A little guessing game for regular readers of The Turner Report and for regular viewers of local 5 p.m. TV newscasts.
One station led with coverage of the double murder that horrified Carthage over the weekend. The other had its news anchor saying, "I know Diane Sawyer is interviewing Brad Pitt tonight and I'm so excited about it." She didn't even mention that her station does not carry Ms. Sawyer's Primetime Live program.
I will give you a few seconds to think about it.
Time's up.
KODE is probably thanking me for leaving that station out of the comparison, but of course, I was writing about KOAM (with the coverage of the Carthage murders) in its news program and KSNF's Tiffany Alaniz with more of the hardhitting news coverage that has made "Live with Gary and Tiffany" appointment viewing.
At least Ms. Alaniz was appropriately dressed when she finally got around to delivering the information about the Carthage double murders and other actual news about five minutes into the broadcast. I have received e-mails telling me that the other day she was wearing a formal outfit which quite nearly revealed things that should not be revealed on local television. I did not see this, but in the interest of good journalism and proper research, if anyone happened to tape that, get in touch with me.
Shortly after the Brad Pitt comment, the big topic was some sort of problem with weatherman Gary Bandy's foot. At the same time, KOAM was showing video of a car chase in California. All right, neither one of those things really belongs on the 5 p.m. news, so I'll leave that one alone.
Am I too old fashioned to believe that the news is the news and should not be a variety show (a second rate variety show at that).
Mr. Turner, this is Tiffany Alaniz, co-host of the second rate variety show..Live with Gary and Tiffany. Hey there! I don't usually read your blog because the one time I did, I was so depressed afterwards by all of your negativity I couldn't stand it. But, my co-workers do and they'll always alert me when you are doing some Tiffany bashing or bashing our second rate variety show..Live with Gary and Tiffany.
ReplyDeleteSo, I was able to read how much it upset you that I was talking about the Brad Pitt and Diane Sawyer interview (which I have just learned aired on ABC.):) And how much it upset you that we had the audacity to laugh about Gary's foot being stuck. I do apologize that we upset you so.
Randy, I do realize that you are a very learned man and you do know what you are talking about. And I know how much research you do, meaning you already know my background in news so I won't bore you with all of that. I also know that you have given me a compliment on a rare occasion when you aren't singing the eternal glories of KOAM. I respect their news product immensely, but I do find it odd that you NEVER have a harsh word about their product. I have heard numerous theories as to why this is, but this isn't what we are talking about here.
Maybe, you just think KOAM always get it right. If that's the case, why would you watch any other station? Honestly, why bother when all it does is make you mad?
So, back to the Tiffany bashing...I understand the news..no, we don't always get it right..but we try and when we don't we rectify the situation as quickly as we can. We also understand and pay attention when our ratings tell us we might want to try something new. We have done Live with 5..since 2000. After several years, ratings slipped and we determined we should try something NEW. NEW..do you understand that? Not old fashioned..just new and different. Thus, appointment viewing Live with Gary and Tiffany...the show that has upset you more in recent days than just about anything except how much money Steve Hunter is spending and taking in. The show where we might start by talking about anything and everything even shows on other channels...oh my!!..Don't miss tonight..we're talking about Paris Hilton's ring.. Yes, it's different. No, we don't start the first second of our show with the latest in news..and yes, we laugh. I know this is not the old fashioned news program you are looking for..and I'm sorry. But honestly Mr. Turner, you are not our target audience. We do bring our viewers the news and weather of the day and I'm not clear how it's harming our viewers to wait a few minutes. They are still getting the information, right? If we feel our viewers are in danger or need immediate information, trust me, we'll let them know. Will this new second rate variety show work? We don't know..but we are trying and also we're having fun at the same time. I enjoy Gary and our work together, we understand it's not for everyone..like you and that's ok too.
