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Author
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Topic: Tallahassee, FL News
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byebyebirdie
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Member # 6605
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posted August 24, 2006 01:20 PM
Can anyone give me some general info. about the market, the market leaders, what an achor could expect to get paid. Thanks!
Posts: 83 | From: denver, co | Registered: Jul 2004
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Pro
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Member # 5396
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posted August 24, 2006 01:52 PM
WCTV (CBS) is the 900 pound gorilla. WTXL (ABC) settles for table scraps. WTLH (Fox) does a 10 PM newscast but isn't a player. WTWC (NBC) is a Sinclair station that dropped local news around 5 or so years ago.
Great city, but traffic is horrible. No freeways in town, so traffic jams are constant.
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Spike
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posted August 25, 2006 05:57 PM
quote:
Originally posted by Pro:
WTLH (Fox) does a 10 PM newscast but isn't a player.
WTLH buys its newscast from WCTV and uses WCTV's anchors and reporters. That leaves only two stations doing news, and WCTV is VASTLY superior to the other station.
If you go to WCTV you will learn a lot about news from the news director there. He has been there for almost twenty years and has always destroyed the competition. The third station that used to have news was practically driven out of news by WCTV because they couldn't compete with Mike's army.
The second place station used to not even bother trying to really compete. They would just try to make as much money as they could on the scraps left over from WCTV. That meant lots of cost cutting to stay profitable. I understand that they've done a lot of upgrades in recent years and started spending a little more, both on machinery and people, but it would take a lot more than they have to catch up.
If you go to the competitor, expect to lose over and over, not just on newscasts but on individual stories. They just do not have the resources or the news judgement to compete. The local newspaper can't even compete with them.
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Always watch television in a bright room with a dark heart.
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Clubbeat
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Member # 6503
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posted August 28, 2006 10:21 AM
if you're looking to work for the ABC
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Posts: 658 | From: Tallahassee, Florida | Registered: Jun 2004
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Clubbeat
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Member # 6503
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posted August 28, 2006 11:37 AM
If you're coming to the market as an anchor for either station don't expect to make much. Depending on your experience, you might be able to get $55k to start, then work your way up from there. A clothing deal might also be possible. Both stations have hair trades.
As for the market itself, it's a great place to raise kids. Not aa whole lot to do, unless you're into college football. In which case, The Florida State Seminoles are the biggest draw, followed by the Florida A & M University football team.
If you're looking for the "big city" style hangout, Tally-town aint it. However the city and several organizations have some great yearly events that you can enjoy. Within the next few weeks and through football season, the Unite Way and several other commnuity groups sponsor "Downtown Getdown's. The pep-rally type of event features live music, food and displays supporting the FSU and FAMU football teams. They occur on the Friday before each home game.
The city also sponsors its annual "winter Festival of Lights" which features a 5k walk/run, parade and the tradional lighting of the Christmas Tree in front of City Hall. During the Spring, when state lawmakers return for legislative session, a non-profit group hosts "Springtime Tallahassee". The events are similiar to the Winter Festival, without the holiday theme and its held in late March, early April.
The people here are friendly. The broadcast/newsies range from experienced market vets to newbies getting their feet wet.
Most that I know are cool and are serious about their jobs.
The ABC station is making some inroads as one of the post stated. They've got a new owner, new ND (although this is her first experience in that role. She's a former anchor from Sarasota) and they're getting ready to move into a state-of-the-art-building. The CBS sttation is dominant but with the right approach, can be taken in a few years. Lik eone of the post states, you will definately learn more from the ND at the CBS affiliate. He together with two veteran anchors, are part of why their number 1.
No mater where you wind up, you'll find working here as anchor talent will allow you to grow. Because it's Florida's Capitol city, you will meet and possibly get to interview plenty of state and national political leaders along with the hometown heros and local legends.
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You must command respect, not demand it.
Posts: 658 | From: Tallahassee, Florida | Registered: Jun 2004
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Pro
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posted August 28, 2006 11:59 AM
And don't forget, you are about an hour's drive from the Gulf Coast. Far enough inland, though, so hurricanes and tropical storms are not a HUGE concern - sometimes they can cause a good soaking, but its been a long time since there was any extreme damage.
The biggest problem Tallahassee faces when there's a hurricane is all of the evacuees from OTHER parts of the state! ![[Wink]](wink.gif)
BTW, I found out that WCTV has recently moved into the now-defunct Florida News Channel building, closer into town. That's good news for the people who work there, their old building was WAY out in the boonies, next to the Georgia state line. It was literally in the middle of nowhere!
