'Oprah' Stations Split Between 'Oz' and News
One of the key Oprah Winfrey stations, WSB Atlanta, is going with a 4 p.m. news once Oprah heads to cable, reports the Atlanta Journal-Constitution.
The Cox station is adding 20 people to staff the newscast.
“We’re excited about our news expansion,” WSB President/General Manager Bill Hoffman tells the paper. “We’ve got such a strong news brand, the best thing we can do is expand.”
Meredith’s WGCL has the only 4 p.m. news in the market. We did a cover story last month, “Oprah-calypse Now,” (I’m sorry, I still really like that title), in which WGCL GM Kirk Black said viewers in that time slot are up for grabs. “I don’t know that WSB will do Oprah numbers at 4 [after she leaves],” he said. “Once she goes away, it’s a jump ball. I think that spells opportunity for us.”
Among the many other Oprah stations, Hearst’s WGAL Lancaster is going with Dr. Oz at 4 p.m., as is WSB sibling WSOC Charlotte.
Eric commented:
Local news is said to be cheaper than the syndication fan-fare. I could picture WABC New York, WFLA Tampa Bay, and WYFF Greenville-Asheville also opting for local 4PM newscast. Other than 'Dr. Oz'... we got other top syndicated contenders, such as... 'Judge Judy', 'Ellen', and 'Dr. Phil'.
Ozie Baldwin commented:
I don't think that Dr.Oz will do well in that time slot. His audience is not the broad demographic that only Oprah, as an idividual, can carry. News reality would be my first choice. Home and Lifestyle would be my next choice. New wave Family Sports, ... could become a block buster. Business Entertainment News could be the game changer for broadcast news on both sides; including cable, broadband, and the internet. Adding Diversity in front of the camera's will only increasing the chances of success. As Oprah-calypse Now ...the broadcast gods can only smile on all broadcast media groups. Think about it, Oprah's departure is giving new life to all airwaves. Thanks Oprah.