Speed Channel viewers were either upset or disappointed they would see something OTHER than cars or racing. Earlier today, Speed aired an English Premier League match with today being Survival Sunday in the EPL. There is NOTHING at all wrong with the EPL. I often times watch some association football. I usually catch a few big time matches in the EPL, the UEFA matches, and of course... watching my Houston Dynamo of the MLS. However, it is quite disparaging when a motorsports network showcases something other than cars or racing. That was the case in this one-time deal where an English Premier League match was aired after the 2012 Formula 1 Spanish Grand Prix. The Survival Sunday coverage in the United States was a joint effort between the ESPN networks and the FOX networks.
Sometimes, other peoples' comments and thoughts fuel my interest to blog. This is one of them, and this post concerns Speed Channel airing something other than racing. Feel free to share your thoughts on this topic if you have something to share.
--- Speed Channel Showing... Football? ---
Please note that when I mean football, I am (of course) talking about what us Americans call "soccer." Or should I say, association football.
Here is my take on this. I thought it was pretty low for Speed (of all networks) to air something other than what it normally airs. One could make the case for why TruTV would air March Madness games as opposed to what it normally airs. I don't even watch TruTV, so that's no problem to me. I do, however, watch Speed Channel. So imagine my disbelief when I'd see something like an English Premier League football match. Even Speed Channel's Facebook fan page made note of the featured EPL game.
So why did I mention TruTV earlier? TruTV is NOT a sports channel; Speed Channel IS a sports channel. Racing IS a sport. However, us racing fans are our own sort of niche (at least to most people). Many of us watch such a channel for racing and almost exclusively racing. So why, then, would a MOTORsports network show some traditional sport? My only guess was that there may not be other networks that would air coverage of the English Premier League's Survival Sunday, so Speed would showcase one game. National Geographic is a FOX channel, and that channel wasn't even used for showing one of these games. Even FX was used to air one of the games! The action sports network- FuelTV- even shown one of these EPL games.
When a network shows something other than what it normally does, it can say a number of things. Some people would say that it's a slap to the face to fans of a certain network to show what Speed shown earlier today. A lot of people who watch Speed do get bored or disappointed about certain reality shows and such that are featured. Like, I don't see how a show like "Pass Time" stays on Speed, but even more people would probably see "Pass Time" than a match of the English Premier League on a motorsports network. And if you thought I took this with skepticism, you should see what some of the people on Speed Channel's Facebook fan page mentioned about this coverage.
On the Other Hand...
To Speed Channel's credit, however; at least they didn't hype up the EPL Survival Sunday coverage like they do with NASCAR's All-Star Race. Speed would be damaging their own credibility as a motorsports channel by promoting something other than racing or cars.
I must say that this weekend was a rare weekend which I saw a live F1 race. While I did see most of the 2012 F1 Spanish Grand Prix, I was disappointed that the national anthem ceremonies for both the winning driver and winning team wasn't aired as per usual. Yet Speed HAD to air this. I think it's disappointing. Most people critical of Speed would probably ask if curling or frisbee tossing would be shown on Speed next.
Let me just say one last time- there is absolutely nothing wrong with the English Premier League. My issue has mostly been that the EPL is somehow much bigger than any usual motorsports or automotive programming on Speed Channel that Speed had to air this instead of something it usually shows. That is what saddens me as a Speed Channel viewer.
If you're a Speed Channel watcher, how do YOU feel about Speed airing an English Premier League game instead of racing or cars? Thank you for reading and commenting!
The Bill Cunningham Show is a daytime talk show that first hit the airwaves in September 2011. It joins a number of other different daytime talk shows trying to win your respect. Various topics ranging from sex and cheating to family crises are discussed on The Bill Cunningham Show.
--- The Bill Cunningham Show ---
Bill Cunningham himself has served as a lawyer for a long time. He is also a parent. He hails from Cincinnati, Ohio, USA; and is a graduate of Xavier University as well as the University of Toledo Law School. Bill Cunningham brings his expertise and experience to help out guests on his show. So when it comes to some of the various issues covered on the show, it is pretty understandable about his takes with the various guests. Many of the topics involve some of the usual issues- sex, cheating, family crises, and things like that. The show is taped in New York City and produced by Tribune Entertainment and ITV Studios America.
This show, to me, is sort of a throwback to traditional '90s style daytime talk shows. It has the drama of Maury with the raunchy nature of Jerry Springer, but is all covered as casually as Ricki Lake or Jenny Jones. He'll use terminology like BFF (Best Friend Forever) and lots of other casual terms. It is a very casual and loose daytime talk show that still is about action. The action, however, doesn't get OVERLY dramatic to where it becomes something too raunchy for TV. It is a pretty entertaining show.
The show has a few segments devoted to helping out the guests. What follows at about the 40-minute mark is "Talk Back With Bill," where the microphones are dropped as audience members ask questions to featured guests. Towards the 50-minute mark of episodes, an expert offers opinions based on what he/she has heard and seen from guests featured on the show. The final segment features the "Bottom Line," Which is similar to Jerry Springer's "Final Thoughts."
Brief Review.
I think this show has a little of everything and makes for great TV. Maybe my biggest let down of the show is that I don't usually see any sort of resolution or progress on the show. Like when I watch Maury or Jeremy Kyle, I usually sense a sense of resolution with most guests on the set. I don't really see that on The Bill Cunningham Show. Otherwise, this is an entertaining show.
Video Preview.
Here is a brief preview of what The Bill Cunningham Show is about:
And that will conclude this blog post on The Bill Cunningham Show.
"Online Dish With Maggie" is an online program where Maggie Flecknoe dishes out her opinions on various issues ranging from news topics to various entertainment topics. Maggie's got an opinion she wants to share, and you're invited to hear her out. You're also invited to react to her opinions. Get social with this program and offer your opinions featured in each installment of "Online Dish with Maggie!" This blog post is my own sort of review of this program.
BEFORE I BEGIN: This is my own personal review of the show. All content and opinions expressed are of my own. All material presented are for entertainment and educational purposes.
LATEST UPDATE(S)/REVISION(S):
APR 20 2012 - added another video, added another link
--- Online Dish at a Glance ---
How about we take a look at this show at a glance?
Online Dish.
The Online Dish program began as a cool little feature during back in the CW 39 News days. A brief promo during the 5:00 PM news featured Maggie Flecknoe sharing a certain issue and inviting viewers to post their responses via Email and Twitter. Facebook would be an option for people to interact as Online Dish with Maggie got a Facebook fan page. As the show became more popular, "Online Dish With Maggie" became national, airing on a number of different CW networks nationwide. The entire look and feel would later change with a new logo, but with the same beautiful blonde-haired host. "Online Dish With Maggie" now is part of CW's Eye Opener.
As for the topics expressed on the show, these can range from news issues to certain entertainment topics. Saucy sex-related topics are featured as well. Needless to say... this show's popularity is justified. Don't believe me? Check out this old promo for Online Dish With Maggie:
If you have read some of my older blog posts, Marguerite (better known as "Maggie" or nicknamed "Blondie") Flecknoe is someone whom I've featured before here on John's Blog Space. This name shouldn't be too foreign because I've featured her as one of my favorite on-air Houston news personalities. Maggie is the sassy and savvy host of Online Dish. Hailing from the state of Colorado, many people know Maggie for her anime voiceovers in a number of different anime. Among some of her work includes "Pani Poni Dash," "Highschool of the DEAD," and a number of films for Houston's own former ADV Films. Besides vocal work, she has also participated in a number of theater acts.
Maggie has a very nice voice. Her speech happens to be both silky and sweet at the same time with no compromise either way. Want to hear a vocal sample of Maggie Flecknoe? Check this out:
To learn more about Maggie Flecknoe, visit www.maggieflecknoe.com. You now know of the show and the host. Now how about some opinions? Let's go.
--- Basic Thoughts on "Online Dish with Maggie" ---
I guess it's time I dish on Online Dish. So let's do it.
"Online Dish" Review.
If you want to treat each installment of Online Dish as meals at a restaurant, then you can say that Maggie is one amazing chef at preparing such delicious helpings of Online Dish to the masses. Remorseless and real, she delivers her opinions on topics in her own unique way. It doesn't mean you have to agree with her all the time, but this is one lady who speaks her mind with almost no fear of backlash from viewers. The amount of effort put into her opinion-sharing is immense. On top of that, she shares her thoughts much like I do my videos and blog posts- casually professional- professionally discussed, but in a casual manner. Opinions are clear and concise. Again, you don't have to agree with what Maggie says, but her opinion(s) on the topics she covers are worthy of respect.
(ADDED: April 20, 2012) And here is a video showcasing Maggie dishing on a topic:
So did you enjoy this review? If so, you're invited to get in on "Online Dish With Maggie." Visit www.39online.com/entertainment/onlinedish to get in on Maggie's Online Dish.
--- What I Would Tell Maggie Flecknoe (if she were to read this) ---
I greatly appreciate your work. Maybe I don't watch too much anime, but I greatly appreciate all of your work in all of your many different on-air and voiceover work. Your voice is as beautiful as your looks. Your personality is incredible. All I can ask for is that you keep up the amazing work with all that you do.
I kind of did this as a birthday salute since I tried to post this for your birthday. So, uh... happy birthday! Make a wish and blow out the candles on the birthday cake, birthday girl! :)
Would I Want to Meet Maggie (if given the chance)?
Absolutely! Why not?
--- Cross-Promotion/Other Material ---
Other material for you to check out, if interested are offered in this section.
Favorite On-Air Personalities in Houston News ^ I noted Maggie Flecknoe as one of my favorite on-air Houston personalities. Who else do I have as favorite on-air Houston personalities? Find out in this post!
"Eye Opener" - John's Blog Space ^ You can see "Online Dish" on Eye Opener. My thoughts on "Eye Opener" are expressed in this blog post. And for the record- I have NOT seen "Eye Opener" since that one morning I watched to review it. It really needs to be updated. Still- my thoughts on the program are expressed in that blog post.
"NewsFix Review" - John's Blog Space ^ Besides Eye Opener, Maggie is also a producer for NewsFix. This is my old review of NewsFix here. Keep in mind that this review was from back with March 2011... when it debuted. WARNING: it is a VERY long blog post!
"Proms and Prom Style" - John's Blog Space ^ The sample Online Dish I provided concerned prom dresses. As one of my more popular blog posts here on John's Blog Space, "Proms and Prom Style" is a look at fashion for prom as well as proms in general.
That concludes the cross-promotional material.
For more information about anything you've just read, please visit the following links:
The Jeremy Kyle Show is a show that has been around for some time in its native England. The show has debuted an American version in September 2011. How would I describe Jeremy Kyle? Well, think of someone with Maury's class but with Judge Judy's no-nonsense. He is unbiased and passionate towards trying to help families and couples in crisis. However, he does it an unapologetic manner. This is someone who will confront his guests straight up to convince them to change their brutal ways. While some may deem him as being controversial and too arrogant in his approach to help others, Jeremy Kyle is doing something that matters more than anything- getting results and resolution.
