More Ch. 2 changes coming down the pike
Ch. 2 is rejiggering its 4 p.m. “New York Live” lineup, which will change tomorrow and will be renamed “First at Four,” with an emphasis on news and a de-emphasis on entertainment-oriented features. Ernie Anastos will join Dana Tyler at 4 p.m., replacing Todd McDermott, who will remain at 5 p.m. with Cindy Hsu.
Since its debut in January 2000, Ch. 2’s 4 p.m. newscast has faced stiff competitition from “Judge Judy” (Ch. 4) and “Oprah” (Ch. 7). Over the past three months (January, February and March), the 4 p.m. newscast has averaged a 1.7 (118,000 HHs).
“We probably would have continued to do that [rating number] for a while longer, but we felt that what really played at our bottom line in turning the station around was news,” says Ch. 2 news director Joel “Joltin’ Joel” Cheatwood.
“When you’re in our situation we’re assessing and reassessing our priorities – and we believe local news to be the calling card of this station,” he says. “I think everyone did a wonderful job with ‘New York Live,’ but from our standpoint, news has to be where we put our best foot forward.
“When it came to looking at who could best do that, Ernie was the natural choice – he’s a well-known veteran and that’s the reason we hired him.”
Davis a Seviour for ‘GMA’ producer
Scott Seviour is leaving “Good Morning America” after two years to head over to Clive Davis’ record label.
Seviour, an entertainment segment producer, has been named Vice President, Marketing of J Records, where he will oversee marketing activities and artist development. Seviour who booked all of “GMA’s” entertainment guests.
They’re also kvelling over at ABC News about the numbers for Barbara Walters’ special, “Born in My Heart: A Love Story,” which averaged 15.4 million total viewers last Friday – an 8 percent increase over its “Millionaire” lead-in. It also marked the first time since January 2000 that ABC outdelivered a first-run episode of NBC’s “Law & Order: SVU.”
This just in . . .
Tim Russert’s “Meet the Press”: A Walter Cronkite Award for Excellence in Broadcast Television Political Journalism.
“My Wife and Kids” star Damon Wayans buying equipment from The Gym Source.
In an article in yesterday’s Post about TV news preparations for the papal succession, CBS News said that a reported $180,000 rental figure for a camera site outside the Vatican was “wildly inflated.” That comment was cut from the original story due to an editing error.