PhillyWatch

WCAU didn't put together the concert. The city put together the concert. The city put together a sleepy concert and WCAU did the best they could with it. It was weak to air NYC coverage over the "big, fantastic, magical" local show, ESPECIALLY in the first year of airing it, but the national broadcast simply had the stronger acts. Let's see what lessons are learned and what everybody (WCAU, the city) does differently next year Can we get down to the real discussion now- when are they debuting those damn new graphics?

How competitive is Days, one of the last soaps on the air? I imagine he'll chip away at KYW. Or at least I hope so. Who doesn't miss "The 10! Show"?! It's exciting that 29 is trying an 11pm that will likely be third (at best) and now is also taking a chance on something local instead of taking TD Jakes or "TMZ: Pets" (which reminds me- how's "Top 30"?). Props to FOX29 for the addition of Quincy to the morning rotation. He's a great fit. Alright, fantasy schedule time- noon is currently "Divorce Court" and "Inside Edition". Does "Q" get the full hour? Where are they going to fit in "Harry" come September?

The stream during the newscasts was totally bizarre (then again, isn't that what this is all about?). It was Alex & Mike with two local radio personalities basically on their phones while Chris & Dawn did a newscast less than 10 feet away. Overnight should be a trip!

If I'm not mistaken, Donya made her way back into private life (save for a part in one classic sketch). With Sheinelle in the big leagues now up at NBC, it might be difficult for an appearance but she more than deservedly should be involved. Hell, Kerri-Lee should show up at some point too.

An article from the Delco Times says Mike & Alex will be in the window at 4th and Market for 20 consecutive hours interacting with passers-by to celebrate the anniversary, but I'm not sure if it'll be a straight broadcast. I'm figuring it'll be a streaming event (or maybe they could air it on the currently nonexistent 29.3). Also an interesting tidbit from the article is that Donya Archer will be back during the week of April 4th, though there was little other information on that. With the anniversary celebration scheduled to last all month, could they let Alex take off and have Donya anchor for a day or two (or five)? Friday should be a blast, as should April. Cheers to Good Day! (All this also makes for a prime opportunity to debut that new set)

You do have to take into account that this broadcast was taking place immediately following the youth & music oriented Grammys broadcast. However, we are clearly seeing the birth of a banter-oriented and "optimistic" newscast on KYW (they basically say as much in recent promos for their evening newscasts). Listening to the 10pm show simulcast on 1060 last night, it felt like Kate Bilo was "wow"-ing about the weather with Ukee and Jessica for way too long instead of jumping into the forecast. Don Bell was just tossing a football around a Florida beach with some kids while Ukee and Jessica hrrumph-ed about the gorgeous weather there. They're aiming for a niche they seem to be developing themselves. NBC10 has jumped full on into hard news investigating and reporting if that's what you're looking for. 6 is still the local "gold standard" for a well-rounded newscast. And FOX29 is... also on option. It will definitely be interesting to see how long this lasts.

Don't know if it has happened before (and it should most definitely happen again) but I caught the tail end of the 6pm show tonight and Jim Donovan was co-anchoring. From his work a few years back anchoring their live coverage of the "duckboat" accident on the Delaware to his work with Pat during their Pope-cast, Jim is pretty much the Brian Taff of their stable. I'd love to see them head-to-head at 10!

Tonight I noticed we now get a cropped 4:3 midnight double-run of Action News @ 10 airing on WPHL's 17.2 subchannel.

My guide has paid programs for the 7am hour and Better for 8. Ouch. Guess management would rather have any available eyes on CBS This Morning.

A slew of articles are out today announcing the launch of "Breakfast on Broad", a new morning show on The Comcast Network (though essentially a Comcast Sportsnet show, only they didn't want to ax the sports news loop currently airing there in mornings). One of the team members announced at launch was Jillian Mele meaning she'll likely be done at 10 in mornings, taking her traffic duties down to the Sports Complex. Time for another trafficperson contest?!

There she is, the finest sports set in all of Tuscaloosa