The Inbox....
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Some FTVLive readers react to stories they saw on FTVLive.com:
In regards to the note that outgoing KDKA (Pittsburgh) Anchor Stacey Smith left on the anchor desk:
Email:
What an ego this guy must have. Who the hell does he think he is to lecture other professionals on how to do their jobs? Another example of a coddled anchor who believes his own press.
A reaction to the station that is giving away a baby in a contest:
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Scott,
I disagree with your assumption that the "Hits 106" radio promotion of fertility treatment will migrate to TV contests?
I see only two ways a station would benefit. 1. Some "buzz" in local media and top-of-mind recall in diary markets. 2. Increasing the population to long-term move-up market size.
Might it be more appropriate to give away condoms or IUD's?
Such a promotion would dovetail with already existing station branding:
COVERAGE You Can Count On
Live, Local and NON BREAKING
Keeping you SAFE?
In regards to the breaking news battle in the Burgh:
Email:
Hi Scott..
I always enjoy catching up with you and keeping track of this crazy, lunatic business I've spent 50 years in.
What I like the most are the posts that provoke debate, consternation and deep thought.
"Breaking news" is one of those debates.
I agree 100% that the term "breaking news" is one of the most overworked, overused, paltry and often misunderstood buzz phrases in the news business. It's designed to grab your attention before you leave the TV and go to the restroom. You aren't supposed to go attend the crying baby because this "breaking news" is something so important that you cannot leave your TV set right now.
It turns my stomach now to hear it referred to by diet pill makers and used car dealerships on Auto Row.
In the realm of journalism, "breaking news" is supposed to be information that I have not heard before, anywhere on any station or network.
But if the news has not ever aired on my station, it is indeed "breaking news" to my viewers who are not watching some other station. Your viewers are watching YOU and it's news happening right now on YOUR station. On another channel, it can also be breaking news to viewers who don't happen to be watching you right now. Who cares if it "broke" on some other station first? My viewers weren't watching them. The only people who really care about "breaking news" are the folks in the promotions department.
Personally, I can accept "breaking news" as a buzz phrase, but only because it's breaking on your station with viewers who haven't heard it before. If I hear it on a car commercial, I laugh at gullible people and change the channel.
