Casey Anthony’s murder trial is easily the biggest television news event in Orlando’s history. Each day, it seems, the local television stations keep turning their coverage up a notch. All aired the opening statements, then planned to settle into live streaming coverage that would appear mostly online. But that plan…
Orlando TV
Continue Reading
It’s official: WUCF TV to be Orlando’s main PBS station
PBS fans in Orlando can breathe easier. On July 1, WUCF TV will officially take over as the main PBS affiliate in Central Florida when public broadcasting leaves longtime home WMFE-TV. Though reported earlier, the deal was officially announced today. The University of Central Florida said in a news release…
Against WMFE sale? You have until Friday to tell FCC
The Federal Communications Commission has set Friday as the deadline for those opposed to the sale of public broadcaster WMFE to make their case. According to RBRTV.com, ‘”The deadline to file a petition to deny is 5/6/11, and all related filings should reference MB Docket No. 11-75 and File No. BALEDT-20110401ACW.”…
Orlando TV
Continue Reading
WESH live truck in accident under Interstate 4
WKMG’s new 7 p.m. newscast had its first scoop Wednesday night — video of an accident involving a WESH 2 News live van stuck under Interstate 4. According to Local 6, the Channel 2 van nearly rolled over when the live mast became stuck under the I-4 overpass on Wymore…
Orlando TV
Continue Reading
Seattle sports guy Gaard Swanson is new WKMG anchor
It worked with departing morning anchor Erick Weber — hiring a sports anchor to make the transition to news anchor. So, Local 6 is going to do it again. NewsBlues.com and OrlandoSentinel.com report that WKMG is hiring Gaard Swanson as its new main male anchor. Starting Feb. 3, he will…
Orlando TV
Continue Reading
Erick Weber leaving Local 6, heading to Boston
WKMG Morning News and noon anchor Erick Weber announced on his Facebook page Monday that he’s leaving Orlando. “It is with both great excitement and great sadness that I am announcing I have accepted a morning news position in Boston, ” he wrote. “Central Florida has been home to me…
Orlando TV
Continue Reading
Changes afoot at Bright House’s News 13
Wow — I need to go buy a lottery ticket. Just a day after I made my 2011 predictions for the Orlando TV market — looks like one has come true — and another may be about to. I received this communication Tuesday afternoon: “CFN13 just laid off news director…
Orlando TV
Continue Reading
11 Orlando TV predictions for 2011
Why not bring out the crystal ball and make some predictions for the new year? OK, glad you asked. Here are 11 predictions for 2011: Barbara West will return to Orlando TV. (As she made clear in her final comments on air, it wasn’t her idea to leave WFTV. Some…
Orlando TV
Continue Reading
TV changes in ’11: WKMG, Daily Buzz, Golf Channel
Some big changes with Orlando-based television start on Monday — the first weekday of the new year. Cellar-dweller WKMG launches its new 7 p.m. newscast with Lauren Rowe as primary anchor. The station has split its hour-long 6 p.m. news into two 30-minute segments with the CBS Evening News with…
Orlando TV
Continue Reading
Former Orlando newsers talk about O-Town days
Orlando Sentinel TV Guy Hal Boedeker catches up with a group of O-Town TV alumni, asking about their days covering the news in Orlando. The roster includes CBS News’ Byron Pitts (1986-88 at WESH), CNN’s Jessica Yellin (1998-2000 at News 13), ABC News’ Deborah Roberts (1997-90 at WFTV), CBS News’…