Channel 4: What the heck happened?

[BabyBoomerSooner]

When did Channel 4 become a bad station? I usually watch channel 5 or 9 following the network shows at 10, so I haven't tuned into 4 for awhile. I caught them at 6 on Friday and I was stunned to see what appears to be the same set, anchors and graphics from 20 years ago! On top of that, their reporters were very...how do I say it politely...."inexperienced".

I don't mean to get on here and bash a bunch of people that could be doing the best they can with the budget they're allowed. However, we're a big league city and I think our media (TV especially) should reflect it.

[rwood8]

Lots of ownership issues.

That's what happened.

[duckman]

NY Times sold them

[Rifleman2C]

There are a couple of other channels that you can watch that will represent OKC a little better... if Channel 4 is as bad as you say it is, it will work itself out, but only after people like you start noticing and commenting in public on the downturn.

They'll be fine, after a little while. Give them some time. Every team needs time to rebuild in a 'down' year.

[mmonroe]

I was a little put back when I turned to channel 53 to watch the News 9 reruns and they changed their format on the screen. It looks terrible now.

[BabyBoomerSooner]

Lots of ownership issues.

That's what happened.

Thanks for the info, but would you mind being a little more specific? Have the owners allowed the property to become run down while waiting for a buyer or is there a new ownership group involved who's trying to operate on a shoestring budget?

If it's a money thing at 4, then I bet the employees are extremely frustrated watching 5 and 9 play with all of their wonderful new toys.

[mmonroe]

Like the News 9 HD camera on their new helicopter.. MHMM!!

[windowphobe]

As duckman noted, the New York Times Company sold them off; indeed, NYT sold all its television stations. The buyer is something called Local TV LLC, owned by Oak Hill Capital.

Local TV LLC

[BabyBoomerSooner]

Like the News 9 HD camera on their new helicopter.. MHMM!!

It looks great, doesn't it? 9's doing a super job, especially with the expanded sports coverage on Sunday nights. I try not to miss it.

Oh, and 'phobe, thanks for the info regarding the new ownership.

[NikonNurse]

I don't care how crappy their set looks, nobody beats David Payne in the am.

[rwood8]

Really?

[zcamaro70]

In regards to the HD camera on the news 9 helicopter..... The camera could be HD but what they show on tv is not. I have yet to see anything Channel 9 news broadcasts during their segments that is in HD. They are "downconverting" it to SD. A general rule of thumb on HD, if it has bars on the side it is not "real" HD. If you look real close you can see them "flip the switch" when a primetime tv show that is broadcast in HD is over before they go to the local news. Several news stations across the country have turned to HD local news casts. I believe one in Tulsa is currently in HD.

[zcamaro70]

KJRH in Tulsa is currently the only station in Oklahoma that has their local news in HD. KJRH launches high-definition local news broadcasts - KJRH.com Does anyone know if any OKC station is looking to go to HD local news? I know it is very expensive as well. Just curious

[duckman]

There are rumors that Linda Cavanaugh doesnt want to be filmed in HD (surely this isnt true).
Isn't KWTV's new set HD ready?

[Blazerfan11]

There is a debate with an ou prof, mark shannon, gary jones (r) and ron black at Home - Oklahoma Media Awareness Alliance on the Oak Hill Capital partners buyout. Interesting stuff indeed.

Investment firms buying local media can't be good. Nor can the architect of Clear Channel running the thing be good either.

[Blazerfan11]

also, if you are interested in fixing this stuff.. call mary fallin and tell her to vote yes on house joint res 79. Since she is a religious nut, you might point out that massive consolidation has allowed a major porn distributor to purchase Zondervan recently...

[namellac]

There are rumors that Linda Cavanaugh doesnt want to be filmed in HD (surely this isnt true).
Isn't KWTV's new set HD ready?

Well if they opted for some younger eye candy, instead of the "Crypt Keeper Cavanaugh" They might get more viewership.

[sgt. pepper]

Well if they opted for some younger eye candy, instead of the "Crypt Keeper Cavanaugh" They might get more viewership.

That is not politcal correct! They will be sued if thet got rid of her.

[namellac]

Yeah, but it's TV. Rules are different there.

[duckman]

She wouldnt go quietly and would take plenty of colleagues and viewers with her. The public outcry would be huge.

[namellac]

Viewers maybe. Colleagues - I wouldn't be too sure about that.

[sgt. pepper]

she been around for a long time and i'm sure she has a huge following, but i think Amy has a bigger following? as far as rules, if the ratings are not there, you would think whoever would be canned no matter how they look or how long they have been there. isn't it all about ratings and money?

[namellac]

Ratings lead goes back and forth between 4 & 9, and depending on time slot.

Amy is still camera friendly.

I still think Cavanaugh could take-over "Count Gregor's" old show without much makeup.........

[Tom-S]

As duckman noted, the New York Times Company sold them off; indeed, NYT sold all its television stations. The buyer is something called Local TV LLC, owned by Oak Hill Capital.

Local TV LLC

anyone looked at this 'localtvllc' site? it' pretty funny - perhaps hacked.

[BabyBoomerSooner]

Well if they opted for some younger eye candy, instead of the "Crypt Keeper Cavanaugh" They might get more viewership.

Does Bob Barry, Sr. get a free pass? How old is that guy, 85?