It is very likely this month a Facebook page in support of two former KMBC-TV personalities in Kansas City could hit the 1,000-fan mark.
That is a pretty strong number for a grassroots campaign for a pair of local TV folks.
Will it have any effect on anything? Not likely.
The site was created by zealots in response to the departure on the final day of 2013 of weather man/host Nichols after a 25-year career at the Hearst-owned station.
The story on Bottom Line Communications of his leaving is still the most commented one in the 12-year history of the site.
Reportedly, Nichols was offered a new contract, but did not want to move from his familiar morning slot. The station wanted to move him into afternoons where it has lagged since “Oprah” went off the air and the strong lead-ins she provided.
Meteorologist Teachman’s contract was not renewed after seven years at the station. She departed Jan. 31 and no reason was given for her exit.
While loyal viewers continue to bemoan the loss of the pair and claim they will no longer watch KMBC, their departure has seemingly not impacted the station’s ratings one iota.
In fact, for the month of January after Nichols’ departure the ratings increased in mornings and continues that trend. So much for the Facebook site and perceived viewer backlash.
It seems as if trying to actually get viewers to change their viewing habits is a lot harder than some imagined. When you have watched a station for decades and are comfortable with the on-air personalities it is very tough changing loyalties.
Or maybe movements created on the Internet are not as influential as many think.
The all-important February TV sweeps period began Jan. 30th and will run through Feb. 26 and the ratings at the halfway point seem to continue to show no ill effects from the duo’s departure.
KMBC’s ratings have risen during the morning after 10 of 20 days in sweeps (below). At the key 10 p.m. news slot where KMBC has dominated for years, the station is running in second place to KSHB, but that is likely attributed to the boost given to the NBC affiliate due to the Winter Olympics coverage.
RATINGS/SHARE
4:30am
KMBC. 3.3/16
WDAF 2.8/14
KCTV. 1.3/6
KSHB. 0.9/4
6am
KMBC. 6.6/22
WDAF. 5.8/20
KSHB. 2.2/7
KCTV. 2.1/7
5pm
KSHB. 6.7/13
KMBC. 6.5/12
WDAF. 6.1/12
KCTV. 5.7/11
6pm
KSHB. 8.8/15
KMBC. 8.0/14
WDAF. 7.7/13
KCTV. 6.4/11
10pm
KSHB. 8.9/16 (includes NBC Olympic Games )
KMBC. 7.7/13
KCTV. 6.6/11
WDAF. 5.4/9
WRIGHT-PISANO MESS
When Dana Wright and Chris Pisano were fired from KCTV, the station was inundated with messages both private and through social media. Of course, it didn’t matter. They weren’t coming back. However, I stayed true to my promise to KCTV and moved my loyalty over to WDAF. Haven’t look back since.
Changing the channel is all a viewer can do to show their unhappiness. BTW, if any media consultant is reading this: this incessant need to continue to bring in younger and younger anchors/reporters isn’t the way to go to grab viewers. It may be helping your bottom line but most of us dislike looking at the news delivered by people who look like they are in a high school communications class.
FACEBOOK PAGE
I saw everything that you started in the group, yesterday. Maybe if you hadn’t resorted to petty name calling and attacking, you wouldn’t have been kicked out and blocked. Act like an adult.
A Facebook group? Not aware of it.
PASANO AND CREDIBILITY
Worked on a story with Pasano once. He clearly misrepresented what the story would be about so he could secure an interview. From then on, he had absolutely no credibility with me.
SCHEDULE?
No Nichols would had to work Saturday and Sunday Evenings because Brian Busby back to Monday thru Friday like Len. Miller Weekend and Weekday Mornings. Grigsby has Nichols spot intill Bender gets here.