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Chicago TV acquits itself admirably on Blago coverage
While the jury of Rod Blagojevich's peers may have left a lot of people disappointed, Chicago's big five television news organizations performed their duties admirably, blanketing the airwaves with live, compelling and, for the most part, commercial-free coverage for close to three hours Tuesday afternoon.
lagojevich talks to reporters after verdict
Starting around 3:50 p.m., when word of a verdict began morphing from rumor to fact, all five stations went wall-to-wall with their news anchors and guest analysts in the studio and many of their top-gun reporters in position at the Dirksen Federal Building. Three of the stations preempted their network newscasts and stayed on until 6:30 p.m., with the Fox and Tribune Co. outlets bowing out a bit earlier.
Although much of the first hour was spent vamping while awaiting a verdict, reporters kept their speculation within reasonable bounds -- even if none came close to predicting the stunning outcome. Other than reporting the verdict itself, the highlight of the coverage was the live press conference afterward with Blago's father-and-son defense attorneys, a spirited Sam Adam Sr. and a nearly fanatical Sam Adam Jr. Both sprinkled their comments with references to various reporters in the crowd in a way that seemed more friendly than adversarial.
As usual, WLS-Channel 7 was the best with the most, as anchors Alan Krashesky and Linda Yu (later relieved by Kathy Brock) wisely yielded the floor early and often to reporter Chuck Goudie, who never was more in his element. He and colleague Paul Meincke delivered the facts in such a clear, coherent and concise way they made it look effortless.
WBBM-Channel 2's ballsy Jay Levine was the first to proclaim the verdict an unmitigated disaster for the feds, calling it "the biggest defeat for a U.S. Attorney in Chicago in half a century," and flatly declaring that it "can only be viewed as a major embarrassment, a major defeat for Patrick Fitzgerald." Others would echo that analysis, but none would do so in such harsh language.
WMAQ-Channel 5 news anchor Allison Rosati seemed almost giddy at times ("You can feel the excitement in the newsroom!" she chirped just before the verdict came in) and inexplicably kept fiddling with her Blackberry on camera. But whatever gravitas Channel 5 lacked with Rosati and Rob Stafford on the anchor desk was redeemed by its killer lineup of reporters Mary Ann Ahern, Phil Rogers and Carol Marin on the scene. Describing the atmosphere of the courtroom, Marin said: "It was like being in a church during a funeral."
Every station deployed dual anchors except for Channel 2, where Jim Williams, subbing for Rob Johnson, handled his chores solo. WFLD-Channel 32 was notable for the appearance of its two newest hires -- news anchor Bob Sirott and political editor Mike Flannery -- both wearing shirtsleeves on the anchor desk alongside Robin Robinson.
At several key points, WGN-Channel 9 lagged behind its competitors, with anchors Tom Negovan and Lourdes Duarte resorting to reading emails and Facebook comments from viewers. At least they finally had the good sense to sit down at a desk after standing around awkwardly in front of shaky hand-held cameras for far too long.
Andy Shaw, the former Channel 7 political reporter who now fronts the Better Government Association, came closer than anyone to questioning the intelligence and "lack of sophistication" of the jurors in his comments to Channel 2's Dana Kozlov. His snooty put-down made him sound like a second-guesser at best -- and an elitist at worst.
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Goudie is always the best at breaking news, but the Channel 7 anchor team was pretty lightweight (Linda Yu??). Levine is a close second to Goudie, and surprisingly, I thought Ch 2 was best overall. Jim Williams and his legal analyst were very measured and informative. I tuned to Fox because I'm a Sirott fan and wanted to see how "the new Fox" was handling the story...what a disappointment. They were playing catch up with the other stations...talking over each other...and inaccurately declared that Blago had been convicted on one of the racketeering charges.
