Omaha Local TV News Channels

GrandpaaSmucker · Post by **GrandpaaSmucker** » Mon Dec 23, 2019 10:11 pm

Channel 6 had a story tonight where they spelled the city Elkhorn as Elk Horn. They even had a map that had Elk Horn wrote on it. Idiots. They had another story where they spelled burglars "bugglers." The newspaper is not the only media that has gone down the tubes in quality.

Post by **Omaha Cowboy** » Tue Dec 24, 2019 12:19 am

Channel 6 jumped down rabbit hole of “sub quality abyss” years ago..

Not surprising...

Ciao..LiO...Peace

damonhynes · Post by **damonhynes** » Tue Dec 24, 2019 9:15 am

7's caption/chyron temps/interns are giving Big Six a run for their money. Broadcast news is dead, with rare occasions of competence. Bandur's story on Megan Klindt being murdered by that bluehair bus driver was top-drawer.

bigredmed1 · Post by **bigredmed1** » Tue Dec 24, 2019 9:06 pm

The net is more efficient. The national news is so incredibly biased, you just waste your time watching it. I agree that at any level, it’s dead.

Bob from Omaha · Post by **Bob from Omaha** » Wed Dec 25, 2019 10:14 am

It isn't necessarily that broadcast news is dead. Obviously it is in Omaha as the owners scramble to squeeze more life out of a nickel that previously thought possible. And yes, national news is incredibly biased. On the other hand, go to many large cities and watch the local broadcast and you immediately see that there are actually anchors and reporters who have the chops. Yes, there are times where you cringe at the chiyon or reporter screws up but hey, we all do. One of my favorites was when we lived in Omaha and John Chapman repeatedly said that with regard to a crime "Police were taking no precautions". Really John? NO precautions? Cringe. I would hope police were taking EVERY precaution but ok. Wild Wild West, right John?
The MINUTE we moved out of Omaha and I started traveling more I became more convinced that Omaha's local news is bankrupt. It isn't just Omaha. It's basically any market below the top 40 markets and the quality drops in a huge way.
The Detroit Fox channel's Sunday night 10pm newscast beats any Omaha station's 5pm weekday newscast. It's horribly sad.

Post by **Omaha Cowboy** » Wed Dec 25, 2019 2:09 pm

Bob from Omaha wrote: Wed Dec 25, 2019 10:14 am It isn't necessarily that broadcast news is dead. It's basically any market below the top 40 markets and the quality drops in a huge way.
The Detroit Fox channel's Sunday night 10pm newscast beats any Omaha station's 5pm weekday newscast. It's horribly sad.

I pretty much agree with Bob here. I have many family members down in Texas and Travel to DFW multiple times a year. I’ll be down in Dallas next week to celebrate the holidays and ring in the New Year with family and friends. Every time I watch the local news there, I’m blown away by the noticeable difference in quality. In TV broadcast news, bigger is definitely better

...

Ciao..LiO...Peace

Omababe · Post by **Omababe** » Thu Dec 26, 2019 6:08 am

Bob from Omaha wrote: Wed Dec 25, 2019 10:14 amOn the other hand, go to many large cities and watch the local broadcast and you immediately see that there are actually anchors and reporters who have the chops.

It's not only the large cities. The local news in many small and medium markets puts Omaha's TV news to shame! Those that come to mind immediately are Savannah, Reno, Riverside (I think they are officially outside of the El Lay market), Columbus, both Allentown and Harrisburg and I'm sure I'll think of others just after I hit POST.

The only other that I remember as being as incredibly bad as Omaha was Grand Junction a few years back, and then I heard the words "Web Channel" (tm) and realized why.

Bob from Omaha wrote: Wed Dec 25, 2019 10:14 amAnd yes, national news is incredibly biased.

I'm very sure that feelings such as this strongly depend on which side of the Great Red-Blue Divide you stand!

Cermak · Post by **Cermak** » Thu Dec 26, 2019 1:37 pm

Local news just doesn’t carry the clout it once did 15-20 years ago. I’m sure viewership is way down from the glory years before smartphones. Thus we are seeing stations trying to save money anyway possible. Most people don’t want to take the time to sit down for a half hour and watch the news when they can get updated in a few minutes looking at their smartphone. The playing field has changed for local news, it’s just not the business it once was.

nativeomahan · Post by **nativeomahan** » Fri Dec 27, 2019 8:59 am

Cermak wrote: Thu Dec 26, 2019 1:37 pm Local news just doesn’t carry the clout it once did 15-20 years ago. I’m sure viewership is way down from the glory years before smartphones. Thus we are seeing stations trying to save money anyway possible. Most people don’t want to take the time to sit down for a half hour and watch the news when they can get updated in a few minutes looking at their smartphone. The playing field has changed for local news, it’s just not the business it once was.

I agree. I tend to watch TV in general much more in winter, as opposed to spring and summer when I am outdoors most of my free time, but even now I find myself looking at the clock at 6 or 10 pm and saying “should we turn on the news?” And half the time we don’t even bother. I’ve already checked the World-Herald via their multiple daily emails to me, and the same with KETV. I do tend to watch the 5:30 pm national news if I am indoors, but I no longer fret if I miss it, as there are ample opportunities to catch national and international news updates on my phone or iPad, and now with our Google Home devices (which we love!).

