Re: NH TV News

[brouder@juno.com (Ed Brouder)]

The WNDS press release didn't specify a time for the new newscast, or
potential on-air talent.  Though the station's GM was quoted in today's
Union Leader as saying (of meteorologist Al Kaprelian), "We wouldn't dare
get rid of Al.  He's very well liked and he's very accurate."

Excerpts from the press release follow.

"WNDS-TV announced today that the station plans to launch a full-scale
"news" operation to air beginning in September.  In making this
announcement, WNDS-TV announced that it has hired Jack Heath of Bedford,
NH, to become the station's Vice President for News.  Heath was formerly
the Vice President and News Director for WMUR-TV in Manchester."

(quoting GM Donna Cole) "...Adding a viable serious news operation
dedicated to our large viewing area should position us strongly for the
fall."

(further quote:) "...WNDS-TV views the fact that New Hampshire currently
only has one commercial television station actively covering local news
on a daily basis as an advantage in introducing a new local operation to
broaden viewing choice in the New Hampshire and Massachusetts areas."

The big question will be what Channel 50 defines as its news market area.
 Since about half its viewers are in northern Mass, those folks aren't
going to care about watching NH news.  Or vice versa.  Perhaps they plan
to carve out a niche of Essex County that the Boston stations give only
lip service to, and that WMUR ignores entirely.  If that is the case, I
don't see how 50 can be a direct competitor to 9.

Ed (Brouder@Juno.com) or (Brouder@Grolen.com)
Man From Mars Productions

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