Submit Content  |  Subscribe  |  Customer Service  |  Place An Ad 
* Weather * Events * Visitor's Guide * Classifieds * Jobs * Cars * Homes * Apartments * Shopping * Dating
*
Cincinnati.Com
Blogs

*
*
*

Cincinnati.Com

NKY.com
Enquirer
CiN Weekly
Community Press & Recorder
cincyMOMS.com
CincinnatiUSA
Data Center
*
*
*
*
*

*
Television
John Kiesewetter on the world of local and national TV


Senior Entertainment Reporter John Kiesewetter has been covering TV and media issues for 20 years. After joining the Cincinnati Enquirer in 1975 as a summer intern, he worked as a county government and suburban reporter; assistant city editor and suburban editor; and features editor supervising the Life section. He has a B.S. in journalism from Ohio University.

Powered by Blogger

Wednesday, September 27, 2006

Is Jim O'Brien Gone?

Yes, it looks like Jim O'Brien won't be at WLWT-TV (Ch 5) much beyong November sweeps. After a flurry of posts on my blog Tuesday saying his contract was not renewed, I emailed him and gave him a chance to deny it -- or explain what's up. His reply:
"Due to the station's contractual agreement, I cannot comment at this time."
Doesn't sound like a guy who's vehemently denying that he's getting let go?

News to Them
But here's the bigger question: Why have Ch. 5 managers been so clueless for decades? What works in Cincinnati TV news is consistency and stability. That's why Rob & Kit, Clyde & Carol and Jack & Tricia have such a strong, loyal following. They do a good job, and they're there (almost) every night. And when changes are made (Raleigh for Delkus), they are few and far between.
The only thing consistent about Ch. 5 is change. What in the name of Tony Sands is going on there? O'Brien was the fifth chief meteorologist in 8 years. But it's not just a change in the weather. Look at all the anchor team changes: Norma Rashid, Charlie Luken, Ann Marie Tiernon, Dave Wagner, Sandra Ali, Sheree Paolello, etc.
So let's have some fun today.
Help me list all the former Channel 5 meteorologists.
Tom Burse was fired in 1997, and after him came Dave Fraser, Angelique Frame, Byron Webre and Jim O'Brien. Before Burse was Joe Lizura, Pat Barry, Steve Horstmeyer and who else?
And the Not Ready for PrimeTime Meteorologists at 5 have included Suzanne Horigan, Mark Massaro, Tony Mann, Chris Wright. And Chris Cimino, now at WNBC-TV in NY and "Today" show fill-in.
Who else?


107 Comments:

at 9/27/2006 9:25 AM Anonymous Anonymous said...

at 9/26/2006 4:11 PM Anonymous said...

***BREAKING NEWS***

WLWT-TV/Ch. 5 Searching for New Chief Meteorologist

Jim O'Brien has been told his contract is not being renewed.

Any suggestions?

at 9/26/2006 4:52 PM Anonymous said...

Joe Lizura!!!

at 9/26/2006 6:19 PM Anonymous said...

Jim O'Brien leaving is not breaking news... I heard it over a week ago... I didn't know his contract wasn't being renewed though... I heard that Derek Beasly has already been named Chief... My suggestion if not would be to get Dave Fraser back from Denver... he was the best meteorologist 5 has had in years (next to Angelique Frame)

at 9/26/2006 6:31 PM Anonymous said...

Heard they were "quietly" negotiating with another meteorologist in town at a different station.

at 9/26/2006 7:36 PM Anonymous said...

That door with the big "5" on it, just can't stop revolving. Despite OB's shortcomings on the air, I've been told he's a great guy. But we all know what happens to nice guys, especially in broadcasting.

at 9/26/2006 7:51 PM Anonymous said...

fraser would never set foot at wlwt again with the way he was treated besides he is very happy out in denver. so when is JoBs last day

at 9/26/2006 8:09 PM Anonymous said...

hey how about dave fraser and his wife kathy(ellis)formerly of channel 9 as the first husband and wife weather team

at 9/26/2006 8:09 PM Anonymous said...

Wow, Jim O'Brian is leaving....I am surprised. I never liked his style, but I thought most did. He annoyed me.

Now can we get rid of Steve Raleigh?

at 9/26/2006 9:21 PM Anonymous said...

I was glad to see that Angelique Frame is working again in Sacramento. Looks like Greg McKinney didn't renew his contract in Spokane and they have moved to Sacramento. I really liked her and was angry over what Channel 5 did to her. Was so glad to see her on Channel 12.

I'm so glad that Jim O'Brien is leaving. I can stand to look at him if the tv is muted. He has one of the most annoying voices I've ever heard.

at 9/26/2006 9:26 PM Anonymous said...

anyone know who the other meteorologist in town is that ch 5 may be talking to?

at 9/26/2006 10:25 PM Anonymous said...

Did anyone else notice the blog went off on a tangent?

Maybe the author doesn't post on relevant topics??

at 9/26/2006 10:27 PM Anonymous said...

steve norris.

at 9/26/2006 10:42 PM Anonymous said...

