09-08-2009 FOX 4 DUMPS SKYFOX 4 HELICOPTER It had been rumored for weeks and Kansas City Star TV columnist Aaron Barnhart has confirmed that cash-strapped WDAF-FOX4 has been forced to ground its helicopter. According to sources, the station had been trying to get a sponsor for nearly the past year with an estimated cost of about $350,000. This comes on the heels of the buyout of veteran sports anchor Frank Boal after 28 years who was not replaced, and the departure of weekend anchor Paul Herdtner. Morale is reportedly at an all-time low at the station. FOX 4 is also the only station in the Kansas City market that has yet to convert to high-definition. Ironically, FOX4 is generally near the bottom of the Nielsen ratings each ratings period, except for its morning show, which leads the field. The helicopter loss could directly impact its morning rush hour coverage as well as breaking stories and storm coverage.
General Manager Cheryl McDonald issued this memo to employees: After careful consideration of the costs going forward and the ample technological developments that have become available in the process of news gathering and coverage, we have decided it more prudent not to renew our helicopter contract at this time and to utilize our financial resources elsewhere. This decision does not signal in any way a reduced commitment to traffic and breaking news coverage for our viewers. In fact FOX 4 has the most advanced traffic system in the market, with more cameras, traffic sensors, e-mail and cell phone notifications, 3D renderings of every road and Highway, and the most precise drive time information available. Additionally, Kansas Citians will see no disruption in the level of outstanding breaking news coverage that FOX 4 has provided for the last 60 years. We will continue to utilize aerial equipment when essential in addition to harnessing all the new tools available to cover stories of importance and the myriad of means to convey this information. FOX 4 has never missed a breaking news story and never will. This has become our tradition and is a promise of our commitment to providing the best news coverage to our viewers in Kansas City.
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