Is this a good thing? Well, the newspapers and local TV news directors must hate it, but the horses are already out the barn door, and they ain’t coming back.

damonhynes · Post by **damonhynes** » Tue Jan 21, 2020 10:34 pm

What happened to Jern Rostrum being put out to pasture? I thought his contract ended 31 December?

Cermak · Post by **Cermak** » Sun Jan 26, 2020 12:05 pm

Ross was replaced by a younger sports announcer from Ft Wayne Indiana. He may still work for WOWT part time or on short term contract. Details unknown.

damonhynes · Post by **damonhynes** » Sun Jan 26, 2020 8:48 pm

Cermak wrote: Sun Jan 26, 2020 12:05 pm Ross was replaced by a younger sports announcer from Ft Wayne Indiana. He may still work for WOWT part time or on short term contract. Details unknown.

If so, he has more grace than I would in the same circumstance.

Cermak · Post by **Cermak** » Mon Jan 27, 2020 3:59 pm

damonhynes wrote: Sun Jan 26, 2020 8:48 pm
Cermak wrote: Sun Jan 26, 2020 12:05 pm Ross was replaced by a younger sports announcer from Ft Wayne Indiana. He may still work for WOWT part time or on short term contract. Details unknown.
If so, he has more grace than I would in the same circumstance.

That’s just normal in that business, very cut throat.

mrsticka · Post by **mrsticka** » Mon Jan 27, 2020 6:13 pm

What about Dave Webber? Is he still there? He's older than Ross. So that's why I ask.

Post by **nebugeater** » Wed Jan 29, 2020 9:17 am

mrsticka wrote: Mon Jan 27, 2020 6:13 pm What about Dave Webber? Is he still there? He's older than Ross. So that's why I ask.

https://eomahaforums.com/viewtopic.php?t=9152

mrsticka · Post by **mrsticka** » Wed Jan 29, 2020 6:31 pm

nebugeater wrote: Wed Jan 29, 2020 9:17 am
mrsticka wrote: Mon Jan 27, 2020 6:13 pm What about Dave Webber? Is he still there? He's older than Ross. So that's why I ask.
https://eomahaforums.com/viewtopic.php?t=9152

But that was almost 11 years ago. And Dave is STILL at WOWT. He recently did the sports again when Ross was absent.

Cermak · Post by **Cermak** » Thu Jan 30, 2020 1:00 pm

I always thought Dave Webber was one of the better on- air talents in Omaha. He seemed like such a natural in front of the camera. I was surprised he didn’t try and make the jump to a bigger market. Now of course it’s to late.

mrsticka · Post by **mrsticka** » Fri Jan 31, 2020 1:07 am

I guess Dave likes Omaha.

Post by **Brad** » Sun Mar 15, 2020 10:19 pm

It appears that Rob and Julie on KETV are in Different Studios? Julie is in the main studio and Bill is at his weather disk, but Rob is standing in front of a banner elsewhere?

bbinks · Post by **bbinks** » Mon Mar 16, 2020 4:58 am

Brad wrote: Sun Mar 15, 2020 10:19 pm It appears that Rob and Julie on KETV are in Different Studios? Julie is in the main studio and Bill is at his weather disk, but Rob is standing in front of a banner elsewhere?

Social distancing? Monday morning broadcast isn't doing this though. But was running with one camera operator instead of two.

HskrFanMike · Post by **HskrFanMike** » Mon Mar 16, 2020 12:33 pm

At the end of the 10pm news, they cut to a split screen where Rob mentioned he was operating from another floor for social distancing. Whether they had a low-level exposure or what, they've chosen to split the news desk. It's not a big deal for Julie and Bill to be on together, since they are married. Didn't catch what they did for sports...though there isn't much need for sports coverage anymore.

Padre · Post by **Padre** » Thu Jun 25, 2020 7:51 pm

Ariel Roblin, the general manager of KETV is leaving, and going to a station in Sacramento.

https://www.ketv.com/article/ariel-robl ... v/32974147

mrsticka · Post by **mrsticka** » Thu Jul 02, 2020 1:34 am

KMTV is in the process of building a new TV studio. So they're doing their newscasts from their newsroom for the time being.

Busguy2010 · Post by **Busguy2010** » Thu Jul 02, 2020 11:22 am

Padre wrote: Thu Jun 25, 2020 7:51 pm Ariel Roblin, the general manager of KETV is leaving, and going to a station in Sacramento.

https://www.ketv.com/article/ariel-robl ... v/32974147

How did I fail to express my happiness over this? Got super tired of her editorials. I would actually change the channel for the minute or so she was talking, then turn it back after the world news started.

bbinks · Post by **bbinks** » Thu Jul 02, 2020 12:57 pm

As I was channel surfing yesterday, I saw that Fox 42 has the gaslighting gasbag on for a 30 minute segment at 7am. So, for the Becka fans.... Enjoy

damonhynes · Post by **damonhynes** » Fri Jul 03, 2020 12:02 pm

Busguy2010 wrote: Thu Jul 02, 2020 11:22 am
Padre wrote: Thu Jun 25, 2020 7:51 pm Ariel Roblin, the general manager of KETV is leaving, and going to a station in Sacramento.

https://www.ketv.com/article/ariel-robl ... v/32974147
How did I fail to express my happiness over this? Got super tired of her editorials. I would actually change the channel for the minute or so she was talking, then turn it back after the world news started.