I hear Suzanne "Ample Breasts" Horgan would be available for the chief job...

at 9/26/2006 11:11 PM Anonymous said...

i've heard the norris speculation, too, but i thought he finally signed at ch. 9???

at 9/26/2006 11:28 PM Anonymous said...

so where is greg mckinney working? and this blog never stays on topic that much but its fun to read anyway

at 9/26/2006 11:42 PM Anonymous said...

watched news5 tonite and i dont know if it was just me or did they actually seem relaxed? and i like how direct you to their new web address of wlwt.com instead of channelcincinnati.com it reminds me of how 9 went from cincinow.com to cincinnati.com to just plain ol wcpo.com

at 9/26/2006 11:50 PM Anonymous said...

yeah and candice the barbie doll hunter along with sheree as anchor was the best looking team in the tristate

at 9/27/2006 12:32 AM Anonymous said...

What station in town HASN'T steve norris worked at??? He's been at 19, free-lanced at 5 for a bit before settling on 9. Why not go for the 12/64 slam dunk?

Norris' Notes: Find new job.

Can't say I'm surprised 5 is ushering someone else out the door. I'm sure Dave Wagner's next - he's been there too long and I'm sure they don't want to pay his price anymore when they can get younger, cheaper, ever-more disposable bodies.

Why on earth would anyone sign to be chief meteorologist at channel 5 when none has lasted longer than their initial contract? Tom Burse, Dave Frasier, Angelique Frame, Byron Weber, now Jim O'Brien? Seriously - has any lasted longer than one cycle?? Watch out Derek Beasley - you're days are numbered once you sign on that line. Get yourself some good outs!!!

And how are we supposed to take ANY channel 5 advertising seriously when they fire the tri-state's undisputed severe weather leader????

at 9/27/2006 12:57 AM Anonymous said...

Hey, add WHIO to Norris' Notes. When he did the news with Cathy Ballou.....you know, that was a good morning show.

at 9/27/2006 8:50 AM BrianDammit said...

I heard before they go on the air, the entire 5 News Department rips off those "Do Not Remove Under Penalty of Law" tags off of pillows. I also heard they feast on the flesh of young children. And they also rebroadcast MLB games without express written consent of the commissioner. And they assassinated Lincoln. And...

...so on.

To the news departments of 9, 12 and 19, go back to work and try to make up some more Breaking News.

 
at 9/27/2006 10:23 AM Anonymous Anonymous said...

Didn't Jon James (current chief in Lexington) work there at some point?

 
at 9/27/2006 10:34 AM Anonymous Anonymous said...

...and who can forget Dennis Jon Bailey???

 
at 9/27/2006 10:40 AM Anonymous Anonymous said...

Add Mike Nichols to the list.

Remember him? He did the weekends not all that long ago...before Ch. 5 booted him and brought in John Bateman.

 
at 9/27/2006 10:45 AM Anonymous Anonymous said...

Actually, Kieseee Baby, this IS "fun":

Write down the name Robert Hocks.

 
at 9/27/2006 11:01 AM Anonymous Anonymous said...

Gary Rizzo (in the Sands/Hosrtmeyer era)

 
at 9/27/2006 11:01 AM Anonymous Anonymous said...

Don't put that pen down yet...

Add the name of Kristen Cornett (now with NBC's WeatherPlus in New Jersey)...hired by Ch. 5 to do mornings, shoved to weekend mornings in favor of Suzanne Horgan and then out the door.

 
at 9/27/2006 11:27 AM Anonymous Anonymous said...

I didn't see where Greg McKinney has signed with anyone yet. I just saw on Angelique's profile that she says her family moved to Sacramento and then I looked at Spokane's Fox affiliate and Greg isn't there anymore. If I find out, I will post where he goes.

 
at 9/27/2006 12:52 PM Anonymous Anonymous said...

Add five to the list:

Ken Torrey and Steve Sylvestri for meteorologists and three non: Bill Myers, Debbie Merritt and Maureen McCollough.

Gary Rizzo....that reminds me of one of the high points of WLWT's history with Danielle Folquet and her "italian" salute to Rizzo.

 
at 9/27/2006 12:55 PM Blogger ShannanB said...

That is horrible about Jim O'Brien. He is a really nice guy. I have met him a few times at events. That is a real shame.

 
at 9/27/2006 1:04 PM Anonymous Anonymous said...

Julie Broski, anyone??

As for former anchors, don't forget Terry Daniels, Elena Ecchari, Evelyn Robertson, Lee Cowan (now at CBS news), Barbara Cain...

 
at 9/27/2006 1:09 PM Anonymous Anonymous said...

With Jim O'Brien fired, is he still the tri-state's undisputed severe weather leader - or is channel 5 going to have to change those promos??

 
at 9/27/2006 1:17 PM Anonymous Anonymous said...

More changes than a diaper table.

 
at 9/27/2006 1:38 PM Anonymous Anonymous said...

Isn't it amazing how all these names bring back such fleeting memories? Other than Pat Barry and Tony Sands, the rest are just blurs...like passengers on Greyhound who stop here for a potty break and a Fresca and then disappear into the night.

 
at 9/27/2006 2:00 PM Anonymous Anonymous said...

Steve Raleigh worked at 5 for awhile in the late 80's.

 
at 9/27/2006 2:23 PM Anonymous Anonymous said...