Here is a look at the Jeremy Kyle show. This one is the American sneak peek:
And this is a sample of The Jeremy Kyle Show in the United Kingdom:
Finally, here is a video of Jeremy Kyle on The Wendy Williams Show; where Jeremy Kyle explains his show to others. Here is a more lighthearted Jeremy Kyle expressed in this video:
Now you know about Jeremy Kyle and his show. I mentioned he's like the combination of Maury and Judge Judy. He is someone outspoken and to the point. No distractions or tomfoolery gets in his way to get through to people who need help. I speak respectfully of Jeremy Kyle, but many have considered him controversial for how he deals his brand of justice and resolution on his show.
(ADDED: January 19, 2012; EDITED: Febuary 15, 2012) I really have to say that Jeremy Kyle (who is nicknamed "Jezza") is probably the ONLY daytime talk show host where guests are unafraid to get on the host's case. Very few hosts get hated on by guests quite like what Jeremy Kyle does. You have to see some of the British shows to see how some of the British guests have treated this guy.
I respect Jeremy Kyle because he is someone who is tell-it-like-it-is, but also someone impervious to other peoples' crap. He represents a brand of justice and resolution that is difficult to grasp at first glance. I think it is something he passionately believes in. I also respect his stance on not believing in violence or arguing to get in the way of resolving matters. In fact, there are times where he could just take people off the stage or out of the studio who refuse to be helped or are so full or problems that they can't be helped. Jeremy Kyle has the ability to get through to people in his own way. In one video piece, he mentions that others have deemed him all kinds of negative things, he claims he is just being honest.
A reason why you should care about this show is that this show is that The Jeremy Kyle Show is because it involves resolution. I guess Jeremy Kyle's mindset is about getting results and resolution. Dr. Janet Taylor is a big part in the department of helping guests start anew. Her insight and expertise helps in trying to help others. The Jeremy Kyle Show is all about trying to resolve matters in a mature matter. He really is about focusing on the task at hand rather than let silly nonsense get in the way.
Most of my blog posts are usually detailed. Here, I am just posting this one rather quickly because I didn't intend on being too detailed on this show.
Basically, I respect Jeremy Kyle for how he does his show and the results he can garner. The show's primary daytime TV opposition will mostly be Maury and Steve Wilkos, and maybe Bill Cunningham as well. Be sure to check local times and listings in case you want to see The Jeremy Kyle Show on American TV.
To learn more about the Jeremy Kyle Show, visit the following links:
"Live Well for Less With Deals" is a half-hour show on the Live Well Network devoted entirely to saving people money. Hosted by Katishia Cosley (or Kat Cosley), this is the Indiana native's first foray into hosting and producing. Every episode features at least five segments with many ways to save money or ways to not spend as much on things in life. These can range from knowing where to shop to basic advice that can lead to big savings in the long run. Also included are things like recipes for creating certain items to help aid in not having to buy from stores all the time. There is no shortage of ideas or concepts to save money on things we use or already have. So is the concept of Deals. And with this said, this blog post is my own opinion regarding Deals.
Welcome to "John's Blog Space!"
NOTE: This blog post is not some paid review or anything. This is all personal commentary of mine regarding this program.
--- Deals at a Glance ---
Time to set the mood. Here's a picture to start things off:
Deals debuted on the Live Well Network on July 4, 2011. It is perhaps fitting the show debuted on Independence Day 2011 as Katishia Cosley goes independent in going from reporter/anchor to host/producer. She goes from the sinking ship of CW 39 News to returning to the ABC networks, where she used to be a freelance reporter for KTRK Channel 13. The only other difference is that she is now with Live Well Network as opposed to covering news stories on ABC 13.
What is Deals all about? It is about saving money. Each segment can last anywhere between two to maybe five minutes, and there are about four or five segments in each episode. There is a little of everything and a lot of ways to save money on things we do and use every day. Among the various segments, you even learn some new things, such as new uses for things you may already own or use. The diversity of topics in saving money is vast. Often times, some very fun segments are shown on Deals. Among some of the better Deals segments, Katishia Cosley went as far as to learn about making gourmet-style cupcakes on the cheap, talking about boat rentals (even piloting a boat), and things like that. The sort of surprise factor is there sometimes on Deals. You just have to tune in or watch online.
Now you have an idea as to what Deals is all about.
--- Thoughts on "Deals" ---
Most of what Deals discusses includes a combination of alternative shopping ideas, crafty ideas, and some basic knowledge being shared. All of this adds up to many ways to creatively live well for less.
Although Katishia Cosley is nicknamed "Kat," she is no ordinary cat when it comes to finding these deals. Really, Kat is the lioness of the frugality jungle. This lioness roars loudly and confidently with all of the segments and episodes of Deals. I have always thought that Katishia is at her best when discussing positive and fun material. She expresses herself quite well incorporating her sweet smile as well as some lighthearted humor often times. Since Deals is about saving money, these topics are far less depressing than most news stories you often see on the news. This allows Katishia to provide her stories and commentary in a pleasant manner. It also allows her to incorporate a bit of her fashion style as well.
It's funny that a show about saving money is so rich with priceless advice for living well for less (for lack of a better term). It is money-saving advice a lot of us can use. An observation I once made is that Deals seems to better suit Katishia Cosley as it allows her to exhibit her personality and charm more. Both of which, she has an abundance of. I have been a fan of hers in reporting/anchoring, but the host/producer role seems to be better with the mood Deals provides as well as in how Katishia presents and promotes her material in each episode and segment. I am not trying to talk about hosting and producing like being a reality TV show host. All I am saying is that Katishia does hosting/producing about as well as she's done in the reporter/anchor realm.
I think you can afford to just watch Deals to pick up on something useful in saving money. If the cards are played right, Deals may become as much of a mainstay on Live Well Network as any other program on there, such as Rebecca Spera's "Mirror/Mirror." The passion and the drive to deliver on money-saving ideas in Deals are vastly expressed and executed by Katishia Cosley as well as by the people interviewed in Deals segments. As a national TV show, people nationwide can see Deals and all of the money-saving advice offered in the show. Each episode is meant to be helpful and creative. Among the many ways to save money on things, there are no shortage of ideas or concepts to help in saving money. Viewers are even encouraged to offer their own money-saving ideas on Deals' Facebook fan page.
So give Deals a try if you're watching Live Well Network! Visit livewellnetwork.com/deals to learn more about Deals for yourself.
Most of the reviewing portion of this blog post has now concluded. However, I have more to share in this blog post. I want to share video previews of "Deals" segments as well as some extra commentary. I am providing a Jump Break to improve the performance of my blog. If you are not reading this full blog post and want to continue reading, please click on "Read More" to read the rest of this blog post (or disregard this section if you are reading the full post). But first...
Have you enjoyed what you've read so far on John's Blog Space? If so (and if you haven't yet subscribed or followed), Subscribe and/or Follow!
--- "Deals" Samples ---
These videos below give you an idea of what Deals is all about. So what's the deal with Deals? That's what you're going to see for yourself in these videos. I will feature different videos showcasing different categories of segments featured on Deals. They will be listed under a few distinct categories. I am using categories to sort these videos, but there's no real categories of advice offered. To read the articles that go with each video, please click on the provided links. These videos are all provided for educational purposes. Here are previews of "Deals" in these segments below:
On the Cheap/Saving Money.
This video is an example of getting a good deal on something. So I'll feature this video below in the "On the Cheap" or "Saving Money" category. This is one of my favorite segments of any episode of Deals. Here, Katishia Cosley discusses deals for using a Go Local card at participating businesses. Have a look:
Here, I will feature two different videos, both involve saving money by making things yourself. This category would include things like making items to modifying fashions yourself. The first video is a wonderful piece featuring floral arrangements. The second video will probably make you hungry, so watch the second one at your own risk. :)
This is an example of consumer advice on Deals. The sample video here pertains to spotting fake items. It is one of many different consumer advice topics on Deals:
If you want to see more of these segments, including the full-length episodes, you are invited to visit livewellnetwork.com/deals.
--- What I Would Tell Katishia Cosley (if she were to read this) ---
I wish you nothing but continued success with Deals. This show can go a long way. It has immense promise and usefulness. Then again, what on Live Well Network DOESN'T have some sort of use? Since the CW 39 news days, it is great seeing you on television again since Deals debuted. Once again- I wish you and Deals continued success. You're a star; shine as bright as you can.
News, weather, and traffic; all to get you going for the day. When the NewsFix was in for CW 39, it meant radical changes to compete for news supremacy in Houston. Another radical change was Eye Opener. Though Eye Opener has been on since May 9, 2011; my first time really seeing Eye Opener was not too long ago. It is therefore time to offer thoughts on CW 39's brand of morning news. I welcome you to John's Blog Space and another blog post on JBS!
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NOTE: This is not any paid review or anything. The material you are about to see is all based on personal commentary and my own personal review of this program. I will make any needed changes or edits needed to better service my reading audience if need be. I would encourage my loyal readers to contact me any sort of way of any changes I need to make.
--- Eye Opener at a Glance ---
I usually start off with a picture, but I couldn't find a good enough one to feature here to set the mood for this blog post. So I'll be using this one:
Eye Opener is a different kind of morning show meant to compete with the other morning newscasts. Remember Mia Gradney (featured among my favorite Houston news personalities)? Yeah. Well, Mia is one of the different personalities of Eye Opener. Each weekday morning, this crew delivers up news in a very casual way. It is television morning news that is as unpredictable and as unconventional as some morning radio shows.
This is the Eye Opener crew (click on any hyperlinked names to read his/her bio): • Sean Dowling, reporter • Mia Gradney • Bohuš Blahut, Casual Expert (first name pronounced "BOH-hoosh") • Kirby O'Connell • Adam Lee Campbell (better known as ALC), "Acapella with ALC" • "Wrench"
These are among some of the many personalities of Eye Opener. Only Mia Gradney is the one I've mentioned previously here on John's Blog Space, among some of my favorite Houston on-air news personalities.
What You Must Know...
A few notes on this initial blog post...
• I saw Eye Opener at around 7:39 AM Central [Daylight] Time on Friday, October 28, 2011. What I discuss here is based on the 20 minutes of Eye Opener I was able to see from today and from what more I saw on Eye Opener online.
So with this out the way, it's time I make my own review of "Eye Opener."
--- Eye Opener: Basic Thoughts ---
This is really a different sort of morning show. It is surely non-traditional, as most morning news have a traditional newscast designed to get you going for the morning easily. If a usual morning newscast is like starting a day with a cup of coffee, then watching Eye Opener is like starting your day... with a can of Red Bull (or any other energy drink). The same sort of irreverent material you'd probably see on NewsFix is what you'll find on Eye Opener. To my knowledge, Eye Opener isn't all Houston-based and all Houston-operated. In fact, I read the Eye Opener material is based in Chicago with Houston news breaks. It is mostly a national show as opposed to a Houston-exclusive program.
Speaking of the aforementioned NewsFix, when I first tuned in to actually see Eye Opener for myself, there was NewsFix-style news on Eye Opener when I tuned in. And I'm like... oh, I remember this from back in March when I compiled my lengthy review of NewsFix. I can't bring myself to watch NewsFix. So I basically muted out the NewsFix part. I later saw and heard Marci Izard (reporter and sometimes anchor for CW 39 News) make mention to news, weather, and traffic. Unlike NewsFix's "f___ anchors and f___ reporters" format, Marci's voice actually discussed the weather in a brief manner. Later the attention goes from the CW 39 team to the Eye Opener team as they came along with some... interesting topics. Newsworthy topics are discussed, just not really typical stories about typical topics (like politics, for example).