[ August 28, 2006, 12:01 PM: Message edited by: Pro ]
Posts: 11461 | Registered: Feb 2004
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Clubbeat
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Member # 6503
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posted August 28, 2006 12:06 PM
Thanks Pro...part of the reason why I still live here great seafood, emerald green oceans and sugar white sand! All that and the school district isn't too bad for your kids (depending on where you live in town)!
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You must command respect, not demand it.
Posts: 658 | From: Tallahassee, Florida | Registered: Jun 2004
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Pro
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posted August 28, 2006 12:13 PM
When I lived there, I resided near "Lake" Jackson, just outside of city limits. It was a hell of a lot cheaper that the Northeast (where the stations were), and my daughter's elementary school was almost brand-new. But the commute - ugh. And this was BEFORE (and during) the road construction!
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Ceasar
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Member # 6840
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posted August 28, 2006 12:19 PM
Unfortunately, stations in Tally won't pay enough to keep up with the housing costs. Home prices are greatly inflated, a typical 3 bedroom near the stations will run 200k plus. You will have to live like a student. And the previous poster who said you can expect 55k has his/her head in the clouds. Just anchor maybe 35-40. If it's a reporter/anchor position expect less.
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Spike
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posted August 28, 2006 02:49 PM
quote:
Originally posted by Pro:
And don't forget, you are about an hour's drive from the Gulf Coast.
Not even that much. Shell Point is 30 minutes. Alligator Point is 45 minutes. 90 minutes will get you to St. George Island, where you'll find the best beach on the Gulf Coast out at the national park.
As for things to do, there's plenty if you're into outdoors stuff. You can pretty much fish year round. There's a great paved "Rails to Trails" trail from Tallahassee down to the coast where you can bike or roller blade. There are also some pretty good mountain bike trails that cut into the Appalachicola National Forest.
If you move there, you MUST visit Angelo's seafood restaurant on Highway 98 in Panacea. It's on the bay just before you cross the bridge on the left. It's about a 45 minute drive from Tallahassee, but it is just about the best damned seafood restaurant you'll find and is well worth the drive. Be sure and get the Greek trim on your salad and use the house dressing that comes in the wine bottles. Ask your waitress to set aside some key lime pie before you order dinner, because a)you will want it and b)they often run out after dinner and send you home sad. If you go on the weekend, you can enjoy a top shelf marguerita and watch the sunset out on the deck while you wait for your table.
Back to the stations, Clubbeat is crazy if he/she thinks the ABC station can take WCTV in a few years. The only way that will happen is if Mike the ND leaves, Frank retires and Julie runs off to join the circus. 40 tried to compete with a slick set and high priced anchors and was destroyed. I was there for that, and it wasn't pretty. 27 has made SEVERAL attempts over the years to retool and attack, only to be soundly trounced. It just ain't gonna happen, because more than anyone else I've ever seen Mike has his finger on the pulse of that community and understands what drives ratings there.
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Always watch television in a bright room with a dark heart.
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Pro
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posted August 28, 2006 03:04 PM
WTWC wasn't destroyed, the had the rug pulled out from under them by Sinclair. Under their previous owner, they were making strides in the market. Would they have ever bested WCTV? Doubtful, but they were on their way to being a force in the market, and this after only having local news for two years.
Then Sinclair bought them. That all ended.
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Spike
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posted August 29, 2006 06:01 AM
quote:
Originally posted by Pro:
Under their previous owner, they were making strides in the market.
Baloney. They went on the air the first day with team coverage of a bandaid found in a Subway sandwich. They were outclassed from the very beginning and never made any significant gains at all.
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Always watch television in a bright room with a dark heart.
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The Mockingbird
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posted August 29, 2006 06:28 AM
quote:
They went on the air the first day with team coverage of a bandaid found in a Subway sandwich.
What, no shark attacks?
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Clubbeat
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Member # 6503
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posted August 29, 2006 07:13 AM
I have to respectfully disagree with both Spike and Ceasar. First on the point of making $50-$55k, it can happen with the right negotiating. It happened that way for both my wife and I. (And yeah, she was one of the so-called "High Priced" anchors that is referenced here). It all depends on your negotiating skills.
As for the competition beating the "800 pound Gorilla" that too can be done. The one thing that the CBS station has going for it is longevity.
