Mike Alzamora checks in

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

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.

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Live shot

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

And one more thing

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

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

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...

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

"These Troubled Economic Times"

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

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



More later.

Where are they now

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