Spokane & North Idaho Media Insiders

Your Thoughts on Changes in Local News

2011-09-22T00:50:00.000-07:00

Its been a week and a half since the anchor switch at KXLY 4 HD News. How are Derek Deis and Robyn Nance doing on Good Morning Northwest? Are viewers enjoying Nadine Woodward and Mike Gonzalez on the evening shift?

KXLY also introduced new openings to their newscasts and new anchor bumps. KHQ also updated their graphics recently. Does any of this make a difference to viewers? Does anyone really notice?

KREM added a half hour to their 6pm newscast the same day Nadine moved to evenings. Who are you watching, Randy on 2 or Nadine on 4?

What do you think?

KXLY Adds Sunday 5pm Newscast

2011-09-11T02:34:00.000-07:00

As of today, Sunday September 11th KXLY is returning to news at 5pm. Colleen O'Brien anchors. This is in addition to the 6pm and 11pm newscasts already airing on Sunday evenings.

KXLY News Premieres the "Saturday 411"

2011-09-05T03:04:00.000-07:00

Saturday evening KXLY 4 HD News premiered the "Saturday 411" at 11pm. Its a quick ten minute show with a complete weather forecast from weekend weather anchor Aaron Luna and a sports wrap up with Ben Kaplan. First thoughts and impressions? Could this be the first step in KXLY moving back to a full newscast at 11pm Saturday nights?

KXLY 4 HD News Website

Rick Lukens New Web Sports Site

2011-08-30T02:23:00.000-07:00

Former longtime KXLY anchor Rick Lukens has started a new website.
LukensatLarge.com officially went online Monday.

In a video welcoming people to the site Lukens says he will "cover sports the way it deserves to be covered, with all of the drama, the emotion, the inspiration the humor, everything that goes into a good story."

We all wish Rick well in his new venture. The link to the site is below.

Lukensatlarge.com

KREM Expanding 6pm Newscast

2011-08-24T02:15:00.000-07:00

According to my sourse inside the KREM 2 newsroom. Starting in mid September, KREM 2 News at 6pm will expand to one hour weeknights. KREM will join KXLY in broadcasting local news at 6:30pm. Any coincidence that Nadine Wooodward will be making her evening news debut around the same time over on KXLY?

**Update 09/03/11**
The new hour long KREM 2 News at 6pm will debut September 12th.

Anchor Shuffle at KXLY 4 HD News

2011-08-15T18:50:00.000-07:00

As of Sepetmber 12th Nadine Woodward and Mike Gonzalez will debut as the new primary anchor team for KXLY 4 HD News. Nadine and Mike will anchor the 5pm, 6pm and 6:30pm newscasts. Robyn Nance and Derek Deis will move to co-anchor Good Morning Northwest the same day. Kris Crocker remains chief meteorologist and Mark Peterson will continue to forecast for "GMNW". Kalae Chock will continue to anchor the weekday 11pm newscasts. Ben Kaplan moves from weekend sports anchor to Sports Director. The link to the press release is below.

Anchor Switch Press Release

Mike Gonzalez Named Primary Evening Anchor at KXLY

2011-08-06T21:22:00.000-07:00

According to the website TVSpy.com, Mike Gonzalez has been named primary anchor at KXLY 4 HD News. Gonzalez has been co-anchor of Good Morning Northwest for 4 years. No word yet on who will replace Gonzalez on "GMNW" and whether Gonzalez will anchor all the evening newscasts. If no further changes are made Mike would join Robyn Nance at 5pm, 6pm and 6:30pm and his former "GMNW" co-anchor Kalae Chock at 11pm. This begs the question, could Nadine Woodward be joining her AM anchor on the PM shift anytime soon?

TVSpy On The Move 08/05/2011

**UPDATE 08/12/2011**
According to a well placed source inside the KXLY 4 HD newsroom, there are more changes coming. The source says "big changes are in the works" at channel 4. As soon as I know more information, I will pass it along.

