KUJH Alumni

Mike Alzamora checks in

2009-05-25T09:58:00.000-04:00

How's everybody doing? For those of you who didn't know, I have made a big switch from TV to Radio at least for the time being. I am still living in Tyler, TX but I am no longer at CBS 19. I am now a Producer/Sports Announcer at KTBB-FM/AM which is also here in Tyler. I am also doing Sports Play-by-Play for Chitwood Sports Media, an independent firm here in East Texas that broadcasts live High School, College, and other local sporting events on the internet and on radio.

I am honestly very excited about this opportunity as I will be able to pursue opportunities I had not had a chance to pursue while on the TV side of things. I also have a much more flexible schedule, and in "These Troubled Economic Times," I will also have a chance to make a little bit more $$$.

Hit me up anytime at kumike35@hotmail.com

Mike Alzamora

ps. Bieke, Donahoo Congrats on the show. It's definitely very informative and entertaining. Take Care everyone.

New Podcast

2009-04-15T11:46:00.002-04:00

Hey everybody,

Doug Donahoo and I have started a podcast focusing on the business of local television. Our first episode deals with a variety of new media issues and includes an interview with consultant Steve Safran. Just go to www.localtvnow.com to download, or use the embedded player below.

Live shot

2009-03-29T20:41:00.002-04:00

Here's a link to that live shot: http://tv.ku.edu/news/2009/03/27/sixteen/

And one more thing

2009-03-29T12:46:00.001-04:00

How many of your stations are using something other than satellite/microwave feeds for live shots or to backhaul packages to the newsroom, and if you are, what do you use?

Another first

2009-03-29T12:41:00.002-04:00

Damn I love the Web! KUJH did it's first out-of-town LIVE shot from Indianapolis Friday night. Video quality wasn't terrific, but acceptable, and while Channel 6 was doing pre-taped like-lives we were there "in real time" as they say.

We've also been doing same-day packages from the tournament sites which look as good as a satellite feed to the average viewer. With that kind of quality they take a long time to upload/download, but it's still faster than FedEx.

Twitter Updates

2009-03-11T21:27:00.002-04:00

A few of us are already on Twitter, so I added my Twitter feed to the right column. Read it here, or follow me @michaelbieke

Why You Should Be Careful...

2009-02-02T21:54:00.001-05:00

And here's why station's should be careful what the graphic's department uses in their templates...

"These Troubled Economic Times"

2008-12-28T12:23:00.002-05:00

My new favorite drinking game...taking a swig every time someone says, "in these troubled economic times."

Well, the economy has gotten to my station too. We, like so many others, had layoffs right before Christmas, and the future is now for one-man-bands. We offered buyouts to our four senior photogs. We already have a VJ who shoots her own stories, and we're about to hire another. Plus, I hear automation for the control room is on its way and more of my production brethren will be on their way out.

Get used to it folks...these times, they are a changin'

Bieke

Hemenway steps down

2008-12-08T11:38:00.001-05:00

KU chancellor Bob Hemenway announces today that he's stepping down effective June 30.

More later.

Where are they now

2008-11-30T22:57:00.001-05:00

Laine Baker moves from KSNT, Topeka, to weekend anchor, KNWA (NBC/FOX) in Fayetteville, Arkansas. Her husband is a sports reporter there.

2008-10-13T13:30:00.003-04:00

I thought I'd pass along this article to everyone. Way to go Laubhan!

LUBBOCK, Texas, Oct. 11 (UPI) -- A television anchor in Lubbock, Texas, says she had no clue her boyfriend from a rival TV station planned to propose to her on-air during her show.

KAMC-TV anchor Emily Leonard appeared stunned when she saw boyfriend, Matt Laubhan, a meteorologist for KLBK-TV, Lubbock, sitting at the sports desk. Laubhan then asked viewers to "sit back and watch me make a young woman cry, hopefully in a good way." more

The story even made it to the UK.

Jason Matisoff

Editor's Note: My newscast ran this story as a kicker on Sunday! Video from GMA below.

BREAKING NEWS!

2008-09-30T21:43:00.004-04:00

In my last post I said live remotes were coming this fall. In fact, they are here. Tonight at 5:30 we did a live shot on the story of the EPA fining KU $80,000 for environmental violations. The live shot was exactly the type that I rail against -- a totally gratuitous standup in an empty chemistry lab which hadn't seen any activity for hours! But we did it in the name of valuable experience for our students. After all, they'll be doing lots of those gratuitous live shots once they're out there in "the real world."
See for yourself.

Live at Five (thirty)

2008-09-29T22:19:00.002-04:00

At long last KUJH-TV newscasts are now live at 5:30. Actually, we generally tape the second and third segments and do just the first one live, though we have done the whole newscast live. We've been doing this for a week now and it's all gone well.

Next step is to do remote live shots, which should be coming this semester.

Job opening

2008-09-29T22:18:00.001-04:00

From Kathy Vitale at KUSA in Denver: I wanted to pass along a job opening at KUSA/9News- Denver. We are currently looking for a morning news producer. The position is M-F hours could be 11:30am-8:00am/12:30am-9:00am. It's for our four hour morning show. Producer will be responsible for two hours of content, will write news, edit video, make own graphics.

Contact: Jack Maher/EP KUSA Morning News (I'll give out more details if someone is interested)

This was my position; however, I've been promoted to the 4pm news-- so I can sleep like a normal person- finally!

If you have further questions, info-- let me know.

Kathy
kfvitale@yahoo.com

Where Are They Now Fixed

2008-09-26T12:46:00.001-04:00

OK, the Where Are They Now? section is back up and running and updated. I think I went back and got all the updates people have sent me, but if I didn't, just drop me a line.

Bieke

Site Problem

2008-09-15T16:51:00.001-04:00

OK,

There have been quite a few requests over the past few weeks to update the "Where Are They Now?" section, but I am currently having technical difficulties with getting an update posted (it's a long story).

Please bear with me.

Bieke

Good stories, or even not-so-good

2008-08-24T23:23:00.002-04:00

If you have good stories posted on your station's Web site, let me know. I'd like to link to them from our staff Web site so that our students can be inspired by the quality of work being done by their predecessors. I've already posted one from Gina Ford at WEEK-TV in Peoria.

