HD Is Coming
By Michael Page | July 23, 2008
JULY 23 UPDATE: The HD launch should finally happen on Monday or Tuesday (July 28 or 29) at 4 PM. I am told HD Promos will start running late this week and into the weekend.
JULY 16 UPDATE: I just wanted to give you an update on how the new newsroom is going to look once HD goes live (very soon, hopefully!).
Balcony Level:
- Behind the sports offices, there is a cityscape design.
- The new large projection screen is in place on the center of the balcony between two blue light boxes.
- The banner which lines the balcony is back to red with several “7 News” logos.
Main Newsroom:
- The new flat screen monitors have replaced the small monitors on the back wall.
- The new newsdesk is in place, too. It has a large 7 on the front, with an overall WSVN look in my opinion.
JUNE 28, UPDATE: A reader posted some information which I wanted to share about the new look of the 7 studio. I have seen a sneak peak at the construction, and I think this description from Insider is a good one (the full comment can be read below the post):
“The newsplex revamp continues “behind the green screen”. The projection screen is in place up on the balcony, there are new lighted columns going in on either side of the screen, the balcony lightboxes have been downsized to accomodate the screen, the area above balcony will be changing colors and the new monitor wall is starting to take shape. You 7 fans will flip at this revamped newsplex, it’s going to look GORGEOUS in HD. As in typical 7 fashion, we’re using alot more red in the revamp.”
JUNE 16 UPDATE: The green screen is now in place, and was used today on the noon newscast. From what I understand, everything for the HD transition is in place aside from the set which is being worked on right now. The timeframe for an HD launch is still early to mid July.
APRIL 30 UPDATE: Last week I posted about WHDH using a green screen behind the anchor desk to hide construction in the newsroom. That construction will involve work on the back wall, mainly the replacement of all the small monitors on the back wall. Also, a large projector screen will be put in place on the back wall as well. If you have watched 7 this week, you can tell that screen is not yet in place. So, I asked the station what was going on. I was told by 7 that the green screen option is still likely in coming weeks, which means we would see a looping image of the newsroom behind the anchors instead of the typical live newsroom. The station also said it is considering constructing part of the new set outside of the station (to be brought in and assembled later on) in order to reduce the amount of time for which the screen would need to be used. When asked their time-frame for going HD, they said their goal is the Olympics and that the transition to HD in the studio and control room is ongoing. We can also expect to see new graphics with the switch to HD, along with a revamped music package. The weather department may also get a graphics spruce up. More as I get it.
FEBRUARY 20 UPDATE: We continue to hear that everything for the HD switch is in place at 7, except for a few set pieces which will be installed before the switch which will take place no later than this summer. Those set pieces include the Breaking News and News Desks and the upper balcony. Also, I am still trying to learn more about this new music package, but from what I am hearing now, it will be done by Chris Crane again.
JANUARY 2 UPDATE: I am told that tests with HD cameras continue at 7, and that the station is also running make-up tests with various personalities.
DECEMBER 29, 2007: It seems that WHDH is preparing to go HD sometime this year. From what I am hearing, 7 has been testing new HD cameras. I am also being told that the goal for going HD is sometime by this coming summer, barring any setbacks. It also seems that 7 will be getting a new music package, but will only see minor set touch ups to make the set more HD friendly. More details if/when they become available.
Topics: WHDH (Channel 7) | 272 Comments »
4th on 4 Numbers
By Michael Page | July 8, 2008
I have just been given the viewership numbers for WBZ’s 4th on 4 coverage. They did quite well, as could be expected. Beginning at 8 PM WBZ was the number one rated station in Boston.
WBZ 4th on 4 Pre-Show (7-8 PM): 111,000
WBZ Boston Pops Fireworks Spectacular (8-10 PM): 401,000
WBZ/CBS Boston Pops Fireworks Spectacular (10-11 PM): 676,000 (peak: 762,000 at 10:30 PM in Boston)
WBZ News at 11: 405,000
Topics: WBZ (Channel 4) | 15 Comments »
Edward R. Murrow Awards Announced
By Michael Page | July 1, 2008
The Edward R. Murrow Awards were announced today, and one of the national winners is a Boston station.