Mr. Turner, I take the news very seriously and I'm proud to say I work at KSN. Our reporters work hard each and every day and I feel great to be a part of this team. And it's a team..it's not that way everywhere. Since you have never met me I find it interesting how judgemental you are of me and others on your post, who I am sure you've also never met. But, if you'd like to talk with me about my news sense and judgement I'd be glad to listen. It's quite obvious, you must be near perfect, since you have time to criticize everyone else.
Until then we'll keep talking about whatever we find interesting and also getting our viewers new and weather of the day, just as we always have. As for my clothes, I'll do my best to keep them on..and yes I have a picture of the dress. You are really amazing with all of your time..as a professional news critic, fashion expert, and all around happy positive guy. By the way, why are you not a news director?
Anyway, I'm not sure what made you decide to start bashing me, but I'm sure my co-workers will continue to let me know...until then I'll be talking about Brad Pitt..afterall he is HOT! Best Wishes, Tiffany Alaniz
Tiffany I dont care if your show is second rate. I just think your pretty darn cute!
ReplyDeleteI can't believe she took all of the time to write and respond to you. As a watcher of KSN, I find it shocking that she stooped to this level with her insults. It must really upset her and bother her that you said those things. She needs to get off of her high horse and stop cackling so much. Yes, she cackles at every little thing Gary does. I think anyone who is in the public spotlight on a daily basis, whether they be an elected official or a tv personality, should expect criticism - no matter how pleasant or unpleasant it might be. Tiffany needs tougher skin and DEAL WITH IT! Besides, it's not like you are printing this in the Joplin Globe. She and her coworkers choose to come on here and read this. If it bothers her so much, perhaps she should choose to not read this!
ReplyDeleteI get sick of seeing the EXACT same news on KODE and KSN. You watch one station, then turn to the other station and the exact same news footage and interview is on both. WHAT A CHEAP bunch of CRAP!
ReplyDeleteTiffany hit it on the head. There's nothing wrong with trying something new. KOAM and KODE are cookie cutter newscasts. They instantly go to national news after the first or second stories. KSN's 5pm show is 95% local.
ReplyDeleteWow! Click.. that's the sound of me changing the channel!! Clothes or no clothes.. I'd rather watch E! to get the latest gossip.. then have to sit through 30 minutes of "the locals" gossiping.. Although I don't mind that Brad Douglas character.. he cracks me up!
ReplyDeleteNews is news.. whether it's feature news or hard news.. I still get what I want out of it no matter what channel I turn to. Live with Gary & Tiffany gives a great morning show vibe. Sounds like a great idea to attract the viewers from the morning show. God forbid I'm up that early in the morning!
As for KOAM, I don't tune in too often.. KSN has always been a favorite since the early days when Sherry Sanders and Ken Ford were still around!
Kudos to Tiffany Alaniz for responding to you Randy. As for those who were upset by her insults, have you read what Randy's been saying about her for weeks now?? Afterall, didn't your parents tell you that if someone has hit you so many times you are on the ground, it's ok to hit back? Tiffany raises some valid points and hey at least they have the sense to try and change things when they aren't working.
ReplyDeleteI agree with another person on this post, Tiffany does hit it on the head. Everyone has done straight news in this market since they all started their 5 o'clock news programs. What's the harm in giving viewers something different? Maybe it won't work, but why not try? And I like the morning show vibe of the show as well. After all these aren't puppets reading the news, they are real people. Congrats to Tiffany for having the balls to write back and leave her name.
ReplyDeleteI noticed that someone from KOAM posted to talk about how CHEAP it is that KODE/KSN are in a shared service situation with stories. What's cheap is using the same meteorologist on 2 stations, sometimes at the same time. Weather is a major issue in the four state area..quit being cheap and hire another meteorologist.
ReplyDeleteThe same stories air on KOAM and Fox 14. Plus reporters and anchors are on both, very confusing to the viewer. Cheap, Cheap, Cheap!