"WFLD-Channel 32 was notable for the appearance of its two newest hires — news anchor Bob Sirott and political editor Mike Flannery — both wearing shirtsleeves on the anchor desk alongside Robin Robinson." Now that is the hard hitting insight I look for in this column. Relay? That's all you got, I guess switching between channels is tough work though.
Andy Shaw is no longer a journalist, thankfully. He speaks for good government, good sense, and genuine reform of what has become so embarrassing for almost all of us in Illinois. He's articulate about it, too. Twelve people MUST agree unanimously beyond a shadow of a doubt, on shadowy questions?...what a goofy way to run a system.
As good as Ch. 7's coverage was, every time Chuck Goudie mentioned that Rob stopped at the drinking fountain on the 25th floor for a drink of water I snickered and flipped the channel. That was at least twice. The vamping reminded me of a baseball broadcast during a rain delay.
I thought Andy Shaw was right on. For that jury to sit through that trial and deliberate for 14 days and come up with 1 conviction is unbelievable. How can they listen to the same tapes I did and not find him guilty on more counts? The jury was definitely lacking something. The news media knows more than the man on the street and they all sound like they thought he was up to no good.
Ted McGinley wrote "Relay? That’s all you got, I guess switching between channels is tough work though." I guess making slams on man's keen observations in the comments section of his work is pretty "tough work," too, Teddy, since you couldn't even spell "Really" correctly or put a question mark after "got."
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Although I forgot to check out Fox32's coverage, I was also flipping channels and thought ABC7 did the best. Chuck Goudie was excellent in his descriptions. Paul Meincke must have truly ran from the courtroom to Goudie's side in the lobby, since his hair looked like he just wrestled a bear, but his insight was also excellent. NBC5 was ONLY good when the cameras where on the excellent reporters at the courthouse. The studio work of Stafford & Rosati was weak. Rob, you were WAY too kind with WGN9's amateur hour broadcast. That was scary-bad.
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Now the real questions: Since he is currently a free man, when does Blago return to his Saturday radio show on WLS-AM, and does that now bump Bruce Wolf off the air again? Say it ain't so!
My general reporting kudos go to the Channel 5 team on the scene at the courthouse. It's just too bad Carol Marin could not have been on the other side of the microphones so that she could have gotten one or two questions in. My overall "gold medal" goes to Sam Adam, Jr. He hit the "nail right on the head" in his comments! While I would have been perfectly happy to see Blago go down on all counts, I liked the way Sam Jr. summed it all up!
Linda Yu is one of the few anchors at WLS and in Chicago that can handle breaking news well (i.e. without a script, something not often done at WLS). Just because she anchors the 11am and 4p with a cheery style, doesn't mean she's not adept at steering a live broadcast when everyone's playing it by ear. Just look at Ch.7's coverage once Yu stepped off and Brock joined Krash at 6p - it stopped shining almost immediately as Alan stumbled through his clumsy analysis of what was said by the Adams, Jr & Sr in their post verdict press conference. It was nearly 20 minutes of eye rolling simplicity before an on-set guest in the form of a former prosecutor set Alan straight on a number of fronts. ABC 7 rules the airwaves in almost every way when it comes to local news (a low bar, granted), but too many of its anchors are simply news readers, unable to rise to the occasion when they're really needed. No one touches Magers' when it comes to smart, swift, judicious decision making in breaking news situations, but Linda Yu comes closest of all the on-air staff at WLS and is deserving of respect when she gets the chance to flex those muscles.
Sorry Rob, but Andy Shaw was correct.
Sam Adam wanted a jury of people too stupid to be able to add 2+2 x 3 -5.
He got them. This was a jury made up of stupid people.
The case as laid out was too complicated for them & they apparently couldn't figure out how to debate it.
The fact that they had not even discussed 11 of the counts until Monday indicates a lack common sense in how to handle all the charges.
And don't anyone give me any of that conscientious crap either!
Conscientious people can be & are stupid!
WGN's 5 O'Clock News is usually a piece of crap anyway. They look like a team of interns struggling to get to the facts.
