My $.02: Is it November yet?

I am an informed individual (although sometimes my posts may not show it). I also believe that it is important that the news media provide its viewers with the most information possible concerning candidates for political office, however, this ad nauseum droning on and on concerning the Presidential race has me yearning for mid-November.

Maybe it is because neither of the two major political party candidates have done anything I feel that warrants my vote. Maybe it is because they both keep changing their opinions on issues faster than a woman at a Macy's shoe sale. Or maybe because the media keeps tabs on every movement each of the candidate makes. Did you know Barack Obama had to borrow a new charter jet while his was being worked on? What about the fact that John McCain wiped off a kiss that his wife Cindy planted on him before a rally yesterday? WHO IN THE HELL CARES?!?

If the networks would cover the substantive issues and delve deep into some of their positions maybe I could find a reason to watch the cable news channels on a daily basis again. Instead they have to focus on a lot of nuances that the general public couldn't care less about. If they aren't going to do that, then why not focus on some major governorship races or Senatorial seats that are hotly contested? These have been interesting. The governor race here in Missouri, along with the Attorney General primary, have been fascinating to keep up with in the blogosphere as well as on Missouri tv.

Let me applaud those networks who are spending time covering other substantial races outside of Obama/McCain. Those are the campaigns that I feel like I still have some vested interest in.

I wish cable news had substance when it came to covering the Presidential race 24/7 instead of analyzing the same comment and/or attack ad 297,898,675,071 times.

Maybe it is just me... but is anyone else asking: Is it November yet?

My $.02: Is the Huge Tornado Outbreak of 1974 Coming... Or Isn't It?

My afternoons have been somewhat calmer than normal the past few days. That has allowed me the chance to browse the internet more than I usually do. A quick visit to KY3's website alarmed me this evening. Their headline reads "Forecasters predict possible huge tornado outbreak on Thursday." (By the way... you can click on the article to read the full story.) I have some knowledge of meteorology, but in no way would I consider myself an expert. I have been following the model data and forecasts for this event for a while now. I knew it could be bad... but this bad? Here?!? I apparently had missed some new developments since the afternoon discussions from the National Weather Service.



I clicked on the link and found these words: "The National Weather Service gave advance warning on Wednesday of a possible tornado outbreak in the Great Plains on Thursday. They say conditions are similar to a deadly day in 1974 when 39 tornadoes touched down."



If that doesn't draw your attention then I don't know what does. Yet, the article itself specifically only refers to areas from Northern Oklahoma through Iowa, specifically Central and Eastern Kansas. The AP article never once references Missouri. So I am left in a quandry: does this article pertain to the Ozarks or does it not? Is the Outbreak of 1974 coming or is it going to remain in Kansas?



My gut instinct knew what to do -- click on the weather forecast. Ron's discussion will be posted and he will have insight into this pending catastrophe. Here are his words of wisdom: "A line of severe storms is forecasted to form along the front and they will approach the Ozarks by early Friday morning. The front will wash out across the Ozarks late Friday and Saturday."



Woah. So it's not going to be bad here... but it is potentially bad enough to post the headline referencing a pending "huge tornado outbreak." Anyone dizzy yet?



This kind of situation is troublesome to me. As someone who has been reading forecast discussions, analyzing model data, and perusing soundings, I feel that tomorrow could be a pretty stormy night around with the threat of tornadoes. The problem exists because the general public is likely walking away from the KY3 website either thinking the world is coming to an end or we will only be getting a few scattered thunderstorms. Either they are stocking up on batteries for their weather radios or they are blissfully ignorant at the potential that exists for an outbreak of storms tomorrow.



Before the posters come on here saying that I must work for KOLR or KSPR and that I secretly hate the KY3 Stormteam, let me say that I respect Ron, Brandon, and Dave. I feel they are a great team of meteorologists. In this instance, however, KY3 needs to pick a position and provide analysis of that opinion. You can't be like the politician who says he has friends on both sides of the issue and that he stands with his friends. Either we have the potential for an outbreak or we don't. So which one is it Stormteam? Sitting on the fence is no place to reside when you claim you are "the place to be."

My $.02: It's That Time of Year Again

June 1 is always a day I look to with mixed emotions. Today marks the beginning of a period many people, especially along the Gulf and Atlantic coasts, have come to dread - hurricane season. From now until November 30, residents across this country will be watching with bated breath every blob that develops from Alabama to Africa.

I hope everyone is prepared.

No longer are hurricanes just a worry for residents within a hundred miles of the ocean though. The next hurricane to threaten the U.S. will have all of us reaching for our remotes to get the latest from the television news media. And if it happens this year, the media will need to cover much more than just the potential impacts from the wind, rain, and the storm surge. The impacts of a strong hurricane will hit each of us in the pocketbook -- hard. As you know, gas prices are already at record highs with no end in sight. A hurricane or a tropical storm anywhere near the US mainland will send crude oil through the roof.

