id=3394394

SE Missouri Station Drops 9:00 News

KFVS's sister station has dropped its 9:00 news. The SE Missourian has the scoop on the story below.

http://www.semissourian.com/story/1235109.html

KY3 Anchor Departs: Who will succeed Connelly?

Another anchor at KYTV in Springfield, MO says goodbye. 5 p.m. anchor Cara Connelly signed off Wednesday evening after accepting a position in Ohio. We wish Ms. Connelly the best! The question now becomes: who will replace her? Will it be an in-house KY3 staffer like Paula Moorehouse or will they bring in outside talent like they did with Ethan Forhetz?

Welcome to The News 2K

This will be your home for news about the news. Stay tuned for more stories as I have them right here on this blog!