Just to clarify, it was Senior Management and a lack of corporate direction that didn't allow WTWC to be competitive (as well as the ABC station). You need good strong leadership in a newsroom. You need a ND who is committed to not only being agressive in covering news, but Like Mike Smith, who I highly respect because of the way he leads, must be willing to TEACH!!!.
Tallahassee for the most part is a starter's market. A lot of newbies come here with limited skills. I was witness at WTWC as a producer and at WTXL as an EP as to the lack of care, concern, motivation, training and direction that senior management displayed for the news product. You MUST motivate, train, and continually evaluate your staff and product.
There are many more things which are needed to break a strong number 1 in ANY market but good solid LEADERSHIP from senior management is the first step.
If WTXL continues to what appears to be a growing of their news product and their news team, WTWC will find itself rocking back on its heels. Now I Know that WTWC's Smith won't go down without a fight, but he'll be in for a heck of a challenge if they find the right mix over there.
And in case you're wondering, I've worked at stations that were a poor number 3 and within couple of years, using some of the methods I mentioned, came around and kick the number 1 stations ass all over the DMA.
The toughest part of being on top is staying there.
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You must command respect, not demand it.
Posts: 658 | From: Tallahassee, Florida | Registered: Jun 2004
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Clubbeat
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posted August 29, 2006 07:18 AM
Forgive me for mixing call letters. I meant WCTV when speaking of Mike Smith and the CBS affliate. Of course, anyone who knows the market as Spike and Ceasar do (by the way, when where you guys there)? know what i'm talking about on this. (even though you may not agree) ![[Big Grin]](biggrin.gif)
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You must command respect, not demand it.
Posts: 658 | From: Tallahassee, Florida | Registered: Jun 2004
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Spike
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posted August 29, 2006 10:55 AM
quote:
Originally posted by Clubbeat:
Tallahassee for the most part is a starter's market.
I bet Mike would disagree. When I was there, he generally wouldn't hire a reporter who didn't already have reporting experience in a smaller market. There were a few notable exceptions to that rule, but he told me himself he considered Tallahassee to be a second gig for reporters. He hired an anchor right out of school, but she was really that good (jumped from there to Nashville), and he had a junior reporter position that was mainly a weekend producer position with reporting thrown in a few days a week. Other than that, almost all his hires come from smaller markets with a minimum of a year under their belts.
At the time he told me that, the ABC affiliate was hiring some reporters fresh out of school. Yet another reason they weren't competitive.
When you take that approach to hiring, PLUS the sheer number of reporters the station is willing to hire to cover the entire community, PLUS Mike's management and his system of generating stories, PLUS the popularity of the anchors, the other station just won't be able to beat them. It just ain't gonna happen.
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Always watch television in a bright room with a dark heart.
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Clubbeat
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posted August 29, 2006 11:20 AM
Not sure when you were here Spike but a lot of that has changed. Smith appears to hire FAMU/FSU students either after they complete an internship with them or right after they graduate. Now I will say the newbies he hires have some skills (one of his hires worked for me when I ran a newstalk station in town). However it looks as if they've hired a lot of newbies in the past who got better learned some things from him and left (which the market dictates).
While I agree with some of your points on trying to win against the market leader, I have seen and do know from experience that if you have a combo of highly skilled vets who know what it takes to get the job done, newbies willing to put their egos aisde and learn how to do it correctly and molst important, senior management that knows how to strategize, plan implement, motitvate and train, and who truly know how to go after the market leader, then it can be done, not mater how big and bad the competition.
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You must command respect, not demand it.
Posts: 658 | From: Tallahassee, Florida | Registered: Jun 2004
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Pro
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posted August 29, 2006 11:45 AM
quote:
Originally posted by Spike:
quote:
Originally posted by Pro:
Under their previous owner, they were making strides in the market.
Baloney. They went on the air the first day with team coverage of a bandaid found in a Subway sandwich. They were outclassed from the very beginning and never made any significant gains at all.
Now THAT's baloney.
I saw the books from their final few years. Did they cut into WCTV's (older skewing) HH audience? No. Did they create an audience, take viewers away from WTXL and establish a foothold in some desireable demos? Absolutely. You have to remember that this was a news product that was only three years old when strangled in its cradle.
Progress would not come at once, but it was being made. Slowly.
But in its final year it was owned by a company that would have just as soon have reruns on at 6 and 11 PM than local news.
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Clubbeat
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posted August 29, 2006 02:14 PM
Right on the nose Pro. right on the nose!
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Posts: 658 | From: Tallahassee, Florida | Registered: Jun 2004
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