In a move that could lead to changes in the way TV newscasts and other shows structure their commercial breaks, Nielsen has switched the way it counts audiences. Previously, a person had to watch a program for five minutes within a quarter-hour to count as a viewer. Nielsen has now lowered that requirement down to just one minute. The switch could give programs more flexibility to put commercial breaks where they make sense rather than at specific points within the show.
Coastal TV’s KQDS-TV (Duluth-Superior) announced that it will carry Milwaukee Bucks games this season, with most of the games airing on channel 21.2 and a few running on the station’s primary FOX 21 channel. Other Bucks TV affiliates were announced a few weeks ago.
Wisconsin Public Radio announced a change to its WPR Music (Classical) lineup following the retirement of longtime midday host Norman Gilliland. Ezra Wall will host from 6 to 10 a.m. from WPR’s La Crosse studio while current morning host Stephanie Elkins will host from Madison from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Nebraska Public Media announced that journalist Bill Kelly is retiring after nearly five decades with the network.
Radio Dubuque reported that general manager Perry Mason has retired, with co-owner Marty Schibbelhut now serving as GM of the four-station group.
Eddie Ybarra has joined the morning show at Woodward Communications’ “95.9 Kiss FM” (WKSZ De Pere-Green Bay).
Morning anchor Carl Deffenbaugh has announced his departure from FOX O&O WITI/6 (Milwaukee) after a decade with the station.
Reporter Leon Purvis has departed FOX O&O KMSP/9 (Minneapolis).
News anchor Kate Kopatich has departed Gray NBC affiliate KWQC/6 (Davenport) for another job within the company.
Anchor/reporter Anna Behning announced her departure from Hearst ABC affiliate KETV/7 (Omaha).
DCRTV reports that WestwoodOne is ending “America in the Morning” after 42 years on the air. The hourlong radio news magazine airs at 4 a.m. Central time weekdays and is currently hosted by John Trout. WestwoodOne is launching a new show hosted by Dan Bongino in the timeslot.
In case you missed it here:
- U.P. Christian Broadcaster Buys Commercial FM Station
- FCC Monitor: Several More New LPTV Stations Granted
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Disclosure: Jon Ellis is an employee of Gray Media Group. The statements and views expressed in this posting are his own and do not reflect those of Gray Media Group.