We Told You!
2 1/2 months ago, FTVLive FIRST told you that WOIO (Cleveland) was going to dump the "Action News" branding in August.
On June 1st, FTVLive wrote, "The station is making a number of changes, including changing the station's branding from Action News to "Cleveland 19 News" in August. But, don't tell anyone that just yet, it's supposed to be a secret."
Well here we are in August and guess what?
Today, the Cleveland Plain Dealer writes, "Starting noon Monday, Aug. 24, you'll notice some changes in the tone and style of the WOIO Channel 19 newscasts. The station is saying a formal farewell to the wild and woolly 19 Action News format, rebranding its news operation Cleveland 19 News."
We hate to say we told you so, but.....who are we kidding we LOVE to say WE TOLD YOU SO.
"You can feel this sense of pride growing in Cleveland over the last few years, and we're trying to make sure we have a brand that reflects that," said WOIO News Director Fred D'Ambrosi.
Since D'Ambrosi has been in the market less than 6 months, we're not sure how he has been able to, "feel this sense of pride growing in Cleveland over the last few years"? But hey, this is TV news branding, so you got to make up something.