Cream of the Crap Part II

2008-08-03T03:41:00.005-04:00

It's an adventure. For those of you who don't know, the ABC station in Providence, which is the #3 station but seemed to be on the way up when our old friend Regent Ducas was their interim news director, has now taken a not-good-at-all turn for the worse. Regent is gone, and the new permanent ND has adopted this style even more egregious than Regents where they call arrested but NOT CONVICTED suspects "thugs" and in a prostitution story the other day, the reporter stopped mid-intro and said, "Bow-chick-a-bow-wow!" Ugh!

(Video was here, but ABC 6 has removed it from their website)

They also mis-reported a police shooting the other day. They were reporting a Providence policeman had been shot. Then, about 10 minutes later when were were reporting that no officer had been shot, they updated their report to say that TWO police officers had been shot and were being transported to RI Hospital. Um....no. They had to come back after their noon newscast at about 12:45 and say..."Oops, no officers shot. Sorry!"

So every day's an adventure.
Bieke

Cream of the crap

2008-08-03T00:06:00.000-04:00

Hey, Bieke, what's it like competing with lowlife thugs?

Another job placement

2008-07-22T21:55:00.001-04:00

Elyse Calderon (May '07) moves from 6 and 10 p.m. producer at KSNT in Topeka to producer/writer at KWGN-TV in Denver.

Emmy winner

2008-07-20T23:33:00.001-04:00

Adam Sechrist has won a regional Emmy for the 4 p.m. newscast he produces on KAKE-TV in Wichita. More details as they become available.

Another job placement

2008-06-27T17:19:00.001-04:00

Lexy Kohake, May 2008, lands a job as morning producer, with some reporting, at KXRM Fox 21 in Colorado Springs.

Moving on - Pt. 2

2008-06-25T11:51:00.001-04:00

The station they're moving to is WMBF. And Shannon leaves WREX in Rockford.

Moving on

2008-06-25T11:38:00.001-04:00

Two KUJH-TV alums will be principals in a new start-up TV news operation in Myrtle Beach, SC. Danner Evans, who moves from WSET in Lynchburg, Virginia, will be one of the main anchors, and Shannon Mortimer, who moves from Rockford, Illinois, will be a producer.

Questions For Those Who Got Out

2008-06-05T04:16:00.001-04:00

Since those good old days of KUJH, many of us have left the TV world and moved on. I'm thinking it may be time for me to do the same.

Below are some questions, and if any of you would be kind enough to answer them and e-mail me back (or just post them-- I'm sure I'm not the only one thinking of leaving,) I would greatly appreciate it!

What are you doing now?

How did you tailor your resume to your new job, since your new place of employment is different from broadcast journalism?

TVjobs.com is not an option anymore, so where did you look for a new job?

Is the pay better? (Not looking for an exact figure of course, but any ballpark numbers on improvement would be great!)

Do you miss TV? Would you go back? Is leaving worth it?

Thanks again!

Derek Kenyon
derekkenyon@hotmail.com

Moving On Up

2008-06-05T04:15:00.000-04:00

Two KU grads are moving to a new NBC affiliate in Myrtle Beach, SC. Danner Evans (2000), from WSET in Lynchburg, Virginia, and Shannon Mortimer (2007), from WREX in Rockford, Illinois. Danner will be a main anchor; Shannon a producer.

Dick

Oh those long-range forecasts!

2008-05-11T13:17:00.000-04:00

No offense taken...I dislike long range forecasts. Luckily my current shop loves a 24 hour forecast with little emphasis on the 5day. I think the long range ranks up there as #2 weatherperson pet peeve...right behind #1 having a meteorologist double as a reporter. Weatherpeople should stick to weather. We struggle enough with just that...ha!

Matt Makens

Pooch's Paradise on FOX 4 (A Must Watch)

2008-05-10T19:51:00.001-04:00

KU Professor on The Daily Show

2008-05-10T13:53:00.001-04:00

Job Opening

2008-05-05T19:16:00.001-04:00

Job Opening: KAIT, Jonesboro, AR, is looking for a news director. Send resume and cover letter to Tim Ingram, GM, PO Box 790, Jonesboro, AR, 72403-0790.

Dick

Further thoughts on "long-range forecasts"

2008-05-03T11:07:00.001-04:00

Re: the item below on long-range forecasts. Most meteorologists I've worked with hated doing long-range forecasts because they know how unreliable they are. But the public loves them, accurate or not. Same reason they read horoscopes, I presume.

Dick

Sad KUJH News

2008-04-25T10:07:00.001-04:00

From tonight's newscast:

Sad news tonight for those of us associated with the KU school of journalism. Christine Bradford, a lecturer in the school and director of the Multicultural Scholars Program, died this morning of a heart attack. Before joining the J-school faculty in 1999, Bradford had a 35-year career in the newspaper business. She had been managing editor of the Detroit News, where she won a Pulitzer Prize. Funeral arrangements are not yet complete.

Dick

More Live Shots

2008-04-25T10:06:00.001-04:00

More live shots on KUJH. Yesterday we broadcast live coverage of Mario Chalmers news conference from Allen Fieldhouse. Our eBay VBricks are working. The quality isn't great, but it's acceptable, and it's LIVE!

Dick

Career Nosedive

2008-04-24T21:24:00.002-04:00

Ever wanted to know what the trifecta was for ruining your career as a TV news executive??? Well, the GM at a station here in Boston just gave us all a little instruction.

Bieke

Ch. 7 GM on medical leave, ‘regretful’ after Logan arrest
By Jessica Fargen
Thursday, April 24, 2008

The Channel 7 general manager who was arrested after what police described as a booze-fueled tirade at Logan International Airport Sunday is undergoing “medical treatment” after creating a public relations nightmare for the flashy TV station.

Sunbeam Television Corp., the parent company of WHDH-Ch. 7, disclosed the treatment in a statement today about embattled GM Randi Goldklank.

The statement issued by Sunbeam Television Corp. President Ed Ansin reads: “The unfortunate events of last Sunday night were unanticipated and Ms. Goldklank is deeply regretful. She is currently undergoing medical treatment and is on administrative leave from the company. We wish her a speedy recovery, as do her many friends in Boston and throughout the broadcasting industry.”

The statement goes on to call Goldklank an “outstanding broadcast executive with a record of great success.”

Goldklank, 40, was arrested Sunday night and charged with disorderly conduct, resisting arrest and assault and battery on a police officer after an incident aboard a plane bound for Boston. She allegedly broke an officer’s glasses, told EMTs she had had three dozen drinks and unleashed an obscenity-laced tirade.

