New and fancier (for the time) news set, Live at 5:30 was launched, new computerized graphics, new news helicopter, expanded live broadcasting capabilities, and a new anchor team at 6 & 11 PM (plus a new weather staff).
Other than Henry Erb, Dick Evans, Warren Reynolds, Bill Freeman, and probably a couple other reporters, did anyone else from the "Newscenter 8" era remain?
When the very likable Gary Bazner was fired in the mid 80's, it created quite a brouhaha. Once it became known Craig James would be his successor, I think most folks realized that it was actually a deft move by News 8. Mr. Bazner, at the time, was not a certified meteorologist.
Around the same time, Barry Shanley bolted WZZM's anchor desk to help lead the rebirth of TV-3's news operation in Kalamazoo.
During the latter half of the 80's, WOTV (channel
![Cool 8)](./images/smilies/icon_cool.gif)
There are also some video footage clips floating around on YouTube from 1980/1981 era WOTV. What a craptacular product it was back then. The booth announcer sounded about 85 years old, and the newscasts looked low budget and had the personality of a dry sponge.