Also Mike Nichols, who did weekend weather and fill-ins. He was let go in the summer of 2004.

 
at 9/27/2006 2:26 PM Anonymous Anonymous said...

is there an echo in here?

see above post (10:40 a.m.)

 
at 9/27/2006 3:46 PM Anonymous Anonymous said...

huh, and is it any wonder that channel 5 is in the cellar most of, if not all, of the time.

 
at 9/27/2006 5:16 PM Anonymous Anonymous said...

19 also has a high turnover to

 
at 9/27/2006 5:20 PM Anonymous Anonymous said...

where did mike (i can easily get struck by lightning twice)end up any way. jon james went from columbus to ky to be chief meteorologist

 
at 9/27/2006 6:14 PM Anonymous Anonymous said...

Sheree vs. Candice - no contest. Sheree is a natural. Candice is forced, stiff. (And I think maybe the guy who posted above might be, too - lol)

Dave and Sheree really is a great combo, IMHO. I enjoy getting my local news from them.

Not sure how I feel about the Jim O'Brien deal. Jim does a great job. And concerning Derek Beasely - with all of the headway they've made with the News 5 morning show, why mess with a good thing?

As for other shows - I thought "Heroes" looks to be a pretty cool show - and can't wait for tonight's episode of "Jericho!" Just my two cents. Thanks!

 
at 9/27/2006 7:40 PM Anonymous Anonymous said...

Anybody remember Tony Mann?

 
at 9/27/2006 7:46 PM Anonymous Anonymous said...

With all of these changes..How can you believe anything that Ch. 5 does? John you should have called wlwt out on a lot of things that they have lied to you on. For example in December you said ch. 5 told you Dave Wagner was leaving the 11 pm news to spend more time with his family. In an article you wrote concerning wlwt going to two female anchors the news director was quoted as saying "I picked the two best anchors we have and put them on together". Also in that article the news director said the top 5 at 11 was here to stay for a long time. It was cancelled 3 weeks later...No wonder the audience does not stick around WLWT.

 
at 9/27/2006 7:52 PM Anonymous Anonymous said...

It is too bad about Jim. Although I am not surprised. I heard he had a lot of run ins with the news director. The news director wanted Jim to hype up the weather and make the weather sound more dangerous than it was suppose to be and Jim wouldn't play those games.

 
at 9/27/2006 7:59 PM Anonymous Anonymous said...

After Mike Nichols left in 2004 he went on to teach math at Heritage Academy in Florence.

 
at 9/27/2006 8:03 PM Anonymous Anonymous said...

that is layne mason not mike nichols

 
at 9/27/2006 9:43 PM Anonymous Anonymous said...

Let me tell you guys, I hear Jim is a great person and whether you like his on-air style or not - one heck of a guy. It's a shame 5 is screwing him like they are. He deserves much better. However, he knew he was taking a chance by coming to 5 when he did from what I am told. Too bad the folks at 5 don't understand consistency eventually wins the ratings battle in this market. And they continue to make the same mistake over and over. I’m surprised Hearst puts up with this stuff.

Jim will land on his feet and will likely look back on this as one of the best things that ever happened to him. It may be tough to see that now, but it’s true. If you stick around TV long enough, this will eventually happen to most.

While Derrick may be a good weather guesser and have all these great credentials, he’s not ready for prime-time (see Ms. Frame). I am sure he will make one heck of a meteorologist eventually, but by the time he ripens to that point, he will be long gone from 5…either by choice, or because a new ND needs to make a move to extend his tenure. (I also hear he’s a great guy too and well-deserving of the promotion, but be careful for what you wish for).

Speaking of which, does anyone know what the new chief weather dude at 5 and the GM (who I hear is pretty good overall) have in common??

Good luck to young Derrick and good luck to Jim. I’m sure he will find a station that appreciates him for all the hard work he does…and one a lot more classy than 5.

 
at 9/27/2006 11:15 PM Anonymous Anonymous said...

Are you getting at the fact that they are both BLACK???

Please, let's not make this a racial issue.

 
at 9/28/2006 12:34 AM Anonymous Anonymous said...

More 5 anchors gone by the wayside: Don Ward, Jim Watkins, Betsy Ross, Melissa Ross.... and let's not even get started on the reporters list!

 
at 9/28/2006 2:50 AM Anonymous Anonymous said...

Let's not forget about the "governor" Jerry Brown who filled in for weather for a few months and Tony Mann....

 
at 9/28/2006 10:16 AM Anonymous Anonymous said...

I remember Melissa Ross she was fired from 5 for making alot of fake runs for police and fire depts so that when she was doing a live shot the police or fire dept would arrive where she was with the lights and siren on

 
at 9/28/2006 11:45 AM Anonymous Anonymous said...

that would be very sad if jim o'brien was let go because he wouldn't hype up the weather. they should be so lucky that there was an honest guy who would tell us about the weather. if he did hype it up all the time then when dangerous weather did come, we wouldn't believe him...like the boy who cried wolf...at least he can keep his integrity which outlasts anything, even a news director who thinks "if it bleeds, it leads." maybe these news directors think all of their viewers are stupid or something.

i agree about mr. beasley though. he seems pretty cool now that he's relaxed a bit, but breaking up that morning team would be the 3rd time in less than a year.

i'm not a big sheree paolello fan. she is cute, but i don't like her style. candice hunter does ok too, and she is also cute...lol! but between hunter, paolello, ali-ley, dave wagner reigns supereme. oh...i never like juliette vara either...ok. i'm done. thanks!

 
at 9/28/2006 11:48 AM Anonymous Anonymous said...

wasn't their a weekend anchor with courtis fuller years ago named felicia ferguson? there was also a reporter named rebecca hain, and leigh searcy (who i saw on a lexington station last week while there) and a morning news anchor named wendy cichetti who anchored with greg mckinney.

 
at 9/28/2006 12:29 PM Anonymous Anonymous said...