According to a police report, Goldklank threatened to put an officer “on TV and ruin your life,” and screamed, “do you know who the (expletive) I am? Ill have a news crew down here in minutes and you will lose your (expletive) jobs you (expletives).”

Goldklank has worked for Sunbeam Corp. in Miami and Boston since 2001 as a sales executive. She has been general manager of WHDH/WLVI [website] since July 2007.

Mike Carson, who was the previous general manager of WHDH/WLVI, has continued to work as a consultant to the stations, according to the statement. Effective next week, he will temporarily reassume his responsibilities as general manager.

TV Weather Forecasts

2008-04-24T17:59:00.003-04:00

7-day forecasts are a joke...sorry Matt Makens.

This article written in the Freakonomics Blog of the NY Times proves that for Kansas City in no uncertain terms. I know there's a lot of math involved, but don't be scared...the writer explains it pretty well.

http://freakonomics.blogs.nytimes.com/2008/04/21/how-valid-are-tv-weather-forecasts/

Bieke

KU Grad 1, UNC Grad 0

2008-04-22T18:54:00.003-04:00

Hey,

I bet my meteorologist who is a Tar Heel that we would beat them in the Final Four game, and today she had to pay off the bet...she had to wear the NCAA Championship t-shirt at work. Hee Hee!!!! Love it!!!!!

Bieke

KU Wins!!!!!!

2008-04-08T22:43:00.002-04:00

Live Shots at KUJH!

2008-04-03T12:25:00.000-04:00

Live remotes come to KUJH. On Tuesday, March 25, we broadcast a debate among student senate candidates live from Woodruff Auditorium in the Kansas Union. We used VBricks belonging to NTS for transmitting the broadcast-quality signal over the internet (we've used this before on a few occasions such as graduation and the Dole Institute dedication). We used a rented NewTek Tricaster for switching. In addition to the debate we also did a live shot during the 5:30 newscast from the same location.
More good news (we think). We found two VBricks on eBay for $60 apiece (they are normally several thousand) and have purchased them. They're older models and we haven't tried them yet but if they work I'll assume the usual news-director position and decree that we have to do a live shot on every show!

Dick

KAB Winners

2008-04-03T12:24:00.000-04:00

The Kansas Association of Broadcasters has announced the winners of its 2008 student awards. Winners from KU:

Undergraduate television

Complete Newscast: First Place, KUJH-TV News, 10 May 2007. Producer: Tracy Perlman
Station Website: First Place, tv.ku.edu, KUJH-TV Staff
Enterprise News Package, First Place (tie), "Biodiesel," Sam Knowlton, Stephen Peteritas, Jyl Unruh, Alex Wiebel
Complete News Feature: Honorable Mention, "Lady Bugs," Lisa Allen

Graduate Television
Enterprise News Package , First Place, "Library Porn," Uyangaa Bazaa
Complete News Feature, "Animal Therapy," Heather Brummitt
Second Place, "German Contest," Christopher Brott.

Site Error

2008-04-01T04:42:00.003-04:00

Hey,

It has come to my attention (a.k.a. Dick totally called me out) that the posting box on the right was not working. I have no idea how long that's been true, so if you tried to post something and it didn't go up, I apologize. I wasn't ignoring you. I just didn't get it. Anyway, try again! It should be working now.

Bieke

Video Board

2008-03-28T12:07:00.001-04:00

Hey,

Some of you know I've been doing some freelance work at the TD BankNorth Garden is Boston (where the Celtics and Bruins play), and the local ABC station came and did a package on us the other day during a Celtics game.

Live News Cameras

2008-02-20T13:20:00.002-05:00

I'm a little obsessed with this new website that has streaming video from news websites all over the country. It's being run by the FOX O&O in Chicago. It's really fun to watch when there are a bunch of newscasts going on. Check it out!

http://www.livenewscameras.com/

Oh...This is Not Good

2008-01-11T13:34:00.001-05:00

UPDATE: The file is now embedded from YouTube

This is what ABC sent out to affiliates this morning for their package about Iran. It took them 2 hours to figure out there was a problem!!!

It's great. Enjoy!

Well...that was fun!

2008-01-05T16:31:00.000-05:00

What I learned from going to the KU-BC game today:

Allen Fieldhouse may be old, but it has character unlike the antiseptic new arena here in Boston.
35 people in the student section is LAME!
BC fans sold 1/5 of their supposedly sold out tickets to KU fans
BC fans aren't even loud when the game is competitive like it was in the first half
BC fans are even quieter when half of them leave halfway through the second half
Darnell Jackson is a beast when he's on his game

Picture courtesy LJ World

Happy New Year

2008-01-02T08:54:00.000-05:00

I have one simple resolution for 2008. Find a new job. My current job hunt has been dragging out for six months now. I'm optimistic. I've interviewed at two jobs I would take, but I'm still waiting to hear. Cross your fingers, people!

Bieke

Regent Update!

2007-11-19T10:26:00.000-05:00

Well...he changed the landscape in Kansas City...he terrorized Dallas...and now Regent Ducas has come to my own market. He's taken up roost as interim news director at the ABC affiliate here in Providence. It's a dog station mired in third place...for now. I wouldn't dare discount what Regent did at KCTV for second. He could do the same thing for ABC 6.

I did a little reporting (OK, I talked to a coworker who's husband works for ABC 6), and found out that Regent has yet to give a speech to the newsroom saying that they are changing their format to the gloom and doom, first five minutes strategy that worked so well in K.C. and blew up in his face in Dallas. That crime and car accidents formula is what my station does best in this market, so maybe he'll take another tact.

One thing I do know...he may have the label as interim news director, but the staff is not treating him as such. They assume he's staying on. There's new local ownership at ABC 6, and they may think they have just man to turn around their sinking ship. What's scary is that they could be right!

Bieke

Another Great Story

2007-11-11T13:50:00.000-05:00

This is another really funny story from Idaho...Boise this time. Actually, it's not supposed to be funny. It's supposed to be sad...but, what can I say, I'm not easily moved. BTW, what I love most is the sappy music!

They don't have a good way to link to it, so go to their special projects page.
http://www.6onyourside.com/Global/category.asp?C=90661

And click on "The Life. The Death. The Lessons Of Bear." See...even the title is funny.

KCTV Sweeps Story Has It's Own Website!

2007-10-31T17:44:00.000-04:00

Doug's station is at it again. If you're reading this before 11PM central on 11/1/07, this site is a crazy promotional tool for KCTV's first sweeps story.

http://thedoctorisready.com/

That's crazy in a good way! URL's are cheap nowadays and stations should be using custom ones to promote good stories. The promotion here is, as usual, over-the-top...but I'd watch, so I guess it's working!