Online Dish With Maggie.
At around 7:45 AM, "Online Dish With Maggie" was on. This was the first time I've seen Maggie Flecknoe on my TV since the CW 39 News format gave way to NewsFix. The beautiful blonde from Colorado still dishes on some of the most interesting and gossip-worthy topics. I have seen some of the most recent Online Dish segments from Maggie (or "Blondie") in preparing this post. No shortage of interesting topics from Maggie including her unique commentary.
Trending videos are as much a part of CW 39 News as anything else. Your taste of the most interesting Internet videos get some face time on Eye Opener. These would be those videos that get all kinds of hits online or are worth watching.
Those are the segments I was able to see on TV. To learn about other segments featured on Eye Opener, such as Your Moment of Cuteness, visit Eye Opener's website.
--- Eye Opener: Final Thoughts ---
Touted as a different kind of morning show, Eye Opener is just that. It is a morning show that is more casual and in-your-face while not severely overdoing it. Eye Opener is not NewsFix (a good thing for NewsFix haters), but some of the sort of swagger of NewsFix is instilled in Eye Opener's news. It is surely a different sort of morning news experience. For someone who used to watch FOX 26 Morning News a lot and even ABC 13 Morning News, Eye Opener is radically different. CW 39 delivers mostly casual news in Eye Opener and NewsFix while having a deeper tie to the Houston-area and Houstonians than most of the major local networks do at trying to showcase things on a local level. Eye Opener is no different.
Would I watch Eye Opener again if I were up earlier or if I wanted to see it again? If on a scale of 1-5, where 1 means "least likely" and 5 means "most likely," I would put Eye Opener at 3.5. Or at the most, 3.75 or even 4. I have basically stopped caring about TV/radio news except for weather and sports. So I can't honestly say I'd watch Eye Opener again if I wanted to.
It was pretty cool seeing Eye Opener and actually seeing what it was mostly about. Too bad I didn't get to see the lovely Mia Gradney on TV in preparing this blog post.
Perhaps I should see more of the show more often so I can provide a better look at Eye Opener. This will do for now, though. Thank you for reading! That concludes this blog post. Hope you enjoyed it.
Speed Channel shown the Bathurst 1000 for the first time on American TV LIVE this weekend. This blog post showcases my own ideas regarding the coverage of the 2011 Bathurst 1000. The Bathurst 1000 is Australia's biggest racing event. If you want to liken this to a NASCAR event, you could say that the Bathurst 1000 is like the Coca-Cola 600, but with the prestige and honor of the Daytona 500. You win Bathurst, you become a legend. It's the big one. This blog post is all about how I've taken the Speed coverage of the 2011 Bathurst 1000.
A PERSONAL NOTE BEFORE I BEGIN:
(ADDED: OCT 10 2011) I would like to welcome all of my readers from Australia and New Zealand to John's Blog Space! Thank you so much for findind and sharing my blog. More so, I'd like to welcome people from the Australian Ford Forums for finding and sharing this post. I hope you have a good read. If you do enjoy my blog and my work, PLEASE feel free to subscribe to my blog via FeedBurner, Follow John's Blog Space, and/or even "like" my Facebook fan page. Thanks again, everyone!
--- Setting the Tone... ---
I needed to use a picture to help set the tone, so here is one I found online to help set the tone for the race that was covered this weekend (best I could find):
^ from: www.speedcafe.com.au - Bathurst 1000- legends are born for those who conquer this six-hour race around Mount Panorama. On October 8, 2011; the United States got to see this race for the first time LIVE.
The coverage began at 7:00 PM Eastern [Daylight] Time on Speed Channel. The race itself began around 7:30 PM Eastern [Daylight] Time. This was the commenting crew for Speed:
• Mike Joy - play-by-play • Darrell Waltrip - analyst • Leigh Diffey (one of my personal favorite Speed personalities) - pit reporter • Calvin Fish - pit reporter
Leigh Diffey, of course, used to be the play-by-play announcer for races in the Australian V8 Supercar Series. Perhaps a bit unusual not to hear him call down this one as the play-by-play announcer.
--- Coverage Thoughts in General ---
Each bullet highlights on a certain aspect of the coverage on Speed. Have a look at these notes I've taken:
• comparing NASCAR Sprint Cup cars to V8 Supercars. Fair comparison.
• "Boogity, boogity, boogity!" - no offense, but no need to say that. This isn't NASCAR, and you shouldn't try to make an event like the Bathurst 1000 to be like a NASCAR race. We don't need to dumb down an event like the Bathurst 1000 this way.
• Good job educating the audience on various aspects of Bathurst, Australia, the race, etc. Even learned a few things about the race and the track.
• Darrell Waltrip talked about the blue oval (Ford) and the "red tiger" of Holden. Uh, Holden's logo is the red LION.
I thought the coverage was very good to me. It also was great for the explanation of the different sponsors in Australia on the cars. Some of the different sponsors were those I was familiar with. It was great to hear Marcos Ambrose during the coverage while Ambrose (two-time Australian V8 Supercar Series champion) was at Kansas.
--- 2011 Bathurst 1000 Thoughts in General ---
There is a reason why this is being featured in the United States. The Bathurst 1000 is one of the greatest races in the world. These cars and this action certainly caught on with Americans as more and more people here get to see these cars in action. To some people, not as many people know of races and series like the Australian V8 Supercar Series because some people think that Australia is too far away from the rest of the world for people to actually know anything about the series.
That awesome finish and the big fire from one of the Holdens (the #17 one, I believe) are the two biggest sights I'll take away from this coverage. This was an exceptional experience to see. I saw most of the race on Speed Channel. It wasn't like I watched every last second.
--- Final Thoughts ---
I do think the insanity of the Bathurst 1000 was captured well here. The one thing I love about Speed Channel (and still do) is that they love motorsports and is willing to provide such great material for racing fans. My first taste of Australian V8 Supercars on TV was back in 2000 or 2001 when Speed Channel used to be Speedvision. The spellbinding thing about all of this is that the Australian V8 Supercar Series was perceived and recognized so well that we not only get Bathurst coverage, but LIVE Bathurst coverage. These same V8 Supercars will race around Circuit of the Americas in 2013. So this is a win-win for any racing fan. This is a weekend you have to enjoy if you are any kind of racing fan in the United States.
Many people think Speedvision's luster was lost the more Speed has started towards becoming more about NASCAR and reality TV. Fact is, Speed hasn't entirely lost what makes the channel what it is- a world of racing and a love of racing worldwide. Even though most of the coverage on the network mostly favors NASCAR and other kinds of American racing, the network still remains in touch with most of the rest of the world of racing. This is a network that knows what the heck they're talking about and knows racing better than any other network. I'd hate for this to be some... you know, highlight-laden deal on ESPN or something with substandard coverage. If this race was going to be shown live on TV for the first time in America, it needs to be done right. And Speed has done it... right, but with a few asterisks.
To be honest... I don't agree with having native TV crews calling down certain races. I am going to watch a major international race for that race, and I don't really need to have a certain domestic crew call down racing action. I appreciate mostly the world feed crew to call races. Take MotoGP coverage, for instance. I'm okay hearing Nick Harris and Gavin Emmett with Mark Bracks for MotoGP coverage. Of course, I do love hearing Bob Varsha, David Hobbs, Steve Matchett, and Will Buxton for F1 coverage on Speed Channel. But for the World Superbike and MotoGP races in the States, we usually hear Ralph Sheheen and Freddie Spencer, and sometimes Leigh Diffey. I'd even be inclined to hear Leigh Diffey do play-by-play for this race and maybe someone else for analysis. Or in a dream scenario, you could have Leigh Diffey and Marcos Ambrose (if Ambrose wanted to return home to Australia just for the Bathurst 1000) calling the action. It just... I would be okay with the usual Australian crew call down this race. You don't have to Americanize the coverage just to appease the American fans.
One last time... no more "boogity, boogity, boogity!" to begin coverage of this race! The Australian V8's is NOT NASCAR, and Bathurst isn't Darlington or some place. So no need to use this catchphrase for a race like this in a series like this. Please?
I am not here to spoil this race. So congratulations to (the 2011 Bathurst 1000 winners) on a job well done! I hope you liked my own review of the Speed Channel coverage of the 2011 Bathurst 1000. You all are free to express your own opinions as well here. More blog posts on various other topics are in the works! So if you loved your John's Blog Space experience, feel free to Subscribe and Follow. Thank you for reading!
Sometimes, you want to watch certain shows to see what they are about. Sometimes, you want to give something new a try. So judging on this blog post's title, you know what I'm talking about. This is a show called "Bully Beatdown." This is basically a show where people who get bullied on have people get put into a mixed martial arts (MMA) cage against a real MMA fighter. What do I think about this show? That's what you're about to find out in this blog post.
This is the yet another blog post I did concerning an MTV show since talking about "My Super Sweet Sixteen" and "America's Best Dance Crew" in past blog posts.
--- Bully Beatdown at a Glance ---
^ from: www.mmagospel.com - Bully Beatdown - where bullies meet their match against MMA fighters.
I've watched only two shows. Well actually, 1.5 episodes. I was watching wrestling and switched over to MTV2 when wrestling was off. The first episode I saw was of a bully girl named Amanda that bullied a girl named Keiko. Then, it was this (first time I ever used this word in my blog) douchebag named Kevin who has a pompadour hairstyle with greased-over hair who bullied two guys. Amanda had to go against the "karate hottie" Michelle Waterson, and Kevin had to go against Tyron "T-Wood" Woodley.
The venue is somewhat like an underground fight club as a King of the Cage octagon is where the action takes place. Anyone who may watch MTV2 (especially in recent times) may know of MTV2 showing the Bellator fighting tournament. So this would be a nice tie-in for promotion of mixed martial arts on the MTV networks. The host of Bully Beatdown is Mark Burnett, who often confronts these bullies as well as root on the MMA fighters.
--- How Bully Beatdown Works ---
Here's how the show breaks down:
The bully beating down takes place in two individual matches at five minutes each. The first round is grapples only (no striking allowed). The second round is a straight-up kickboxing match. In the first round, the bully starts with $5K USD and loses $1K each time the he/she taps out to the MMA professional. The $1K goes to the bullying victim(s) for each tapout within the five-minute frame. In the second round, if the bully manages to last five minutes against the MMA fighter in a straight-up kickboxing match, he/she wins $5K. But if the bully gets knocked out, gives up, or if the referee has to stop the fight; the bully gives up $5K USD to the bullying victim(s).
So this is basically a challenge of if a bully can stand a total of ten minutes against a real MMA fighter. Sort of like the MMA fighters being enforcers to people whom have been bullied. Everyone is at least 18 years old for what I know. Therefore, it isn't like Elementary and Secondary school kids are called up to be beaten down by MMA fighters.
--- Personal Opinions of This Concept ---
"Bully Beatdown" is different as a concept. Rather than verbally confront bullies on most shows, bullies are confronted by MMA fighters in a test of toughness. This is more like a reality check for bullies who think they are tougher than everybody else. This show is different since there is actual physical contact against such perpetrators as opposed to a talking-to on most other shows.
There are two dynamics that concern me here. The first dynamic pertains to not being able to defend for yourself or try to handle someone according, and the other is on showcasing MMA fighters in this sort of way "Bully Beatdown" does.