Yes, Felicia married plastic surgeon Dr. Devinder Mangat and his millions and they live COMFORTABLY on their Camargo Rd. estate in Indian Hill.

 
at 9/28/2006 12:37 PM Anonymous Anonymous said...

Did anyone mention meteorologist Todd Warren who left 5 a few years back??

 
at 9/28/2006 12:39 PM Anonymous Anonymous said...

Actually they sold that place to Lauren Chesley (yes, Stan Chesley's daughter)...but still live COMFORTABLY on their newest estate on Shawnee Run Rd. in Indian Hill.

If it matters.

 
at 9/28/2006 12:48 PM Anonymous Anonymous said...

Todd Warren is still the main weather guy at KTAL-TV in Shreveport, LA.

http://206.123.130.98/bios/todd_warren.ASP

 
at 9/28/2006 1:46 PM Anonymous Anonymous said...

Word on the street that the new weather guy is Jim Cantore--he is looking for someplace to put down roots. Apparently the whole Steve Irwin thing rattled him a lot.

Is Ira Joe Fisher still in NY?

 
at 9/28/2006 2:45 PM Anonymous Anonymous said...

Cantore? The great American bald ego?

 
at 9/28/2006 3:52 PM Anonymous Anonymous said...

haven't heard the cantore possibility. still hear it may be someone else already working in cincinnati.

 
at 9/28/2006 4:39 PM Anonymous Anonymous said...

hey wait...ken stinson...remember him? he was a field reporter, left for texas, then came back to freelance or something. anyone remember ginger allen? i think she's in texas too. what about angela brown? is she here to stay or just freelancing too?

 
at 9/28/2006 5:29 PM Anonymous Anonymous said...

Ginger Allen works at KTVT-TV, the CBS affiliate in Dallas, TX, where she has worked ever since she left Ch. 5 in 1999 (the Lyn Tolan era...eeks!)

 
at 9/28/2006 5:33 PM Anonymous Anonymous said...

Ginger Allen

http://cbs11tv.com/bios/local_bio_171185650.html

 
at 9/28/2006 9:42 PM Anonymous Anonymous said...

who remembers Judd Cribbs and his "Cribbs Notes?"

 
at 9/29/2006 8:36 AM Anonymous Anonymous said...

"I’m surprised Hearst puts up with this stuff."

Hearst has to sign off on nearly every anchor hire at any of their stations. So, if someone doesn't work out, they're at least partly to blame.

 
at 9/29/2006 10:20 AM Anonymous Anonymous said...

Hearst also puts the management in place -- some it's been amazing they've been able to hold jobs for so long.

 
at 9/29/2006 10:47 AM Anonymous Anonymous said...

Ira Joe Fisher is still in NYC,
Usually see him on the Saturday Early show.... Does anyone remember his dreadful successor, Mitzi Oxford....talk about bein in over her head! Debbie Merritt(She now has a different last name)is still in the area but semi retired.
(She's a native Middletonian as is John London(he was John Paese when I knew him in the days of supervised recreation at Sunset Park-yea I'm showing my age, Kiess.) THats the same park where Jerry Lucas used to play basketball in the summers....
Lee Ann

 
at 9/29/2006 11:01 AM Anonymous Anonymous said...

Ooops... Debbie Banker Merritt's name is now Debbie Contardi(I think that's the way its spelled) Two news names from the past.... Ben Johnson at WKRC and Gene Randell at WLW
Lee Ann

 
at 9/29/2006 12:59 PM Anonymous Anonymous said...

i just realized that cindy matthews is gone from channel 9

 
at 9/29/2006 1:33 PM Anonymous Anonymous said...

Is it me - or is this really just a piss-poor TV market? High turnover, who-cares-shootings that lead newscasts, and constant hyping of the weather. It's a small market trying to act like a big market without the news and clearly without the talent.

 
at 9/29/2006 1:36 PM Anonymous Anonymous said...

TV 5 is pathetic.
Here's a sample of dead bodies left along that nasty road on the Hill...
Bina Roy, Jim O'Brien, Dave Wagner, Tom Sussi, Kristen Cornett...And that's just over the past several months. Not to mention producers. Hearst should be ashamed of itself for letting this go on...

 
at 9/29/2006 2:06 PM Anonymous Anonymous said...

For a few posts back, Cincinnati overall does not have a high turnover rate. You look at the other stations and anchors go back years if not decades, and viewers are allowed to get to know and trust them. Ch. 5 does not do that for whatever reason. Most if not all of the turnover in this post is referencing WLWT.

 
at 9/29/2006 2:53 PM Anonymous Anonymous said...

The only thing stable at 5 is their sports, with Broo and Vogel.

At least they're smart enough to figure out those two are a great combo and too talented to lose. If it wasn't for "Sports Rock," I'd never have any reason to check out 5.