Bieke

Director's Make Great TV

2007-10-11T13:06:00.000-04:00

So my morning anchor has a blog...and he's been doing behind the scenes all week. It was my turn today!

But seriously, he couldn't have posted something more interesting than an Early Show weather cut-in!!

Bieke

Great story? Or, greatest story?

2007-10-10T19:54:00.001-04:00

I leave it up to you. Don't just read the text, click on the camera.

http://www.kidk.com/news/10405117.html

Now that you've seen it, some thoughts...

1) How would you like to be the photog on that story? "Think we got enough b-roll?" "No, get some more of the crap over there."

2) Is there a better description line on a chyron than "Works at Denny's"?

3) What other alliteration phrases can you think of for "leave a log"?

Yeah, this one has Emmy winner written all over it.

Oops...wrong video

2007-09-30T05:26:00.001-04:00

Oh, it happens all the time...the wrong video ends up on-air, but it usually doesn't occur at this bad a time...

2007-09-14T10:35:00.000-04:00

A lesson for all the talent out there...don't piss off the people in the control room or they might post something like this on the internet.

And, by the way fellow control room people, you really shouldn't be selling out your coworkers like this!

Bieke

Yeah... that was fast...

2007-08-31T20:20:00.000-04:00

The grand experiment in Dallas, Texas is over, rather suddenly, five months after it began.

I'm referring to the hiring of former KCTV5 News Director Regent Ducas by CBS11. Ducas was "fired" Friday evening; General Manager Steve Mauldin said that Ducas had left to “pursue other interests.”

So, less than a half a year of being hired to turn around a moribund newsroom and news operation, Regent Ducas is left looking for a new newsroom to lead, or destroy as some might believe.

I’m somewhat torn by the whole thing. First, I think Steve Mauldin deserves a fair amount of blame for the experiment. He knew what he was getting in Regent Ducas, hell; it’s why he brought Ducas in the first place. Mauldin gave every indication of wanting to re-energize CBS11, until it came to actually going through with it.

Five months is hardly enough time to engineer a complete brand overhaul, especially when there’s another station in the same market that already has that style covered (in Dallas, NBC5 is considered the “crime station”). Mauldin also put the kibosh on the “First Five Minutes” branding that Ducas implemented. Again, a move that has been successful in Kansas City, how could you not expect Ducas to try it in Dallas?

It is also fair to argue that two book ratings periods, one major and one minor are also not enough time to gauge the success of a new brand. The counter argument is quite simple; Dallas is one of the Nielsen People Meter markets. Every morning, Dallas stations receive a detailed report of TV watching from the previous night, down to the exact number of households and demos watching the nightly programs. In that sense, every single night is a “book” night for Dallas stations, so Ducas has been in a permanent ratings book since his arrival.

I understand Regent Ducas is, at best, a polarizing figure, especially within the CBS11 newsroom where reports indicate staffers were… pleased to hear of his departure. Having worked with Regent for more than two years, I can honestly say, he’s the toughest news director you could possibly ever work for, but there’s also a lot to be learned from that kind of an attitude.

Would Regent’s style have worked in Dallas? Perhaps. The style was not working in Kansas City, until the major Perverted Justice sweeps series in February of 2002. That was the splash that finally built a core audience for KCTV5, but few remember that KCTV5 did not win February ’02, but it laid the foundation for winning books in the future.

As one of my co-workers said, “Once a news director, always a news director.” For better or worse, I imagine we’ll be hearing about a new job for Regent Ducas in the not-to-distant future.

New Blood

2007-08-23T10:00:00.000-04:00

Where did this come from? I'm not even sure how I found this but it's great. I'm working at KAKE-TV in Wichita producing the 4pm or 6 and 10pm depending on the day. I'm going to pass this on to some of the others I graduated with. And Dick if you're reading this, there's a good thing spell check is on iNews at work.

Adam Sechrist

TV People Humor

2007-08-16T17:05:00.000-04:00

Okay, nobody but us TV news people will find this funny... but being a TV guy with a weird sense of humor... this cracked me up.

Derek

A scolding

2007-08-14T11:30:00.000-04:00

Will you people NEVER learn how to spell?

The correct spelling of "persay" is per se.

Another mistake like that and we withdraw your diploma!

Dick

Okay, this has nothing to do with KUJH, persay...

2007-07-19T18:40:00.000-04:00

But, it is becoming abundantly clear that sports leagues and teams are really crossing the line when it comes to limiting the access of media outlets.

I'm sure we're all well aware of the banning of local television outlets on the field of NFL games, the NCAA kicking out a Courier-Journal blogger from a post-season baseball game in Louisville and media websites banned from running more than 45 seconds of interviews with NFL players and coaches. Frankly, the list is quite long now, and there is no sign that we will not keep adding to it.

In fact, this just in from the Wall Street Journal, photographers at NFL games will now have to serve as walking billboards for the league by wearing NFL Shield and Canon logo emblazoned vests during the games. Included in the article is a bit about NASCAR trying to demand ownership of all photos taken during races.

Consider this my call to arms. I think it is high time that media outlets started standing up to the bullying tactics of sports leagues. For one thing, most professional and college teams play in tax-payer subsidized facilities. When a community shells out millions of dollars so football players can have a spacious locker room, the community should expect complete access to said locker room in the form of reporter accounts and video interviews.

Citizens pay taxes to help subsidize stadia and practice facilities that millionaire owners could easily afford to pay for out-of-pocket. If owners continue to approach communities with an open hand, the least they can do is open the door for complete coverage of their product.

And, while college sports is not exactly in the same boat, there are no millionaire owners, just millionaire programs, pretty much all on-campus facilities are provided for in some way by the government and by taxes paid to the state by the likes of you and me. Therefore, college athletic departments should be even more open about what takes place on a public school campus. Obviously, this is a flawed example, because under my guidelines, a school like Duke, could shut-off all media contact given their private school status. However, Duke has a decent basketball team (from what I hear) and occasionally plays in tax-supported arenas, generally about half the season. So, private schools should be held to the same standards that I'm demanding here.

Okay, I'm calming down now, and I realize this is probably not what Bieke had envisioned for this site, but I just had to get that off my chest. I fear that for sports minded KUJH-ers graduating in the next couple of years will find themselves even more blocked by the likes of the NFL, NCAA and the MLB. It is a slippery slope we face, and the time for an ultimate showdown may not be far away.