ReplyDeleteI hate the dorky music on Gary and Tiffany's show. Mr. Turner your still awesome! Gllad you have the willingness to speak your mind. That's why we live in a free country! Keep up the good work. She's just mad because your stating your opinion and she doesn't like it. I am shocked she and her KSN buddies have posted on here. Just goes to show you that there are tons of people reading this website on a daily basis. Keep goin after 'em!
ReplyDeleteThere is a difference between an opinion and a cheap shot. I think the cheap shots are what made her respond. The shots have gone on for weeks, wouldn't your reply back? I sure would.
ReplyDeleteHey, it's a free country as so eloquently stated by both partys invoved! Therefore, you have the power of the remote button to give your opinion. I am sure if enough people disapprove of this lighthearted approach to the news then things will change once again! Welcome to America!!!! Personally, I look forward to Tiffany and Gary every night at five! Keep up the good work you two!!!!
ReplyDeleteThe public airwaves are limited and allocated by license to KSN and it's competitors, and I may be wrong, but I don't believe they pay a fee for that use. They profit from these public commodities by attracting an audience for advertisers. Programming is only the tool they use to that end. The service they provide in return for the free and exclusive use of that public property is to provide the viewing public with the information which is necessary in a democratic society. The local news exists to inform citizens, not entertain them. The stations get lots of time to do just that, but even on the 30 minute news broadcasts, less than 10 minutes is ever spent on local news. The time is filled with the mindless babble of the local celebritys (that's you Tiffany), rebroadcasts of critical national news stories (like the Michael Jackson, Robert Blake, etc. dramas), and sports and weather. Okay, I like the sports and weather, but I could do without the trite filler comments on how to dress for the rain also. If Tiff and Gary and their comrades at other stations would just cut out the "cute" drivel and unending "teasers," they'd have lots of time for, I don't know, real news. News people need to know, and not fluffy boosterisms read off some PR departments press release. If you can't find enough to report on, perhaps you could just read the Globe...or dare I say it...the Turner Report on the air.
ReplyDeleteHonestly, I haven't followed what has been said about Ms Alaniz in this blog. Perhaps she has cause for offense but, for someone who's job it is to publicly communicate, her reply sounded trite and sophmoric.
No wonder all of her and her KSN buddies are coming on here, they have to get their news from somewhere. HA HA! Good job Mr. T!!!
ReplyDeleteI am curious why Tiffany is the only person bold enough to sign her name to her comment.
ReplyDeleteI know Tiffany, and have watched her on TV for years. She is the most refreshing personality on the air in Joplin, and we are lucky to have her! She loves Joplin, and based on the ratings, Joplin loves her. She's the real deal. Great newsperson, and also a great person in general. Does tons of volunteer work around town (how many of you nega-bashers do that?), and she is hardly the snooty person someone referred to her as being. She is commited to Joplin and KSN, and most of her audience loves that.
ReplyDeleteTifanny,Tiffany,Tiffany....you are such a "wanna-be" that I feel sorry for you. Maybe you need to spend more of your spare time watching REAL news anchors and try to learn something. Starting with getting some CLASS.
ReplyDeleteLike my mom always says, you can put lipstick on a pig but it's still a pig!!!!
I think Tiffany handled herself graciously in the face of some not so nice comments. No one forces anyone to watch her show and how can anyone justify the kind of crude insults being handed her? I think some of these people ought to do some introspection and see what is really bothering them. Like she said they have a target audience and obviously these insult slingers are not it.What audience they would fit in is something I'd rather not know. Frankly, in the face of all the horrors going on in this world, I'll take a dose of homey light and funny anytime. I like the fact that I might know about Gary's foot problem, it makes him (and her) seem like real accessible people like me. There are people who don't need to be slapped in the face with every gory facet of what people do to each other daily. I'll take my realism with a dose of the hometown humanity that Gary and Tiffany give me and if you don't agree watch something else!
ReplyDeleteI loved watching Gary and Tiffany on the KSN morning show and any other time they were on tv. I miss the good ole days when they were a team as brightened my day!!!
ReplyDelete