Regional News Emmy Winners

2011-07-15T02:24:00.000-07:00

At a ceremony held in early June, KXLY HD News won 2 regional Emmy awards. KXLY 4 HD News at 6pm won the award for "Best Evening Newscast". The other Emmy in the "Feature News Report - Serious Feature" went to Sally Showman and Ernie Vela for the story "Drew's Gift".

KHQ Local News won 3 Emmys for Sports reporting. The first in the "Sports - News Single Story or Series" category. The statue went to John Fritz and Jordan Caskey. The second in the "Sports - Feature/Segment" category went to John Fritz and Josh Godfrey. The third statue in the "Sports - One-Time Special" went to Josh Godfrey.

48th Annual Emmy Award Winners

New Faces

2011-06-27T19:13:00.000-07:00

Lots of new faces on local newscasts.

Alex Rozier has joined KHQ as anchor of the 5pm, 6pm and 11pm Sunday newscasts. Alex will report Monday through Thursday evenings.

KREM 2 News welcomes Shawn Chitnis as a general assignment reporter. Prior to Channel 2 Shawn spent two years at KNDO in Yakima Washington. Channel 2 also welcomes Ashley Korslien as a general assignment reporter. Ashley comes to the Lilac City from KRTV in Great Falls Montana where she was weekend anchor.

KXLY welcomes Anusha Roy as their North Idaho Reporter. Anusha comes to Spokane after stints in Seattle and Yakima Washington. Channel 4 also welcomes Aaron Luna as weekend meteorologist and weekday reporter. Aaron comes to Spokane from KKCO in Grand Junction Colorado.

Welcome all to Spokane!

Kris Crocker: Anchor..??

2011-06-27T17:43:00.000-07:00

While news surfing on Sunday night, I found a surprise. KXLY 4 HD News at 11pm anchored by Kris Crocker. Yes, Chief Meteorologist Crocker anchoring the news. Pulling double duty, news anchor and forecasting the weather. Kris did a good job, too. Maybe there is another career option for Ms. Crocker. Kris Crocker Anchorwoman! Great Job Kris!

KXLY's Search for A Main Anchor

2011-06-22T21:12:00.000-07:00

With the May departure of Dave Erickson, KXLY is searching for a new Main Anchor for its evening newscasts. Rumors have been swirling since Erickson's departure, that he was the first to go with more to follow. Weekend forecaster Sally Showman and McKay Allen have left channel 4. Could there be more departures to follow? I have received many comments since Ericksons's departure, saying KXLY should move Mike Gonzalez and Nadine Woodward to the night shift. What will KXLY management do to shore up the evening news team? New faces or familiar faces in a new time slot?

The Oprah Effect

2011-06-22T20:56:00.000-07:00

Who will gain the most from the retirement of Daytime Queen Oprah Winfrey? Will KREM 2 maintain their dominance at 5pm without Winfrey as their lead in? In September channel 2 will move the Dr. Oz Show to Winfrey's 4pm time slot. To maximize on the opportunity KHQ is moving Ellen to 3pm in the fall. KXLY will air The Nate Berkus Show, a Harpo production in the 4pm slot this fall. Katie Couric's new syndicated show will take its place in the fall of 2012. This also gives the stations time to experiment with programming leading into the local news. Will Oprah's departure end KREM's reign at 5pm? Will KHQ finally pull ahead of the once mighty two? Will KXLY gain traction with new programming and a new lead anchor? What do you think?

The Oprah Effect from The Inlander

Tom Durian and Chris Nguyen

2011-05-02T02:28:00.000-07:00

Tom Durian has left KHQ Local News. Tom was the anchor of the weekend morning and evening newscasts on channel 6. Tom was with KHQ for 5 years. Tom has accepted a position as weekday morning co-anchor at CBS 58 in Milwaukee Wisconsin. Best of Luck to Tom on his new position.