Maybe they should just bag the news and just do 30 minutes of local sports at 11.

 
at 9/29/2006 3:28 PM Anonymous Anonymous said...

Geez - shut up already about Channel 5 and their losing ways! Who cares?

What about the non-issue about Survivor and the segregatedteams and their merge last night? What about the advertsiing whimps P&G (Procter & Gutless) and General (boring) Motors and their abandonment after leaks to the media about how awful the segregation was? Who will be the first to leap back?

Maybe Cincinnat is too small to talk about anything but it's own smallness? (As evidenced by the constant harping about channel 5).

 
at 9/29/2006 6:30 PM Anonymous Anonymous said...

dont forget the zippir Zip Rzeppa

 
at 9/29/2006 7:55 PM Anonymous Anonymous said...

Jim Cantore, is that TWC guy who does Storm Stories? Oh, I like him and his delivery.

I thought of another WLWT anchor, but I know her last name is spelled wrong, Wendy Chicetti.

 
at 9/29/2006 8:36 PM Anonymous Anonymous said...

So, was 5 actually thinking there relationship with WLW would help them?

 
at 9/29/2006 11:28 PM Anonymous Anonymous said...

dont forget barbara cain

 
at 9/30/2006 1:17 AM Anonymous Anonymous said...

NO JOKE! CHANNEL 5 changes the line-up. I thought there were meds for A-D-D?

Does anyone know where Jim is going to go next? Was he blind sided?

did Bina get a job???

 
at 9/30/2006 11:18 AM Anonymous Anonymous said...

bina is still listed on medialine.com as still looking

 
at 9/30/2006 11:33 AM Anonymous Anonymous said...

TV 5 is going after the younger female demo. That's why there's all the babes. It's a shame and so blantly sexist.
The company is setting itself up for more sex and age discrimination suits. Not to mention hostile work environment suits. But you won't see the Great Keiss writing about that. But don't get me started on this hack who knows nothing about the tv and radio business. The Enquirer should can this no-talent scribe or let him write obits.

 
at 9/30/2006 11:48 AM Anonymous Anonymous said...

yikes! didn't have your cheerios today?

 
at 9/30/2006 12:10 PM Anonymous Anonymous said...

No he didnt he ate exlax for breakfast today with metamucil

 
at 9/30/2006 2:07 PM Anonymous Anonymous said...

if channel 5 was going after the "younger female demo," then why would they higher young females? are you making a generalization about most women's orientation, or are you just wrong?

 
at 9/30/2006 5:17 PM Anonymous Anonymous said...

Boy, if you have a problem with Kiesewetter, don't post or read here. You need not make GROSS SWEEPING COMMENTS that are WRONG.
If they are hiring BABES at 5, then wouldn't they want the young MALE demo??

Your comments putting down John speaks volumes of your character....or lack there of.

Channel 5 STINKS and I HATE how wlw radio no longer is affiliated with Channel 12 news....Channel 5 is so low on the pole of news I would watch.

 
at 9/30/2006 6:10 PM Anonymous Anonymous said...

When is the late time John has ever written anything controversial? You kidding me. The guy is a marshmellow. I agree with the other post. He's a hack. No inside information on anything. In fact, I have a friend who's a media writer in another market, and he says John has no respect in that circle of pros whatsoever.

 
at 9/30/2006 6:13 PM Anonymous Anonymous said...

Problem is this: This city is a "homer" market. Very few implants. Narrow-minded thinking across board.

As for John, nice guy but really doesn't write anything substantial about local tv biz. Either he's leary to tackle harder stories or simply isn't connected. Probably a little of both. Go Bengals!

 
at 9/30/2006 7:33 PM Anonymous Anonymous said...

TANGENT.....TANGENT
what was the nickname for joe lizura given to him by Gary Burbank?

 
at 9/30/2006 7:45 PM Anonymous Anonymous said...

RE: Joe Lizura
Where have you gone, Joe Lizura?

June 7, 2006

The affable, popular 16-year weather reporter at KNSD/Channel 39, San Diego's NBC-owned TV station, suddenly doesn't work there anymore, and managers are keeping mum about the reasons for his departure.

An e-mail sent to employees said only that Lizura had departed the station.

“All I can tell you is that Joe is no longer an employee at NBC 7/39,” said news director Greg Dawson. “It's a personnel issue.”

Viewers who call the station to inquire are given only a one-line answer by phone operators: “He's no longer employed with the station.” They answer no questions.

Lizura's last workday, said a source, was May 22, when he left on vacation. He told colleagues he was moving to a new home and planned to work on it.

He returned for a day last week, took some of his belongings from his desk and left. Later, his desk was cleaned out, and he has not returned. His picture has been deleted from the station's Web page.

“I know he's gone; I know he's not coming back,” said one member of the staff.

Maybe Him Maybe

 
at 9/30/2006 10:11 PM Anonymous Anonymous said...

