Local News

[Taco]

Just some thoughts and comments I have about local news in the Northern Michigan DMA. Maybe I expect too much but I think its ridiculous only one network in the area has local news at noon. Maybe 7&4 don't have the resources to put on a noon newscast. More options are preferred than less. I found it odd that when 9&10 opened today at noon with a top story of a lawyer in the Carolina's is going to prison. Our own state has a major winter storm bearing down soon but that wasn't the top story. Local news needs to focus more on "local" as in in-state and local areas...why do I care or anyone else care that some guy is going to prison hundreds of miles away? That is something that could be on the nightly news on one of the major networks. Is it just a case of a slow news day? Perhaps they didn't care the winter storm will effect thousands of Michiganders?

I often dream of a Michigan where there are no duopolies. No more 9&10, 7&4, or 29&8.... I'm not sure how viable it would be to split them up so they can more focus on a specific area in this vast market.

[organman95]

Maybe 7&4 don't have the resources to put on a noon newscast.

7&4 had a noon newscast back in the early 90s, but dropped (probably) due to ratings and/or budget.

I often dream of a Michigan where there are no duopolies. No more 9&10, 7&4, or 29&8.... I'm not sure how viable it would be to split them up so they can more focus on a specific area in this vast market.

9&10, 7&4, and 29&8 are not duopolies as channels. Two channels that are considered as one, as the vast Northern MI DMA requires two frequencies to cover the entire area. 10 is a satellite of 9. 4 of 7, and 8 of 29, and even Fox 32 (45 is the satellite). That said, the OWNERSHIP of two stations is where the duopoly comes in. But there are ways "around" the laws for duopolies...

[Taco]

I'm just saying why would somebody in the Sault care what's going on in Mt. Pleasant or Big Rapids? Or vice versa? If I lived in the UP, I'd prefer hearing news from the UP and northern lower MI. Big Rapids would be too far away to care about. That's all I really meant.

I do remember when 7&4 briefly had a noon news offering.

Maybe 7&4 don't have the resources to put on a noon newscast.

7&4 had a noon newscast back in the early 90s, but dropped (probably) due to ratings and/or budget.

I often dream of a Michigan where there are no duopolies. No more 9&10, 7&4, or 29&8.... I'm not sure how viable it would be to split them up so they can more focus on a specific area in this vast market.

9&10, 7&4, and 29&8 are not duopolies as channels. Two channels that are considered as one, as the vast Northern MI DMA requires two frequencies to cover the entire area. 10 is a satellite of 9. 4 of 7, and 8 of 29, and even Fox 32 (45 is the satellite). That said, the OWNERSHIP of two stations is where the duopoly comes in. But there are ways "around" the laws for duopolies...

[Taco]

I don't know, but I do see what you are saying. At least the storm was closer to home than the Murdaugh verdict, even if it didn't impact northern MI. I'm sure there are many who have family in the lower half of MI and would find that story more interesting.

Our own state has a major winter storm bearing down soon but that wasn't the top story.

I respectfully disagree with your news judgment.

The storm here in southern MI, which hadn't even arrived as of Noon, absolutely should NOT be getting top billing (or anywhere near it) on a northern MI newscast. 90 percent of their viewing area will see low to no impact from this system.

The Murdaugh verdict was rightfully the top story. National stories often are covered on midday newscasts everywhere, and that for the moment is the biggest national story.

[TC Talks]

Taco, how would the stations pay for all these additional paychecks?

[MasterB]

I only watch the noon newscast for weather only as I like to watch other things at noon as nothing really ever happens in Kazoo if I watch the news I watch Wood TV or Fox17 as I prefer GR stations. The Murdaugh trial was a big story I thought he was guilty and glad the jury found him guilty.

[Taco]

Sometimes the stations up north are hard to watch with the influx of newbies. I get they have to start somewhere but it would be nice to have some veteran talent like Bill Harris, Mort Crim, Bill Bonds, Sam Merrill, etc.

I only watch the noon newscast for weather only as I like to watch other things at noon as nothing really ever happens in Kazoo if I watch the news I watch Wood TV or Fox17 as I prefer GR stations. The Murdaugh trial was a big story I thought he was guilty and glad the jury found him guilty.

[Tipomitt]

Really, both outlets really don't do much in the way of what I would call real journalism or even news gathering. Aside from police scanner stuff (accidents and fires)you can ALWAYS count on a story about the county road crew guys every time it snows. Or 'winter driving tips' every time it snows. Or, here locally in the Straits, the SAME story every spring about 'things opening back up for the season'. Same for New Years Eve, Deer Season, etc. Basically the same stories that you can set your calendars to.

[Taco]

And showing lines at the Post Office at the tax deadline or about so many people opposed to time changes just weeks before its going to happen.

Really, both outlets really don't do much in the way of what I would call real journalism or even news gathering. Aside from police scanner stuff (accidents and fires)you can ALWAYS count on a story about the county road crew guys every time it snows. Or 'winter driving tips' every time it snows. Or, here locally in the Straits, the SAME story every spring about 'things opening back up for the season'. Same for New Years Eve, Deer Season, etc. Basically the same stories that you can set your calendars to.

[kager]

As the one who posted they wanted more newscasts, you have to think through that there just isn't that much local news to tell without turning it into a hokey joke.

Now that you've had the time to think about it, maybe the daily 'Doggone Report' at noon isn't what you were hoping for after all...

[paul8539]

Do the stations follow Lake Superior State University in their sports stories? That is in the UP.

[Tipomitt]

Do the stations follow Lake Superior State University in their sports stories? That is in the UP.

No, they don't. Lake State's once proud D-1 hockey program is a shell of it's former self anyway.