7 News at 11 (WHDH-TV) won the national Edward R. Murrow Award for best newscast among large markets (DMA 1-50).
Other regional Murrow Awards were also announced today. Here are the New England winners.
Overall Excellence
WCVB-TV, Boston
Continuing Coverage
WCVB-TV, Boston
Firefighter Tragedy
Feature Reporting
NECN, Boston
Catie Copley
Investigative Reporting
WHDH-TV, Boston
Intoxicated Boston Firefighters
Newscast
WHDH-TV, Boston
7 News at 11
News Documentary
NECN, Boston
Remember US
News Series
WCVB-TV, Boston
Kelly’s Story
Sports Reporting
NECN, Boston
Special Softball Player
Spot News Coverage
WCVB-TV, Boston
Everett Tanker Explosion
Videography
NECN, Boston
Happy Red Sox Feet
Website (broadcast-affiliated)
WBZ-TV, Boston
WBZ-TV.COM
Writing
NECN, Boston
“Sacco & Vanzetti,” “The Orange Dinosaur Caper,” “Searching for Grandpa” By Greg Wayland
Other national winners, and the winners from other regions can be found here.
Topics: NECN, WBZ (Channel 4), WCVB (Channel 5), WHDH (Channel 7) | 10 Comments »
NECN Changes
By Michael Page | June 26, 2008
JUNE 26, 2008: The Herald has now confirmed my report, and found a few more details. The paper reports the changes will take place beginning on July 7, and that Good Morning Live has been extended to now last from 5-9 AM. The Herald also reports the noon newscast will be cut to a half hour; that is something I had not heard in my first report.
JUNE 18, 2008: Last night I received an e-mail from a tipster saying that several changes are on the way at NECN. Those changes are listed below, but cannot be confirmed by the station at this point.
- The Chet Curtis Report will be ending soon, and Chet will join Newsday Live.
- NECN will start a new 5 AM newscast in July.
- NECN will begin phasing in HD sometime during 2009.
I will of course have more as information becomes available.
Topics: NECN | 6 Comments »
Celtics Coverage
By Michael Page | June 20, 2008
JUNE 20, 2008 UPDATE: For those interested, I have the viewership numbers for the Rolling Rally.
WCVB: 93,000
WHDH: 68,000
WBZ: 45,000
WFXT: 26,000
CSNE: 6,000
NESN: 4,000
JUNE 18, 2008: It didn’t take long for the stations to jump into Celtics coverage following their BIG win tonight…here’s how it went down.
WBZ: I didn’t see them on until after midnight. They were on for a few minutes before switching coverage to TV 38.
WCVB: Clearly the big winner because they had the game thanks to ABC. Following network coverage they flowed right into their “Return to Glory” coverage. Below you will find a break down of how many people watched WCVB coverage here in Boston.
SportsCenter 5 Pre-Game: 142,000
NBA Pre-Game: 311,000
NBA Finals Game 6: 1,135,000
Trophy Presentation/Post-Game: 385,000
NewsCenter 5 Late: 167,000
WHDH: On very quickly following the win with fans outside the Garden, and even inside the T shirt printing room.
WFXT: Also on very quickly following the win. SkyFox is in the air with streaming coverage online, and reporters are on the ground giving us the usual crowd shots.
Feel free to leave your comments/additions.
Topics: WBZ (Channel 4), WCVB (Channel 5), WFXT (Channel 25), WHDH (Channel 7), WSBK (Channel 38) | 29 Comments »
NECN Investigates
By Michael Page | June 17, 2008
NECN’s Leslie Gaydos and the NECN Investigative Team have spent more than a year gathering information for Sunday’s investigative documentary, “The Forgotten Fire”. The 30 minute documentary investigates the February 2000 fire at a Newton office building which claimed the lives of 5 people. The executive editor at NECN says, “This is one of the most important journalistic efforts that NECN has ever undertaken.” The investigation airs on NECN at 8 PM on Sunday June 22. In the past these documentaries which NECN produces are very good, and are widely praised.