Sandra Ali comes back from her honeymoon with hubby Shawn Ley next week. Will her name be Sandra ALI - LEY?
Aren't the bosses at 5 and 12 worried they will share big trade secrets with each other? What happens if the doublemint twins raked in better numbers? Will Sandra be shown the door next just like the other dead bodies that have been mentioned on this site. Oh, we must stay tuned to see how it all unfolds....Or do we really care.....Maybe 5 can be the first to try a threesome with Candice, Sheree, and Sandra reading the news....I can just see the wheels turning in that news director's little brain now....

 
at 10/01/2006 1:07 AM Anonymous Anonymous said...

you bmurdock like i am showing our ages

 
at 10/01/2006 10:42 AM Anonymous Anonymous said...

wow - candice sheree and sandra. im laughing as we speak - what a joke but how true, how true - "the tri-state's only 5 person newsteam on cincinnati's own channel 5"

 
at 10/01/2006 12:04 PM Anonymous Anonymous said...

Why did the enquirer's Sunday TV guide delete Daytons channel 26 CW station? They also didn't add the CinCW 12.2 so there is no TV guide information on CW.

 
at 10/01/2006 5:31 PM Anonymous Anonymous said...

Hmmm. So it's ok to trash everyone ELSE who works in the media, just not the guy who runs this blog. That sounds fair. Oh - and WHO DEY!

 
at 10/01/2006 6:00 PM Anonymous Anonymous said...

Anchors.....add Rick Taylor and Sheri Norton-Stern.

Didn't Rick Taylor leave to work/own a Krispie Kreme franchise?

 
at 10/02/2006 10:31 AM Anonymous Anonymous said...

Let's not forget several other sports anchors of short duration: Len Matusak, Bob Trumpy, Solomon Wilcots, Andy Furman and the Congressmam from Arizona Heywood (I think is his name).

 
at 10/02/2006 6:11 PM Anonymous Anonymous said...

sandra is back and looking a tad tanned and plump

 
at 10/02/2006 9:34 PM Anonymous Anonymous said...

don't forget about Buddy Pittman, Fred Kalil and the two grand poohbah's of WLWT sports, Phil Samp and Bill Brown.

 
at 10/03/2006 11:30 AM Blogger John Kiesewetter said...

You're right, guys, this was fun! Thanks for all the names. We'll have to do it again.

 
at 10/03/2006 10:01 PM Anonymous Anonymous said...

Sandra did look a wee bit different (maybe less on the wee). What's up?

 
at 10/04/2006 3:56 PM Anonymous Anonymous said...

Ithought that Walt Maher was the poobah. And lets not forget Donn Burroughs(Now the girls basketball coach here at Fenwick).And not that they are not qualified, but why do all the stations feel the need to have a female sportsperson?

 
at 10/04/2006 4:40 PM Anonymous Anonymous said...

Donn Burrows, Donn Burrows, Donn Burrows.

And before Denny (or Dennis) Janson, Fred Wymore!

Weather on 12: Bill Crafton

 
at 10/04/2006 5:43 PM Anonymous Anonymous said...

and my favorite RADIO sportscaster, Red Picher, on 1360 WSAI. Red hair, real last name! Early to mid 80's.

 
at 10/04/2006 10:44 PM Anonymous Anonymous said...

We all noticed how Sheree looks so nervous that her face is breaking out - and which lazy eye on car dealer candy hunter ARE we supposed to look at?

 
at 10/04/2006 11:27 PM Anonymous Anonymous said...

wasn't there a guy named "glenn" something who did the weather on ch. 12 way back when kit andrews was still the noon anchor? any clues folks?

oh, i'll confess...i watch channel 5...but just to see emily longnecker...lol! wow! wow! wow! she looked great today with the #4 pick on the top 5 at 5. after i watch her, i flip to 12. no one else is worth watching there, except maybe ken broo.

 
at 10/04/2006 11:28 PM Anonymous Anonymous said...

wasn't there a guy named "glenn" something who did the weather on ch. 12 way back when kit andrews was still the noon anchor? any clues folks?

oh, i'll confess...i watch channel 5...but just to see emily longnecker...lol! wow! wow! wow! she looked great today with the #4 pick on the top 5 at 5. after i watch her, i flip to 12. no one else is worth watching there, except maybe ken broo.

 
at 10/05/2006 9:31 AM Anonymous Anonymous said...

The Glenn you are refering to was Glenn "Skipper" Ryle, who also had a children's show on channel 12 in the 50's and 60's.
Lee Ann the trivia buff

 
at 10/05/2006 9:54 AM Anonymous Anonymous said...

And was 2nd banana to Nick Clooney on his talk show....and he also hosted Bowling for Dollars and Glenn's Den.

Loves his Fosters :) Absolutely, the NICEST person I've ever met in broadcasting, with Walt Mayer and Bill Myers in the same league.

 
at 10/07/2006 10:22 PM Anonymous Anonymous said...

It's official, Derek "teeth" Beasley is moving in on the kill of Jim O' Brien. He is working his morning shift then he will be on at 5pm, taking Jim off the 5 o'clock show. It's channel 5's way of slowly introducing people when they replace them with others. Jim's contract is up at the end of the year. That is how Sheree slithered in and took Dave's anchor job away from him. A half hour at a time. First it was the 5, then the 5:30 then the 11pm show. It's a back stabbing business, but that is what Fame and Fortune does to people.

 
at 10/09/2006 7:23 AM Anonymous Anonymous said...

Ahaha.. "teeth". At least he has some to show. You probably don't have any at all.

 
at 10/10/2006 9:52 AM Anonymous Anonymous said...

No one is taking anyone's job away from anyone. Derek didn't do anything more than do his job.

