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OK. Let’s come in off the ledge, un-twist our panties and un-clutch our pearls... and ask an important and unpopular question. How relevant is a television traffic report in 2019? Really. Every commuter worth their salt relies on traffic apps, and there are loads of them. Even Google Maps shows traffic now. TV traffic has always been dubious, because the information ages quickly, and each report is only relevant to a select geographic area. If you live in Union County, then Long Island and Westchester traffic reports mean nothing to you. Traffic apps, which every commuter depends on, are universal, real-time and more reliable. Once in the car, every radio station has traffic reports, which are probably more reliable as well. Commuters who watch TV know that. Transit information might seem to be more relevant, but there are just as many apps for that. Also, the MTA’s own site, and all have real time information that are more comprehensive than TV traffic. While nobody has mentioned it, I’ll bet traffic and transit information were in the crawl, because it’s automated. And any major traffic event, such as the upper level of the GWB closed, an accident on the Helix, or A & D service suspended below 59th Street would likely be covered in the news blocks or by helicopter. From a business perspective, long term loss of traffic wouldn’t be a good idea, only because it would convey an idea of something missing or not caring. It’s window- dressing. But in terms of actual real time usefulness, technology has passed it by. Considering how many other things in television have changed, the way TV covers traffic hasn’t changed substantially in decades. I’ll bet most people who missed it (if any), only missed it because it’s a time reminder. Traffic is on, so it’s time to take my shower. Last, but certainly not least, is the fact that WCBS morning problems go far deeper than one day of traffic.

I agree here - if you're reliant on traffic reports in the morning, WCBS-AM, 1010 WINS, or even KTU would be better sources than TV News. If anything, I think there should be more of an emphasis on transit coverage, given how skewed the market is towards public transportation.

That’s INSANE. In THAT market particularly you can’t just not do traffic. I’m gobsmacked.

FTVlive's take....New look, same crap https://www.ftvlive.com/sqsp-test/2019/4/9/look-look-same-crap I'd have to agree with him. You can change the graphics all you want, it's the content that needs to be fixed....and the hand held shot HAS. GOT. TO. GO....NOW! But even a crummy newscast can be made just a little better with a decent look, music and presentation. But it does seem Gray is fixated on research that chases their ideal viewer while the station that wins just covers the news, plain and simple.

Can't resist posting Tampa Bay material such as this 1991 WFLA promo for their Gulf War coverage:

The opens

Some clips of WWOR UPN 9 News from January 1996, with their cool movie inspired set:

CBC Sports... Home to Hockey Night in Canada and Champions!

I've documented the changes on the TVNT Discord server - it appears they are just updating the logos for the most part. Some graphical elements, such as CFTO's Community Calendar, now CTV Our Community, and the aforementioned promo graphics (chryons and all), were completely redone with new graphics. Their news app was also overhauled too. Also noted in the TVNT Discord server: "The roll out is...quite slow. The new CBC standardized logos were quietly introduced in the middle of the Fall 2017 season... and it was only used for internal documents concerning the CBC TV network. Fast forward a year later, the TV network began using it in promos, and the Sports division formally opted in afterwards. Either way, a new look for the CBC is looong over due. The corp was using the same logo structure for almost two decades now." Looking at the visual motifs, it appears The National's chyrons are a part of the current CBCNN/local refreshed graphics, so there will not be a refresh anytime soon. Home of the Champions.

Hate to say it, but it feels like Gray tried to put "Action News" lipstick on a "Snoozefest 19" pig, when Gray should've shot the pig and start over. I would say give it time, but as of now it looks like they're trying too hard to be "Action News" without being "Action News".

If there's one thing Gray doesn't do, it's standardization. Though, I wouldn't mind if this package spread to other stations in the group.

Nah. Gray doesn't operate that way.

Haha... I can't believe she's been with 19 for more than 10 years! And it's funny how we're harkening back to "19 Action News" as a "success" - particularly since "Cleveland 19" was such a snooze! Cleveland is a funny TV market. It seems 19 and 3 basically traded their entire stable of personalities over the past 5 years. Lynna Lai, Danielle Serino, Dawn Kendrick for Romona Robinson, Lydia Esparra and Mark Nolan. And they all lost their personalities in the process! If they want to bring the "Action" back into 19, they need someone with some personality... "Calling Danielle Serino from her Jim Donavan sidekick role at Channel 3......!" (Oh WKYC, talk about a station with a deep bench of talent yet so few newscasts. But I digress.)

Rhetorical question, but why on Earth is the camera shoulder mount and not a normal studio camera? Looks unprofessional and good luck trying to read a prompter like that.

It does feel like something from TVbD circa 1996-97... I think it's the typeface, honestly.

KWWL 1979 featuring a weather forecast from meteorologist Jym Ganahl, before he went to Columbus:

Alex was subbing for Chris who was guest co-host of "The Talk" today. Instead of having a sub do the traffic reports, they skipped the traffic reports and rebranded the segments "Weather On The 2s"

And 19 News is going straight to the top with stories like this!