Didn't watch. Was busy reading page 179 of "Infinite Jest." But Ted Negovan, is it? Alan Krashesky? Jim Williams? Where were Mays, Mantle and Maris? Reading page 180? I worship news anchors. Why did they forsake us in our hour of need? The big names -- Magers, Johnson, Suppelsa -- couldn't even be like our President was during his legislative career, that is, "present." When the news breaks out, they break for vacation? Is this true? Please explain. Maybe Patrick Fitzgerald could tap into the phone conversation between the WLS news director and Magers: "I know you consider the deal you got on the time share in downtown Detroit to be f-ing golden, Ron. But this is a big story." And you thought management had the leverage with news anchors these days.
Larz, I believe Bruce Wolf is already out at WLS radio. Last night the lesser Bruce, Dumont, was on with Dan Proft. Apparently Wolf had to give back the microphone -- and the hairpiece to -- Blagojevich.
The second dash in the last paragraph should be after the word "to."
1. Can't stand Andy Shaw, but he was right. 2. Lourdes works hard, but 'GN at 5:00 is a campus broadcast. 3. Garry (post no. 9) has it right on otherwise. 4. Larz: +1 to your comment. 5. Bob (post no. 8), no offense, but I have never seen Linda Yu broadcast "happy". She is one of the most sullen on air (and pompous in person) talking heads in Chicago.
Telemundo, Channel 4 (on Comcast, nailed it. Seamless coverage by the anchor and her reporters and analysts. I don't think they have the $ resources of the big boys, but they did a remarkable job.
Speaking of the radio coverage, BBM anchors did their stately best as the guest commentators corrected the anchors on several points. GN - what a laugh, as everyone up and down the dial went commercial free dedicated to covering the news I tuned in to that has been of radio to hear "1 800 cars for kids...". LS and the Roe Conn show did good explaining everything to the audience with Mike Monaco giving the best insight and commentary.
I found Channel 2's coverage pretty good, compared to the rest. I thoroughly enjoyed Jim Williams and legal analyst Irv Miller's insightful and easy-to understand analysis. The only highlight from Channel 7 was Chuck Goudie and Paul Meincke, and the same goes for Channel 5 with reporters Carol Marin, Phil Rogers, and Mary Ann Ahern--the reporters really shined for Channel 5 and 7--the in-studio talent lacked. Channel 9 with Lourdes Duarte and Tom Negovan was a COMPLETE TRAINWRECK. They were late on most of the news. Channel 32 was also decent, but Robin Robinson and Mike Flannery provided the best analysis...Bob Sirott was lacking.
Larz and Danny are right on! WGN's late day newscasts are "The Amateur Hour". While flipping, WGN was a joke. On a normal day, Suppelsa is hard to watch.. He appears to be so fake. Also, how long are people going to watch the train wreck of Allison Payne during theclinch hour? Skilling IS the only reason to watch the 5 and 9.
Sanders belongs at the helm at 5 and 9!
Rarely has channel-switching been so much fun. Total entertainment. From great to rank, it was all there, commercial-free. It shows what local TV in this town can do. I can only imagine what it cost them from lack of locally run commercials and network revenue.
Were you watching the same coverage I was watching? I channel surfed from 5 to 7 PM. Not exactly a showcase of quality television journalism. Jim Williams on CBS made a point of explaining that Sam Adam Jr. looks different from his father because he is biracial. The relevance of that escapes me. On NBC, Phil Rogers recited the names and home towns of the jurors off a sheet of paper (I switched channels, so I don't know if he recited all 12) as if he could not wait to expose them. Lots of other inane comments delivered breathlessly, odd camera shots, and assorted "facts" (useless trivia) rather than quality coverage.
Rob, calling someone "elitist" is just a lame knee-jerk put-down, usually of someone who simply refuses to check his brain at the door.
Which is what several jurors apparently did in this case, as they bought the defense's version of that old Dom Irrera comedy bit "Hey...I'm just sayin'..."