Don't make assumptions unless you know the facts.

 
at 10/11/2006 1:01 AM Anonymous Anonymous said...

I just want to say that WLWT is making a HUGE mistake. thanks to Jim, we have the power of 5 radar network, we have weatherPLUS, we have :LIVE, JIM O'BRIEN REBUILT the STORM TEAM 5 WEATHER CENTER TO MAKE IT WHAT IT IS TODAY. I GUARANTEE YOU ONE THING THOUGH, NO MATTER WHERE HE GOES, HE WILL ALWAYS BE THE TRI-STATES LEADER. I feel extremely bad for him now, not only is he the best dang chief meteorologist in the cincinnati market, he is a DANG good friend and I am extremely thankful that I have him as a friend. From WLKY to WTHR to WLWT, I have always been under Jim O'Brien's Umbrella of Protection. Bottom line, if they get rid of Jim O'Brien, they need to drop the name "POWER of 5"

NOTHING CAN BEAT JIM O'BRIEN AND THE POWER OF 5!!!!!

 
at 10/11/2006 3:41 AM Anonymous Anonymous said...

I agree. Jim O'Brien is a great Chief Meteorologist and its terrible that WLWT can't see that. But channel 5 management never pays attention so how would they know what the viewers like.

Jim O'Brien is terrific and some station out there will definitely be glad to have him. The viewers will like him too.

I'll miss you Jim. Good Luck!!

 
at 10/11/2006 10:53 AM Anonymous Anonymous said...

Yeah, How do you dispute the undisputed weather leader? I guess by sinking your "TEETH" into it.

 
at 10/11/2006 12:52 PM Anonymous Anonymous said...

I just want to say that WLWT is making a HUGE mistake. thanks to Jim, we have the power of 5 radar network, we have weatherPLUS, we have :LIVE, JIM O'BRIEN REBUILT the STORM TEAM 5 WEATHER CENTER TO MAKE IT WHAT IT IS TODAY. I GUARANTEE YOU ONE THING THOUGH, NO MATTER WHERE HE GOES, HE WILL ALWAYS BE THE TRI-STATES LEADER. I feel extremely bad for him now, not only is he the best dang chief meteorologist in the cincinnati market, he is a DANG good friend and I am extremely thankful that I have him as a friend. From WLKY to WTHR to WLWT, I have always been under Jim O'Brien's Umbrella of Protection. Bottom line, if they get rid of Jim O'Brien, they need to drop the name "POWER of 5"

NOTHING CAN BEAT JIM O'BRIEN AND THE POWER OF 5!!!!!

folks that was john bateman, I wonder if he will follow jim to what ever station jim goes 2

 
at 10/11/2006 3:41 PM Anonymous Anonymous said...

Being a great guy and a good friend does not equate to being good on air. That whole Power of 5 campaign was a joke. We can all make use of the National Weather Service radars. Why would we... when they are older, crude, and less precise. 5 is very much like the old Bengals. Until the management comes up with a winning game plan (and sticks with it)they will continue to be at or near the bottom. Get better at choosing talent, stop the gimmick's, and Pair Dave back with Sandra.

 
at 10/11/2006 4:22 PM Anonymous Anonymous said...

Jim OB is not only a nice guy, but an excellent forecaster. He hit the 12/04 snowstorm right on the money. Ch. 5 has a problem not giving their people a chance....and continues to lose it's viewers. They will never improve their ratings until they keep a team together.

 
at 10/11/2006 9:49 PM Anonymous Anonymous said...

It comes down to one thing: cut the gimmicks, present the weather straight forward, heck, even go back to a magic marker weather map (if Ira Joe can continue with the plexiglass and grease pen on CBS, why not!). Personality is a plus but don't go overboard, to the point of being one isobar short of selling us a 1991 Ford Taurus.

Promote your entire news as "straight forward and no more gimmicks" and cut the longggggg outcues; just say "News5".

 
at 10/14/2006 11:17 PM Anonymous Anonymous said...

The Whole Revolving Door at 5 is bad. Look what they did to Lisa Cooney. Lisa wanted Sandra's Job, when Anne Marie Tiernon Left in 2004. What did she get? Morning news with Todd Dykes... LISA COONEY HAS BEEN WITH 5 for 15 years. With now a nother firing in the door at Channel 5 makes you wonder if long time station vets John London, George Vogel and Cooney will get the axe.

What about Poor Dave Wagner. I know he wanted to have family friendly hours but only putting him on at 6 is ridiculous. He is a nice man if you ever meet him. What about Tom Sussi's and Michelle Hopkins' Status' at 5. Michelle went from Morning anchor, to Target 5 investigator, to general assignment reporting. What's up 5? Oh and the same thing to Tom Sussi? Target 5 Taking Action Reporter to General Assignment Reporter.
If i was News Director Brennan Donnellan or General Manger Richard Dyer here's would be my new lineup:

Weekdays

News 5 Today
Todd Dykes
Candace Hunter
Marina Jurica-Weather
Pete Scalia-Traffic

News 5 @ Noon
Candace Hunter
Marina Jurica- Weather

News 5 @ 5
Lisa Cooney
Sheree Paolello
Derek Beasley-Chief Meteor./Weather
Pete Scalia- Traffic in Sky 5

