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Not since the days of Jerry Dunphy has Channel 2's news topped the local ratings, but the station says that the new book out today fixes all that. From the release:
For the first time since Jerry Dunphy and “The Big News” ruled the Los Angeles television ratings roost during the 1960s and early 1970s, KCBS has returned to prominence as the home of Southern California’s most-watched daily newscast.
During the May 2006 sweep (which concluded Wednesday), CBS 2 News at 11 p.m. attracted an average of 396,000 viewers each night (Monday-Sunday) to become the most-watched daily newscast on any station in any time period in the Los Angeles market.
In addition, CBS 2 News at 11 p.m. beat its NBC and ABC-owned station rivals in the key adult 25-54 demographic and total viewers during a major non-Olympic sweep for the first time since Dunphy stepped down as Channel 2’s 11 p.m. anchor in 1972. (Editor’s Note: Dunphy remained with the station, then known as KNXT-TV, as its weekday 6 p.m. anchor and managing editor through July 1975 before joining KABC-TV).
It has been awhile since anchor Paul Magers was the number one search term here at LA Observed—and everything he did drew visitors—but after two-plus years the decision to lure him away from Minneapolis with big bucks and bump off Harold Greene finally seems to be paying off. Or is it the better lead-in programming on CBS?
Meanwhile at Channel 5: KTLA ratings are said to have fallen to just a whisper above KCAL, adding intrigue to the recent shakeup there. KTLA staffers are still blocked from reading LA Observed while at work, but that doesn't stop them from sending along staff memos:
From: Malcolm, Vinnie
Sent: Tuesday, May 23, 2006 12:52 PM
Subject: Personnel changes
Importance: High
All,
We are very pleased to announce some significant changes at KTLA that we believe will strengthen our news product and help us in the fast evolving media environment. The following changes will take effect in the coming weeks.
Reflecting the hybrid nature of the KTLA Morning News with its combination of news, information and entertainment, the 7- 9 AM block will be called the KTLA Morning Show.
We also have some important staff changes that may or not be a surprise to you.
Rich Goldner, after more than 15 years at KTLA, the last three years as Executive Producer of the Morning News, now becomes the Executive Producer of Prime News. Veteran Executive Producer Gerry Ruben will take on the new role of Executive Producer, Special Projects which will deal with the long term planning and execution of news content, KTLA News archives and special events.
John Hensley, who most of you know from the very successful "Audition" franchise as well as Emmy award winning producer in Creative Services, will become the new Executive Producer of the KTLA Morning Show. Chris Falin continues in his Line Producing role with added responsibility overseeing morning news content.
Angela Kye, after more than a year producing KTLA's First Edition and Early edition, will move to Prime News as Line Producer. Brad Luck, who has filled a number of positions including producing the CyberGuy segments becomes the Line Producer of the 5-7 AM news block.
Christine Miceli, who has served as Senior Producer of Prime News now becomes Senior Producer of all of our Multimedia efforts. This will
include overseeing our website, Ad Tech media programming and content sharing with the LA Times with more responsibilities to come as our emphasis on multimedia grows.
As Chris Reilly mentioned in his memo yesterday, Todd Griffithe moves to Prime News as Director and Jim Lowry becomes the Associate Director of the KTLA Morning Show. A newcomer from Santa Barbara's KEYT-TV becomes our new Edit Coordinator for the Morning Show.
Clearly, we are pleased as always to promote from within and throughout the summer, we will continue to fine tune and make more changes as KTLA transitions to the new CW Network affiliate in Los Angeles.
Congratulations to all,Vinnie