Another New Job

2007-07-11T10:26:00.000-04:00

Not to spoil the fun of everyone landing new jobs, I'm happy to announce that I now have a new gig.  Last week I accepted an offer from KYTX, the CBS affiliate in Tyler, Texas.  I will be their new Weekend Sports Anchor/Weekday Sports Reporter.  I start on the 16th.

I can say that I am very excited about this opportunity.  East Texas is a very rich market as far as local sports are concernced, especially High School Football.  It is absolutely insane for what I hear.  Plus, I am only going to be an hour away from Dallas, which means I will have a chance to cover lots of Dallas Pro Sports.  The Sports and News Directors already told me to plan on being at all the Cowboys' home games on Sundays.

And this station is no joke.  http://www.cbs19.tv
Tyler is Market #111, but they play it like it's a 70-75.  They are also very serious about their sports coverage, which is something I really like.

Finally I had put my resume tape online on YouTube.  I found it to be a great marketing tool.  Though I'm sure a lot of you have probably already tried it.  Anyways, if anyone wants to check out a little bit of what I did in Abilene, Texas the last couple of years.  Here's the link.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dIyC7hRYIlo

Rigg, Makens, Congrats to both of you all.  You guys are making us proud to be Jayhawks.  Everyone else hit me up anytime at kumike35@hotmail.com

Rock Chalk Jayhawk
Mike Alzamora

"Makens" A Move

2007-06-23T19:34:00.000-04:00

Hey all,
Making a move to Orlando as weekend meteorologist for WFTV.  Anyone
familiar with Orlando please write a note and help me get to know the
place - where to live, good restaurants, etc...

Matt Makens

Rigg Moves Again

2007-06-12T11:43:00.000-04:00

After two years in OKC, it's time to hit the road (again).

This morning, I accepted a job with GameDay Productions in Ft. Worth,Texas. GameDay is a small company that specializes in the productionof nationally syndicated sports shows. I will be producing a showcalled "Future Phenoms With Pat Summerall," which is a 30-minute showthat airs on Fox Sports Net and takes an in-depth look at the futuresports stars of America.

On a side note, it's been a fun, challenging, and fast few years atKOCO. Hopefully, this will be a little bit more of a permanentsituation, as moving every two years hasn't exactly been a picnic. Five years ago, I was living in Rockford, living off hot chocolate andmac and cheese.

What a long, strange journey it's been...See you in Texas (where I guess it's a whole 'nother country, orsomething!)

Mike Rigg

Destination I do!

2007-06-05T19:06:00.000-04:00

As we speak, the new Mr. and Mrs. Michael Bieke are honeymooning in the Dominican Republic...and finally, they're getting a chance to enjoy the first few days of married life without friends and family! They're probably sipping on pina coladas and petting dolphins.

The wedding was very beautiful--Lauren looked amazing in her dress. Mike looked rather dapper in a cream colored suit. The families were great and welcoming, and (I love this next line...) a good time was had by all.

I'm not so sure the trip home was a good time. Weather delayed several flights and I, for one, had to stay overnight in Miami. Tuesday morning was a mess. Still, it was worth every second to 1) be alive and 2) to have great memories with wonderful people.

Here are some pictures to enjoy! Please leave your comments to the new bride and groom!

Former KJHKer is on Will Ferrell's website Funny or Die

2007-05-30T09:45:00.000-04:00

Do you recognize the woman in this video? Hint: She is a former KJHK News Director. You can vote...is it FUNNY or does it need to DIE?!

The Kegger

Be Back in a Little Over a Week

2007-05-29T19:11:00.000-04:00

Hey, everyone! It's finally time for me to get hitched! I'll be the Dominican Republic for over a week. A couple people have the ability to post while I'm gone, although I'm not sure if they will or not. In any case, I'll be back to do so in 10 days, so I'll talk to you then (and I'll have pictures!). For now, I'll just leave you with this one I found online. I'm very excited!

Bieke

This is Very Interesting

2007-05-29T11:46:00.000-04:00

Lawsuits reveal a time of turbulence at KCTV
A gain in ratings came at a high human cost in the newsroom, court filings indicate.
By AARON BARNHART
The Kansas City Star

Recent lawsuits have shed new light on the dramatic makeover that turned “KCTV-5 News at 10” into the most-watched newscast in town.
KCTV, the CBS affiliate owned by Iowa-based Meredith Corp., had long been called a “country club” both by outsiders and the veteran journalists who toiled comfortably there.
In 2001, however, sagging ratings brought new management and a bruising culture change. All but a handful of on-air talent was replaced. The unobtrusive style of KCTV newscasts was replaced with a hard-charging approach characterized by the slogan “Live. Late-Breaking. Investigative.” The makeover catapulted KCTV back into the ratings race.
Documents filed in U.S. District Court in Kansas from 2005 to 2007 allege, however, that this turnaround came at a high human cost.
Stuart A. Lebow, who directed newscasts at KCTV from 1996 to 2003, said that age discrimination and harassment were widespread inside the newsroom during this period, resulting in dozens of older staffers leaving.
According to Lebow’s lawsuit, senior employees were singled out for criticism, reassigned to less desirable shifts and generally treated differently from younger, more recent hires.

Read the rest

KUJH Awards

2007-05-22T17:07:00.000-04:00

SPJ Mark of Excellence Awards
Winners in  broadcast and online in  the Society of Professional Journalists Mark of Excellence awards competition (Region 7) include the following from KUJH. Congratulations to all the winners.

Television General News Reporting
• Second Place: Lynzee Ford, University of Kansas, “Animal Masks”
• Third Place: Brianna Auza, University of Kansas, “Backpacks”

Television Feature
• First Place: Whitney Mathews, University of Kansas, “Competitive Eating”

Online Feature Reporting
• Second Place: Heather Brummitt and Heidi Fedak, University of Kansas, “Seniors dance to their health”

Online In-Depth Reporting
• First Place: Patrick Shehan and Matthew Goble, University of Kansas, “Drought affects Kansans”*

Online Sports Reporting
• First Place: James Pinick and Andrew Baker, University of Kansas, “Evolution of KU cheerleading"*

Online Opinion & Commentary
• Second Place: Heidi Fedak and Micahel Phillips, University of Kansas, “eHub”

Best Affiliated Web site
• Second Place: KUJH-TV Staff, University of Kansas, “tv.ku.edu”
 * Originally produced as TV packages.

