Television: Ch 9 pulls plug on Michael Flannery, "9 On Your Kids Side"

Monday, March 05, 2007

Ch 9 pulls plug on Michael Flannery, "9 On Your Kids Side"

Has any other TV reporter impacted as many lives as Ch. 9's Michael Flannery and "9 On Your Kids Side?" Ch 9 confirms today that it didn't renew the contract for Flannery, who has helped special needs kids for five years with his regular "9 On Your Kids Side" features. He's gone at the end of the month, and they're shutting down the ability to donate money for his causes through the Greater Cincinnati Foundation. Here's a link to my story:
http://news.enquirer.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/AB/20070305/LIFE/303050051/
It appears his "9 On Your Kids Side" is a Cincinnati phenomena. Flannery says Scripps tried it at other stations in other markets, but it just didn't work. I guess that says something about our generosity. I understand the economic pressures of the news biz, and why Ch 9 is pulling the plug, though I hate to see this program end.... He's done so much good work. And the nonprofits and disease support groups who counted on him as MC for their fund-raisers will really miss him. He really will be missed.

63 Comments:

at 3/05/2007 6:20 PM

Anonymous said...

I am not surprised that his is gone, i mean i never watched him. I just never really watched and had a him to watch especiallywhen he was on Fox19 kids club

at 3/05/2007 7:55 PM

Anonymous said...

John

I find this so sad they are getting rid of this segment.

With all the hoopla and hype on weather DOPPLERS, RUINING our tv screens with ENDLESS "sky is falling, so schools are closing" stuff, promoting INTERNET, putting money into more areas, it's sad.

This was good work and good stories. It was a GREAT THING.

Of all the segments to get rid of, Channel 9 chose this? How about their stupid health segments that are nothing but mini infomercials about drugs that may not come on the market for years? OR be full of side effects, or BE VERY OLD NEWS.

I wish Michael well. He deserves better.

I think even LESS of the local news than I do now for getting rid of this.

Channel 9 and their powers that be should all be ashamed.

They are Channel ZERO in my book.

Sophia
in Fairfield

at 3/05/2007 10:41 PM

Anonymous said...

Is any TV station really in a position to do community service any more? The dollar seems more important than ever.

at 3/05/2007 11:13 PM

Anonymous said...

Corporate broadcasting! Thanks to the FCC for making the business what it is today. Surely not what it was intended in the early days, like acting in the public's best interest. But I guess the bottom line, is the bottom line! Thank you Michael Flannery for trying and accomplishing what corporate broadcasts no longer feel is important! Serving the public interest. Good luck on the bottom line Channel 9, count me out as a former dedicated viewer. I will no longer be watching your news.

at 3/06/2007 2:51 AM

Anonymous said...

This is a bad move on WCPO's part. I think this deserves one of the John Materese doesn't that stink awards. Michael has done a lot to help people in this community, not to mention the media recognition for WCPO for all his charitable work. Michael, we will miss you. hang in there. One door closes, another opens. Good Luck!

at 3/06/2007 4:45 AM

Anonymous said...

If 5, 12, or 19 are smart, they would pick up this idea. (hopefully 5 or 19)

at 3/06/2007 9:01 AM

Anonymous said...

Yet another example creativity and enterprise that disappears from the local media stage.

It doesn't matter that the stories produced by Flannery had a profound effect for the non-profits and the disease support groups, and were a prime example of a station using the public airwaves to perform a public service (remember those days). No, all that mattered was the bottom line.

Flannery and possibly his producer and videographer will head to unemployment. (Here's a month's severence pay, have a good life).

But, the investors will be happy and Ch 9 News will have a couple of extra minutes a week to give us, say, more weather.

The deregulated FCC could care less. Somewhere along the way the term "serving the public interest" must have been deleted from TV and radio station licenses.

at 3/06/2007 10:18 AM

Anonymous said...

It's as someone profoundly told me years ago, television is commercials interrupted by programming.

Hopefully 19 will pick this up. Then it would come full circle and could reignite Club19.

By the way, Michael also worked on Qube in the early 80's. Ask him about the "Dr. Lepper" parody commercial!

at 3/06/2007 10:19 AM

Anonymous said...

I used to wrk with michael in cincinnati and he never had a producer. he did the wohle thing him self.

at 3/06/2007 10:50 AM

Anonymous said...

So what Channel 9 is essentially saying is that "Don't Waste Your Money" is more important than our kids. Nice. I plan to voice my displeasure via the following link: http://wcpo.scripps.com/helpdesk/contactus.html. Michael was instrumental in helping a special needs child a voice communicator at my kids' school and he needs to be allowed to continue this valuable work. Good luck, Michael!

at 3/06/2007 10:53 AM

Anonymous said...

