Jump to content

CBS O&Os Adopting "First Alert Weather" Branding


Georgie56

Recommended Posts

2 hours ago, Kenneth Kissel said:

I don't think KDKA-TV will use the First Alert Branding due to WPXI (owned by Cox) somewhat having First Alert as a secondary branding. 

 

WTAE (Hearst) has WeatherRate and WPXI currently has Severe Weather Team 11 as their primary branding. 

Same way here in Detroit, WXYZ (Scripps-owned ABC affiliate) has used the "First Alert" brand for its weather (and later) traffic segments since 2011. WWJ continues to use the "First Forecast" branding for its weather segments since 2008 when the station was branded as simply "WWJ-TV".

 

  • Thanks 1
Link to comment
Share on other sites

3 hours ago, Georgie56 said:

This doesn't surprise me and I actually seen this coming because I've been getting notifications from the KDKA app saying "FIRST ALERT WEATHER" on them. I even got one this morning when the NWS issued the winter storm watch. The execution and timing of it was perfect as we do have a modest winter storm coming, so I'll give them props for that.

3 hours ago, Kenneth Kissel said:

 

FB_IMG_1643748987500.jpg

Screenshot_20220201-155300_Facebook.jpg

Screenshot_20220201-160113_SSTV Smarters Pro v3.jpg

Screenshot_20220201-160140_SSTV Smarters Pro v3.jpg

Screenshot_20220201-160157_SSTV Smarters Pro v3.jpg

Screenshot_20220201-160225_SSTV Smarters Pro v3.jpg

Screenshot_20220201-160244_SSTV Smarters Pro v3.jpg

Screenshot_20220201-160310_SSTV Smarters Pro v3.jpg

And the graphics do look really good. Although I do wish they used the lighter blue version of the logo that their sister station in San Francisco are using, but nevertheless, it does look good. 

  • Thanks 1
Link to comment
Share on other sites

  • 1 month later...
On 1/31/2022 at 8:29 PM, MidwestTV said:

If there's one thing I hate and really wish would die its the over-saturated generic use of "First Alert Weather." Come up with something more original.

I know Raycom used it for almost all their stations, and then once sold to Gray, they adopted it more for the then-Gray legacy stations as well. For some reason, CBS O&O's have a Gray-like feel to them.

  • Like 2
Link to comment
Share on other sites

45 minutes ago, ScottSchell said:

I have a question even though this has to do with some CBS O&O’s getting the branding but why did 2 Hearst stations (WESH and WPBF) switch from First Alert to First Warning?

Likely to kill two birds with one stone. Two of the biggest urgency weather brands are "First Alert" and "Early Warning". Take up portions of both and nobody else can use that sort of brand.

  • Like 1
Link to comment
Share on other sites

On 1/30/2022 at 10:31 PM, appleachian said:

Gray holds a trademark on the “First Alert Weather” branding.  It was Raycom’s brand and Gray inherited it and that’s why so many Gray stations have switched to using it. 
 

I can’t think of a Gray/CBS overlap market but CBS must be paying Gray for this privilege. 
 

https://trademarks.justia.com/789/44/first-alert-78944371.html

I know I am super late, but I just saw this! I wonder if they are paying, although I have noticed, it always says "First Alert" and then Weather Center, or Forecast, etc. I wonder if they are using a loophole by not ever saying "First Alert Weather". 

Just very interesting, never knew it was trademarked! 

  • Like 1
Link to comment
Share on other sites

40 minutes ago, CLT-DCA-ORF-PTI said:

I know I am super late, but I just saw this! I wonder if they are paying, although I have noticed, it always says "First Alert" and then Weather Center, or Forecast, etc. I wonder if they are using a loophole by not ever saying "First Alert Weather". 

Just very interesting, never knew it was trademarked! 

 

There are no Gray markets where CBS has a news-operating O&O. As a result, I'm guessing they paid Gray royalties for it. That trademarking is likely why quite a few Gray legacy stations adopted the brand AFTER they took over the Raycom stations.

 

In the case of the Hearst stations mentioned that are changing it, that is likely to get away from the branding. Gray and Hearst have overlapping news-producing stations in 10 markets.

Edited by GoldenShine9
  • Like 1
Link to comment
Share on other sites

On 2/1/2022 at 3:38 PM, tjt24 said:Although I do wish they used the lighter blue version of the logo that their sister station in San Francisco are using, but nevertheless, it does look good. 

KPIX only uses the Red Version of First Alert when there’s a storm or heat wave hitting the area. “First Alert Weather Day.”

 

is KCBS only left in the station group not adopting the branding since KNBC uses it?


The only time I’ve seen an overlap branding was when KTVU during its Cox Days would use StormTracker 2 and KRON (still to this day) uses StormTracker 4 on its radar. 

  • Like 2
Link to comment
Share on other sites

  • 3 weeks later...
  • 3 weeks later...
  • 4 weeks later...

I'm keeping an eye on weather brandings. Outside of WeatherFirst Alert Weather is the most popular brand in the country and continues to grow.

 

I know because Gray's WGGB/WSHM just adopted First Alert Weather within the last two-three weeks. CBS saw the name as an opportunity for some of its markets.

  • Thanks 3
Link to comment
Share on other sites

  • 1 month later...

Kind of mixed feelings about the NEXT weather for WFOR. I know that WTVJ had the First Alert Weather for a long time now, still think First Alert is too generic though.

Edited by Requiere
  • Like 1
Link to comment
Share on other sites

1 hour ago, Requiere said:

Kind of mixed feelings about the NEXT weather for WFOR. I know that WTVJ had the First Alert Weather for a long time now, still think First Alert is too generic though.

 

WPTV uses it, so does WBBH.

 

In other words, all NBC affiliates (WTVJ's being an O&O) in Southern Florida (I mean South of I-4) use the First Alert branding.

  • Like 2
Link to comment
Share on other sites

Join the conversation

You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.
Note: Your post will require moderator approval before it will be visible.

Guest
Unfortunately, your content contains terms that we do not allow. Please edit your content to remove the highlighted words below.
Reply to this topic...

×   Pasted as rich text.   Paste as plain text instead

  Only 75 emoji are allowed.

×   Your link has been automatically embedded.   Display as a link instead

×   Your previous content has been restored.   Clear editor

×   You cannot paste images directly. Upload or insert images from URL.

×
×
  • Create New...

Important Information

We have placed cookies on your device to help make this website better. You can adjust your cookie settings, otherwise we'll assume you're okay to continue. By using TVNewsTalk you agree to the Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.