Dick

Regent Has Arrived

2007-05-03T11:48:00.000-04:00

Dick,
You were right...
CBS11 here in DFW is definately changing at the hands of its new news director - Regent Ducas.  It's crime all the time!... similar to NBC5.  Take a look at some of the local critiques...

http://www.unclebarky.com/dfw_files/62456248e4a959982a84f2d7fd6b7389-232.html

http://unclebarky.com/dfw.html

Andrea

Producing Position in KC

2007-05-02T17:17:00.000-04:00

Hello everyone!  We have a producer position open at KCTV5.  Right now, it's listed as a part-time AP job, but I think it would be worth checking out -- to see if it might turn into a full-time position.  For what it's worth, it's a work environment that definitely allows for promotions.  I started out producing the morning show 3 years ago and am now doing the 10pm.  We're getting a new news director and we've heard nothing but good things about her.  Please contact me if you're interested!  You can e-mail me at julie.kellogg@kctv5.com or julie540@hotmail.com

Thanks guys!
Julie Kellogg

KC Shooting Coverage

2007-04-30T17:13:00.000-04:00

I thought this Barnhart article from the KC Star was interesting...Bieke.

Shooting in Kansas City: Getting the facts

Terrible news — not long after after Kansas City police exchanged shots with a man in south Kansas City, a man fitting the same description walked into a nearby mall in south Kansas City and opened fire.

I was watching WDAF, Fox 4, the Fox-owned affiliate, at 4:42 p.m. when it broke into NASCAR race coverage to cut to its live reporter with the news that five people were shot and two people dead. In the background, a grisly image of the Starbucks' plate glass windows all shot out.

Anchor Tom Lawrence added a detail that revealed the kinds of choices news producers must make when news breaks: The station had waited until Jeff Gordon could safely be declared the win of that afternoon's NASCAR race before they broke in with the news. (In fairness to Fox 4, there was several minutes of mostly waiting around for the race to restart, during which one must assume they would've interrupted had the reporter been on the scene.)

(read the rest of the article)

No News is Good News...

2007-04-26T19:12:00.000-04:00

No one's had any news recently, I guess. Not big enough to share anyway. I guess that means everyone is doing well.

I did just want to mention that my contract is up in June. I don't know what I'm going to be doing yet, but I'm certainly open to anything, so if anyone knows anything...drop me a line.

Thanks,
Bieke

Hey Hey!

2007-03-23T10:26:00.000-04:00

In the words of the immortal Krusty the Klown, I bid you "Hey Hey!"

Haven't really seen anyone since the post-Donahoo wedding Molly McGee's dinner a couple years ago.  Bieke's site probably still say I'm working at Hy-Vee, but I left that crap-hole 3 years ago...Currently sitting in my cube (hopefully soon to be office pending an upcoming job interview) at Yellow Transportation in OP counting down the minutes until we face the Salukis.  It is because of this match-up that I have no motivation to work and decided to Google KUJH.  It's come a long way!!!

I was also very happy to scroll down to see a pic of my son from right after he was born  :)   The "lobster" as we call him is now a holy terrorist at 9 months old, but he's the greatest thing ever  :) 

Just wanted to give a resounding "what's up" to everyone and I hope you are all doing well!

Dale Ziegler - aka, the short guy who mooched off of Doug's talents...

Mike From West Texas...you're on the air...

2007-03-06T07:34:00.000-05:00

What up? How's everybody doing?

I'm still in Abilene, TX but working hard to move on to the next level. Nothing against the Big Country and West Texas. I've had a great time here for the past year and a half+. It's just time to go somewhere bigger and better.

On that note, I've had 4 interviews within the past five weeks but no job offer yet.So if anybody knows of any good sports jobs out there, gimme a holla.

My e-mail is kumike35@hotmail.com

By the way Bieke, can you please fix that in the Alumni Contact List? You've had that wrong for years :-) LOL.

Holla at yo boy and Rock Chalk Jayhawk!

Mike Alzamora
Sports Anchor/Senior Reporter
KTAB-TV

Another Country Heard From!

2007-02-21T15:11:00.001-05:00

I just stumbled across this site today while I was at work, and thought it only fair that I leave an update on myself as well. 

When last Rigg updated my whereabouts, I was interning with the Chiefs as part of my masters program through the School of Education.  I completed my second degree in August of 2005, and am now working as an Advertising Account Manager with Cumulus Media Partners in Kansas City.  Specifically, I sell for KCJK 105.1 JACK FM, and I work closely with another J-School alum, Elaine Lyons.  I've only been in advertising for six months, but I am enjoying it, bumps in the road included.

Like a few other recent visitors, I too am recently engaged.  December 9th, I proposed to my financee, Erika Ketterman, in Irvine, California.  We are set for a small ceremony on July 7, 2007 at The Pilgrim Chapel in Kansas City.  All in all, things are great, and we are very excited about the wedding.

Randy Withers

I miss Megahn!

2007-02-20T03:39:00.000-05:00

I miss Megahn! She left me this weekend to go back to work at KWCH. Her first day is Tuesday the 20th. Bye Megahn! Miss you soooo much!! It won't be the same!

Michelle

KCTV News

2007-02-13T02:43:00.001-05:00

BREAKING NEWS!

Regent Ducas, will no longer be terrorizing Kansas City and environs with his unique brand of yellow journalism at KCTV.  Watch out, Dallas!  He's headed your way to be n.d. at KTVT.

Dick Nelson

Where Are They Now Updated!

2007-01-30T15:54:00.000-05:00

Hey,

The first Where Are They Now update of 2007 is now complete.

Check it out!

Bieke

Seeking a Producer

2007-01-29T11:00:00.000-05:00

I am the overnight producer at KAKE in Wichita and we are looking to fill that position so I can move to the six. I'm writing to see if you know of anyone interested. My news director is looking for someone that has at least six months of experience...that's about what I had when I came. If you do, have them email me: morgan.smith@kake.com or send a tape to:

ATTN: Dave Grant
KAKE-TV
1500 N. West St.
Wichita, KS 67203

They could always send me the tape, too...if they want to contact me first.

Morgan Smith

Hello everyone!

2007-01-26T17:52:00.001-05:00

Big changes to report.  After only a week of unemployment (gotta love layoffs!), I have started a new job at a public relations firm in Dallas.  Getting out of the business is something I thought about for months.  I am one of those people who loves news, loves telling a great story and meeting people... but I am a mother and I don't want to miss every soccer game or be so tired from working a morning or evening shift that I can't enjoy the time I am home.  I have covered more murders, stabbings, shootings and fires in the last year than I care to count.  Along the way, the work became less meaningful.  So... on to something new.  That's my story, and I'm sticking to it!

