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But not much else? I've said before that the name of the big-bucks KCBS anchor imported from Minneapolis is the number one search engine term that brings casual visitors to L.A. Observed. Don't ask why -- because I don't know. Now Michael Schneider, the TV editor of Variety, writes on his personal blog that Magers' impact on Channel 2's ratings has been, well, not good. (But better than Jillian Barberie's impact on Channel 11...)
I kinda like new KCBS-2 anchor Paul Magers -- he's got a strong, appealing baritone voice and a sense of humor...But Magers, who signed a rich contract to join KCBS and move from Minneapolis (where he was a superstar), has had no impact on the station's news ratings so far. As a matter of fact, KCBS' major newscasts actually posted declines this February sweeps -- Mager's first book at the station.
Viewers may also be tiring of Jillian Barberie: Ratings for KTTV-Fox 11's "Good Day L.A." were way down, dropping from first place in the market last February to fourth place this time out.
Overall, KABC-7 still wins every major newscast battle in which it competes, except 11 p.m., where KNBC-4 is No. 1. Meanwhile, people just weren't watching as much news at 10 p.m. KTTV won that battle, but all three stations (KTTV, KTLA-5 and KCAL-9) suffered double-digit declines.
He points to this Variety story for more details. Magers has only been with the station since Jan. 5. Maybe these things take time. Meanwhile, lovestruck fans (mostly men) continue to pour out their feelings for departed Channel 2 anchor Gretchen Carr - a new paean came in today.
Earlier: Magers can't save Sunday, Magers trades up, New anchor for KCBS