News 5 @ 5:30
Dave Wagner
Lisa Cooney
Derek Beasley- Weather
Pete Scalia- Traffic in Sky 5

News 5 @ 6:00
Sandra Ali
Dave Wagner
Derek Beasley- Sports
Ken Broo- Sports

News 5 @ 11:00
Sandra Ali
Sheree Paolello
Derek Beasley- Weather
Ken Broo- Sports


Weekends:

News 5 Today Weekend
7am., 10am. (Sat)
7am., 9am (Sun)
Courtis Fuller
Tom Sussi
A New Meteorologist (Rich Apuzzo if he is looking to stay in town)

News 5 @ 6 & 11
Jonathan Hawgood
Michelle Hopkins
John Bateman

Reporters:
Amy Wagner
John London
Emily Longnecker
Michelle Hopkins (Weekdays)
Karin Johnson
Michael Moelly

And Hire A lot more employees!


If I were 5, I would write a big appology note To Norma Rashid and other employees saying their sorry for what they have done to all their past employees.

They should get Norma Back!!! Norma was Excellent. So she made a mistake and got a DUI. Look at 19's Paul Horton, he got a DUI and is still on 19. I think the firing of Rashid was based on "age stats" and how long they were with ''5" BRING BACK NORMA! PROMOTE LISA AND DAVE! GIVE MICHELLE AND TOM BETTER JOBS!

Oh yeah 5 should invest in an entire new set. The red is horrid. The video screen is horrid. I would like to see Ch. 5 go back to were they have the Cincinnati Skyline behind them, just an updated background, one for day, and one for night.

 
at 10/16/2006 5:26 PM Anonymous Anonymous said...

A BLOGGER IS RIGHT! DEREK IS DOING 5PM NEWS and Jim the rest... hmmmm????

 
at 10/18/2006 6:32 PM Anonymous Anonymous said...

Yes! Terry Daniels is coming back to Cincinnati. well you can call him Terry Thill, in Toledo. He is coming back to Cincy because of his wifes new job.

Um any Chance WLWT will be put him back as a reporter or a news anchor or will he go to a different station?

 
at 10/21/2006 8:24 AM Anonymous Anonymous said...

Just looking back on previous blogs...happened to see this one. Channel 5 weather did a good job...thanks for all your help Jim. "As I flipped around the dial, I kept coming back to Channel 5 last night. Not because it’s the “official snow closing station,” but because of the superior graphics on the school closing list: The state was in yellow type right next to the school, and changes were noted with “this just in” in yellow. Very helpful….

 
at 11/11/2006 8:51 PM Anonymous Anonymous said...

THEN LET'S HELP...For all of you who believe in Jim O'brien as I do then do something...write channel 19 or 5 and let them know...personally I would write 19 and tell them to bring him on. Jim is a person who really cares about his job and it shows. He has been the most accurate Meteorologist in the tristate and has worked really hard...people write they feel bad for him then do something to help!

 
at 12/15/2006 9:32 AM Anonymous Anonymous said...

***BREAKING NEWS***
THE REVOLVING DOOR @ WLWT IS CONTINUING. ADD MARINA JURICA TO THE LIST. SHE IS NO LONGER ON THE PAGE @ WLWT AND THEY HAD KEISHA KIRKLAND DOING WEATHER THIS MORNING. TOO BAD, SHE WAS GOOD!!!!

 
at 1/05/2007 10:02 PM Anonymous Anonymous said...

Isn't this the open door for Apuzzo?

 
at 2/18/2007 10:09 PM Anonymous Anonymous said...

Anyone know where Jim has landed? I was hoping Channel 19 would pick him up, but they have yet to replace Apuzzo.

 
at 2/26/2007 8:37 PM Anonymous Anonymous said...

I'm sad because Jim O'Brien is so cute! I never thought his voice was annoying.

At least Pete Scalia is still there... He's definitely eye candy! ;)

 
Post a Comment*

* Our online blogs currently are hosted and operated by a third party, namely, Blogger.com. You are now leaving the Cincinnati.Com website and will be linked to Blogger.com's registration page. The Blogger.com site and its associated services are not controlled by Cincinnati.Com and different terms of use and privacy policy will apply to your use of the Blogger.com site and services.

By proceeding and/or registering with Blogger.com you agree and understand that Cincinnati.Com is not responsible for the Blogger.com site you are about to access or for any service you may use while on the Blogger.com site.

<< Home


Blogs
Jim Borgman
Today at the Forum
Paul Daugherty
Politics Extra
N. Ky. Politics
Pop culture review
Cincytainment
Who's News
Television
Roller Derby Diva
Art
CinStages Buzz....
The Foodie Report
cincyMOMS
Classical music
John Fay's Reds Insider
Bengals
High school sports
NCAA
UC Sports
CiN Weekly staff
Soundcheck


Site Map:   Cincinnati.Com |  NKY.com |  Enquirer |  CiN Weekly |  CincinnatiUSA
Customer Service:   Search |  Subscribe Now |  Customer Service |  Place An Ad |  Contact Us
Classified Partners:   Jobs: CareerBuilder.com |  Cars: cars.com |  Homes: HOMEfinder |  Apartments: apartments.com |  Shopping: ShopLocal.com
Copyright © 1996-2005:   Use of this site signifies agreement to terms of service and privacy policy updated 10/05/2005