I'm sure that the news today that NBC and Fox have agreed to create an entity to shoot pool video in several markets has sent shockwaves through newsrooms across the country.  But I say take a deep breath, step back a bit and take a global view - and you'll agree with me that this is a great idea.

Is it really necessary for every station in a market to send a videographer to shoot the mayor's ribbon cutting ceremony?   How does this give you a strategic advantage?   How does this set you apart from the... more »

This is the second in a series of observations and ideas gleaned from my weekly travels across the country...

Economy, Economy, Economy.  I have been ranting about the need to focus on economic news in your newscasts for months.   I am happy to see that most every station in every market I visit has now put a laser focus on helping viewers survive the tough economic times.   It is clear that giving positive ideas in this "economic tsunami" will help drive ratings for your newscasts.

Money 9-1-1.  WFLA in Tampa has put together a strong series of... more »

I nearly wore out my remote control last night - zapping from one channel to another on an historic election night.  In the end - I felt that nationally CNN provided the best coverage and graphics support to win my vote as #1 on this night.

Yeah, the hologram interviews were a bit hoky - I felt that I had been dropped into a Star Trek episode - but you also have to admit it was pretty cool at the same time.  But, CNN also had some excellent supporting graphics throughout the night as they clearly explained what was happening... more »

Did you know that Obama's "informercial" last night is about to kill journalistic integrity across the United States?   That is the message being posted on the TVSpy Watercooler in the wake of the 30-minute paid political program on most major networks last a week before the election.

It is amazing to me how many TV journalists paint these artificial boundaries around their profession.  There were more than a couple dozen postings on the Watercooler sight today debating the issue of this paid poltitical advertisement ruining the reputation of journalists everywhere.

For instance, "I'm not a conservative. I consider myself a liberal.... more »

By nature, I am a very upbeat, positive person.  But during my news director days I always had a downbeat personality as election night drew near.

My reasoning is this: It is very difficult - if not impossible - to win the coverage war on election night.  Everyone pretty much gets the same numbers at the same time, and it all becomes a blur for the viewers.  However - it is very possible to lose the coverage war on election night.  All it takes is a gaff or two by anchors who didn't do their homework, a computer glitch, a... more »

I am on the road for a few days every week, criss-crossing the country to visit television stations.  It allows me to tap into ideas and observations from a lot of different sources.  So, beginning today I will author a sporadic series of Intel - interesting stuff I hear and see during my travels.   I hope you find these musings interesting and useful.

Buying Ads On The Competition: I have never heard of television stations allowing a competing station to buy spots on their air before.  But that is just what's happening in a midwest market as one station battles... more »

CNN gave viewers and users a myriad of choices during the lone VP debate tonight.  You could make it as interactive, or inactive as you liked.  But one thing was clear - CNN did a masterful job of weaving coverage on both cable and the Internet.

They had a panel of viewers in Columbus, Ohio using dials similar to those we employ at AR&D to rate the Palin and Biden performances second by second.  That information, as well as live scoring from CNN's "political experts" ran on the cable channel throughout the debate (only visible if you had a high definition... more »

It took them awhile to get engaged, but now local TV newscasts are hot and heavy on the biggest story in a long time - the trials and tribulations, and effects, of the failed Bailout plan.  Last week in this space, I railed about local TV newscasts ignoring (except for superficial network packages) this huge story. 

Well, beginning with yesterday's drama on Capitol Hill and Wall Street, the local TV newscasts in Dallas, and in other markets (viewed on my Slingbox) did an excellent job of reporting on the local impact of this huge story.  I think maybe some local... more »

Are you empowering your viewers with the local impact of the Bailout drama playing out in Washington, DC?  Or - like the Dallas TV stations - are you still just dishing out the local crime and mayhem de jour each morning and night?

If you're following the lead of the Dallas local newscasts you are not serving your viewers.  AR&D research shows that today - more than ever - viewers want to be empowered to handle their own situations - be it financial or otherwise.  But as I sit in my town watching the newscasts I keep getting a steady diet... more »

I got goosebumps while waiting for a plane at DFW airport last week.  No - I wasn't cold, or concerned about my flight - it was brought on by a wonderful display of American appreciation.

DFW is one of two R&R airports - the main destination for soldiers on their way home from Iraq to spend time with friends and relatives.  I was waiting at a gate for my flight, when about 200 men and women in uniform started strolling by on a catwalk one story above us.

Everyone - and I mean everyone - stood up and applauded and cheered... more »