The results? Much higher gas prices, which will in turn increase the price of everything you buy from your morning cereal to your ice cream sandwich you eat for a midnight snack. It won't just be the food you eat that will be impacted. With higher fuel prices, the cost of shipping anything will also increase. With an economy teetering on the brink of a meltdown, this is something we simply can't afford.

I hope the media is prepared to do more than just stand out in the wind and tell everyone else to stay inside. I hope they are prepared to do more than prove to us they can position the most reporters in harm's way. I hope the media is ready to analyze the storm, give those in the direct path the very latest information to help reach safety, and then provide the rest of us with the no-frills analysis of what lies ahead for those who will never have to board up our windows or evacuate because of Hurricane Bertha or Tropical Storm Renee's gale force winds and flooding rain squalls. We will need the media to rise to the task if that time comes. I hope they don't let us down.

June 1st marks the beginning of the hurricane season, but it is much more than that. It begins an anxious 6 months for all of us. I hope we are all ready! For if we aren't, we have no one to blame but ourselves. News networks --- are you listening?

My $.02: That Anchor Is A Jerk! So what?!?

There have been posts after posts on other blogs that specifically discuss television news recently about how horribly rude David Gregory of NBC/MSNBC is behind the scenes, during commercials, etc. I have been ignoring adding any of those entries which quote several sources that seem to confirm the information. Apparently, David Gregory is a JERK! While it has been filling up some blogs for weeks, I have refused to mention it. Today I reached my breaking point and decided it was time to add my two cents.

Maybe my opinion is shallow, but here it is summed up into 2 words: who cares? If being rude was a crime most of this nation would be in jail. If I had a nickel for every one of my coworkers who has been discourteous to me this year, I would likely be able to buy a nice steak dinner. Yet, I don't go home and read about their behavior on a blog. And why should I? I shouldn't. One of the rudest individuals I ever worked for was a brilliant meteorologist with quick wit and great camera presence. As a member of the viewing public, I would much rather watch someone who understands the workings of the atmosphere than someone who copies the National Weather Service forecast and adds pictures.

Don't get me wrong. I am not advocating for rudeness. Rude people grate upon my last nerve. In the arena of broadcast journalism, however, my main concern isn't their conduct off camera but how they conduct themselves on air. The exception to this would be if they were to do something that was illegal and break the law. Those individuals should be punished accordingly and details about their behavior is fair game. Some examples that come to my mind in this regard would be KOLR 10's Steve LaRocco or CNN's Richard Quest.

In short, I would much rather have someone bringing me the news that is talented, capable, and a little egocentric, than have to watch a bumbling idiot who can't string two words together who has never said a rude thing in their life bring me my headlines. So enough with all the posts about someone with an ego. How about a little bit more time on the important things: the coverage of the news itself? What a concept! A news blog covering the coverage of the news!

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.

My $.02: Ozarks FOX in the Morning

This week gave me some time off to watch some local news (imagine that!). One of my first choices was to see what the first attempt from KSFX in the morning had to offer. I have to honestly say that I was somewhat underwhelmed.

First of all, I have to say that there were some things I was anticipating that weren't there. In order to keep a loyal viewership, it must be somewhat entertaining and pleasant to watch. Now, I know what some of you are saying... local news isn't supposed to be entertaining. To some extent, I agree. I am a proponent of hard news. I feel that in-depth investigations and breaking news make or break a newscast, along with reliable weather. In the morning, however, to compete with the Today Show, Good Morning America, and *cough* The Early Show, there has to be some personality.

Rob Evans has that ability, but being a single anchor with limited time with Meteorologist Tom Trtan doesn't provide a viewer a reason to watch Ozarks Fox versus a national program. The news was recycled from KOLR 10 This Morning for the most part and the most compelling reason to watch (the ice storm) was relegated to about :08 into the program. If you are live off the top of the program out in the storm (or at least covering the story while showing Springfield city cameras) then people will stay with you.

If a local news at 7 a.m. is going to work, it MUST heavily emphasize live local information immediately. Otherwise, viewers will just wait for the local news update at 7:25 on the other network shows.

The highlight of the newscast was the live local interview that occurred about :18 or so into the show, but by then I am afraid those who were expecting more of this kind of activity had already turned the channel. The interview that morning was with Barry Hinson and was fascinating to watch. Rob's sports background helped the interview proceed smoothly, but he, as an anchor, is much more comfortable talking with people than reading the news.