Ummm...no offense but Michael is a nearly 50 year old man. I think he's a tad gray and long in the tooth to be hosting 19 kids club.

Anyway, why couldn't Michael hook up with a non-profit like Crossroads and CityLink to do his good for the community, as a suggestion.

The probelm with corporate broadcasting is that as stations are no longer locally oriented, who cares about providing anything other than McProgramming. Hearst-Argyle's support of the Ruth Lyon's Fund is a shadow of what it used to be. Ruth is rotating in her grave. That's what concerns me about WKRC being on the block. Another corporate entity providing homogonization - like what Clear Channel, Entercom, Cumulus, et al have done.

Sad...sad...sad.

at 3/06/2007 11:05 AM

Anonymous said...

I am not an industry person or insider, just someone who finds the media an interesting topic and has a lot of time on their hands. I realize that many posters here are industry people who probably know more about TV and radio than I do, but I have to say that in the thirty years I have lived in this area, I have never seen or heard such a mess on the local airwaves than in the last two years. What is different now? Dont programmers understand that listeners want to know what they are going to hear from a particular radio station over and over and over> I want consistency on the dial. Thats all.

As for local TV as it relates to Michael's situation, enough of the topic hopping. It gets a little weary to see Howard Ain and John Matarese tell me to "make sure to get a reciept" or " read the fine print" over and over again. Geez, are most viewers really that stupid? Give me something new, fresh and something that makes me think "wow, thats a great thing to know." Someone else made a comment about health watch type segments. I can almost tell what is going to be said before it airs "new drug, may help cure something, looks very promising, not FDA approved yet, testing to continue."

PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE do something worthwhile with the TV time you have to offer. Michael's spot, Deb Dixon's Crimestoppers segment, and even the adopt a dog stuff that pops up is better for us than that guy who used to want to throw some kind of dog bone at bad remodelers....was his name Sussi? or something like that?

I am ranting now, but man it stinks to watch TV in this market anymore. As for the radio, does anyone know where I can turn on the dial and hear some actual music? I do not want to hear what Jeff and Jen or Brian or Barb or anyone else thinks about American Idol.

Thats it, I'm done now...Oh yeah, Hey Gary Burbank, keep playing the old Doc Wolfe "Senseless Survey " spots and bring back that Homesless Detective guy..does anyone know the back story on why Doc left? I know it was a long time ago? I saw him cooking healthy food for a whle, but I sure miss his dry wit?
Thas it...back to work for me.... you too..John in Hebron

at 3/06/2007 11:10 AM

Anonymous said...

I find them letting him go to be sad. Equally as sad is the bias John uses when writing this blog entry. Had it been a decision by 5, 12, or 19 he'd have his wicked tongue out....but not so much with his tv partner station. Ch.9 should be ashamed of losing such a positive program.

at 3/06/2007 11:14 AM

Anonymous said...

So is 9 now NOT on our kids side???

at 3/06/2007 11:47 AM

Anonymous said...

John, is your tongue truly wicked?
Open up...let see...

It's a blog people...chill

at 3/06/2007 11:54 AM

Anonymous said...

I am outraged. (and that is an understatement) I have experienced first hand the good work of "9 on Your Kid's Side" as Michael has helped recruit volunteers and families for Respite programs I have organized. The only reason that I watched Channel 9 was not because of their "dopplers" or useless money saving tips, but because of the compelling and inspiring pieces that Michael crafted. The idea that this would no longer be viewed as a valuable part of the programming is absurd. Obviously Channel 9 is not on the side of the community. I will not be viewing their broadcast any longer, and further more will make sure I tell everyone I know about this HUGE mistake that the network has made. In a world where we hear of war and violence it was so refreshing to hear about things that were happening in our own community that we could make a difference with.
Michael... to you we are all indebted... your compassion, heart, and overwhelming desire to make a difference have changed this community forever. We wish you all the best and thank you for bringing comfort and encouragement to so many.
To Channel 9 - you should be ashamed of yourselves - all the dopplers in the world will never have the impact that Michael Flannery did. He saved lives, brought comfort, and showed mercy to a population that is often marginalized. (and for the record Channel 9 you are now among the ranks of those who have marginalized the needs of those who have no voice - that can't possibly be good for your ratings)
Good Luck Michael!
Harmony
Cincinnati, OH

at 3/06/2007 11:56 AM

Anonymous said...

