Is the lack of change the safest strategy?

[tvboy]

Okay, so we all know WSB is number one in the ratings. But is their strategy simply to keep things status quo? How long before we see some change to the look of the WSB newscasts?

How long have we had this same music? 10 years? There is no open at all, so I guess we just all know who the anchors are no matter what.

Look, WSB's got a great show, but there's nothing wrong with sprucing things up a bit. A refreshed look would be nice. WXIA's new set is tremendous, and as far as the "look" of the newscasts, 11 Alive has everyone beat. So wouldn't it be better for WSB to make some changes?

[ATLinsider]

WSB needs an update more than any other station in Atlanta.. New music, new graphics & a new set wouldn't hurt them at all (in my opinion.)

[tvboy]

But do you think it's a situation where they believe "if it ain't broke, don't fix it?"

I"ve always believed an update of the look of a newscast is crucial to keep the audience interested. I mean, how long can you have the same stuff?

You wonder with this HDTV stuff if WSB will be forced to get a new set. They used to change their news music every few years, but I swear this current music has been in place since they moved into the new building.

One thing WSB does better than any other station is promote its news department within its news shows. I know a lot of News Directors don't agree with doing that, but I think it's the right strategy. Why not promote the entire news department when your target audience is already watching!

[atlnewsfan03]

Their set, graphics, and theme music are definitley due for a makeover. Better yet, overdue.

It'll be 8 years this summer, WSB-TV has been in its current facility. For 10 years or more, having to look at that same portrait backdrop of the Atlanta Skyline. I don't know about any of you. I'd really like to see something a whole lot better... better than what they have now.

Right now, I like some of the new full-screen and over-the-shoulder graphics I'm seeing. I'm hoping new graphics are coming. They really need it.

I'd like to hear some new theme music too. Something that's better then what they have now.

[ATLinsider]

Yes, I think they're going by the "If it aint broke, don't fix it" motto.

WSB is the #1 station in Atlanta, it's time for them to look like it, sounds like it & act like it. John & Monica are two of my favorite anchors, but they can be so boring sometimes. I really like the addition of Jovita Moore, she's really nice to look at.. lol

Their set has served it's purpose but it's time to move on. I love their desk but everything else needs to go. The skyline looks good when they use the night version, but the daytime version looks like crap. It also looks very small and it needs to be updated. We have several new buildings in the real skyline, it would be nice if WSB noticed them. I would like to see something big like 11Alive's. Channel 2 has a nice looking newsroom, I wish they would use it more often.

The graphics are rather 'blah' compared to other stations in Atlanta and throughout the country. It's pretty sad when stations in market #96 have better graphics than market #9.

The music is called "News 2000." Although it's not horrible, it's time to say goodbye to the year 2000 & hello to 2006.

Maybe we should call the ABC show "Extreme Makeover" they really need it.

[atlnewsfan03]

I agree with their current theme music. "News 2000" by Music Partners. Although it doesn't sound too bad... I think it's time for a change.

A theme I think would sound quite nice on WSB-TV... "Metropolis" by Stephen Arnold Music. It can also heard on WFLA, WJLA, and KHOU. I'm hoping that this could be WSB-TV's next theme.

I'd also like to hear some new theme music over on 11Alive too. "KNBC News Music Package" by Groove Addicts, Inc. wouldn't sound too bad. This theme can be heard on KNBC. I'm also hoping that FOX 5 could and might be looking at introducing new theme music too.

[bill730]

I agree that WSB is behind the times with their presentation. I have a feeling that they will respond to WXIA's HD newscasts with HD newscasts of their own. Considering that they have broadcasted some local events in HD, WSB seems to be moving toward being able to provide HD newscasts.

atlnewsfan03, I agree with you on Metropolis. It is an awesome theme and would be great for any of the Atlanta stations. I could also see WSB using News Matrix by Stephen Arnold. This theme is very popular right now and used by WFTV in Orlando, which is WSB's sister station.

I too wouldn't mind a change of music at WXIA. I was hoping that they would change their music with the transition to HD. Their current theme, alive isn't bad, but it's time for something new.

[thenewsman]

I love WSB cause it has all the toys, but WSB needs to update it on air look. The graphics, yes needs a major update. The set not that bad compare to the one they had before. I say in the next couple of years is when they should upgrade the set.

Also Monica is near retirement and as much as I love her she"ll be gone and I don't know if John Pruitt plans to leave with Monica. However, there going to be more changes indeed for Channel 2. I say when Monica leaves (which i hope in five or six years) Maybe Collins Spencer and Pam Martin could anchor Noon/5pm news and John and Jovita could do 6/11pm. Ryan Young seems to be a rising star and he could do morning news with Kimberly Kenndy. If John retires who would replace him? Maybe Mike Landess or bring Gulstan Dart back!

As for theme music" I say Eyewitness News" them that KTRK Houston and WXYZ Detroit.

[extvtog]

I have to say that I love the WSB music. It is the newest item to its newscast, although it is pretty old. I do wish that they would update their set. They basically had a set company remake their old set from the old studio. Like I said earlier, keep the helicopter in the open, maybe even throw in one of the 12 live trucks they have as well, just get a new open.

[madga2006]

For WSB-TV to be Cox's flagship station, I've seen stations in #100+ markets appearance wise look far better. Their Orlando sister station, WFTV looks far better graphics wise, their theme music (Stephen Arnold's News Matrix) is far more pleasing to hear than that noise WSB uses, and their set looks far better (even with WFTV using the Orlando skyline). As I saw in a previous posting, I have to agree with the fact that at least the skyline backdrop could be updated (even though the nighttime backdrop looks good, we do have some newer skyscrapers in town, which someone obviously forgot to tell WSB-TV), and the set needs to look like a set that belongs in a top 10 market, not market 150. WXIA right now blows everyone out of the water setwise in the ATL; I can't wait to see what WAGA rolls out this fall when the new look comes out. WSB's sister station in Charlotte (WSOC) looks better graphics wise, but they too are in real need of a set makeover (they have had that newsroom set for many years) and absolutely needs to change that theme (Bold Branding). Even though were mainly talking about WSB, I'm just saying that they aren't the only Cox station in dire need of a new look. And, if WSB were to finally ditch that theme, Stephen Arnold's "News Matrix" would be a nice fit; even though I've always liked Gari's "Eyewitness News", I just don't think it would work here.

[atlnewsfan03]

A great theme I'd really like to hear on WSB-TV. Again, "Metropolis" by Stephen Arnold Music. And the station give the opening voice-over a makeover too.

From their current...

Live. Local. Late-Breaking. This is Channel 2 Action News at 6pm. Coverage You Can Count On.

To something like this...

Live from the WSB Broadcast Center. This is Channel 2 Action News at 6pm. Coverage You Can Count On.

Just another thought.

[tomtv]

Does anyone know where I can hear the "News 2000" by Music Partner? Thanks Guys! I've been looking around and cant find it.

[tomtv]

Does anyone know where I can hear the "News 2000" by Music Partner? Thanks Guys! I've been looking around and cant find it.