The general manager of KTTV-TV Channel 11 and KCOP-TV Channel 13 is quashing any speculation that News Corp.’s purchase of Chris-Craft Industries Inc. would bring immediate operational changes at either station.
GM David Boylan called a meeting with KCOP staffers last week during which he assured them that things will continue as usual, for now, employees said.
That goes for the news department as well, despite the fact that both KTTV and KCOP air competing news broadcasts at 10 p.m. on weeknights.
The buzz has been that News Corp., which owns KTTV and the rest of the Fox television group, would seek scaled-back operations at KCOP.
But insiders said Boylan has told employees it’s “business as usual”.
There has been at least one big change, however. David Woodcock, KCOP’s station’s general manager since 1999, left last week to become vice president and general manager of KCBS-TV Channel 2. Boylan, who had been serving as general manager for KTTV added KCOP to his plate.
Out of State
Local cable television personality Bill Rosendahl is taking his weekly panel discussion show to a national audience.
Aired throughout California by cable operator Adelphia Communications Corp., “Beyond the Beltway” is being sent out to other markets throughout the U.S., including Cleveland, Orlando and Palm Beach.
Smokey’s Gone
Despite its popularity with listeners, “Intimate with Smokey Robinson” has left the air after it debuted on KCMG-FM (92.3).
The Motown legend had been hosting the romantic R & B; oldies show from 8 to 10 p.m. Mondays through Thursdays since July 24, 2000.
Station officials said Robinson no longer wanted to do a daily show and they were close to working out a deal for a three-hour weekly program.
He’s Back
A voice from L.A.’s past is back on the air, for the time being.
Three years after he retired, Jere Laird recently returned to his old home, KNX-AM (1070), where he covered news and business for 30 years. The former financial reporter agreed to help the station out until someone was found to replace business reporter Charles Laszlo, who left last month, said KNX News Director Bob Sims. Laird was expected to continue his afternoon reporting stint for another couple of weeks.
Claudia Peschiutta can be reached at 323-549-5225 ext. 229 or cpeschiutta@ labusinessjournal.com
