LVForward

Dan has filled in on the weekends before. I think he is just freelancing - he has a regular gig at The Press of Atlantic City.

WFMZ has absolutely come a long way since its beginnings. A lot of the recent comments are spot on in my opinion. The main anchor team of Wendy & Rob have been together for longer than most - they compliment each other well despite a sometimes obvious difference in their approach, focus and background. I do love the 4pm team - although the whole vibe of that broadcast seems to be a rip-off of the original "6@4" approach from WPVI. I also believe cooking segments belong in the sunrise show - no place for it in the evening. Side note: KYW's new restaurant reviews at 11pm are ridiculous! It took me a long time to warm to Jaciel, but I feel it now. The biggest problem across all broadcasts, as mentioned by Mrknowitall526 is technical - especially lately. As for all the repeating features and stories - maybe it is true - there may simply not be enough news in the valley to demand so many hours of news broadcasts. If my opinion of the commentary offered by Mr. Dean & Rev. Barnhouse offended - I apologize, after all it was only my opinion as a viewer.

Agree with you about the set. They have made minor adjustments to it over the last few years but it could use a substantial upgrade now. It was good work by Devlin when it was first done - it is time to get them back and bring it up-to-date. WFMZ does a remarkably good job covering a large suburban area, especially considering they are an independent station in a smaller market that gets lost in the shadows of the Philadelphia stations. They really do have a solid talent pool of dedicated reporters and anchors, as well as a top-notch Accu-Weather team. The largest negative aspect in their news product is the commentary by the station owner Mr. Dean and the Rev. Barnhouse - these two are over the top and deliver a perspective that I am sure is shared by some but needs placement outside of a "fair and balanced" news product. Their brand of commentary only belongs on CBN or Fox News. These segments tarnish the professionalism that their team of journalists deliver consistently. I do appreciate the honest, forth-right delivery of their thoughts. Since Mr. Dean's Maranatha Broadcasting does own the station I also respect his right to share his opinion - but if not only to further reinforce the quality of journalistic integrity he has instilled in the culture of this news team - I would hope he would separate his opinion from the news broadcast. Also, I have said it before, I will say it again - why spend so much money on being a founding sponsor of the PPL Center and building a new downtown studio to barely ever use it? Seems like a waste. The PPL Center studio could be a great temporary set while the one on top of the mountain gets a facelift - just sayin'.

The other night they had Jessica and Ukee in opposite seats. If the best they can do is play musical chairs I give little chance to them returning to the glory days. Seat assignments are something to be tested out off-air. That was just Busch League - not something done in one of the largest markets in the country.

A couple thoughts - It is great to see Matt Broderick back on air. All the great well-wishers online must make him feel good. My question though is why do some people need to use the opportunity to once again ask "Where is Rick Edwards?" Question asked. Question answered. Move on people. Embrace the change. Steve Mittman has been a part of the Lehigh Valley and the traffic scene for a long time - glad to see him move from the radio to TV. I am still curious - maybe it has been answered and I missed it - but, why hasn't the noon show gone back downtown? I am sure a lot of money was spent on the ppl center studio and it now sits empty. Seems to be a waste. Even when they are doing live shots from downtown, sometimes right at center square, they still aren't in the studio. You would think it would be more cost-effective to use a remote-control operated studio than a live truck.

I remember meeting Pat Ciarrocchi back in the late 1980's. She gave a lecture at my college in Wilmington, DE. Yes, she was, and is one of DE's favorite daughters - but what stands out still to this day is her natural charm and ease delivering a message on-air or in person. What you saw on TV was what you got in person, as well. She has a real charm that pulls you in. I will greatly miss her on-air presence at KYW. It is sad to see a once mighty news powerhouse reduced to what it has become today. Their focus on ratings, and profit has replaced a once honorable focus on journalism. Whether you think of the days of "Camelot" and Jessica Savitch or more recent notables like Larry Kane and Diane Allen, or even Larry Mendte (before his fall from grace) - these were world-class newscasters/journalists who truly deserved their place at the anchor desk in the 4th largest market in the US. Today, we see a team of youth and/or B-rate talent with low salaries protecting the profits. We see a team of pretty boy/girl faces meant to bring in the youthful target market viewership with little to no regard for journalistic integrity. Some of them may become good journalists in 20 years or so when they actually may deserve their seat at the grown-ups table. Pat, we will miss you and all you represent as a journalist. You have truly earned all the kudos and respect of a grateful Philadelphia.

Does anyone think that the talent pool currently in place at WCAU has any chance of "dethroning Action News" strike or not? REALLY!!

Monday - Rob, Wendy & Troy all broadcasted from the PPL Center studio all evening because of the Flyers game. Yet, the noon show is still up on the mountain - are they ever going back downtown on a regular basis??

Must say I love the professionalism Chandi Lowry brings to the weekend broadcasts. I hope WFMZ can keep her long term.

Just curious if anyone knew why WFMZ stopped using the ppl center studio for 69 News at Noon.