"Bully Beatdown" Concept: Can't Fend for Oneself.
I'd personally feel bad knowing I could have handled somebody myself without needing to bring someone to a national TV show to go against an MMA fighter. I've dealt with my own share of idiots at school and in life. Even if at the expense of getting into trouble, I have to fend for myself.
"Bully Beatdown" Concept: MMA Promotion.
If anything, MMA fighters are being seen more as enforcers in this show. MMA involves both striking attacks in addition to graples. One has to have agility as well as good upper and lower body strength. The dynamics of MMA are much different from boxing because you have to utilize an equal balance of lower and upper body strength. Of course in boxing, it helps to be quick on your feet.
Also, it isn't like the MMA fighters are doing any tremendously serious contact to (essentially) unconditioned athletes. The contact and everything is real, but not any of the serious contact grapples and strikes you would normally see in a proper MMA fight. There are some more intense manuvers (not that I am a regular watcher of MMA fights) that can really cripple and badly injure any unconditioned person or athlete.
If anything, this is a show where people who think they are so tough meet their match against conditioned fighters. This is a radical concept to showcase the toughness of MMA fighters while also teaching lesser folk not to mess with MMA fighters. It would be strange if a show like "Bully Beatdown" can encourage average folk (like you and I) to stand up for ourselves better against bullies and against other would-be foes through hand-to-hand combat. That potential and that drive are certainly there. It isn't some show with whiny people who have nothing better to say than "what the hell!?" So it's a pretty cool concept. I just feel sorry for the bullies who get called out to be on "Bully Beatdown" to take a pounding they so deserve.
My YouTube viewers may remember my "Abusive and Controlling Men" video (as well as my blog post of the same name). If I were the producer of "Bully Beatdown," I'd change the theme of the show from handling bullies to handling men who treat their women like slaves/garbage/property. Otherwise, this is a completely different concept from what one would normally see in justice served to guilty parties for their actions.
"Bully Beatdown" is a show to check out if you want to see something a bit different on TV. Take it from yours truly.
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ESPN is the new TV home of American Le Mans Series racing. Races are streamed live on ESPN3.com and in two-hour highlight shows on ESPN. ESPN/ABC will share the load in providing two-hour highlights all season long as part of a new deal. The action is all live... but only if you have an online connection and love being on ESPN3. Many think this is a disconnect with fans of the ALMS. Is it? Has the ALMS hurt itself or will hurt itself in the long term? My blog post on this topic is coming your way with my own personal comments and views. Strap in!
This is one blog post in a series of three different blog posts related to television coverage of certain programs and events. The first was on coverage of the NCAA Division 1 Men's Basketball Tournament (March Madness), the second one concerned NewsFix, and this one is about coverage of the ALMS on ESPN/ABC. Before I begin, here is an important point I want you to remember as you read this:
IMPORTANT NOTE: I was unable to see video highlights of the ESPN highlight package, nor did I see a single bit of coverage on ESPN3. I relied on Facebook and Twitter for my updates on the 2011 24 Hours of Sebring.
I have an emotional attachment to coverage of sportscar racing. You may remember my thoughts on seeing sportscar racing if you have seen my blog post entitled "A Forgotten Time." It expressed how much I love sportscar racing and how proud I was when the American Le Mans Series was televised on TV. If you want to read about my thoughts on seeing sportscar racing televised, here is some recommended reading for you:
In an attempt to cater to newer trends and styles in coverage, the American Le Mans Series signed a multi-year deal for its races to be shown on ESPN and ABC. Scott Atherton, the CEO of the American Le Mans Series, noted in Facebook video regarding why the series went with this brand-new package. Among the many reasons are the ideas of streaming media as well as 3D and digital coverage. A lot of ALMS fans were curious as to what prompted the changes that the ALMS has made. The way the plan was described by Scott Atherton was done so in a convincing way. However, it still didn't convince many people that going from Speed Channel to ESPN/ABC as a happy and welcome change.
Here is how Scott Atherton describes this new deal between ESPN/ABC and with representation from Intersport:
from January 3, 2011:
"...a here-and-now benchmark example of how fans will be able to access their favorite sports programming whenever and however they wish. It combines a core conventional television component, a live digital web delivery component, an on-demand option and potential other methods of viewing that they are being embraced by our ever-growing 18-34 demographic."
-Scott Atherton, President and CEO of the American Le Mans Series
Agree/Disagree at will. For now, though, here are more thoughts to share.
From Speed Channel...
The biggest reason to do such a thing is to attract a bigger audience. Whether you like ESPN or not, more people care about sports news from ESPN than they do FOX Sports or some other deal. The American Le Mans Series is both a sport and a business. As a business, you need to find more ways to push your product in a positive direction. I know people don't want to read sentences like the previous one, but it's the truth.
Speed Channel is a channel that cares about racing when there's actual racing going on. It has been the go-to source for racing news even in the Speedvision days. Who honestly does a better job of racing coverage from any non-FOX network? Since NASCAR and other forms of Americana racing basically took over the airwaves on (then) Speedvision, the channel has been downgraded for the most part. With the arrival of more reality-type shoes, its value became even more downgraded. Still paramount to Speed Channel is racing coverage. No one can argue that the racing coverage is solid, unless you believe more kinds of racing be featured more often than oval racing. I will happily watch live coverage of an American Le Mans Series race from start to finish on Speed Channel. If I can't do that, then I will at least do what I can to catch as much as possible. There have been quite a few races I've seen from start to finish on Speed Channel covered live.
...to ESPN/ABC.
Now, ALMS coverage is on the ESPN/ABC networks. I said on GTPlanet that ESPN/ABC will need to "step the hell up" with its coverage of the American Le Mans Series in taking over from Speed Channel. There is definitely a bright spot that still remains with ESPN/ABC coverage- the beautiful young Jamie Howe (remember her from my "Women in Motorsport" blog post?) calling pit action.
The real things I've heard about this package is live online streaming of ALMS racing along with the prospect of seeing races in this new age of 3D. So basically, this is the dumbing down of ALMS races just to make them cooler on TV and to make them more entertaining to all of you. Rather than live races on TV, it's live racing STREAMING ONLINE followed by highlight shows that air on ESPN/ABC a day or so later.
Does this sound like a win to you? For a number of people, this is a fail.
--- The New ALMS Coverage: a Raw Deal For the Fans? ---
^ from: blog.niot.net - Has the American Le Mans Series created its own great void with the new ESPN/ABC programming package? Has it created its own disconnect between the series and its fans?
"For the Fans" has long been the mantra of the American Le Mans Series. By making THIS move, however, a number of people feel this is a raw deal. A number of fans have been disappointed that the ALMS would make THIS move and basically take away from seeing live races live on TV rather than enjoy it on television. Even I would like to follow the 24 Hours of Le Mans often times with Radio Le Mans rather than just see Speed Channel (though I have absolutely NO problem with Le Mans coverage on Speed Channel). But still, even in this day and age, there's still nothing like seeing races live on TV.
What Does the American Le Mans Series Mean to Fans?
That leads to a major problem I have with this package- does the racing fan care about seeing live races on TV anymore? Don't answer this question to me... think about that question being answered in the eyes of TV companies. Let's look at the ALMS in comparison to the 800-pound motorsports gorilla known as NASCAR. Everything from the invocation and National Anthem to the race itself (and some of the post-race commentary) fill the airwaves. Look at most other American sports, though. Hardly ever do you see EVERYTHING on TV from the displaying of colors, invocation, and National Anthem in most other American sports. You do in NASCAR. All the laps and such in NASCAR are shown live in their entirety.
Let me put it to you this way. How would you feel if the Daytona 500 can only be seen online? What about the Indy 500? What about the U.S. Nationals (NHRA drag racing)? What about every race of the Formula 1 World Championship? The reason why I'm so upset is that this is Sebring- a major race. Major races (I'm sorry) like this should NOT have to be seen only online. Even in postmodern times and where many people turn to modern technology to view and use certain things, a race like the 12 Hours of Sebring should absolutely NOT be only available in streaming media. ESPN's hands were obviously tied here- the NCAA Division 1 Women's Basketball Tournament started up. There were probably some other sporting events, so ESPN couldn't possibly air this on any other ESPN channel. As a positive- you don't have to worry about Speed Channel having to have any *important* NASCAR updates on TV to break into the live action, as if the motorsports world revolves around NASCAR. Something has to be so disregarded on American/Canadian television that the ONLY place to see it [live] is online. I've watched many different tape-delay races of the ALMS for a long time. The World Series is live and on TV. The Super Bowl is live and on TV. The BCS National Championship is live and on TV. The World Cup is live and on TV. The Daytona 500, Indy 500, and Coca-Cola 600 (among many other races) are live and on TV. Why not Sebring?
What is it- not many people care seeing the American Le Mans Series live on TV? Not as many people care about one more historic race? Bad enough, this was the start of a rather exciting concept- the first of the Intercontinental Le Mans Cup races. Over 60 entries at Sebring... yet, you've only seen this race live if you're online. It's really a damned shame to be honest. Thankfully, Speed Channel (because hardly any other station even knows or cares about sportscar racing quite like Speed Channel) picked up the slack and shown Sebring 2011 highlights with Adam Alexander talking about it along with analysis by Bob Varsha.
Programming Package Comparison.
How does this ALMS programming package compare to another programming package? Get ready for a classic "apples and oranges" argument:
You may have read my blog post regarding television coverage of NCAA March Madness across four different cable networks. This is a television package that works because you could see any match live in its entirety ON CABLE TV. You may even see streaming TV of every match on your mobile device. Thing is... you aren't relegated to media other than TV as you are with this ALMS package. Yes, you can still see ALMS races on TV, but in these highlight packages and documentary-style shows.
ESPN3 is not free (unless you are watching on a college campus or a military base). If it means you have to pay some more just to enjoy ALMS racing, many people will empty their pockets to see ALMS racing, even if it has to be streaming media. I don't trust being able to view a major sporting event through an online connection to see what I could probably enjoy more on my TV. I know there are people who probably have HD monitors that can also used as PC monitors, but not everyone has such luxuries or money for an online channel just to see a nine or ten race season played out live online. It is innovative to have a sports series or sporting event all-online. Don't however, neglect the average TV-watching fan! It is most disappointing to have coverage like this. Not unacceptable, but surely unsatisfactory.
--- Personal Thoughts ---
This weekend, I've never been more disappointed as a sportscar racing fan. I didn't go anywhere this weekend. This usually would have been a great chance to see the 12 Hours of Sebring on Speed Channel. Instead, I've had to mostly rely on Facebook and Twitter for the latest updates. No- I did not want to view streaming video. To me, being relegated to having to see material online is a way of saying that nobody cares to see something on TV, so you have to see it online. I know times have changed to where you can catch up with programs away from TV and radio. Still, I do find it saddening that the Super Bowl of the ALMS (besides Petit Le Mans) be shown only online. Think about if you could only see the World Cup final online. You'd be pissed to see a major event or major game/race be played out live online as opposed to seeing things on TV.
Certain ALMS fans are even disappointed that this new TV package (or lack thereof) even came about. Especially people in Canada are disappointed since ESPN3 is not offered in Canada. It may likely be worse for Canadian ALMS fans since the ALMS will make their usual stop later this year at Mosport. The ALMS, while in its attempts to innovate and expand, may be creating a disconnect between the fans and coverage of its great racing series with this new TV package.
