NBC Local and Fox announced last week their plan to pool resources to cover local news in certain markets, an encouraging sign that TV stations are beginning to understand the desperate need to rationalize their massive newsgathering costs. Is there too much local TV news? I think yes, and it
Local TV Stations Are Facing Severe Cost Pressures — Here’s How They Should Cut
Summary:
NBC Local and Fox announced last week their plan to pool resources to cover local news in certain markets, an encouraging sign that TV stati…
I have to disagree, I think the more media the more voices that will be represented. Of course, that doesn't mean this is how it works in reality, but look back at the health of the media industry before deregulation.
Having the stations work together and pull resources may limit the oppertunity for some people to be represented, or for marketers looking to break in through the corporate noise.
That said, who is to say the ad dollars going online won't come back? How long until people realize Craigslist is a poor alternative to verified classifieds?
"there aren't alot of costs to get rid of at a station…"
WHAT?
every time we hear about layoffs the press release just happens to say "no on-air talent" has been let go.
WHY?
it's not like they're gonna go down the street to work for the competition in this economy.
just sayin'
@Brandon J. Mendelson: But you're thinking "old school." It's just like the thinking that VHS was going to kill movies, or digital download to the music industry. There are a whole generation, "kids" my age, who've grown up with the internet and are used to doing things exclusively online. I'll bet you there's kids in high school and college who have only looked at a newspaper because it was required for a class project. Craigslist is here to stay, and sorry newspapers, it's free.
@invitedmedia: The reason they don't let on-air talent go is because they're the public face of the station. It'll generate a lot more "where did Suzy Anchor or Joe Reporter go" calls and e-mails, and therefore someone at the station's time, than consolidating master control at a sister station, installing Ignite or OverDrive and dumping most of your technical people, or dumping some "un-needed" APs, Producers, etc. I direct news right now at a medium market station and that's pretty much how it goes. Those of us off-air are the first to go.
-Adam
I enjoy farting.