Chris Nguyen has joined KREM 2 News as their new weekend anchor. Chris replaces Abby Gibb who has moved on to KREM sister station KGW in Portland. Chris comes to Spokane from WAND-TV the NBC affiliate in Springfield-Decatur-Champaign, IL. Lets all give Chris a warm Spokane welcome.

CBS 58 Website

Chris Nguyen KREM Bio Page

Dave Erickson Leaves KXLY 4

2011-05-02T02:18:00.000-07:00

Dave Erickson has left KXLY 4 HD News. Dave had been co-anchoring channel 4's 5pm, 6pm and 6:30pm newscasts along side Robyn Nance. Previously Dave anchored the weekend evening newscasts. In an email I received earlier this week Erickson said, "I felt now was the best time to look for a new challenge. I have no regrets." Best of luck to Dave in the future. No word on if KXLY will replace Erickson or if Robyn Nance will be the sole anchor of their evening newscasts.

Interruption In Posts

2011-02-16T18:25:00.000-08:00

I just wanted to take a second to let everyone know what my posts to this blog have been very sparse. I have been battling some difficult personal and health issues since the first part of last October. We"ll just say I've lost A LOT since then and am trying as hard as I can to get back on my feet. The health issues are not fatal and will resolve themselves with surgery and/or medication. I know that this blog is more of a passion for me, but I do enjoy working on it and hope what few of you read enjoy as well. So, please bare with me as I try to keep this going. I'll post as often as I can. If you have any juicy story ideas to pass along feel free to contact me here. Thanks for all your support.

Former KHQ Anchor Ana Cabrera Promoted at Denver's KMGH

2011-02-16T18:14:00.000-08:00

Former KHQ weekend anchor Ana Cabrera has been promoted to weekday morning anchor at ABC affiliate KMGH in Denver. Ana joined channel 7 in July 2009 as weekend morning anchor. Congratulations to Ana on her well deserved promotion.

On The Move From TVSpy

Ana Cabrera's KMGH Bio Page

Jason Kadah To KPHO

2010-12-21T17:55:00.000-08:00

Former KREM 2 News First Edition and KREM 2 News at Noon Meteorologist Jason Kadah is leaving Spokane for a warmer climate. Jason will be joining KPHO the CBS affiliate in Phoenix Arizona. As one of Jason's biggest supporters, I wish him safe travel and the best of luck in Phoenix.

Jason Kadah Lands in Phoenix

Dana Haynes Leaves KHQ/KAYU

2010-09-05T02:57:00.000-07:00

Friday September 3rd was Dana Haynes last day at KHQ. After 14 years with channel 6, Dana's moving into the public relations. Ms. Haynes was most recently anchor of KAYU's Fox First at 10 and fill-in anchor and health reporter. Dana' s been named Communications Director for the Spokane Regional Convention & Visitors Bureau. Congratulations to Dana on her new career.

Stephanie Vigil will add Fox First at 10 to her other duties at KHQ.

Vigil Signs Long-Term Deal with KHQ Local News

2010-09-05T02:48:00.000-07:00

This week, Stephanie Vigil signed a multi-year contract extension with KHQ Local News. Vigil joined KHQ in 1997 as morning co-anchor. Currently Stephanie anchors the 5pm, 6pm and 11pm newscasts. Ms. Vigil was promoted to her current position in 2000.

KHQ Press Release

Should Couric Remain on The CBS Evening News?

2010-09-03T01:43:00.000-07:00

A recent article on "The Daily Beast" asks a question that has been asked a million times. Should Katie Couric resign with CBS News? Sunday marks Ms. Couric's 4th anniversary as anchor and managing editor of the "Tiffany" networks signature newscast, The CBS Evening News. In the last weeks Evening News has had it's lowest ratings since Nielsen has been keeping track. Couric and the newscast she leads have been winning prestigious awards while remaining in last place. Add all that to Ms. Couric's reported $15 million a year contract, CBS wont resign her without a drastic reduction in compensation.