I don't make the marketing decisions or handle public relations, but I would know better than to have live action played out online as opposed to seeing it all on regular/cable/satellite TV. For most racing series or sporting leagues, you don't exclusively put live material online unless it's something that is not expected to be viewed by fans, or something that likely isn't all that important to the greater viewing audience. Doing this to Sebring is an absolute slap to the face of sportscar racing fans. And in the case of certain fans who think the ESPN/ABC highlight package of Sebring (which I have NOT seen as of the posting of this blog entry) was horrid, then a great disconnect between the ALMS fans and media coverage is in the works (if not already happening).
You can't be "For the Fans" to have this deal acted out this way. Is the American Le Mans Series TV coverage somehow not profitable enough to some that it warrants having live races exclusively online? The feeling I endured is that I'm glad the 12 Hours of Sebring is happening. Sadly, you have to watch it all live online. If you actually saw the race online and want to relive the best moments, you can always watch the race on ESPN/ABC in highlight packages. When the race could have been seen live on TV, you choose to move live TV footage to the Internet. You know what that says? At least to me, this is a way of saying that the ALMS, with its great races and drivers, is somehow not worth watching live on TV anymore. At least the ALMS is something different from the garden variety of NASCAR shows. Part of the reason why I love the ALMS is because I love sportscar racing and (most importantly) with races on cable/satellite and even local TV. Even if the local TV stations air races in tape delays, at least you're getting the racing action you want to see. I just want to enjoy racing; not just have some sort of "show" looking at what happened during a race. If I wanted to see a documentary or something on some race, I can always look to some highlight videos. One has to wonder if even if the ALMS is devaluing coverage of its own series by putting forth the product they've created. Think about it- live coverage of EVERYTHING (including the race itself) online and only online. It may result in getting more online support from those who watch a lot of online media, but you're hurting a more critical base- the regular TV-watching fanbase. Do you REALLY want this? Do you only want to treat the fanbase who watch races online on an online network while offering such tough luck to those who don't want to watch live sports exclusively online? Then congratulations- you are diminishing your own fanbase.
I guess I may well just look at streaming media from elsewhere if this is how the ALMS wants to *exclusively* cover its live events. At least I know I don't have to exclusively be on Radio Le Mans to enjoy the 24 Hours of Le Mans when it comes time for Le Mans. And of course, the 24 Hours of Le Mans isn't a round of the ALMS.
More Personal Thoughts (added: APR. 17, 2011).
I saw the coverage of the ALMS round at Long Beach on ESPN2. It's the first on-TV coverage I was able to see, and to say the least... wow. Great action soiled by pathetic commentary. The real saving grace was the beautiful young Jamie Howe covering pit action very well. I don't know... the play-by-play commentary was substandard. I've already tend to miss the tandem of Diffey/Schroder/Fish for Speed channel (or Neville or Till/Schroder/Fish). This was a very poor commentary performance.
I even glanced at the Facebook fan page of the American Le Mans Series, and even some of those fans were disappointed even as the Long Beach round wrapped up. Want more Facebook reaction? Read the next section!
--- Facebook Reaction ---
Take a look at what people have said on Facebook in regards to the ESPN/ABC coverage. Names are undisclosed to protectt privacy. Everything provided for educational and discussion purposes:
"The ABC recap is well produced, I hope this will go a long way to easing through the transition to the new format. To be honest though I would much rather hear John Hindhaugh and Jeremy Shaw, announce it, was not overly impressed by the announcers, but to be fair the whole radio le mans crew sets the bar so high it is hard to hit. They just bring so much passion to the races, and have the ability to create even more excitement."
"ALMS shot themselves in the foot with the media coverage....good race but like some others said....bonehead move with the TV deal."
"so far not impressed with the 'highlighted' coverage what a huge let down ..."
"I scroll thru over 1000 channels on my Directv system. Seriously full of crap channels with crap shows that NOONE watches yet somehow THEY get on TV but ALMS can't? It's embarrassing for you. I can watch a guy paint landscapes 7 days a week but you guys can't get it together to get your product on the air? 24 hours a day I can watch shows for ab machines and magical shammies but ALMS can't figure out how to get on TV?
You really need to fire someone over there . . ."
"I have read many posts on this new broadcast/streaming deal. There are those that like it and those that hate it and there are many out there that did not seem to even know that ALMS was not on commercial TV this year. One thing for sure, is what you see is what you get, because of contracts with ABS/ESPN. I watched the race yesterday on ESPN3.com and have absolutely no complaints, but I know I am not in the majority. What I would like to see is ALMS step up and admit, that they dropped the ball with the late news that the video feed would not be on their site for those with in the US 50 states. Also that all cable/ISP providers cannot provide the need bandwidth, there for many that did receive the broadcast had bad video feed and buffering with frame freeze. If they do that and show improvements for Long Beach, they will make a lot of fans happy. I also believe that they will lose long time fans (most likely not the loyal hardcore fans) no matter what they do."
"No live coverage. Unless you have a tech kid in the house. ABC coverage poor. Maybe NASCAR fans will watch. You had every wreck that happened. And yellow flags. You made a bad deal Atherton. Maybe you were not paying attention, but they lost Indycar because they would prefer to show rythmic gymnastics. ALMS will remain the biggest secret in motorsports. I WILL NOT BE WATCHING!!"
"I agree w/ most of my race fan, Facebook pals. The ABC/ESPN coverage coverage is really gonna hurt ALMS. Deja Vu from last year & NBC."
"So instead of watching ALMS i get to watch the Paris Open of tennis. ABC seriously screwed the series! If you guys were worried about it last year because of pack of competitors, you better watch out for a lack of fans this year!" (I think this person meant "lack of competitors" rather than "pack of competitors." -JM)
"Thank you very much for the awesome coverage on ESPN 3!!! SO much better than SPEED, because there was no 3-4 hr interruption to go cover NASCAR Craftsman Truck series QUALIFYING......*sheesh what a load of crap SPEED*, Anyway, Thanks again and I hope all the races work out this well... :)"
"I'm extremely disappointed in this ESPN3.com nonsense. I've paid dearly for two HDTV's in my house and I have to watch premier car racing in front of my computer...or I have to hook a computer and get not-even-close to a HD quality broadcast? Hell, even the rednecks in NASCAR have a TV deal...and this is supposed to be gentleman racing? How do you expect to get more followers with lame after the fact day after coverage that shows mainly crashes?"
You now know how some people feel about this. Many others have either voiced their own approval or disapproval depending on who you ask or what you read.
For the record, I have NOT watched ESPN3 or of the ESPN/ABC footage of the Sebring event as of this blog post. I already have somewhat an idea of what the coverage must have been like if I am just going on what others have said on this race. I still love the ALMS. I still root on teams like Houston-based Risi Competizione, Flying Lizard, BMW Motorsport, Highcroft Racing, and many other teams. I just disagree and disapprove of this new TV package.
In Case You're Interested...
If you want to see another other blogger's view on this new TV deal, I invite you to read this Wordpress blog post called "Breaking News: ALMS Announces New TV Deal, All Live Coverage is Online ONLY!". I hope you've enjoyed my blog post. If so, please subscribe to my blog and even share my content online, because more people reading (and hopefully enjoying) my stuff is ALWAYS cool! :)
(LAST BIG UPDATE: May 2, 2011) Because this is a massive blog post, I have done a great deal of editing to help those not willing to read the entire blog post to get my opinions quickly. So you get a look at my opinions first before I explain why I made these opinions.
"Experience news in a new way."
-NewsFix advertisement
If you have read my blog post entitled "NewsFix... as a Concept," you may know my early reaction to how I personally feel about this new news format introduced by Tribune. The hopes are for poorly-performing stations to have better ratings for their newscasts. Rather than rely on traditional newscasts with reporters and anchors, NewsFix introduced a concept that does away with reporters and anchors in favor of an anchorless newscast and also without some of the basic things that make some newscasts boring- cliches ("perfect storm," for example) and stuff like that are what NewsFix tries to avoid. Therefore, this is a more radical approach to news. Even Tribune admits that NewsFix is an experiment aimed at stations where Tribune has the least to lose. One of those stations, includes my hometown's CW39. So does NewsFix work? Is it worth your time? Should you at least give it a chance?
If first impressions are everything, then my blog post is a first impressions post that takes a look at what this NewsFix deal brings to the table. I may add more thoughts on NewsFix and how else it works in future edits depending on traffic or interest from my readers. My comments are all personal (as always) and shown with passion. I hope this is to your liking. It may be a lot of reading you're about to do, but I hope it will be worth your time.
PERSONAL NOTE: I would like to thank Mike McGuff over at the mikemcguff.com blog for linking to this post you are reading right now. Keep up the great work with your own blog. I would also like to welcome and salute all of you who found this blog post via Mike McGuff's blog. This is John's Blog Space- my personal blog about anything and everything that crosses my mind. I hope you enjoy my work and share it with others online if you like my post here.
Let's set the mood with a picture: ^ (original credit: NewsFixHouston Facebook Fan Page) NewsFix: the future of TV news... or more reason to dislike TV news? You decide.
NOTE: This blog post may be edited in the future to include more opinions. The initial post was supposed to be a First Impressions look at NewsFix. Future edits may include more commentary on NewsFix.
I have updated my Final Thoughts on NewsFix after thinking about it some more. If you read this post previously and seen my Final Thoughts on NewsFix, get ready for a completely different take from me...
NewsFix is absolutely a different concept and a different way of delivering news. However, different doesn't always mean better. So you think that adding music to news stories followed by having someone NARRATE the news is much better than what CW39 News was with the traditional anchors and reporters? I have to say now... that I'm as appalled as most people are at NewsFix. You know what NewsFix is more like? It's more like someone who does something really interesting to get your attention, and you (eventually) take the bait. When you do take this bait called NewsFix, you step into the bear trap that will mess you up really bad.
The Fallacies of NewsFix.
First off, here is what I am most disappointed in. This is not news. Many people liken NewsFix to TMZ on FOX- more like a narration deal rather than a serious newscast, and for good reason. Yeah- news issues are being covered and covered in a different way. Still, I find no redeeming qualities over expressing news the way NewsFix does. You do away with reporters and anchors in favor of this. On YouTube, this is acceptable because hardly anyone gives a damn about having a true production crew and cast of news people to cover things. NewsFix, however, is on television trying to offer news that works infinitely better online rather than on traditional television. You have to credit that NewsFix understands that not as many people want their fill of the news through conventional methods. They are not just putting anything out there without knowing that people want something different. Conversely, news doesn't have to be covered like certain YouTube videos, whereas music is somehow REQUIRED (and especially overplayed or annoying songs) to make news more engaging. I know people are going to complain at me for saying this, but it's like I get annoyed having to listen to Drowning Pool's "Let the Bodies Hit the Floor" or some other overplayed and overused rock song [that I usually don't like] for the 25th or 50th video I've seen while trying to enjoy a video. Even when I'm picking videos to feature in my blog posts, I try to avoid certain videos with songs that end up destroying the main point of featuring a video. You want to hear a certain song that's played in a video? That is why you do a search for that song on YouTube.
