Media Buzz: Former Anchor Forced To Resign, Edward R. Murrow Speaks, Cicilline Radio Grab

Friday, April 22, 2011

Jeff Derderian, GoLocalProv Media Critic

Here’s a look at some of the buzz that has people talking.

Former Channel 6 Anchor and Reporter – Paul Mueller says he was told to either quit or be fired after a not so flattering tape of him showed up on YouTube. Mueller – who most recently had a gig at WGGB in Springfield was an MC at event for a young boy who hanged himself after being bullied. Mueller, on the tape, was slurring his speech and also made some harsh remarks about his sexual orientation. He told the Boston Herald that he’s heading to California to seek treatment for alcoholism. Can you say big problem for WGGB if Mueller decides to push his case that was he was forced to quit but has a substance abuse problem.

Both WHJJ and WPRO-AM wasted no time in trying to showcase their “get” with Congressman Cicilline this week after that bombshell of a financial report was released. Helen Glover on HJJ and Tara Granahan and Andrew Gobeil peppered the former Mayor with questions. Each station used it a an opportunity to show case their morning shows.

The Radio Television Digital News Association is out with the winners of this year’s Edward R. Murrow Awards. The Murrow award is prestigious and shows an excellence in journalism the carries the spirit of the legendary news man. Congrats to Channel 10 – who was awarded the “Overall Excellence” and “Breaking News Coverage” for spring flooding coverage from last year.

Speaking of Channel 10 – station insiders tell us the new anchor set is pretty much done. You can look for the debut during the important May ratings period. The station was also hoping to be able to flip the switch to high definition at the same time in May.

Also one more on Channel 10 – Media General which owns the station just reported 1st quarter earnings. They report Ohio and Rhode Island figures together and the numbers show a profit of $2.3 million for the quarter compared to profits of $3.3 million last year for the two NBC affiliated TV stations.

At the New York Times—where they recently launched their lame attempt at revenue for paying for on-line content---similar to what The Providence Journal is considering---profit numbers are horrendous. The NYT Co. reported a 58% decline in 1st quarter profits on what is being called “advertising weakness”. Geez, ya think! Ad revenue keeps dropping and dropping and experts in the digital space say this notion of charging people for content is driving even more people away.

Word from Orms Street—home of Channel 6 is that along with the more than ½ dozen lay-offs announced recently, staff is starting to get word that there will be new, less attractive policy’s in place for things like sick time, vacations etc. The next round of news will no doubt include talent being approached with a lose-lose scenario unfortunately by the new owners which will include salary reductions to keep your job.

Jeff Derderian is a former television news reporter and anchor both in Providence and Boston. He is one of the founders of the Station Education Fund. He can be reached at [email protected]