Big Country News

ABC has sent notice to affiliates that beginning February 3rd, there will be a new open and lower third for special coverage. One development though is a change from the past, however. the "Special Report" designation will only be used for anticipated coverage. Unanticipated coverage will now fall under "Breaking News" ABC justified the change by pointing to its use of "Breaking News" in GMA and WNT, adding that it will underscore urgency. Here is what the new animations and lower thirds will look like.

I remember someone awhile back saying the O&O's wanted to distance themselves from the News Channel, but these new graphics more closely align them again. They even look like something the FNC/FBN graphics dept. would produce.

KMID ditched their building for KPEJ's. Would be interesting to know who owns KPEJ's building.

Fun Fact: Hot Haus' Matt Quinn is based in Cleveland and has done a lot of work with both WOIO and WKYC. Quinn was behind OIO's famous graphical looks through most of the 2000's. Not a stretch to think they went local again with a familiar face. Much like the Nashville stations do with 615 (WCPM)

NewsNet also now has a wikipedia page about it with a lot of information. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NewsNet

NewsNet just picked up two major-market affiliates. One in Chicago, the other in San Francisco.

<div class="scripps_iframe_embed" style="position:relative;"><div style="display:block;width:100%;height:auto;padding-bottom:56.25%;"></div><iframe style="position:absolute;top:0;left:0;width:100%; height:100%;" border="0" height="100%" frameborder="0" webkitallowfullscreen="" allowfullscreen="" mozallowfullscreen="" scrolling="no" scrolling="no" src="https://assets.scrippsdigital.com/cms/videoIframe.html?&host=www.kgun9.com&title=Embeded%20Video&m3u8=https://content.uplynk.com/a9c3a102543e430a8b662a20aacdc681.m3u8&purl=/weather&story=0&ex=1&s=kgun"></iframe></div> That may soon change. KGUN's weather has the Scripps package.

An Update: NewsNet confirms new year launch date, announces first affiliates. http://yournewsnet.com/where-to-see-newsnet/

I mean, their corporate partner to the north *is* KRQE. That logo fits.

Word is that the crowdfunding angle was ditched and investors signed on, so that's how it is able to launch.

Bit of an Update: The kickstarter didn't go as hoped, and the project was rebranded. http://yournewsnet.com/introducing-newsnet/ News Net is set to launch in January. One of the big items dropped: local/regional programming other than inserted ads at the station level.

https://www.bigcountryhomepage.com/news/main-news/randy-turner-to-depart-krbc-news/1405146598 Longtime KRBC Anchor/Chief Meteorologist (and former KTAB Met) is leaving the station.

How does one go from filling in on a flagship network news program to the lowest rated revolving door in DMA 10?

I actually like the "eyeopener" style. Would be better if they dropped the traditional tease all together.

WWTV/WWUP Reporter Megan Viecelli has been arrested, and is now out on bond. Police say she was driving drunk and resisted, assaulted, or obstructed officers. http://www.cadillacnews.com/news/cadillac-woman-facing-police-aro-owi/article_6730e960-aa56-567a-bf44-5f1061e8c2db.html