Another disappointing thing about NewsFix is the weather and sports segment. I consider both to be rather important in terms of something being covered. These are two bits of news that work MUCH better with a human element. What do we get instead, though? A basic voiceover. Even local coverage of The Weather Channel's "Local on the 8s" is much better at offering weather news than NewsFix. And what about sports? Again- disappointing. It's like NewsFix doesn't care about weather or sports- just get you in and get you out. Two kinds of news reports that work best with people talking to you and delivering these things with passion and heart, all ruined in favor of simple voice overs and next to no real COVERAGE. Damned disappointing- I'm sorry. So this sort of news is better when it's narrated and with no sincere passion or human element?
There ARE Positives...
There are some elements, however, I am proud of concerning NewsFix. Bringing things to a personal level with Houston-area folk sharing their thoughts on things (Streets of Houston) is a great deal. Having certain stories that hit home is great to feature in news. Simon Says was a great segment for CW39, and its NewsFix inclusion is always welcome. Crime Bureau with Houston Police Department Constable Victor Trevino shares insight on crime alerts and crime tips. This is most certainly helpful to have an elected official provide these updates. The deal of Pictures of the Day is great considering just how amazing the photography is.
Perhaps a great advantage to NewsFix is that you get an idea of where in the world news events featured will be displayed. Everything seems to be displayed more like an iPod Touch or an iPad display with the world map and the various icons regarding the news. I think that is a very cool touch to the news coverage. Maybe I like it since I've recently been drawn to the allure of the iPod Touch.
FINAL Final Thoughts.
This is what I think NewsFix boils down to: f**• anchors. F**• reporters. To Hell with conventional newscasting. It didn't work for the whole of CW39 News. We don't live in the 20th Century anymore. In NewsFix's estimation, CW39 (along with other low-rated Tribune newscasts) News was apparently such a failure that they have to get rid of anchors and reporters and do away with traditional forms of news reporting just to make the news better. NewsFix takes news reporting like it's doing away with an entire labor force and replacing it with robots (figuratively speaking). As an example, The Onion (which I am a fan of) is a traditional-type newscast. And while it's mostly satire, even The Onion can do a better job at reporting news than NewsFix can. AND- it's entertaining! NewsFix is basically a way of saying "we (Tribune) want a newscast to compete with other networks, but don't care less about making a realistic effort to make news reporting with a human crew." It is radical thinking to shake up TV news like this and in this sort of way. Its effort and execution, however, is almost inexcusably... well, inexcusable. You have to hate TV news so much that anonymous YouTube-generation coverage of news will make you appreciate TV news again. Who wants to work anonymously giving anonymous news about things people care or sometimes don't care about? Completely getting rid of anchors and reporters just makes the news that much more hard to follow. You need to bring things on a human level and with human insight. The lighthearted jokes and comments from the likes of Mia Gradney and Katishia Cosley made certain stories fun. THAT is what I mean by a human element- news is news, but it takes a human element to deliver the news home to people in and understandable and professional manner. I don't think NewsFix even cares if they win Lone Star Emmy Awards for their *fine• work. Who wants to work for a newscast (if you want to call NewsFix that) where you are mostly anonymous and deliver news to the masses in hopes of telling other news stations to stick it where the sun doesn't shine?
What if you're a critic of mine who would ask me, "do you hate NewsFix just because you're scared of change or new ideas?" If you are one of those critics, let me answer you promptly- no. I value new ideas and concepts. NewsFix is not just another ho-hum news deal. On the other hand, if you're going to be different from the pack, you need to distinguish yourself in a way that earns my full respect (or a high percentage of it); not disappoint me. I prefer to have more positives than negatives when getting away from an experience. If NewsFix is ever to become a serious revolution and a ground-breaker, it has a hell of a lot of work to do. It's different, sort of a counterculture to traditional news, but doesn't have that Woodstock punch to really make itself stand out and stand beyond its opposition and be a long-standing icon in television.
Now for any would-be critics of mine who would say that I'm scared of change. Change for me was when I started making a habit of watching CW39 for news back during the traditional news format. Most of the news was simple and brief... and professional with a casual touch. NewsFix, to me, is for people who don't care about actual news, and don't care about professionally detailed and understandable news. Even before NewsFix, I enjoyed the news CW39 covered again- even if low-rated. At least this professional newscast had a casual element that made the news actually worth watching. At the most, people will probably only see and enjoy NewsFix only because it's different. Not because it's good- different. Then again, Seymour Butts of Who-Freaking-Cares News is different too... but can do a better job at covering news than NewsFix ever will. I don't want to say that NewsFix is purely a cheap thrill (if you will) that will eventually die of its own inertia, but NewsFix may have exasperated its own problem. They may get the ratings needed for CW39, but not much else.
Why even have a newscast on a channel if you're going to go to the levels of NewsFix as a last ditch effort to compete with other local newscasts? You sometimes have to know when to give up. LeBron James did all he could to make the Cavaliers a solid team, but couldn't help the Cavs win a title for Cleveland. Phi Slamma Jamma, who ESPN has a fetish of re-reminding Houston Cougar fans like myself, never got to win the NCAA Championship in 1983 against North Carolina State or in 1984 against Georgetown. John Stockton and Karl Malone never won an NBA Championship together despite many years working together. Some things just don't work out even as hard as you try. Of course, you could ask the New Orleans Saints about finally getting something right after many years of existence before finally making it to and winning the Super Bowl. Sorry to inundate a commentary piece with lots of sports references, but the main point is that some things just don't work out. If NewsFix fails, what other choice will there be? What other method will have to be implemented to save floundering newscasts? You may well just get rid of TV news entirely for that network than continually fund something that's just going to keep failing.
NewsFix, then, is expressing the news in its own unique way devoid of any traditional practices of newscasts. Things are expressed to the extremes presented and proposed by NewsFix. They are in charge of themselves rather than conforming to long-standing practices and standards. In a lighthearted way, NewsFix gets at news much like I try to get at anything that crosses my mind in my blog! :)
You now know about my ideas involving NewsFix. If you want to know WHY I made these points, I invite you to read on (click "Read More" if not reading the full blog post).
--- NewsFix Explained ---
Before I make comments on NewsFix, let me explain what NewsFix is like based on the preview I saw and how I it will try to change how people view the news.
Most of you know I'm not any kind of rock fanatic. This, to me, seems like the work of people coming together in Woodstock fashion to come up with a phenomena that will change (or at least attempt) common culture for a long time to come. Tribune's answer is NewsFix. NewsFix relies mostly on photographers and video work as opposed to having anchors and reporters constantly cover the news in multiple ways. The focus is more on news and less on other people getting in the way telling you what is going on. Rather than have reporters and anchors, there is also a decreased emphasis on covering certain stories that would illicit some sort of corporate bias. If you saw the YouTube video I posted previously in this post, you may get an idea of what this whole NewsFix thing is like. The people are basically presented more like high school or college kids who just want to have fun. These aren't hardened professionals who take their job very seriously. In a way, you can say that the whole NewsFix deal has some swagger in trying to improve not only CW39 News, but news in general. Think of NewsFix like this: "we're out to fix TV news coverage to how WE think news should be covered." So this is not more like "getting your fix of the news," so to speak; but more along the lines of "it's time to fix TV news in our own special way." If it is broke, fix it. And in the eyes of NewsFix, news IS broken. So they want to fix the news in their own way.
The way NewsFix works is that there are visual cues to let you know what stories are coming up. The start of NewsFix opens up with a world map showcasing where in the world certain news events have happened. They are all noted like a bulletin board with news stories broken up by certain numbers. Those numbers showcase the order of stories to be featured. A segment begins followed by a narrated piece. At the end of each story, a new section comes along to show you another story or segment. So you get advanced notice as to what is coming up next. The stories are all covered in a non-biased and thought-provoking way. No corporate bias, just basically a new-age radical look at the news. News is delivered with NewsFix in a way that challenges standards set for decades by many stations and subsequently emulated by many more in trickle-down fashion. NewsFix is also unafraid to discuss certain things that most news networks wouldn't dare discuss.
Therefore, NewsFix is trying to make its own mark on news and news coverage. It's trying to give out the news in a new way. This is a new way in hopes that more people not only forget all about the traditional newscast format certain news stations have had previously, but also to try to try something different. You may well say it's an all-out attempt to save fledgling and low-performing newscasts owned by Tribune.
NewsFix was designed to be a system to provide a quality newscast using non-conventional methods. I question what is actually accomplished if you do away with a traditional news crew in favor of (essentially) photojournalism. If NewsFix becomes successful and the next best thing, then you've shown that you have done away with the human element in favor of a faceless and anonymous crew.
There is a good reason why this concept was introduced. I have read about how one Tribune newscast did everything possible to try to get better ratings for its newscasts. It even included shuffling the deck with a new set of on-air talent. Sadly, it just didn't work out. I think of NewsFix as this absolute extreme to save newscasts... to the extent of not having people on air to deliver the news. It is picture and video driven rather than any traditional methods.
Here is a behind-the-scenes look at what NewsFix is about and how it will all work:
NewsFix, then, is expressing the news in its own unique way devoid of any traditional practices of newscasts. Things are expressed to the extremes presented and proposed by NewsFix. They are in charge of themselves rather than conforming to long-standing practices and standards. In a lighthearted way, NewsFix gets at news much like I try to get at anything that crosses my mind in my blog! :)
Now that you have an idea as to how NewsFix will work, I will now present commentary to prove my point(s).
--- Before NewsFix: The CW39 Days ---
I will use CW39 here in Houston to talk more about what it was like before the switch to the NewsFix concept. After all, this is one of the stations to have the NewsFix format made available to it.
Okay. You either loved or loathed 39 News. It has been the lowest-rated newscast in Houston news. Many whom have hated on 39 News would basically been along the lines of saying that 39 News is Mia Gradney... and not much else. If there is one thing you should know about me- I don't give a damn about ratings. The one thing I care about is getting news in a way I like it. I personally think ABC 13 delivers the best news in Houston. However, I do watch 39 News even if it isn't up to par ratings-wise with the other networks. Here's my deal:
• I hardly ever watch KPRC Channel 2 (Houston's NBC affiliate) for anything, except maybe sports. • I don't watch KHOU Channel 11 (Houston's CBS affiliate) for anything other than sports. • I usually watch KTRK Channel 13 (Houston's ABC affiliate) for news and other programming. • I watch KRIV Channel 26 (Houston's FOX affiliate), but not often, and not usually for the news. • I usually watch KIAH Channel 39 (Houston's CW affiliate) mostly for Maury, but I also watch for CW 4Kids, "Going Green with Yolanda Green," and "Anything That Rolls." I don't watch CW39 for too much else.
So I've been watching 39 News because I don't have this addiction to always be in the know of what's going on in the world. Some traditional newscasts are too much for me, usually of issues I just don't understand as well as I would like. I usually used to watch CW39 News even back when it was KHWB. I usually watched for the weather reports from the great "Chief Keith" Monahan. Did it mean that I wanted to get a great newscast from some channel other than from a major network? No. What this is all about is finding something to be happy with.