I thought Ch. 5 had the best reporting/analysis on scene with its top tier team. I thought Ch. 32's anchor's Sirott, Robinson and Flanner were best in-studio. WGN was a complete bust. They should be embarassed.
Andy Shaw was dead on with his comments and in fact, he could've been even more harsh. Channel 7 was top notch and Channel 5's reporters saved Allison Rosati and Rob Johnson who showed they can't handle anything outside of a prepared, tele-promptered script. Allison and Rob's lack of fluidity revealed them to be uninformed newsreaders who can't think on the fly.
Overall, the media circus with Blago continues. Just tuned in WGN and they HAD to have cameras over at Blago's house to get more comments. Lets move on. If they retry him, I would just put a total news blackout on the proceedings. Sequester the jury, just let it end!!!!
By the way, WBBM, didnt do a bad job during it; I like the texting by the producer during the proceedings; very good use of current technology!
Feder makes some great points here, but referring to Jay Levine as "ballsy"? Wow. That seems a little excessive (although I like Jay's statement overall). Of the stations I watched late yesterday, the reporter/commentator who I think performed the best, hands-down, was Mike Flannery. He placed things in the best context (esp. about what Blago's recent conduct and demeanor portend for future federal defendants) and did so the most articulately (far more so than Robin Robinson, who can't hold a candle to Flannery).
I also think Feder's being way too harsh on Andy Shaw. Although my personal view is that Fitzgerald is wasting his time pouring so many resources into Blago, my guess is the defense will get its wish and deal with another, similarly unsophisticated jury next time around....
@Larry London #16 You are so right about Allison Rosati. All she is good for is a cute smile. I don't like looking at that. So no channel 5 news for me.
Didn't watch TV. I listened to WBEZ radio. Thorough, professional, fast, good analysis by reporters and guests. No (well maybe a little) speculation or editorializing. And they cut away for on-scene reporting as needed. Unlike TV, their reporters tend to be young and eager. I got the straight news I needed without the typical reporter preening.
I was surprise Channel 11 lacked live coverage. They have reports for Chicago Tonight and evidently capabilities for a live shot but instead they chose to show cartoons. By the way, what's with a full day of cartoons weekdays on our Public Television Station when there are plenty of cartoons on outlets such as Qubo and Nick on cable.
Larz,
Sorry for the typos.
My point: The only "keen Robservation" was the male anchors didn't wear suit jackets. What does that have to do with anything.(I didn't use a ? just for you) And I was genuine with the flipping between all the stations comment, he can't catch everything(comma) but he could have given us something of substance. I also should have used "have" instead of "got".
And no it's not tough to make a comment, but then again it's not my job.
I see you didn't even check out Fox's coverage, so I suppose you have no idea if that was the best Mr. Feder could have provided.
Rob, still a fan but give us more, please.
Jen,
You are so right. WGN was a joke and is a joke. Sanders and Bair should be the main Anchors.
@Mike: "Didn't watch TV. I listened to WBEZ radio. Thorough, professional, fast, good analysis by reporters and guests."
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Plus, with Alison Cuddy flapping her wings and trilling, it was as though they were reporting from a Manitoban prairie.
I always hated abc, wgn, and fox news. The best coverage was nbc and cbs. I thought abc talk too much and never shut up and I always hated ABC. WGN is nothing but a joke station just like ABC and Fox. Fox is super boring and people at fox are lousy. Boo to all news all the time to abc, wgn, and fox news. I don't understand why ABC is number 1 in ratings. The news, weather, sports, commercials,and programming are nothing but a joke. These 3 stations give you the wrong news, wrong weather,and wrong sports and info. They never correct it or apologize to their viewers. I have to be stupid to watch ABC, WGN, and FOX. Please! Watch NBC and CBS.
