KSNF's Lauren Hieger had a thankless job this afternoon as she filled in for Tiffany Alaniz on the area's lowest-rated 5 p.m. news program, "Life with Gary and Tiffany."
While KSN's sister station, KODE, and KOAM led their newscasts off with the number one story of the day, the discovery of the body of Labette County teacher Brett Carlson in Costa Rica, KSN, as usual led with the type of fluff that gives fluff a bad name.
Co-host Gary Bandy was live at Buffalo Run Casino, so that was the focal point of the program's opening. "This is so exciting," Bandy gushed, as he related the events including the Cowboy Troy concert, a dance, and a poker run, then as the top story was already completed on the other newscasts, Bandy went right on into his weather forecast.
Nearly three minutes had passed, and as it was about time to deliver the sad news, Bandy didn't exactly make it easy for Miss Hieger, as he said, "I'm getting a nice tan. Thanks for noticing, Lauren."
Give Miss Hieger credit, the St. Louisan was able to maintain her professional demeanor and moved right into the Brett Carlson story.
This will be one of those stories she can tell about her days in small town local television, when she goes on to success in some larger market.
After that, KSNF spent only a couple of minutes on news, however, then went right back to Bandy. Where would he be on Father's Day, he was asked. "If I was smart," he replied, "and I'm not that smart, I'd go to Buffalo Run Casino."
It would be so easy to add a comment.
There so much that could be commented about the follies of KSN's variety show. But I do have one thought...Why do they only allow a small amount of time for news at the five o'clock show and at their allotted time during the Today show? I remember watching KSN one time, during the 7:25 AM news break. They did two(news)stories and weather, talk about keeping the "four states" and "hometown news" public informed! I do realize there is only so much time alloted for local stations. But KSN tends to give more of it to commercials(casinos). KOAM and KODE tends to start their news within moments of the break from the (morning show) network. Just an observation...
ReplyDeleteI THOUGHT IT WAS CALLED LIVE WITH GARY AND TIFFANY, NOT HOMETOWN NEWS AT FIVE. SOUNDS TO ME THAT THEY NEVER WANTED IT TO BE A NEWS BROADCAST.
ReplyDeleteI don't know what it is called, I just know it makes me sick, I can not even bear to watch it. Such stupid shows make me wish I could just watch dead air, both have the same quality, nothing.
ReplyDeleteGary Bandy is nothing but a silly boy....he wouldn't know a news story if it were handed to him. And it's too late for him to learn anything. He will spend the rest of his life thinking it's all about him.
ReplyDeleteWhy any station would put this squirrely guy on the air is beyond comprehension. I pity anyone who needs a job bad enough to agree to work on a set with him.
it's about time we give lauren some credit. she's solid and easy to look at, since this post has ventured into aesthetics.
ReplyDeleteI'm forced to come to Gary Bandy's defense. I think he would make an excellent radio weatherman. Tiffany doesn't add much to the show but she could probably do ok, if she'd just quit talking.
ReplyDeleteI like the fact that Gary does music trivia in most weathercast. While many might think a weather related trivia question would fit better, his cutting edge feel for the pulse of the viewer has him doing questions like "What group had five number one singles off their first album?" I know when I watch weather I want a little music trivia to keep me tuned in.
ReplyDeleteI think the weather question helps to involve the viewers!
ReplyDeleteI'm sure it does involve the viewers. Since it is in weather but has nothing remotely to do with weather here are some other subjects that would be equally as involving and logical: Spelling Bee Questions with the answer after the forecast or Name that Political figure, or maybe How much wood would a woodchuck chuck if a woodchuck could chuck wood. I think the last one could be a viewer poll with answers explained in tomorrow nights info-mercial from the "Who paid the most for this endorsement" casino. How much do you have to pay to be featured in the news?
ReplyDeleteStrange how some of the most respected local news outlets in other markets are able get by fine without whoring their newscasts out.
ReplyDeleteAfter watching KSN for years, and now having switched to KOAM because of the irritating banners, I think Jim Jackson has more dignity than to pimp himself out as a immature, silly idiot like Tiffany and Gary do. Enough stupidity already. Give us news or we WILL watch another station. I know of no one that likes to even watch them at 5:00. No substance and the fake like laughs from Tiffany and the child like ways of Bandy should be thrown out. And while we are at it get rid of Brad Douglas.......he is a terrible newsman (if you can even label him as such..I can't), even with something as trivial as gadgets he stinks!
ReplyDeleteLauren does a very good job. It is time to keep her (Lauren) and Jim and kick Tiffany and Gary to the curb.
Like it or lump it, there are some very serious realities in the posts on this topic and the ratings one. Obviously a great number of media employees from the area read this blog and undoubtedly some comments are from them, but some come from what would be considered the general public.
ReplyDeleteObviously a series of changes have taken place over time at KSN that people perhaps don't look favorably of. Whether it is selling parts of the newscasts, personalities, the ticker thing, a sense of too much "fluff", a show that misses the demographic and therefore ratings--something is amiss.
It can be argued that as long as the sales staff can be selling and making a profit for the ownership, it doesn't matter if no one ever watches. That may work for a time, but could catch up with the station. That is just as applicable to KOAM as it is to Nexstar. Building a quality, respectable show that is recognized over time is important.
Whether it is Nexstar's corporate bigwigs, local management, or down to the janitor, someone needs to recognize that there MAY be a problem that deserves looked at. You may be pumping water now, but have an empty well in time.
I'am a St Louisan and have known Lauren for years. During Lauren's school years, Lauren had the lead in many plays and took fourth place in the City of St Louis singing competition. Lauren is a bundle of talent and a wonderful person.
ReplyDelete