Think about this like buying a car (not that I have any experience). There are cars you know that are probably better than what you want to get, yet you still go with a certain car because it works best for you. Maybe not for others, but do you care about other peoples' thoughts in helping pick a car YOU want for YOUR needs? Thing is- we have things called choices in life. You CHOSE to get that car because that's what you want. You CHOSE to go to a certain university or college because that's what you want. So I CHOSE to watch 39 News even if it's the lowest-rated. I don't care about ratings, and I don't look into things just because of ratings. Why are ratings made a big deal out of? It's the business side to me. Who wants your product if no one even thinks it holds a candle to anything else in its class? Television news is a product, and it is a product for many TV viewers to enjoy. When you don't deliver a solid product, people stop caring about it and find something more desirable.
I knew 39 News was heading for a tailspin when talent was being shifted and diverted. I initially thought the NewsFix concept was more along the lines of "either you make this newscast better, or NewsFix will need to be implemented in your place." Television news is often a revolving door where talent come in and other talent go out. I had felt a little suspect as CW39 was offering people the chance to make some money by shooting and sending video to CW39 News. You have to have a YouTube channel, and if CW39 News uses your video, you get $100 USD. I was disappointed to see talent such as Hailey Frances, Alex Radow, Jason Volentine, and Leticia Juarez go elsewhere among others. An example of "laugh now, but cry later" was when various members of CW39 picked up Lone Star Emmy Awards for their work. It was a sign that I thought CW39 was preventing the NewsFix curse from happening. I thought it was a sign that this NewsFix thing was not going to materialize. Turns out... NewsFix was still looming over the sinking ship (as one person described it) known as CW39 News.
On the other hand, there have been a few ideas that I think have shown CW39's flaws. As 2009 came to an end, CW39 News wanted to play with the news a bit and count down the biggest news stories of the past year. I noted online that you don't play around with the news like this. Another measure to maybe spice up the news (especially the 5:00 PM hour news) was the Happy Hour segment I've recalled. This was where [former personality] Hailey Frances would go around town finding some of the most happenin' venues offering good food and/or drinks. I thought it was pretty risky mentioning this during the 5:00 PM hour news. Maybe one last wrinkle to the CW39 News set was the stand-up news set. I know I've heard of on-air personalities not wearing pants or anything while on set behind the anchor desk. So if you're going to be on the news and on TV, better cover up! :D
Why Did I Care for 39 News, Then?
Simple- it was mostly casual while still being serious about covering the news. I don't believe in ratings, and I also don't believe in expectations. Regardless, I don't expect CNN or FOX News quality news coverage. Am I an idiot just because I favor a more casual newscast than I do anything seriously engaging? No. It just means I saw something in CW39 News [before NewsFix] that kept me to watch that for getting my fix of the news. I kept watching because I was happy with what the network's news had to offer.
--- Before NewsFix: CW39 News Influences ---
Now for some piece-by-piece influence to show what CW39 was before the NewsFix format changed everything...
CW39 News Influence: Mia Gradney.
A lot of people who think CW39 News is Mia Gradney and very little else could probably understand why CW39 went away with the traditional anchor desk, and replace that with a stand-up set. I do hear of (and I don't want to put people on the spot) anchors and other newsroom talent not wear pants or something on set. I hate thinking of the stand-up set as a showcase of fashion and not much else. Mia's Look of the Day usually showcases her many different outfits. There are also the "Mia's Style Files" segments that highlight on fashion. If 39 News was a fashion show rather than a traditional newscast, then there would be more focusing on her and fashion. But honestly, Mia has done a great job dishing the news out to all who watch 39 News. She has basically been the face of 39 News. Mia was her own star, shining brightly and infusing her own commentary into her work.
Where is Mia now? Mia Gradney, for what I know, is still with CW39, but providing updates courtesy of headlinehouston.com. She has no on-air appearances on NewsFix. As I learned today (May 2, 2011), Mia Gradney will be part of a new program called "Eye-Opener" on CW39. It is a morning news show set to debut May 9th starting between 6:00 AM to 8:00 AM local time.
CW39 News Influence: Katishia Cosley.
Katishia Cosley was the weekend anchor for CW39 News as well as a reporter. I have admired her work since first seeing her on ABC 13 back in 2007 or 2008. She boasts a genuine smile and is great at covering news. I think Katishia shines her brightest during lighthearted and fun stories. I think she has this sort of lighthearted personality that makes her truly shine.
On CW39 News, I have appreciated her work as an anchor. When you're an anchor, you are in charge of being that human link to what is going on in the news. It is also (in the case of CW39's stand-up news set) where you can look as fabulous as you like! :) Katishia didn't disappoint with some lovely outfits on set. Various lovely dresses, pant suits, pumps, sandals, boots, and not to mention going from dark curly hair to a lovely blonde-like hairstyle; you might as well take advantage of being on set by looking as fabulous as you can!
I still think Katishia can take any network to the next level (and even a few levels afterwards). Watching her on TV, she has a passion and a heart for covering the news whether as an anchor, a reporter, or an anchor/reporter. I do hope she can perhaps return to the anchor desk to provide her voice and character covering the news. She brings positive energy even to some of the most depressing stories. It is the lighthearted stories where I think Katishia Cosley is at her best. This is where her voice is at her cutest and her coverage is at top level. Katishia even has a little fun with some of the stories after segments. I still liked when she did a mock Oscar acceptance speech. Of course, I think she may one day win herself at least one Lone Star Emmy Award for her work. I am a fan of her work and what she brings to TV news.
Where is Katishia now? Katishia Cosley returned to ABC 13 to be part of the Live Well Network. She's somehow working on a show about how to save money called "Deals: Living Well for Less." Best wishes to Katishia on this deal.
CW39 News Influence: Maggie Flecknoe.
I am a fan of the beautiful Maggie Flecknoe (or "Blondie"). She is usually seen during the Online Dish segments, but she has even done entertainment segments and even previews for the news. Maggie has a voice that is a combination of silky and sweet. The young Maggie is a heavenly beauty with blue diamond eyes and golden blonde hair. When I first started watching CW39 News, Maggie was the Social Butterfly of CW39 News. Her on-air work and online work are great. Maggie brings great personality and an almost unapologetic nature to some of the many topics she discusses in her Online Dish segments. I missed seeing some of her lighthearted segments. She once covered things like some chili festival at HEB Central Market last year. She talked about her experience with Katishia Cosley as Katishia filled in for Mia Gradney one Friday evening. Wherever she goes or ends up, I wish Maggie all the best in all of her work.
Where is Maggie now? While most of the past talent has moved on, Maggie Flecknoe is still a solid talent for "Online Dish with Maggie." There are even promos and commercials for "Online Dish with Maggie."
CW39 News Influence: Mayra Moreno.
Solid as a reporter (and as a fill-in anchor), Mayra Moreno is a beautiful and young personality who is solid in all of her work. Prior to joining CW39, Houston's own Mayra Moreno has contributed her service to the likes of KRGV Channel 5 in Rio Grande Valley, Texas; and KHOU Channel 11 here in Houston. I am very fond of the lovely Mayra for all of her work on air. She speaks beautifully both in English and Spanish. I think she too is worthy of Lone Star Emmy material.
Where is Mayra now? No idea. Probably still with CW39.
CW39 News Influence: Steve Simon.
Whether you love or hate his Simon Says commentary pieces, Steve Simon is outspoken. His work for the CW39 News is nothing short of impeccable. The fact that people call in wanting to know his opinion on certain issues shows that people care about his opinions and value his opinions so much to where they even merit discussion. Steve Simon was one of five different CW39 personalities to get Lone Star Emmy awards during last year's ceremonies in Dallas.
CW39 News Influence: Mike McGuff.
Mike McGuff has been in the business for a long while. However, it was the first time I had ever seen him on TV and heard his voice when he joined the CW39 News team as a freelance reporter. Mike McGuff usually blogs about TV and radio news in his very successful mikemcguff.com blog. His duties on CW39 were done very well. I am a fan of his blog and his on-air work.
CW39 News Influence: Keith Monahan.
No one was more insightful on weather for CW39 than Chief Keith. He delivered weather news in a great and understandable way even with his own personal twist. I've enjoyed watching his weather reports even since about 2005.
CW39 News Influence: Jorge Vargas.
Vorge Jargas did sports for CW39. He was cool in covering sports news. I heard his sort of farewell speech back on Friday. Best of luck to Jorge wherever he ends up.
If any of the aforementioned names are reading this... you all are the best. Among others, I admire your work on the set throughout your service on CW39 News.
All of this was BEFORE NewsFix. After?
--- After NewsFix... ---
The previous section was CW39, even in its low-rated state. What about CW39 News since NewsFix arrived? That's why you're reading this section right now. CW39 News is out; NewsFix is here. What does this deal hold for the future of news on this channel after a few installments of NewsFix (and after a preview)?
I saw the NewsFix preview put together when I was watching at about 5:40 PM CDT on Friday, March 19, 2011. Here is some honest commentary- I prepared this blog post starting back on Monday or Tuesday. I've set up a bunch of points to savagely attack the hell out of NewsFix prior to the arrival of even the NewsFix previews.
To be honest, this is absolutely a new way to look at the news. It is definitely radical and warranting of counterculture. NewsFix is the Woodstock of TV news. It's news with personality. It has the primary goal of covering the news while also having the personality of certain TV series. To show that I get the point of NewsFix, read the next few sentences. NewsFix is coverage of the news in much different ways than what a traditional newscast would report news as. Whereas traditional newscasts try to be as neutral as possible, NewsFix isn't afraid to take one certain side.
Notable Differences Shown.
Actually using "Dumbass of the Day," calling out celebrities, and even mentioning certain topics gives NewsFix an interesting future. NewsFix seems more like the combination of TV news with the feel of a TV series. The topics seem to be much different from what you normally see on most networks. NewsFix is really looking like something to challenge traditional newscasts and how traditional newscasts cover and deliver news. I think a traditional newscast would have said something like "now, here is a dumb criminal." No- this PREVIEW (mind you) noted someone as "Dumbass of the Day." So it's safe to say that NewsFix is NOT afraid to call somebody out. Whereas traditional news is about respectfully being as neutral as possible and offering no real personal emotion, NewsFix is completely different.
There will still be some segments where certain talent will be shown on TV. I think the "Simon Says" feature will be part of NewsFix broadcasts. "Simon Says" is about Steve Simon's own unapologetic commentary about certain issues. There is a very useful segment called "Crime Bureau" where information on certain crime alerts and crime tips are shown to help people stay safe in the face of crime. That will be very useful to viewers. I just wonder about sports and weather for NewsFix.
I don't need a bunch of narrated material with some music just to get my news, let alone get it in a snazzy way. That's why in my YouTube channel, I don't have a lot of music because I don't want anything mindless to get in the way of expressing a certain point or certain points in my videos. The music is a good touch to stories, but I'm not really feeling some of the music to be behind certain stories. Also, I don't necessarily like the way certain stories are covered (though some are entertaining and engaging).
--- After NewsFix: Notes from Certain Segments ---
Okay. Here is a look at some of the things I've noted from the first proper installment of NewsFix...
"Simon Says" is Back!
Steve Simon returns with his commentary piece. Remains unchanged for the most part except for the new graphics. This edition of "Simon Says" was a look at getting TV news in new ways. Basically, he's adopted the whole counterculture, rock-and-roll, radical look at TV news that NewsFix provides.
Weather and Sports.
Narrated; three-day forecast; traffic cameras; five-day forecast. Reminiscent of The Weather Channel's "Local on the 8s" with some traffic, but with no in-depth weather coverage to speak of at all. Sports news is all narrated with music in the background and is merely a brief look at sports. No video highlights to speak of.