It seems that if Katie decides to walk away from CBS News, she'll have multiple options. A return to NBC News? Maybe to CNN or into syndication? What do you think? Should Katie stay or should she go? If Couric leaves, who's the best option for a successor.

The Daily Beast

Woodward on the Evening Shift

2010-09-03T01:10:00.000-07:00

This week Nadine Woodward made her first appearance filling in for the vacationing Robyn Nance. Nadine has been co-anchoring KXLY 4 HD News at 5pm, 6 and 6:30pm since Monday. Nadine has reported on the evening show in the past, but this is her first time as anchor.

Nadine's appearance has started a spirited conversation on TV Spy's "Watercooler Chat" Should Nadine and Robyn Nance shift positions? Should Kalae Chock return to Good Morning Northwest? Should Robyn and Nadine be paired in the evenings?

What do you think?

TV Spy's Watercooler Chat

Daryl Romeyn Makes Fall Ballot

2010-08-20T00:51:00.000-07:00

In Tuesday's primary, former KREM weather forecaster Daryl Romeyn placed second to incumbent Cathy McMorris Rodgers. In Washington, the top two candidates regardless of party, move on to the general election in November.

Daryl worked for KXLY from 1985 until 2003 and KREM 2003 until March of this year. Ms. McMorris Rodgers is in her third term in the US House of Representatives. Rep. Rodgers is a republican and Romeyn is running as a democrat. The general election is November 2nd 2010.

Cathy For Congress Web Site

Romeyn For Congress Website

Kadah Story in The Inlander

2010-08-11T16:35:00.000-07:00

A story on Jason Kadah's departure from KREM 2 has made it into The Inlander. The article talks about the two Facebook pages showing support and love for Kadah. There is a huge amount of support for Jason and a lot of disgust and anger towards channel 2. KREM news director Noah Cooper referred all questions to KREM general manager Jamie Aitken. Aitken is on vacation until Monday, The Inlander will check in with Aitken upon his return. Jason is unable to comment at this time, due to ongoing litigation.

Where In The World Is Jason Kadah? From The Inlander

"Keep Jason In Spokane" Building Momentum

2010-08-07T23:57:00.000-07:00

A little over two months after his dismissal, Jason Kadah is more popular than ever. The former KREM 2 News First Edition and KREM 2 News at Noon meteorologist has some very loyal and very supportive fans. For the record, I count myself as one of those fans and supporters. There is a thundercloud over the South Regal headquarters of Spokane's CBS affiliate. It really started with Nadine Woodward's dismissal and built to a head with Jason's. There has been a mail, email and blog campaign to show support for Jason and anger at KREM 2 management. These fans have banded together to form a "Facebook" page "Keep Jason in Spokane". Now there are posters, shirts and mugs you can purchase to show your support for Jason and disgust with the once mighty two. Links to both pages are at the end of this post.

If you want to contact the KREM 2 management team, I've provided the names and address below. You can also go to KREM's website and contact station management. Beware, any "pro-Jason" or "anti-KREM" posts made to channel 2's website are almost immediately removed. As soon as Jason is able to talk, this blog will hopefully get the story first and bring it to you. Stay tuned!

KREM 2 General Manager Jamie Aitken
KREM 2 News Director Noah Cooper
4103 S Regal
Spokane, WA 99223
509-448-2000 phone
509-448-6397 fax

Keep Jason In Spokane Cafe Press Page
Keep Jason In Spokane Facebook Page

First Interview With Rick and Teresa Lukens

2010-07-27T00:04:00.000-07:00

The Spokesman Review has the first interview with now former KXLY anchors Rick and Teresa Lukens. It's a great article, worth the read. It sounds like both want to stay in broadcasting and stay in Spokane.

S-R Interview with The Lukens