March: Wettest In The History of Springfield... Also, 2nd Busiest Month Ever For TheNews2K

Now here is a headline you likely won't see on your local news tonight at 10. March has only a couple of hours remaining and barring any major story driving about 100 people to the site this evening, TheNews2K has just had the 2nd most viewed month in my existence.

You might be asking yourself what this matters. In the scheme of things it really doesn't, but I do appreciate you stopping by and taking the time to read what is going on. I enjoy reading your comments and your emails (some terse, some fun, others...well... don't fall into any category).

What can I do to make the blog even better? Your thoughts? Please chime in. Oh, and please come visit in April, too!

On The Murder Beat w/ Emily Rittman

KSPR's Emily Rittman has posted a blog about last week's deadly week in the Ozarks. She brings up a very interesting point. It is very uncommon to have a murder/suspicious death/ etc. every day here in this part of the state. Hopefully this isn't a trend. You can catch her grisly week in review by clicking here.

Weather Is A Laughing Matter

This weekend Meteorologists Katie Horner, Karli Ritter, Brett Anthony, and Bryan Bussby are guests in a Right Between The Ears comedy show down at the Off Center Theatre in Kansas City. So what will they be doing? Here is the breakdown according to the Kansas City Star:

“ 'They’ll all do the same sketch, but we work up until the last minute on these shows, and that sketch is still evolving,” Brogdon said Monday. “It will involve all the cast members. Right now, we’re playing around with a radio serial thing where the weather person is the focal point. The (weathercaster) would be playing the hero.'

All four sketches will be on the comedy group’s Web site at rightbetweentheears.org by Tuesday. Visitors will vote on which one is the best, and that show will be sent to fill RBTE’s slot on Sirius Satellite Radio and Kansas Public Radio April 12 and 13.”

I will definitely try to upload these later in the week. This should be good!

KRCG Reporter Reports Back To Alma Mater

Here is a nice story that you don't see every day. KRCG's Mallory McGowin was profiled in a recent edition of her alma mater's paper, the Mirror. The twist is that Mallory herself will be writing these articles and providing updates on her transition from college life to the real world. It is an interesting read that I suggest you check out by clicking here. McGowin graduated from Drury in May of 2007.

CNN Programming Note

Wolf Blitzer announced this morning on his Sunday show "Late Edition" that he will be anchoring a special live Sunday night edition of "The Situation Room" at 7:00 tonight. I wonder if this has anything to do with the neck and neck race between MSNBC and CNN for the 2nd place spot in the 25-54 demo rating in March. Hmm...

My $.02: Springfield Station Continues To Innovate

I truly enjoy all of the Springfield stations that I watch for news. Each of the four have some wonderful qualities that make them a great source for information. That being said, I have truly been impressed with the ability of KSPR to innovate with their news coverage. First, it was their daily download question and then it was their weather blog. This week added another new feature.

KSPR debuted its new severe weather chat. During severe weather, the KSPR StormVision team mans the chat room for reports as well as providing viewers with information they need. This allows an enhanced interaction with viewers. It will be interesting to see how this new feature develops, but it is just one more niche that KSPR is filling in to reach viewers. In my opinion, it is another smart move.

Turner Report: FOX 14 Making Big Gains

The February sweeps numbers are out for the Joplin market and it was another period on top for KOAM. Perhaps the most surprising numbers came from FOX 14, the sister station of KOAM. Check out the details by clicking here.

KOAM's Larry White Passes Away

I don't know how I missed this, but KOAM's longtime chief engineer passed away recently. He was 66 years old. You can read the complete story by clicking here to be taken to KOAM-TV's website.

I had the chance to meet him back in 2001. He was a very kind man.

It's Not Just Another Cable News Show!

According to TV Newser, CNN Headline News will begin running a new program called Not Just Another Cable News Show, beginning April 5th. The premise sounds kind of interesting. Check out the details on the new offering by clicking here.

Happy Easter Everyone!

Hope you are having a good one!

Audrey Prywitch Promoted

The St. Louis Business Journal reports this morning that KTVI has named Audrey Prywitch to VP and News Director of KTVI, the St. Louis Fox affiliate. She had been the assistant news director of that station.

Movin' On Up...

Former KMBC anchor Jeremy Hubbard is now the new anchor of ABC's overnight news program, World News Now. He began his position on Monday. He has been at a couple of stations since his time at the Kansas City ABC affiliate.

And Everywhere Obama Went (The Ratings Were Sure To Go)

Barack Obama has been a ratings hit the last few days. His speech on race relations drew over 4 million viewers on CNN, Fox News, MSNBC, and CNN Headline News. Nightline's interview with Obama beat Leno and Letterman. Last Friday evening, every hour he was interviewed, the show's ratings jumped significantly from their normal numbers.

Not suprisingly, right now, Anderson Cooper is interviewing Obama. Tomorrow night, he is on Larry King (according to Tv Newser). Oh, and get this... he's even coming soon to The View on ABC.

Back Up and Running

As you might have guessed, The News2K is back up again and fully operational. Thank you for bearing with me during the move. I hope to have some additional information up and loaded later this evening or tomorrow, weather/time permitting.

The Rains Came Down And The Floods Came Up

It is raining, raining, raining... as it has been for some time. This has resulted in massive flooding in spots, including the closing and dismissal of several SW Missouri schools.

Check out Springfield station KYTV's YOU NEWS section for a look at viewer submitted pictures of the disaster. It is simply something else...

Meanwhile, the rain continues. KSPR's Weather Blog is also keeping viewers informed on the latest information as the storm progresses.

The Excuses Continue

I closed on a home Friday and since that time have been without internet access. Blogging will be nearly zero until I have time to get internet up and running at my new residence. Thanks!

MSNBC Employee Dead

Broadcasting and Cable reports that an MSNBC technical staff member was killed early Wednesday morning after leaving the station. She was on her way home following the network's primary coverage when she was killed. Details can be found here.

New Anchor for KSNF's Hometown Today

The Turner Report blogs about the new co-anchor for KSN's Hometown Today. You can find the info here. Chase comes to the show as former morning anchor Toni Valliere moves to the 6 and 10 newscasts.

It must be March in Missouri

The next few days are going to be insanely crazy in the weather department. Hold onto your hats and wigs (if applicable) this afternoon, get ready for severe storms and flooding rains tonight, and then maybe a 6"+ snow! Wow. Only in the Show-Me State.

I reccomend keeping up with the developments at:

http://www.koamtv.com/global/Story.asp?S=7276516

http://www.kspr.com/weather/blog

http://www.ky3.com/weather/forecast

http://community.nbcactionnews.com/blogs/weatherblog/default.aspx