Topics: NECN | No Comments »
Tim Russert Dies
By Michael Page | June 13, 2008
It is a very sad day at NBC News, and around the nation. Tim Russert of NBC News died today after he collapsed at the NBC News Bureau in Washington, DC. Russert was only 58 years old, and has been the bureau chief in Washington, DC in addition to hosting “Meet the Press”. He joined NBC News in 1984 and began hosting “Meet the Press” in 1991. He has been an icon at NBC News, and he will be missed tremendously.
Topics: National | 9 Comments »
7’s GM Put on Leave, then Resigns
By Michael Page | June 13, 2008
JUNE 13 UPDATE: Ed Ansin has informed the staff at WHDH that Randi Goldklank, the former GM who was arrested in April, has resigned from her position at WHDH/WLVI. As you know (or if not, read below), she has been on leave since the arrest. Randi says-
“I have decided to resign my position at WHDH and WLVI to continue focusing on getting healthy. I appreciate the support I have received from Ed Ansin and my friends and colleagues at WHDH and WLVI. I look forward to returning to work in the broadcast industry in the near future.”
A permenant replacement has not yet been named, but stay tuned for more details!
“Randi Goldklank is an outstanding broadcast executive with a record of great success. Since 2001 she has worked for Sunbeam Television Corporation in Miami and Boston as a sales executive and as General Manager of WHDH/WLVI since July 2007. The unfortunate events of last Sunday night were unanticipated and Ms. Goldklank is deeply regretful. She is currently undergoing medical treatment and is on administrative leave from the company. We wish her a speedy recovery, as do her many friends in Boston and throughout the broadcasting industry.
Mike Carson, who was the previous General Manager of WHDH/WLVI, has continued to work as a consultant to the stations. Effective next week he will temporarily resume his previous responsibilities as General Manager.”
April 23: Hello from South Carolina! As you may have heard by now, WHDH’s GM Randi Goldklank was arrested Sunday night at Logan Airport. According to police reports, Goldklank was arrested after being disorderly on her Delta flight from Philadelphia. She was reportedly in a drunken rage when State Troopers tried to arrest her after she was removed from the aircraft. She threatened officers by saying that she was going to put news crews on them to ruin their lives. As a result, Sunbeam has put her on administrative leave. She will be arraigned on May 19. Read more about this story from the Globe.
Topics: WHDH (Channel 7) | 9 Comments »
Merrill Takes Over on 38
By Michael Page | June 12, 2008
Beginning on Monday June 16, Kate Merrill will be anchoring the TV 38 News at 9 PM. Kate will also report for WBZ-TV News at 5 and 6 PM.
Scott Wahle, who was let go by WBZ last month, had been anchoring the show by himself since his former co-anchor, Sara Underwood, also left the station earlier this year.
Kate has been with the station since 2004.
Topics: WBZ (Channel 4), WSBK (Channel 38) | 16 Comments »
Creative Services Director Out
By Michael Page | June 10, 2008
JUNE 10, 2008 UPDATE: We have just learned that WHDH has named a new Creative Services Director. In an e-mail to staff 7’s Promotions Coordinator says, “It brings me great pleasure to announce that Karen Feinberg Levy has accepted the position of Creative Services Director for WHDH and WLVI.” In the past Karen has served as the station’s Senior Promotions Producer and Promotion Manager.
MAY 3, 2008: If you have been reading the forums section of this page, you already know that 7’s Creative Services Director, Heather Sheehan, left the station last Friday. The big question that remains: why did she leave? Insiders say it may have something to do with her lack of involvement in the HD switch, but the station has officially said nothing.
Topics: WHDH (Channel 7) | No Comments »
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