It is a sad day in Cincinnati. Michael - I will miss you and the others at channel 9 (as I won't be tuning into the station any longer). I watched WCPO because I felt they cared about our community. They haven't been airing Michael as often lately. If they were trying to ease him out, it didn't work. He will still be greatly missed.

at 3/06/2007 12:02 PM

Anonymous said...

This is really too bad. Michael Flannery has done so much for some many peope, and he falls victim to corporate greed... Cost cutting my foot! There has got to be a way to keep his show on,even if its just once a month,or maybe he can alternate with Matarese.And yes, that really does stink!!!!
from the neighborhood

at 3/06/2007 12:04 PM

Anonymous said...

As far as I can tell, 9 was never on our kids side; Michael Flannery was on our kids side. As long as it seemed in the best interests of WCPO they put him on the air.

Now we need to be content with the most technically advanced weather software, doppler radar, and being protected from storms and having a dedicated weather channel. That's way more important than our kids.

I am not interested in getting WCPO content sent to my cell phone. I would be interested in a station that placed a premium on the public interest.

at 3/06/2007 12:33 PM

Unknown said...

They just dumped probably the smartest guy in the news dept, and definitely the one with the biggest heart. And why? So they can send spam to your cell phone?
Gary

at 3/06/2007 12:44 PM

Anonymous said...

Quite a bummer here in Cincinnati. Good luck Michael. I hope you land on your feet!!!

Hey WCPO - I have a indea for your 6 pm newscast. Why don't you eliminate some those commercials after DJ's sports segment and the ones after you come back on for 30 seconds and remind us "that your are always on" the internet. If you drop some of those ads you might have more time for real news that is worth watching. BTW - I never really did think you were on my side...

at 3/06/2007 1:04 PM

Anonymous said...

Sorry to see Michael go, will not be watching channel 9 anymore. any station that has time for the health segment (it stinks by the way) but does not have time for our kids should not be on the air!

at 3/06/2007 1:08 PM

Anonymous said...

First, kinda off topic, to John in Hebron. Doc retired from Gary's show to promote his Fat Free cookbook..I was there when he retired the first time...later he came back part time as he got into the advertising business I believe...just wanted a change of pace but still loves coming in to do those Senseless Surveys! I like those too.

I agree that Channel 9 has their priorities screwed up BIG TIME. I LOVED hearing how Michaels segment TOUCHED OUR COMMUNITY.

HELLO, is ANYBODY BESIDES ME tired of the LOCAL NEWS being about every HORROR STORY across the country.

KEEP IT LOCAL!! how about Keeping Michael and having, dare I say it UPLIFTING STORIES!! *gasp*

But honestly, I rarely if ever watch ANY NEWS but if the weather is wicked or I need to know the next day, I tune in about 16 minutes after the hour to catch the blathering of the weather.

Man, I miss the days of Tony Sands...90 second segments, hand drawn map, and he told me all we needed to know and was MORE ON THE MARK.

Sophia, off her soapbox in Fairfield.

(I feel better! ) :-)

p.s. John, Duke, gary's sidekick did that Homeless detective bit..I just put a bug in somebody's ear to bring that back.

P.s.s. RANT #2

I can hardly read this &^%#^@ WORD VERIFICATION..can we do AWAY with this??

What is the point..today, I have one that looks like it's in GREEK.

*****???

at 3/06/2007 1:20 PM

Anonymous said...

It may "just be a blog", but Anon 11:10 is right: Kiese's comments on this are way tamer than they would be if it was one of the other stations. That's just sad.

Of course, the Enquirer and 9 are due to part ways this year, so we'll see, I guess.

at 3/06/2007 2:10 PM

Anonymous said...

It is a complete disappointment to me that the one good thing to watch about the news is gone. I will not watch 9 news again. What a negative world the news has become.

at 3/06/2007 2:49 PM

Anonymous said...

"Of course, the Enquirer and 9 are due to part ways this year, so we'll see, I guess. "

I heard 5 has made an offer to the enquirer.

at 3/06/2007 3:51 PM

Anonymous said...

I wonder how WCPO made this decision- were the viewers polled? Do they understand the impact of this loss? I think WCPO must have other options rather than to not renew or cut Michael Flannery and I would like to see what other options they could come up with that would still meet the viewers needs for this unique and critical segment. I think WCPO you're missing the target on this one completely. Might want to reconsider before your competition picks him up and makes you wish you hadn't made the mistake...

at 3/06/2007 4:10 PM

Anonymous said...