Streets of Houston.
I will say this- this is a great piece. It involves getting people off the streets of Houston and the Houston area to comment on a certain thing.
Your Thoughts.
This is basically what used to be certain segments where a poll question was asked to people asking for their comments. One poll question was on if marijuana should be legalized. Of all things, "Hits from the Bong" from Cypress Hill was playing. One of the responses to the poll question was "Yes - Pass me a joint!" I'm like... wow. They actually used THIS song and THIS question?
Deja Views.
Old-school video on a certain topic.
Celebrity Crimes Against Humanity.
One of NewsFix's attributes is to call out celebrities rather than celebrate the celebrity. This segment personifies calling out celebrities. It begins with a look at what certain things celebrities have done followd by "crimes" against others.
News Tip.
People who send and shoot video to 39News... uh, NewsFix, can win $100 US Dollars for your content if NewsFix uses it.
Closing Comments.
Greg Onofrio (narrator of NewsFix) makes commentary pieces on certain ideas to close out the show.
No reporters. No anchors. Just news mixed in with music and expressed in a youthful and insane way. NewsFix is the anti-traditional newscast in more ways than one. One thing I noticed about NewsFix- it is VERY audio-dependent. If the audio fails in some sort of fashion, so is NewsFix. The NewsFix crew has reportedly been through as many as 52 audio rehersals trying to get the package delivered proper. Once NewsFix concluded and went to "Two and a Half Men," the audio was out momentarily as NewsFix went off the air.
--- After NewsFix: Internet Responses ---
The following are tweets from people (with names undisclosed; to protect privacy) So what do Twitter folk think about NewsFix? Here are some tweets to tell a story while also providing reactions from others. Just so you know, I did a Twitter search for "NewsFix" and came up these tweets that I found.
NewsFix Reactions on Twitter.
The following are various tweets I picked up in response to what others feel about NewsFix.
"Getting ready for the last traditional newscasts @39news. NewsFix starts Monday."
"@39News Seriously.. newsfix"
"Magnificent job NewsFix Audio guys!"
"I watched NewsFix and want my time back, that sucked so bad. I kinda feel insulted they call it news."
"Me: "I'm off to fix the News." The wife: "I thought the news was already neutered?" #NewsFix
"The Television News 'Revolution' begins tonihgt in Houston... they actually promise not to 'Talk in TV Bullshit.'"
"NEWSFIX WILL PREMIER ON CW39 IN 2 HOURS AND 45 MINUTES ON CW 39 IN HOUSTON! WATCH OR SET YOUR DVR!!! 5PM AND 9PM SEVEN NIGHTS A WEEK!"
"NewsFix promo long on style, shorter on substance | Four DVRs, no...: The newscast story menu is designed to re..."
"(undisclosed), this #newsFIX isn't replacing you guys is it?"
"Thanks for the follow. Hope you like NewsFix. It's a news revolution"
"Yes it is. RT (undisclosed) this #newsFIX isn't replacing you guys is it?"
NewsFix Reactions Elsewhere.
These are some other respones I picked up online concerning NewsFix. Have a look:
"The girls says towards the end I am really proud of it? What? Thats she was spared and still has a job. This will FLOP....Such a shame how they put people in key positions that shouldnt be there. What fools. More like TMZ...... If the people behind the scenes have big freakin egos...." (in response to the NewsFix preview)
"This newscast, if you can even try to call it that--is way too in your face for Houston. It might have worked in a place like Miami. The old WSNV tried in your face with crime news all the time. I don't think this will work in Houston.
I see a lot of people in the background that use to be at other shops in town, sorry folks this thing is far to TMZ. Label it what it is---don't call it news and you might have a show that works."
"I see what this like now. It's like TMZ trying to do "serious" news. One large VO with cheezy, dramatic "verbage" to liven it up or SCARE YOUR PANTS OFF. No real substance or credibility. Just "stories" re-written & read "from reports" from other agencies wherever they can find them. Probably Google."
So basically, not many people are buying it. In their (NewsFix) defense, I think they'll say that not everyone understands NewsFix right away and haven't yet adjusted to the new NewsFix format. I guess to them, too many people are still stuck on past standards of news and news coverage that something as radical as this isn't easily accepted. The anticipation is likely that people will eventually get into NewsFix and enjoy it for what it is. Trouble is, I don't think most people are going to like that the NewsFix is in. More would probably rather put up with Mia Gradney or Katishia Cosley rather than have a narrator and a bunch of photojournalists deliver the news.
It is a different concept, but as I say- different doesn't always mean better. And in the case of seeking superlatives, I am going to find it extremely hard to believe that Houston people are going to flock to CW39 for their news while leaving behind the traditional newscasts. I would say it's sad to see news covered like this in a city where we have had Houston-area talent like Dan Rather from Sugarland (as in Sugarland, Texas; not the popular country music group). It's going to be tough to say if this actually "saves" CW39 News or any other network's news based on what I've seen earlier tonight.
--- Does NewsFix Have a Future Elsewhere? ---
Of all the material I've read, all I basically heard of was KIAH Channel 39 being the lowest-rated of the Tribune-owned stations that have newscasts. It was to be reported that CW33 in Dallas-Fort Worth was going to have the NewsFix format introduced as well. However, CW33 was reportedly safe from NewsFix. This brings a feeling I am all too familiar with as a native Houstonian- the "Always Hate Houston" mentality that only Houston is on the wrong end of things while every other God-forsaken city gets off much better than us.
Who else among Tribune newscasts are in deeper crap than CW39 News? I think if NewsFix is getting a good rap here in Houston, then I think NewsFix may ultimately be the spark needed to give low-rated newscasts the boost needed to get them into the favorable range.
Does/Could NewsFix and Its Concepts Have a Future on Other Networks As Well?
Could it be possible that other low-performing networks borrow concepts from NewsFix to help make their own newscasts better? Well, remember- NewsFix is about saying "screw anchors. Screw reporters. Just news with no strings attached." So therefore, a newscast has to be so putrid that the only way to make it better is to replace on-air talent in favor of photojournalism. Not only that, but make the news more inviting with music and creative ways of expressing news. The one thing I would fear is if NewsFix's influence becomes contagious to where everyone wants to be like NewsFix. Or at least, borrow elements to make their own poorly-performing newscasts better.
That concludes the NewsFix portion of this blog post. Before I close, I must offer a passionate farewell to CW39 News while also offering some personal thoughts...
--- A Passionate Farewell to CW39 News ---
This section is a personal piece in regards to defending what CW39 news brought to news as well as my own personal opinions on what the traditional newscast brought before NewsFix came along. If you think news on Channel 39 was better before NewsFix, then this is your section.
Since CW39 News apparently didn't cut the mustard ratings-wise to be a contender in its years on the air, I always felt that CW39 still had its fair share of fans. People still called in to take part in polls and contests and such. Remember that I mentioned TV news as a choice. If you want to get the news, you have choices on TV. There were those who chose CW39 for their news. I'm sure not a lot of people cared if it was the lowest-rated news in Houston. Don't confuse low ratings with low quality. CW39 News wasn't to the quality of the bigger and better stations, but people still found something to love about CW39 News to where they would still tune in at 5:00 PM during the weekdays and 9:00 PM every night.
That's why I don't believe in ratings. Ratings are just a cheap way of telling people how good something is just on impressions from other people. Ratings are mostly on the standpoint of business. Us people who watch the news are the consumer, and consumers have different needs and desires from what most average folk want from a newscast. What one consumer (so to speak) wants in news is different from what another consumer may want out of a newscast.
Viewership.
If you're talking about ratings in terms of TV viewership at certain times of day, then I just don't watch too much TV at the times CW39 News is on. Usually on Monday nights at 9:00 PM (for example), I am watching WWE Monday Night RAW. If a sports game is on, I usually flip over to the sports game. I don't really watch news non-stop. I don't have this addiction to know what is going on all the time. On the weekends, I usually just have fun on my PC or something rather than see the evening news on Saturday nights at 9:00 PM. If I am watching CW39 News on Saturday night, I do check in.
Let me put it to you in a different way. My blog gets the least number of hits weekly on the weekends. I sometimes get between 2,000 to 2,500 blog hits each weekend. My blog has struggled to reach 3,000+ daily hits since January 12 of this year. I nowadays average 2,500 to 2,800 daily blog hits on weekdays. Most of my blogging insight tells me that I get the most number of views daily between 12:00 PM Central US Time and 3:00 PM Central US Time, and I get my least number of views between Midnight Central US time and maybe 6:00 AM Central US Time. My blog is read from many places worldwide, so can you honestly tell me that I can draw a consistent audience (a worldwide one, mind you) of 3,000+ blog hits every day? "John's Blog Space" is not the world's greatest blog, so it isn't like getting so many views and hits is second nature.
Some people just don't watch the news all the time. Do 18-25 year olds ALWAYS go to the nightclub every weekend? Does every family go to church on Sunday mornings? Not everyone is going to do everything consistently. In the case of TV news, not everyone is into the news or wanting to always be in the know. This is also an age in which people are getting their news in more ways. Think of people who visit websites and get Twitter updates for their news. The main mindset to me is that CW39 News may be so poorly rated that no one even cares to even watch. Have I said that CW39 news is the best of all? No- I've CLEARLY said that there are stations that deliver news better than CW39, but it isn't the absolute worst in Houston.
Why I Still Cared.
Maybe the reason why I liked CW39 News in its form before NewsFix was because everything was complete and casual. Even if it wasn't a powerhouse team of reporters and talent, I still watched. One thing I've noted was a lot of youth on the CW39 team. The goal of joining a newscast is to make the news work great while also contributing to the greater good of improving the morale of a newscast. There were a lot of young folks who were part of CW39 News. These included the likes of Justin Horne, Hailey Frances, Maggie Flecknoe, and Mayra Moreno among others. At least they did their part to make CW39 News great and make it work as best as they could. As with young talent, you have to have some veteran leadership. Past and present veterans included the likes of Mia Gradney, Katishia Cosley, Andrea Nguyen, Steve Simon, Alan Hemburger, Steve Mark, Matt Sampsell (former sports reporter), Mike McGuff, Keith Monahan, and others. Even if ratings are the worst, at least this was a cast to be proud of. At least this provided the human element to deliver the news with confidence and with professionalism. Even if you didn't like the personalities on the air, at least they brought the human element that this new anchorless concept fails to offer.
So to the crew at CW39 News who provided the on-air charm (past and present), congratulations on solid work every day and every night. I even seen as Mia Gradney confidently ended the Friday night newscast by saying "...NewsFix is next." That's it. No tears in her eyes, no "it's been great covering news on CW39 (she's not leaving the station), none of that. It was just a send off to get NewsFix working. End of an old era for CW39 News, and the beginning of a possible new era with NewsFix.
That concludes my first impressions and review of NewsFix. I know this is basically a first impressions look at this concept, but these views are very much my own thoughts on this whole concept. If Tribune and company want to go with this concept to give news a boost, then so be it. I don't work for Tribune. I'm just another person who essentially lives on the Internet that has an opinion on things. What do YOU make of NewsFix after seeing it in action (or at least in previews)? Comment away!
Thank you for reading! You can learn more about NewsFix by visiting 39online.com. Here are ways you can get social with NewsFix Houston:
