Omaha Local TV News Channels

nativeomahan · Post by **nativeomahan** » Sun Nov 19, 2023 9:40 pm

I wasn’t going to mention what I saw last night at 10 pm, immediately following NU’s overtime loss in Madison. Channel 6 tried and tried and tried to start their newscast with clips from the just completed football game, teed up by their sportscaster, who stood there and kept waiting for the highlights to begin rolling. After about 15 seconds of her hemming and hawing and stalling for whomever was asleep at the switch, I flipped over to KMTV.
O. M. G. What was that station up to? They apparently had no one on set in their studio for the newscast. I didn’t know that anyone would attempt such a thing. No live shots of the sole newscaster, you just heard his voice with video playing on screen. And when the weather guy’s segment ran it was obvious that it was pre-recorded, because (1) his graphics were showing what he expected the weather to be at 6, 7, 8 and 9 pm, and (2) the audio portion of his cast was a garbled mess, with echoing and reverb present from start to finish. Ten minutes later when he returned with the full forecast segment the very same audio problem persisted from start to finish, making his cast basically unwatchable.
Then when the sports segment started the very same audio SNAFU occurred during the entire sportscast.
My guess is that no one was in studio at 10 pm to rectify the craziness.
It was a total clustercluck.

Post by **nebugeater** » Mon Nov 20, 2023 5:46 am

Ankeny Husker Freak wrote: Sun Nov 19, 2023 8:24 pm
nebugeater wrote: Fri Nov 17, 2023 1:08 pm Does anyone listen to the afternoon radio on KFAB with Emery Songer as host? He has been on for a while now. For years, I have listed at least twice a week to the afternoon guy for a while on those days. At first, I chalked it up to having to get used to the "new guy." Don't think that is it, though. I cannot get into his show or style at all. I find myself tuning in in the afternoon less and less all the time.

Does anyone else listen to him and have an opinion?
Emery was that way in Des Moines, nails on a chalk board annoying.

I knew he was on in DM but had no idea what the position or time slot he had there. Was he afternoon like here?

Ankeny Husker Freak · Post by **Ankeny Husker Freak** » Mon Nov 20, 2023 8:16 am

nebugeater wrote: Mon Nov 20, 2023 5:46 am
Ankeny Husker Freak wrote: Sun Nov 19, 2023 8:24 pm
nebugeater wrote: Fri Nov 17, 2023 1:08 pm Does anyone listen to the afternoon radio on KFAB with Emery Songer as host? He has been on for a while now. For years, I have listed at least twice a week to the afternoon guy for a while on those days. At first, I chalked it up to having to get used to the "new guy." Don't think that is it, though. I cannot get into his show or style at all. I find myself tuning in in the afternoon less and less all the time.

Does anyone else listen to him and have an opinion?
Emery was that way in Des Moines, nails on a chalk board annoying.
I knew he was on in DM but had no idea what the position or time slot he had there. Was he afternoon like here?

He was on WHO radio as a producer, fill in weekday host and hosted a Saturday morning show.

damonhynes · Post by **damonhynes** » Mon Nov 20, 2023 1:47 pm

nativeomahan wrote: Sun Nov 19, 2023 9:40 pm I wasn’t going to mention what I saw last night at 10 pm, immediately following NU’s overtime loss in Madison. Channel 6 tried and tried and tried to start their newscast with clips from the just completed football game, teed up by their sportscaster, who stood there and kept waiting for the highlights to begin rolling. After about 15 seconds of her hemming and hawing and stalling for whomever was asleep at the switch, I flipped over to KMTV.
O. M. G. What was that station up to? They apparently had no one on set in their studio for the newscast. I didn’t know that anyone would attempt such a thing. No live shots of the sole newscaster, you just heard his voice with video playing on screen. And when the weather guy’s segment ran it was obvious that it was pre-recorded, because (1) his graphics were showing what he expected the weather to be at 6, 7, 8 and 9 pm, and (2) the audio portion of his cast was a garbled mess, with echoing and reverb present from start to finish. Ten minutes later when he returned with the full forecast segment the very same audio problem persisted from start to finish, making his cast basically unwatchable.
Then when the sports segment started the very same audio SNAFU occurred during the entire sportscast.
My guess is that no one was in studio at 10 pm to rectify the craziness.
It was a total clustercluck.

Channel Third has regressed to the point where they're not the UNO A/V Department any longer, they're the Westside A/V Department.

Best news I've heard in a long time is that Serese Cole is moving back to Big Six. Now there's no reason to watch 3 at all.

damonhynes · Post by **damonhynes** » Mon Nov 20, 2023 1:50 pm

nebugeater wrote: Fri Nov 17, 2023 1:08 pm Does anyone listen to the afternoon radio on KFAB with Emery Songer as host? He has been on for a while now. For years, I have listed at least twice a week to the afternoon guy for a while on those days. At first, I chalked it up to having to get used to the "new guy." Don't think that is it, though. I cannot get into his show or style at all. I find myself tuning in in the afternoon less and less all the time.

Does anyone else listen to him and have an opinion?

I'm sure his heart is in the right place, and he's on the right side of things societally. But when he swerves away from politics is where he loses me. Like it or not, there's no place for whimsy, folksiness and non sequiturs in talk radio any more.

Ankeny Husker Freak · Post by **Ankeny Husker Freak** » Fri Nov 24, 2023 3:59 pm

damonhynes wrote: Mon Nov 20, 2023 1:50 pm
nebugeater wrote: Fri Nov 17, 2023 1:08 pm Does anyone listen to the afternoon radio on KFAB with Emery Songer as host? He has been on for a while now. For years, I have listed at least twice a week to the afternoon guy for a while on those days. At first, I chalked it up to having to get used to the "new guy." Don't think that is it, though. I cannot get into his show or style at all. I find myself tuning in in the afternoon less and less all the time.

Does anyone else listen to him and have an opinion?
I'm sure his heart is in the right place, and he's on the right side of things societally. But when he swerves away from politics is where he loses me. Like it or not, there's no place for whimsy, folksiness and non sequiturs in talk radio any more.

That's the problem with WHO radio, it's too folksy

GenX · Post by **GenX** » Sat Nov 25, 2023 2:34 am

Im in San Diego and Joey Safchik is a reporter for the NBC affiliate, which I believe is also 7.

Padre · Post by **Padre** » Mon Nov 27, 2023 12:49 pm

According to Sarah Fili’s Facebook page, Anthony Copeland is moving to Cleveland.

Post by **Omaha Cowboy** » Mon Nov 27, 2023 5:49 pm

Padre wrote: Mon Nov 27, 2023 12:49 pm According to Sarah Fili’s Facebook page, Anthony Copeland is moving to Cleveland.

Yep-his last on air day in Omaha will be tomorrow (11/28) before he moves on to the ABC Affiliate in Cleveland, OH…

Ciao..LiO…Peace

Cermak · Post by **Cermak** » Mon Nov 27, 2023 6:15 pm

Omaha Cowboy wrote: Mon Nov 27, 2023 5:49 pm
Padre wrote: Mon Nov 27, 2023 12:49 pm According to Sarah Fili’s Facebook page, Anthony Copeland is moving to Cleveland.
Yep-his last on air day in Omaha will be tomorrow (11/28) before he moves on to the ABC Affiliate in Cleveland, OH…

Ciao..LiO…Peace

A larger market. Good for him.

Post by **Omaha Cowboy** » Mon Nov 27, 2023 10:16 pm

Cermak wrote: Mon Nov 27, 2023 6:15 pm
Omaha Cowboy wrote: Mon Nov 27, 2023 5:49 pm
Padre wrote: Mon Nov 27, 2023 12:49 pm According to Sarah Fili’s Facebook page, Anthony Copeland is moving to Cleveland.
Yep-his last on air day in Omaha will be tomorrow (11/28) before he moves on to the ABC Affiliate in Cleveland, OH…

Ciao..LiO…Peace
A larger market. Good for him.

Meh, I guess. It would seem that’s what he’s looking for..

At least Caitlin Harvey is sticking around..Who I also like…

Ciao..LiO…Peace

Post by **Brad** » Sat Dec 02, 2023 9:11 pm

I see Serese Cole is returning to 6 News Daybreak.

nativeomahan · Post by **nativeomahan** » Sun Dec 03, 2023 8:38 am

I wonder what that is all about? She seemed so much more “real” and less phony smiles and happy talk on KMTV.

thenewguy · Post by **thenewguy** » Mon Dec 04, 2023 7:24 am

Brad wrote: Sat Dec 02, 2023 9:11 pm I see Serese Cole is returning to 6 News Daybreak.

she is one of my fav's. When it was her, Rusty, and Jim Siedlecki in the mornings, that was the best news group in town

Post by **nebugeater** » Wed Dec 06, 2023 3:35 pm

Omaha Cowboy wrote: Wed Apr 21, 2021 8:21 pm
swinquest wrote: Wed Apr 21, 2021 7:40 pm DaLaun Dillard leaving KETV

It’s my last day with KETV NewsWatch 7— and Omaha thank you for everything! This city and news market is such a slept on gem!! I’m SO grateful that God led me here and allowed me to experience it.

I’ve covered some WILD stories, worked with some amazing people (who I will seriously miss) and I’ve met so many of YOU out in the community!

Thank you for alwaaaays loving on me, supporting me and uplifting me whenever y’all see me in public, it keeps me going. Most of all thank you for allowing me to tell to the stories affecting you! I got in this business to be a change maker and I’m grateful to say some of my stories here actually created change.

I will miss this community so much. Thank you again for all of your love and support.
It seems like this guy just started at KETV.. Now he’s bailing to Ohio..

Most who are hired at KETV these days bolt as soon as their first contract expires..That’s what happens when your market is used as a mere pit stop to something considered grander...

Ciao..LiO...Peace

I still follow DaLaun Dillard on Facebook for some reason. He is now leaving Cleveland for a morning team position with Fox 26 in Houston.

Post by **Omaha Cowboy** » Sat Dec 09, 2023 8:08 am

nebugeater wrote: Wed Dec 06, 2023 3:35 pm
Omaha Cowboy wrote: Wed Apr 21, 2021 8:21 pm
swinquest wrote: Wed Apr 21, 2021 7:40 pm DaLaun Dillard leaving KETV

It’s my last day with KETV NewsWatch 7— and Omaha thank you for everything! This city and news market is such a slept on gem!! I’m SO grateful that God led me here and allowed me to experience it.

I’ve covered some WILD stories, worked with some amazing people (who I will seriously miss) and I’ve met so many of YOU out in the community!

Thank you for alwaaaays loving on me, supporting me and uplifting me whenever y’all see me in public, it keeps me going. Most of all thank you for allowing me to tell to the stories affecting you! I got in this business to be a change maker and I’m grateful to say some of my stories here actually created change.

I will miss this community so much. Thank you again for all of your love and support.
It seems like this guy just started at KETV.. Now he’s bailing to Ohio..

Most who are hired at KETV these days bolt as soon as their first contract expires..That’s what happens when your market is used as a mere pit stop to something considered grander...

Ciao..LiO...Peace
I still follow DaLaun Dillard on Facebook for some reason. He is now leaving Cleveland for a morning team position with Fox 26 in Houston.

Yeah..

I still come back to trusting and enjoying those folks who deliver the news via our local media, who truly want to be here, and re-sign to stay because they like living here. I’m not criticizing those who do, it’s a reality that unless you live in a top 5-10 media market, you have to deal with the turnover and gravitational pull to more exposure and $$..

Not everyone who works in this line of business is wired like that though. If it was true, Omaha would have lost Bill Randby and his wife years ago. Jim Flowers (who ironically is from Cleveland), John Nicely etc. We have been fortunate in our market that a good number of folks find they like it here and stay…

Ciao..LiO…Peace

damonhynes · Post by **damonhynes** » Sat Dec 09, 2023 8:23 am

Or, it could be a cheap market and these so-called 'journalists' can't afford to park their butts here for a couple of decades.

How'd you like to have gone to Mississippi State for a six-year 'broadcast meteorology' degree only to find that you're reporting on busted water mains delaying traffic on L Street?

Post by **Omaha Cowboy** » Sat Dec 09, 2023 8:34 am

Well, like most things, unless we walk in their shoes, we’ll never actually know the real reasoning..Unless it is revealed.. Omaha isn’t much different than most markets in the 40-80 ranking range as it relates to salary and actual news/weather. Water mains break In Houston too, and I suspect the media would cover it there if it created a boondoggle, just as they would in Omaha..

In any case, my main point is, many stay..and I believe a main reason why is they find they actually like living here..who wouldn’t? Omaha is a great place to be…

Ciao..LiO…Peace

Cermak · Post by **Cermak** » Sat Dec 09, 2023 1:05 pm

I was listening to a radio talk show from Kansas City a while back and they interviewed a local on air TV person and they mentioned if you can get into a larger market that’s the ideal situation, more room to grow professionally. There’s only so much room in the Omaha TV market if people want to stick around. Look how few local on air talent in Omaha is over 50, not many. So if they have an opportunity to go to a larger market it makes sense to move on. Granted always a few exceptions like Knicely , Randby and some others.

swinquest · Post by **swinquest** » Wed Dec 13, 2023 5:35 pm

Abbie Petersen announced today on Facebook that tomorrow is her last day at KETV.

States she will remain in Omaha but pursing something outside of TV.

(Link does not work, but here is the post):

BREAKING (personal) NEWS:
Starting back in middle school, I realized I wanted to be a reporter when I grew up. I was the anchor of our Buffett Middle School broadcast, BBTV. Right then I knew. So once I graduated highschool, I went to UNL where I majored in Broadcasting. I was involved with their radio show, KRNU and their news production Star City News. Then I became a reporter for KLKN Channel 8 News, KOLN-KGIN 10/11 News and now Omaha’s News Leader, KETV NewsWatch 7.
I’ve met THOUSANDS of people on the best and worst days of their lives. They’ve let me in and have trusted me to tell their stories. I couldn’t be more thankful for that. I’ve told every type of story you could possibly think of, and I’ve connected with you, the viewers. I don’t think I have enough words to truly explain how it feels to have been able to pursue this dream of mine. I thank every one of you from the bottom of my heart for supporting me over all of these years.
But it’s now time for me to sign off one last time. Tomorrow, December 14th, will be my last day at KETV. I have nothing but love and respect for this incredibly talented, hardworking team. I know they will continue to put out amazing work, telling stories that matter.
But it’s time for me to pursue a new dream, off of the tv screen. I will share more details about my new journey at some point. & I will share more thoughts and memories today and tomorrow. This is bittersweet. I could not be more thrilled to start this new chapter of my life. I’m not going anywhere, Omaha is my home! If you see me around at the grocery store, don’t be afraid to say hi

🩷

- Abbie Petersen 🩷

Post by **Omaha Cowboy** » Wed Dec 13, 2023 10:24 pm

swinquest wrote: Wed Dec 13, 2023 5:35 pm Abbie Petersen announced today on Facebook that tomorrow is her last day at KETV.

States she will remain in Omaha but pursing something outside of TV.

(Link does not work, but here is the post):

BREAKING (personal) NEWS:
Starting back in middle school, I realized I wanted to be a reporter when I grew up. I was the anchor of our Buffett Middle School broadcast, BBTV. Right then I knew. So once I graduated highschool, I went to UNL where I majored in Broadcasting. I was involved with their radio show, KRNU and their news production Star City News. Then I became a reporter for KLKN Channel 8 News, KOLN-KGIN 10/11 News and now Omaha’s News Leader, KETV NewsWatch 7.
I’ve met THOUSANDS of people on the best and worst days of their lives. They’ve let me in and have trusted me to tell their stories. I couldn’t be more thankful for that. I’ve told every type of story you could possibly think of, and I’ve connected with you, the viewers. I don’t think I have enough words to truly explain how it feels to have been able to pursue this dream of mine. I thank every one of you from the bottom of my heart for supporting me over all of these years.
But it’s now time for me to sign off one last time. Tomorrow, December 14th, will be my last day at KETV. I have nothing but love and respect for this incredibly talented, hardworking team. I know they will continue to put out amazing work, telling stories that matter.
But it’s time for me to pursue a new dream, off of the tv screen. I will share more details about my new journey at some point. & I will share more thoughts and memories today and tomorrow. This is bittersweet. I could not be more thrilled to start this new chapter of my life. I’m not going anywhere, Omaha is my home! If you see me around at the grocery store, don’t be afraid to say hi 🩷

- Abbie Petersen 🩷

I respect and appreciate that..

Good luck to Abbie in her future endeavors…

Ciao..LiO…Peace

ajwees41 · Post by **ajwees41** » Fri Dec 15, 2023 4:41 pm

https://x.com/AbbiePetersen/status/1734 ... 97288?s=20

Abbie Petersen leaving KETV and news

ajwees41 · Post by **ajwees41** » Sat Dec 23, 2023 4:06 pm

Omaha Cowboy wrote: Mon Nov 27, 2023 10:16 pm
Cermak wrote: Mon Nov 27, 2023 6:15 pm
Omaha Cowboy wrote: Mon Nov 27, 2023 5:49 pm
Padre wrote: Mon Nov 27, 2023 12:49 pm According to Sarah Fili’s Facebook page, Anthony Copeland is moving to Cleveland.
Yep-his last on air day in Omaha will be tomorrow (11/28) before he moves on to the ABC Affiliate in Cleveland, OH…

Ciao..LiO…Peace
A larger market. Good for him.
Meh, I guess. It would seem that’s what he’s looking for..

At least Caitlin Harvey is sticking around..Who I also like…

Ciao..LiO…Peace

seems like the the ones who are from around here either stay longer or leave news all together

Post by **Omaha Cowboy** » Sun Dec 24, 2023 10:41 am

ajwees41 wrote: Sat Dec 23, 2023 4:06 pm
Omaha Cowboy wrote: Mon Nov 27, 2023 10:16 pm
Cermak wrote: Mon Nov 27, 2023 6:15 pm
Omaha Cowboy wrote: Mon Nov 27, 2023 5:49 pm
Padre wrote: Mon Nov 27, 2023 12:49 pm According to Sarah Fili’s Facebook page, Anthony Copeland is moving to Cleveland.
Yep-his last on air day in Omaha will be tomorrow (11/28) before he moves on to the ABC Affiliate in Cleveland, OH…

Ciao..LiO…Peace
A larger market. Good for him.
Meh, I guess. It would seem that’s what he’s looking for..

At least Caitlin Harvey is sticking around..Who I also like…

Ciao..LiO…Peace
seems like the the ones who are from around here either stay longer or leave news all together

Good observation. Agreed

…

Ciao..LiO…Peace

ajwees41 · Post by **ajwees41** » Mon Dec 25, 2023 1:05 pm

Omaha Cowboy wrote: Mon Nov 27, 2023 10:16 pm
Cermak wrote: Mon Nov 27, 2023 6:15 pm
Omaha Cowboy wrote: Mon Nov 27, 2023 5:49 pm
Padre wrote: Mon Nov 27, 2023 12:49 pm According to Sarah Fili’s Facebook page, Anthony Copeland is moving to Cleveland.
Yep-his last on air day in Omaha will be tomorrow (11/28) before he moves on to the ABC Affiliate in Cleveland, OH…

Ciao..LiO…Peace
A larger market. Good for him.
Meh, I guess. It would seem that’s what he’s looking for..

At least Caitlin Harvey is sticking around..Who I also like…

Ciao..LiO…Peace

Caitlin Harvey is sticking around https://x.com/CaitlinHarveyWX/status/17 ... 79777?s=20

Post by **Omaha Cowboy** » Tue Dec 26, 2023 10:23 am

ajwees41 wrote: Mon Dec 25, 2023 1:05 pm
Omaha Cowboy wrote: Mon Nov 27, 2023 10:16 pm
Cermak wrote: Mon Nov 27, 2023 6:15 pm
Omaha Cowboy wrote: Mon Nov 27, 2023 5:49 pm
Padre wrote: Mon Nov 27, 2023 12:49 pm According to Sarah Fili’s Facebook page, Anthony Copeland is moving to Cleveland.
Yep-his last on air day in Omaha will be tomorrow (11/28) before he moves on to the ABC Affiliate in Cleveland, OH…

Ciao..LiO…Peace
A larger market. Good for him.
Meh, I guess. It would seem that’s what he’s looking for..

At least Caitlin Harvey is sticking around..Who I also like…

Ciao..LiO…Peace
Caitlin Harvey is sticking around https://x.com/CaitlinHarveyWX/status/17 ... 79777?s=20

Glad to see it..and glad she seems to really want to be here

…

Ciao..LiO≥..Peace

almighty_tuna · Post by **almighty_tuna** » Tue Jan 02, 2024 2:54 pm

Anyone else notice that WOWT seems to have removed all NBC branding from its website? Not just in the 6 logo, but in stories, "about us", etc. It's all Grey this and Grey that now.

jag42 · Post by **jag42** » Tue Jan 02, 2024 7:40 pm

almighty_tuna wrote: Tue Jan 02, 2024 2:54 pm Anyone else notice that WOWT seems to have removed all NBC branding from its website? Not just in the 6 logo, but in stories, "about us", etc. It's all Grey this and Grey that now.

Haha, this post prompted me to scroll through our program guide on our Hulu Live, and sure enough the NBC logo is gone from the WOWT listings. The other day I thought something was different and couldn't place it. That would be interesting to know why they're dropping the NBC branding.

Post by **Brad** » Tue Jan 02, 2024 8:59 pm

jag42 wrote: Tue Jan 02, 2024 7:40 pm
almighty_tuna wrote: Tue Jan 02, 2024 2:54 pm Anyone else notice that WOWT seems to have removed all NBC branding from its website? Not just in the 6 logo, but in stories, "about us", etc. It's all Grey this and Grey that now.
Haha, this post prompted me to scroll through our program guide on our Hulu Live, and sure enough the NBC logo is gone from the WOWT listings. The other day I thought something was different and couldn't place it. That would be interesting to know why they're dropping the NBC branding.

I have a couple guesses:
1. NBC Charged Gray a fee to use their logo.
2. Rebranding all their stations to a more consistent logo, no matter what affiliate. Currently it looks like all 100+ stations have different logos. https://gray.tv/companies#ourmarkets

zippy · Post by **zippy** » Wed Jan 03, 2024 9:46 am

I noticed that the Guide for my Cox Contour box had a channel 7 for a few days that was labeled as NBC. Most of the time it said something like "end of day" or "no service", but for some shows it had the same info that was listed for channel 8 (Cox's label for WOWT 6). Channel 7 is gone now.

thenewguy · Post by **thenewguy** » Wed Jan 03, 2024 11:06 am

thye have also been broadcasting with generic backgrounds, like people working behind them, or standing at the desk without any identifiers, other than a slightly blurry picture of Omaha in the back ground. Maybe they are both swapping?

Mr.Nuke · Post by **Mr.Nuke** » Wed Jan 03, 2024 11:24 am

Brad wrote: Tue Jan 02, 2024 8:59 pm I have a couple guesses:
1. NBC Charged Gray a fee to use their logo.
2. Rebranding all their stations to a more consistent logo, no matter what affiliate. Currently it looks like all 100+ stations have different logos. https://gray.tv/companies#ourmarkets

3. They were on the verge of losing potentially losing NBC programming.

Atlanta, Dec. 27, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Gray Television, Inc. (“Gray) (NYSE: GTN) today announced that it has reached an agreement in principle with the NBC Network that extends and renews all of Gray’s NBC network affiliations, which otherwise would have expired at year-end 2023. Gray owns and operates NBC affiliated television stations serving 56 markets. In the current 2023-24 television season, NBC is the #1 network and ranks first in all key demos, as well as first in primetime, morning/afternoon news, late night, primetime sports, scripted and alternative program categories.

Gray Television, Inc. is a multimedia company headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia. Gray is the nation’s largest owner of top-rated local television stations and digital assets in the United States. Its television stations serve 113 television markets that collectively reach approximately 36 percent of US television households. This portfolio includes 80 markets with the top-rated television station and 102 markets with the first and/or second highest rated television station. It also owns video program companies Raycom Sports, Tupelo Media Group, and PowerNation Studios, as well as the studio production facilities Assembly Atlanta and Third Rail Studios. Gray owns a majority interest in Swirl Films. For more information, please visit www.gray.tv.

https://www.globenewswire.com/news-rele ... NWIDE.html

zippy wrote: Wed Jan 03, 2024 9:46 am I noticed that the Guide for my Cox Contour box had a channel 7 for a few days that was labeled as NBC. Most of the time it said something like "end of day" or "no service", but for some shows it had the same info that was listed for channel 8 (Cox's label for WOWT 6). Channel 7 is gone now.

Yep Cox was prepping to provide NBC's network feed without WOWT.

ajwees41 · Post by **ajwees41** » Wed Jan 03, 2024 1:50 pm

Mr.Nuke wrote: Wed Jan 03, 2024 11:24 am
Brad wrote: Tue Jan 02, 2024 8:59 pm I have a couple guesses:
1. NBC Charged Gray a fee to use their logo.
2. Rebranding all their stations to a more consistent logo, no matter what affiliate. Currently it looks like all 100+ stations have different logos. https://gray.tv/companies#ourmarkets
3. They were on the verge of losing potentially losing NBC programming.

Atlanta, Dec. 27, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Gray Television, Inc. (“Gray) (NYSE: GTN) today announced that it has reached an agreement in principle with the NBC Network that extends and renews all of Gray’s NBC network affiliations, which otherwise would have expired at year-end 2023. Gray owns and operates NBC affiliated television stations serving 56 markets. In the current 2023-24 television season, NBC is the #1 network and ranks first in all key demos, as well as first in primetime, morning/afternoon news, late night, primetime sports, scripted and alternative program categories.

Gray Television, Inc. is a multimedia company headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia. Gray is the nation’s largest owner of top-rated local television stations and digital assets in the United States. Its television stations serve 113 television markets that collectively reach approximately 36 percent of US television households. This portfolio includes 80 markets with the top-rated television station and 102 markets with the first and/or second highest rated television station. It also owns video program companies Raycom Sports, Tupelo Media Group, and PowerNation Studios, as well as the studio production facilities Assembly Atlanta and Third Rail Studios. Gray owns a majority interest in Swirl Films. For more information, please visit www.gray.tv.
https://www.globenewswire.com/news-rele ... NWIDE.html

zippy wrote: Wed Jan 03, 2024 9:46 am I noticed that the Guide for my Cox Contour box had a channel 7 for a few days that was labeled as NBC. Most of the time it said something like "end of day" or "no service", but for some shows it had the same info that was listed for channel 8 (Cox's label for WOWT 6). Channel 7 is gone now.
Yep Cox was prepping to provide NBC's network feed without WOWT.

Don't think Cox could do that. They couldn't offer ABC or CBS programming during carriage disputes.

Mr.Nuke · Post by **Mr.Nuke** » Wed Jan 03, 2024 3:22 pm

ajwees41 wrote: Wed Jan 03, 2024 1:50 pm Don't think Cox could do that. They couldn't offer ABC or CBS programming during carriage disputes.

I don't see why they couldn't. The situations aren't exactly analogous. A typical carriage dispute is between the local affiliate and the cable company. Presumably the affiliate has exclusive rights to air the network programming in their market. That is why Cox can't offer ABC programming if they they're in a carriage dispute with KETV. It isn't ABC's to offer to them at that point. They licensed it away.

This "dispute" was between Gray and NBC. As Gray's press release states, they were slated to loose their affiliation with NBC. At that point, not having a licensed affiliate in the Omaha DMA, NBC and Cox would've been in the clear to work something out carriage wise. Again, it appeared that was going to be the case based on the contour guide last week. Presumably someone opportunistically could've stepped in and bought the NBC rights for Omaha or other Gray NBC cities too out from under Gray, effectively crushing WOWT.

damonhynes · Post by **damonhynes** » Tue Jan 09, 2024 11:52 am

This snowfall event was the most useless, style-over-substance exhibition of breaking news coverage that I've seen in years of watching 6 and 7. (I didn't bother with Third).

"Here's a camera on an IDOT truck in Hamburg!" (It's snowing)
"Here's a camera on an IDOT truck in Shenandoah!" (It's snowing)

Even Rand Billby and Julie Cornell, who should know better, took turns beating a deceased equine Monday at 10.

And Waverle in her cute safety-yellow vest, out at 69th and Dodge letting us know that it was snowing. And cars were having trouble climbing the hill! Meanwhile Luke Whomever was similarly out, but neglected his vest... I suppose someone will be stationed at 90th and Dodge tonight watching cars get stalled.

Just goes to show what happens when you have to fill over eight hours of airtime with nothing to cover.

ricko · Post by **ricko** » Tue Jan 09, 2024 2:59 pm

Weather reporting is now seen as a revenue center. I don’t blame the reporters as much as I do the people who force them to make it more apocalyptic. Ratings come first. They even have names now for snowstorms, like they do with hurricanes. The funniest example I’ve seen was when a minor hurricane hit somewhere in the Carolina’s and the reporter was apparently leaning into the storm, like he was about to get blown away, when a young couple casually walked behind him as if it wasn’t a big deal. I wish I could find the clip. What’s bad is that I can’t take these guys seriously anymore.

Louie · Post by **Louie** » Tue Jan 09, 2024 3:07 pm

ricko wrote: Tue Jan 09, 2024 2:59 pm Weather reporting is now seen as a revenue center. I don’t blame the reporters as much as I do the people who force them to make it more apocalyptic. Ratings come first. They even have names now for snowstorms, like they do with hurricanes. The funniest example I’ve seen was when a minor hurricane hit Virginia Beach, and the reporter was apparently leaning into the storm, like he was about to get blown away, when a young couple casually walked behind him as if it wasn’t a big deal. I wish I could find the clip. What’s bad is that I can’t take these guys seriously anymore.

Yeah, especially for local news. It's a dwindling market and the weather is their last grasp at numbers.

thenewguy · Post by **thenewguy** » Wed Jan 10, 2024 8:56 am

I think Rusty is best, close-close 2nd is Bill. They are both great on tv and don't seem to be as excitable as, say, Jim Cantorre. But Jim Flowers seems to be almost dead-on with weather, and does a great job explaining the science behind it too.

nativeomahan · Post by **nativeomahan** » Thu Jan 11, 2024 3:44 pm

I’ve been a weather nerd since grade school. I should have gone to school to be a meteorologist, but I think the math would have done me in. Anyway, even I, the weather junkie, get sooo sick and tired of all the storm hype I see on TV. It’s of course worse during tornado season, as the constant screen crawls, watch boxes and interruptions of TV programming make me just turn off the TV and listen to music. Yes, there are times when interruptions of normal programming are understandable. Maybe three or four days per year, for a couple of hours at a time. But what we get is overhyped and overblown “reporting” of non events. It may be yet one more reason people are switching to streaming services and video games.

bbinks · Post by **bbinks** » Sun Jan 14, 2024 4:41 pm

I think they all blew it. The Sunday into Monday doom and gloom didn't happen. Schools should have been in session Monday, and many businesses closed unnecessary.