And 7 did eight minutes from the porch of 7 Burlington showing her cow-orkers lining up to kiss her azz one last time. I really liked how she spoke both self-deprecating and self-aggrandizing at the same time. She'll fit perfectly in Sacto.

damonhynes · Post by **damonhynes** » Fri Jul 03, 2020 12:06 pm

Jennifer Zeppelin: Gone. Possibly retiring, but definitely moving to Eastex to be closer to her kid who's going to college.

I'm going to miss her like crazy. I knew of her before she arrived--I like to keep an eye on Tornado Alley TV news and weather, and she did a lot of time in Tulsa.

Post by **Omaha Cowboy** » Fri Jul 03, 2020 4:07 pm

damonhynes wrote: Fri Jul 03, 2020 12:06 pm Jennifer Zeppelin: Gone. Possibly retiring, but definitely moving to Eastex to be closer to her kid who's going to college.

I'm going to miss her like crazy. I knew of her before she arrived--I like to keep an eye on Tornado Alley TV news and weather, and she did a lot of time in Tulsa.

That is a huge loss of talent at KMTV3.. She’ll definitely be missed...

Ciao..LiO...Peace

Cermak · Post by **Cermak** » Sat Jul 04, 2020 11:49 am

Sounds like she’s retiring and moving to Texas, mentioned something about 32 years on her last broadcast the other day. She will be tough to replace. She was my favorite weather person in the Omaha market.

mrsticka · Post by **mrsticka** » Sun Jul 05, 2020 5:17 am

So I guess KMTV's going to be hiring a new meteorologist now? Now that Jennifer Zeppelin's gone, they only have 2. Mark Stitz and Audra Moore.

damonhynes · Post by **damonhynes** » Sun Jul 05, 2020 11:30 am

Molly Bernard: Gone. Milwaukee. After this week, Imma go slit my wrists.

damonhynes · Post by **damonhynes** » Sun Jul 05, 2020 11:31 am

mrsticka wrote: Sun Jul 05, 2020 5:17 am So I guess KMTV's going to be hiring a new meteorologist now? Now that Jennifer Zeppelin's gone, they only have 2. Mark Stitz and Audra Moore.

I don't know if either is ready to be Chief yet, so this could get interesting.

Post by **Omaha Cowboy** » Sun Jul 05, 2020 11:43 am

damonhynes wrote: Sun Jul 05, 2020 11:30 am Molly Bernard: Gone. Milwaukee. After this week, Imma go slit my wrists.

Oh nooooooooo. It just keeps getting worse and worse..

I really thought Molly might be a long timer here for Omaha- considering she grew up just down the way in KC..

She only stayed 2 years in Omaha. Mostly par for the course..and unfortunate...

Ciao..LiO...Peace

bbinks · Post by **bbinks** » Sun Jul 05, 2020 2:39 pm

I thought Molly was a little high school girlish still.

Honestly, all I want is an accurate forecast more often than not.

Cermak · Post by **Cermak** » Sun Jul 05, 2020 7:24 pm

Molly Bernard is moving up to a top 40 market with Milwaukee, probably got an offer she couldn’t refuse. She does look really young. Nice move up for her.

Busguy2010 · Post by **Busguy2010** » Mon Jul 06, 2020 2:01 am

Laurann Robinson is my fave

mrsticka · Post by **mrsticka** » Thu Jul 09, 2020 9:29 pm

Looks like KMTV has a new meteorologist. That was quick. His name is Chris Swain. He comes from Wisconsin apparently.

HskrFanMike · Post by **HskrFanMike** » Tue Jul 14, 2020 1:42 pm

Actually, the two moves are tied together! Molly Bernard is moving to Milwaukee to replace Chris Swain, who's moving to channel 3 to replace Jennifer Zeppelin.

https://www.jsonline.com/story/entertai ... 348531002/

Post by **Omaha Cowboy** » Tue Jul 14, 2020 9:04 pm

HskrFanMike wrote: Tue Jul 14, 2020 1:42 pm Actually, the two moves are tied together! Molly Bernard is moving to Milwaukee to replace Chris Swain, who's moving to channel 3 to replace Jennifer Zeppelin.

https://www.jsonline.com/story/entertai ... 348531002/

I had seen this and it’s interesting indeed..

Time will tell if Omaha got the better end of that swap...

Ciao..LiO...Peace

DennyMarkham · Post by **DennyMarkham** » Wed Jul 29, 2020 1:18 pm

Ross Jernstrom was supposed to leave WOWT last year but I guess they decided to keep him around a while longer. I now hear his last day, officially, is this Friday and the new Sports Director is starting Monday, August 3rd. His name is Joe Nugent.