Andrea

Job Tip from Dick

2007-01-18T09:15:00.000-05:00

WBAY in Green Bay is looking for a reporter. Tom McCarey is the News Director-

WBAY
115 South Jefferson St.
Green Bay, WI  54301

Dick Nelson

Theresa Update

2007-01-14T03:44:00.000-05:00

I always forget to check in on this. Nice to see everyone here.
A little update...Chris and I are living in Fresno now. I work at the NBC affiliate as the court reporter and fill-in anchor.
I've really enjoyed it. Everyone is very nice and helpful. I've been here since October. Hope everyone is well. Keep in touch.
Theresa Freed

DVD Emergency

2007-01-08T16:57:00.000-05:00

i know how to transfer video from beta to dvd...but what i want is to make a dvd menu--like how bieke did with our kujh video...can i just get software to do that?  does anyone know?  bieke?  help?

Michelle

Bieke says:  You do need software.  I use my Mac and iDVD, but I don't have the slightest idea what works well on the PC.  Anybody else with suggestions????

New KUJH Alumni Features

2006-11-24T10:57:00.000-05:00

OK, so Blogger updated their features, so we have some new features here at KUJH Alumni.com.

The first is the really exciting one! It's the ability for you to post a message directly from the front page. As you can see, all you have to do is type in the box to your right, and you can post a message. Well...almost. I still have to go through and approve all messages before they appear on the site, so it's not a perfect system, but it should be easier than clicking the old link.

The rest of the new features are a little more underwhelming. You can search the site from a new bar on the top (although I'm not entirely sure why you'd want to). Also, the archive system on the right is a little different. It now has little drop-downs to find older posts. And the comments have improved a little. If you have a Google account, you can now use your Google log-in to add comments, but for those of you who don't have a Google account, or wish to remain anonymous, that feature is still there too.

Enjoy!

"Not Terrible News"

2006-11-23T11:38:00.000-05:00

"Terrible news" may be a little over dramatic. No, it's not fun to be laid off, but those of you who know me, know it's not the first time I've gone through this. I've had a great opportunity to build my resume, to spend a year in market 6.. and now I have the opportunity to reevaluate what I want. I've already started interviewing for jobs, and technically my last day of employment is December 31st.. so I still have an income, and I still have plenty of time to find a job that will make me happy. I'm not negative.. so stop being so pessimistic!!

Andrea

Bieke's Note: OK, so I'm dramatic. I work at a station that does gloom and doom everyday! In any case, I'm glad that Andrea's so upbeat, but NBC 2.0 (as they're calling it) is biting one of our own in the ass, so I'm going to go on record saying it sucks!!!

Terrible News

2006-11-20T11:54:00.000-05:00

Newsblues: Dallas insiders say NBC O&O KXAS-5 cut two staffers yesterday....veteran reporter Ramona Logan, who has been with the station nearly 21 years, and Andrea Burnett, a weekday morning reporter who was hired just 10 months ago.

michelle

Emmy Addition

2006-11-04T15:18:00.000-05:00

And you forgot to mention Megahn Snyder, for her help in the best newscast for a morning/noon show. It was for her work during a tornado outbreak.

Michelle

Emmy Winners

2006-10-31T08:50:00.000-05:00

Julie Kellogg, producer at KCTV in Kansas City, won first place for best newscast in the regional Emmy competition. And Michelle Sherwood also won a regional Emmy, too!
Hooray for them!

Jessica Checks In

2006-10-23T17:58:00.000-04:00

This has been a really crappy summer. My grandpa was diagnosed with colon cancer in April and he passed away in August. It was really hard to have to watch him got through everything that he did, but now he is in a better place. Meaghan came to visit Josh and I this summer and she saw our new house. I also got a great new job. I am working for Children's Mercy Hospital as the Manager of Media Relations. I work under the PIO and handle all media requests. I hope everyone has a good holiday season.

Jessica Salazar-Collins

Joy to New Zealand

2006-10-23T16:15:00.000-04:00

Good day, mates! ;)

It's official! I'm traveling to New Zealand for ten days next month to conduct interviews for the Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars. Yay!

I've known for the past few weeks that there was the "possibility" that I might go. I found out last Friday that it's for sure!

As you all know, I started free-lancing in Kansas City last fall. In July, I took on a full-time position with two film directors here in downtown KC. Our projects include IMAX films, documentaries, visitor center films and video tributes. The Woodrow Wilson Center contacted us over the summer to do video tributes for Mayor Bill White of Houston, Dan Duncan, Harley Hotchkiss of the Calgary Flames and Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper. (I traveled to Calgary in August to conduct interviews there.)

And now they're sending us to New Zealand!!! I'll be conducting interviews for Paul Holmes and Dr. Peter Watson. Paul Holmes is the "Larry King" of New Zealand, he's the face of New Zealand's most popular talk show. Dr. Peter Watson is a liason between NZ and the U.S. He specializes in improving international business relations.

I'm (obviously) very excited to go...and very excited at where my journalism background has taken me. A year ago, I never saw myself doing this, but I'm thrilled with the opportunity.

Hope all is well with you,
Joy Maxwell

New Fox 4 Website Beta

2006-09-26T10:46:00.000-04:00

It looks like Fox 4 in KC has joined the other Fox O&O's in launching their new MyFox website. MyFoxKC.com has launched in Beta. And if you look in the uper right corner, you'll see what their new logo will look like soon. At least, if they follow the other O&O's like the one here in Boston in changing their logo and graphics soon after they launch their website.

Personally, I like the chyrons, but I don't like the logo. It looks like a cheap version of the Fox News logo. Not that I have a problem with the Fox News logo, just the cheap knockoff the affiliates are using. Ick!

Oh well.
Bieke

Call for Help

2006-08-27T18:11:00.000-04:00

OK. Things are changing so fast in this business that those of us who've been out of it more than about 20 minutes don't know how things are done any more. We're having numerous discussions about scripting format and such things.

So, I'm hereby requesting copies of your scripts, so we can see how the big boys are doing it. Computerization has made a big difference in all this. For instance, even little ol' KUJH no longer uses tape (except for shooting, and not always then). That's prompted me to remove "VTR" from the scripts, a vestige of the old days when things were actually on tape.