I am very excited that the station has decided to have a 7 a.m. newscast. Spending some time in the Kansas City viewing area, I always enjoyed WDAF's 5-9 a.m. news block. They were able to cover traffic in real-time and gave their viewers immediate information that they couldn't get while watching Meredith, Matt, Ann, and Al. Hopefully these changes will come over the coming weeks as the station tweeks the program and finds what works and what doesn't.

Otherwise, Ozarks FOX in the Morning will become an hour of KOLR 10 This Morning repeated on FOX 27.

My $.02: THE SKY IS FALLING... (AKA: It is going to snow!)

The Springfield and Joplin evening newscasts have led with the impending snowstorm of doom. If you listen to some of the meteorologists you might believe that when you wake up in the morning that you might find this image:

(This image courtesy of library.thinkquest.org)

While I do think that it is likely to snow many inches, a couple of stations are really hyping the storm to the point that if it isn't the "Blizzard of the Century" many Ozarks residents will believe that they missed it again, blowing another light snow completely out of proportion.

We shall see what tomorrow brings... until then, go stock up on your supplies. Who knows? You might even get in a tv station's live shot at Uncle Bob's Booze and More.

My $.02: Twister Assembly Line 2008

My internet has been down since last Monday night. For most people in SW MO, it will be a night we won't soon forget. Since the internet came back online this afternoon, I have been perusing blogs and sites trying to find a real good source to rate media coverage. I was unsuccessful.

My Monday night was supposed to be a quiet one. I got in from New Mexico late Sunday, I worked Monday, and then had to head to Nixa to the dentist Monday evening. I was extremely tired, so I decided I would have my mother drive me (what a saint, eh?) so I can rest on the way back home. Well, I left the dentist office at approximately 5:35 p.m. with the sirens blaring. There was no real practical way to get back home. My choices were to either take shelter in Springfield or try to get north of the storms to find a route back home that way. Being I have been through the Storm Spotter classes, I decided that I would try to guide my mother ahead of the storms. Long story short... it took us three and a half hours to get back home.

I said all that to say this. I wasn't able to start watching local coverage on the tv until around 9:15 or so. My analysis will have to be based on the situation after that. First, let me thank KTTS for their amazing radio job (AS ALWAYS!!!!). They helped save lives. Next, let me thank KY3 and KSPR for their great job. I believe both stations were on the air continuously for approximately 12+ hours. They did a wonderful job. I was unable to catch KOLR or KSFX in their coverage, but would assume they did a good as well.

Ultimately, though, the experience of Ron and Dave truly shined. Their knowledge of Ozark geography really helped them provide viewers with life-saving information that gave them a leg up on the competition. That isn't to belittle Kevin and Josh. They did a great job, but still have some catching up to do. I imagine this will come in time as they become more familiar with the area.

I am glad we have tv stations in the Ozarks that allow their mets to cover these severe storms and help save lives. I hope people didn't call in and complain about the coverage. The situation warranted the non-stop info. I just hope we don't have another night like that again any time soon!

My $.02... The New KSPR

Well, today makes day 7 of the new KSPR and I have to say it is a vast improvement over what was being called a "newcast" on that channel. The station needed a rebranding badly and I believe that most of the steps were in a positive direction. Let me briefly summarize my likes and dislikes.

Likes:

* Time changes: I may be the only one in the Ozarks who feels this way, but news at 4:30 and 5:30 are more convenient for me. Having a station with a newscast before everyone else gives the station a chance to "break" stories.

*New weather system: By far, an improvement over the graphics of the former Springfield 33. Could possibly be the cleanest graphics in all of the Springfield market.

* Talent: Personalities mesh very well, especially Josh deBerge and Michelle Sherwood. Only one reporter has so far stood out to me as having been a little weak, but it could have just been because it was breaking news, feed problems, etc. I will give it more time before I pass judgment.

*Interaction with Viewers: Great feature added to the newscast!

Dislikes:

* Sunday-Thursday wheel: Maybe it is because it is new and I am not used to it yet, but I HATE the Sunday-Thursday rotation for the weekday anchors and Sat-Sun for the weekend set.

*Ad campaign: While I like the premise for the ads, I find the responses by the viewers completely bizarre. I am not sure what KSPR is going for. I think the ads would be much more effective if they had this scenario. Take the grocery shopping ad, for instance. The mother and kids are walking down the aisle and pick up a box of sweets. A KSPR anchor/reporter comes down the aisle with a cart, warns the mother "Did you know...", the mother smiles, puts it back, looks appreciative, while the kids are like "WHAT?". Then it looks like KSPR is doing a service as opposed to annoying the Ozarks.

* Lack of news: Some of the newscasts have been filled with stories, some are rather sparse and have many more commercial breaks. KSPR needs to find a consistant coverage level and stick with it.

Overall, I am enjoying the new KSPR. That's just my $.02... your thoughts?

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!