The majority of Rod's campaign funds were spent on TV COMMERCIALS, i.e. the salaries of all the anchors were partially funded by Rod's "crimes". Magers Plasma TV, Robinson's diner table, Goudies couch and love seat...all thanks to Blago.
@Larz (#6) - A little harsh? Some people, type away on a smartphone, usually in a rush, like I do when working or commuting. He who lives in a glass house shouldn't throw stones! I just read your blog from Monday on Manno and I assume it was written from a smartphone while on the train! =)
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Seeing Sirott on WFLD was a good thing. Solid reporting and smooth delivery, how news should be done!
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WGN dropped the ball. 'Nuff said.
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Nationally MSNBC was on it but their feed was freezing up when the verdict was read . They spent a few hours on the headline and went live the 2nd hour of the Chris Matthews program which is usually a repeat of the 1st hour.
I agree with you so much about the giggly Allison Rosati. Not sure why Channel 5 keeps her
on the evening news. She is more of a morning kind of gal! She is awful doing breaking news
and she is not much better during the regular newscasts. Always change the station when
she is on. (They should have put Anna Davlantes in her spot!!!!)
I agree about the location team at Channel 5 of Mary Ann Ahern, Phil Rogers and Carol Marin.
They are tops! I kept the channel on to see them and then changed away when Allison came
back. No need for the studio..the location reporting was the best, especially when Allison
has nothing to add.
Good coverage most everywhere! Good blog on your part, as well.
To Larry London @post #22
Correction: I think you mean Rob Stafford at Channel 5, not Rob Johnson. Rob Johnson is on Channel 2, and he wasn't even on the air on Tuesday.
Channel 7 had good coverage but why is Rosati so giddy all the time on Channel 5? Channel 2 was OK and Channel 32 was decent but Channel 9 was an atrocity, something produced out of a high school studio. As for radio, WGN-AM failed as usual.
Andy Shaw's snooty remarks no doubt sprang from his utter shock over the jury's vedict (or, as it turned out, non-verdicts). Shaw's knee-jerk response failed to take into account that none of us, at that moment, knew what had gone on behind closed doors in the jury room. We are often unaware of what's really going on behind the scenes. Take Andy Shaw, for instance. Remember when he had an on-air hissy fit?--when he didn't realize he was on the air? What a glorious example of "sophistication" that was.
New hire of Fox Chicago Mike Flannery was in his element. He did a great job alongside of Bob and Robin.
Channel 7 is always the best. WGN for news? No I just watch them in the morning for entertainment and a side of news.
Carol Marin of Chan. 5 had to be the hardest worker. A lot of face time (on Fox) but she was in a wrong position. She did get her question in though. She was one of the few real journalist that was covering the story. Some of the others were just pretending.
I'm disappointed that Patty Blago won't be able to do next season's The Bachelorette!
Although they did not have it live (that's never been their strength), Channel 11's analysis coverage has been excellent all week, primarily via Chicago Tonight and deserves praise. Their guests have been excellent (I believe they had the first in depth interview of jurors or had to be among the first, followed by Aaron Goldstein from the Blago legal team) - and the questions and direction from Carol Marin, Phil Ponce and the day to day reporting from Elizabeth Brackett. The absence of Rich Samuels during this whole event has been a real gap for Chicago tonight though. Robert Blagojevich appears on tonight's show (8/19).
Did anyone notice how both the Adamses and Blago himself bragged that they didn't even put on a defense? How sad is that?
In addition we have a double-dipper: Marin's pantsuit funded by Blago through NBC commercials and the (State of) Illinois Arts Council funds Ch. 11, so that's a pair of Botticelli's shoes thanks to Rod.
Bruce Wolf's Alpaca kennels ? courtsey of Blago.
Only the Son of Svengoolie is untainted.
@SWSIDEFAN #41: You are right. Rich Samuels and Carol Marin would have been an awesome double-team for WTTW. I would probably have preferred him to Brackett's coverage. But they presumably can't afford both.
Or should we presume that?