If you can send the scripts electonically, that would be best. If not, you can mail hard copies to me at 2051 Dole Center, 1000 Sunnyside Ave., Lawrence, KS, 66045.

Thanks in advance.

Dick

Switcher Meltdown

2006-08-21T13:05:00.000-04:00

So the #1 station in Boston learned an important lesson the other day...it sucks when your switcher locks up and no one knows how to reboot it. Watch the pain...and hope it never happens to you.

Sherwood Blogs!

2006-07-29T16:23:00.000-04:00

Hey,

I se up my own blog. Come visit. The world wide web is fun! And sketchy! But I hope that no one thinks I'm sketchy because I started my own blog. Whatever.

http://michellesherwood.blogspot.com

Michelle

Help a friend!

2006-07-25T07:56:00.000-04:00

Hey guys! How is everyone doing? I'm in need of Molly Dallen's e-mail address. Does anyone have it? Thanks!

Julie Kellogg

Matisoff Moves On

2006-07-17T15:51:00.000-04:00

After many cutbacks over the last couple years, it looks like Texas Cable News (headquarted in Dallas and owned by Belo) will be all but gone by the end of the year. So when an offer was made to buy out my contract, I gladly accepted. Not to worry though, I have landed on my feet at Gray Communications owned KWTX-TV in Waco, TX as Weekend Director/Weekday TD. I only wish I saw your message about being in Dallas now earlier, Andrea. Sorry :(

Jason Matisoff

Another KUJH Annoucement

2006-07-08T15:26:00.001-04:00

Have you seen Dale's baby?

As some of you know, Dale Ziegler and his wife Janet had a new baby boy a few days ago. It was premature, but is doing great. Mark Robert was born at 18 1/4 inches, 5 lbs 13 oz.

Isn't he cute???

Look at this!

2006-07-05T17:58:00.000-04:00

If your station might be getting ready to go to automation, look forward to events like this happening.

http://youtube.com/watch?v=cfNuk6eL49M&search=KHON

Doug

Fox 4 Update

2006-06-20T09:50:00.000-04:00

KU Grads fared pretty good at the station. Unfortunately AP Karen Abramowitz, and sports guy Jason Lamb were both let go last Thursday. The rest (of those that I know for sure are KU grads) are still there including Sandra Barry, Jake Yadrich, Liz Pepperdine, Julie Green, Rob Zerwekh, Jana Calkins, Kim Byrnes (who is the weekend morning reporter, not meterologist), Heather Claybrook, John Holt, and myself, are all still there.

Derek

A Rhyme in Verse

2006-06-20T09:48:00.000-04:00

My name is Zach and I'm here to say,
That one day local news is gonna go away.
They've tried live shots,
they've tried contests,
they've tried everything including big breasts.

But just when you thought it couldn't get worse,
one reporter went and made a verse.
I can only imagine what Chronkite would say,
rolling in his grave like he is today.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yyHvFcfd0z0

Zach Lee

Fox 4 KC Lays Off Newsies

2006-06-19T16:34:00.000-04:00

Ax falls at WDAF newsroom
By AARON BARNHART
The Kansas City Star

Fox may have been the hottest network in prime time this season, but it wasn’t enough to save 13 jobs at the WDAF-TV newsroom.

Fox 4 on Friday laid off reporters Tom Gauer, Peter Marshall and Jason Friedman and sportscaster Jason Lamb. Other names could not be confirmed, but it was thought that half or more of the 13 cuts had come from the news department, which has about 100 employees.

The move was a surprise, because Fox 4’s ratings were up in May, thanks to the juggernaut of “American Idol” and Fox hits like “House” and “24.”

The station’s share of the audience for its 10 p.m. newscast jumped 13 percent compared with May 2005. Even its early news at 5 p.m. was up. Ratings for the three other news stations in town were generally down.

A spokesman for News Corp., which owns WDAF, 34 other stations and the Fox network, would not confirm the layoffs. But by Friday afternoon, rival newsrooms had received inquiries and resumes from recently released WDAF employees.

Gauer, who had spent 11½ years at Fox 4, said his first order of business would be “to sleep in on Monday.” Gauer said that while he wanted to return to news if it was “at the right place,” he is working on other ventures, such as a quiz show he’s developing with his business partner, “Young & the Restless” star Kristoff St. John.
There was no sign Friday that similar firings were taking place at other Fox-owned stations.

So why WDAF?

One possibility is that the station is being primed for a sale. A trade magazine reported in 2005 that Fox was considering the sale of stations in markets that were 25th in size or smaller. Kansas City is the 31st-largest media market.

Another possibility is that it was a staff-size adjustment dictated by Dennis Swanson, the new head of Fox’s owned-and-operated stations, in an effort to bolster WDAF in the Kansas City market

Swanson, a former Marine, told the publication Broadcasting & Cable last year that “TV stations are like big battleships in the harbor … they turn around very slowly.”
WDAF is an especially large ship. It has by far the largest newsroom in the Kansas City TV market and puts on a hefty 49 hours of news programming per week. As the very first station to sign on, in 1949, WDAF has had a history of being a leader in the market. It still broadcasts a popular morning news program, but its late newscasts lag considerably behind KMBC-9 and KCTV-5 in the ratings groups most prized by advertisers.

It has tried rebranding its Problem Solvers unit, tacking on the word “investigators” in what appeared to be a reaction to the success of KCTV’s investigative unit.

Big Bieke News

2006-05-30T08:36:00.000-04:00

So, I'm engaged.

I asked my girlfriend Lauren to marry me on Sunday, and she said yes (God knows why!).

No date for a wedding yet, but we're very excited about planning one.

And we'll keep you informed.

(Doesn't she look happy? I must be doing something right... who knew?)

Bieke

Fall TV Line-up

2006-05-19T19:29:00.000-04:00

Well, the upfronts are over, and we now know what's coming next season on all the networks. In case you care as much as me (well, we all know that's not possible...because I care waaaaaaaaay too much about these things. It's the TiVo, dammit!), you can check out the fall schedule here.

As for me, I'll just point out that I'm very excited about The Nine & Six Degrees on ABC and Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip and Heroes on NBC.

Doug also pointed out to me that Jericho on CBS is yet another disaster show set in Kansas. Yes I know Kansas is a little bleak (mostly western Kansas), but does Hollywood also have to portray it as the end of the world? The answer...I guess...is yes. OK then...

I'm sure I'll be watching anyway. I watch everything else, after all.

Bieke