Denver TV Newsroom to be Eliminated?
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With the proposed Sinclair/Tribune merger there is sure to be a number of job losses. But, could the entire news department at Denver's KWGN be eliminated.
Both KWGN and KDVR are currently tied to each other as part of a sister deal. But, if/when the Sinclair/Tribune deal goes through, Fox Television has agreed to buy KDVR from Sinclair after the deal closes.
This leaves KWGN without it's partner.
Westword writes that sources tell them that they think odds are good that KWGN's local news operation will be eliminated, possibly as soon as year's end, in favor of a nationally produced block of conservative news programming.
Right now, Channel 2's news productions are put together at Fox31, using shared equipment, resources and personnel. Some of the on-air talent, such as Landess and Bjorkman, only appear on Channel 2, and the signal has its own producers, as well. But most of the reporters can be seen on both stations.
After the sale is complete, KDVR and KWGN could make a new deal that would keep this approach in place. But TV observers with whom Westword has spoken see that as unlikely. If Sinclair really is trying to take down Fox News, they say, there's no incentive for a Fox-affiliated station to lend a helping hand.
That's particularly true when it comes to programs such as Daybreak, KWGN's morning show, which would likely compete directly with KDVRs own a.m. offerings.
As they say, stay tuned.