It is sad that Michael Flannery is gone, he's done a tremendous amount of good for our community. That being said, I would bet that the vast majority of repondents on this blog have given nothing to Michael Flannery's Causes. If you have, good for you and feel good that your comments come from a person who has standing to comment and a right to be outraged. If you never given your time or money to Flannery's causes, go ahead and stop watching Channel 9 but begin by quit looking at yourself in the mirror, move away from your computer and start with yourself and go out and make a difference.

We all should fill the gap that Michael Flannery leaves in our community and honor his efforts by personally doing more for the kids of Cincinnati!

at 3/06/2007 4:30 PM

Anonymous said...

Bring back Flannery...anyone who is a child advocate in this day is high on my list...

at 3/06/2007 5:33 PM

Anonymous said...

ok we realize this was a big mistake but can you honestly say you only watched channel 9 because of michael flannery....he wasn't even on all that much. after all this is still a business and there is only so much money....it's really irritating that people would be so immature to say they will not watch something before because they made a sheer business move. channel 9 went above and beyond to do this in the first place, and they should be commended for that. it is disappointing but to me channel 9 still is what i will watch.....(i don't work for them)

at 3/06/2007 6:14 PM

Anonymous said...

So Ch 9 needed to "cut costs". Well I hope the backlash they feel by cutting out Michael Flannery and our kids will give them what they are looking for--would that be fewer viewers. Shame on you. There is so little good on the news today. Michael gave us something to smile about and hope for those in need. Ch 9 is on no ones side! I hope you suffer.

at 3/06/2007 6:45 PM

Anonymous said...

Am I wrong, but did we just finish sweeps? Odd that they would be running 9 on your Kids side for sweeps but it is not valuable enough to keep long term. I ONLY tune in to local news for this stuff - the rest is too depressing and I can't stand to listen to the weather drone on - it's just weather! And since my school has a phone system that notifies me when school is delayed or canceled, I guess I can just skip the news altogether now! Best of luck to Michael, you are a bright light that reminds us that the world is not all hate and misery, there is a lot of hope and love out there too (though you'd never know it watching the news).

at 3/06/2007 6:49 PM

Anonymous said...

Me too.

at 3/06/2007 6:50 PM

Anonymous said...

Pretty much.

at 3/06/2007 6:50 PM

Anonymous said...

That's how I'd vote

at 3/06/2007 6:52 PM

Anonymous said...

There's no other reason for me either.

at 3/06/2007 7:28 PM

Anonymous said...

typical network crap. I'm suprised they had the guts and creativity to keep "Kids side"as long as they did. As much as I complimented the work, I decry the abandoning of a truly creative public service. Michael will benefit for the grace he has shown this community, it's too bad the spineless,corporate, butt kiss weasels don't have the integrity to stand up for what is best for everyone, not just profitability. Channel 9 sucks for quitting, I hope another has the steel to fill the enormous void Michael's message and example set for Cincinnati.

at 3/06/2007 8:28 PM

Anonymous said...

My son is one of the kids that Mr. Flannery helped. We fought the insurance company for over a year to get a speech device for my son who is handicapped and non-verbal. After a long fight, we were finally approved but then we got the part of the bill that the insurance wouldn't pay, after being contacted about our dilemma, Mr. Flannery generously donated the fairly large amount of money out of his own pocket - for a child he had never met! How many people are that passionate or care that much about kids? This is such a shock as well as an INJUSTICE!!!! Obviously channel 9 doesn't care about the kids! I know that I will not be watching that channel anymore and will be sure to tell everyone I know how very little they care. What a loss!

at 3/06/2007 9:38 PM

Anonymous said...

its a shame that WCPO is getting rid of this segment. But no one seem to care for the last five months when he wasn't on tv!

at 3/07/2007 1:31 AM

Anonymous said...

The conservative people of Cincinnati could not really want to be reminded of those things Michael brought up into their faces anyway. Jack Nicholson said it the best “You Can’t Handel the truth” Every time Cincinnati gets the truth they push it away. This is not about a television station it is about a community. You use to have an Operation Native Son to keep the local talent. The Jeff Ruby’s of the day used to hire the busboys that saved lives by thinking fast in a catastrophe. When the corporations shuffled off the talent to other teams, the Pete Rose’s would reserve their energy for when those other teams brought him to town and he would do it for his home crowd - he was a truth that would not leave. I only hope that Cincinnati community chooses to maintain their native son Michael Flannery because in reading this thread they could sure use him or someone like him. I am sure if Cincinnati waits long enough another one will come along may be by train.

at 3/07/2007 2:47 AM

Anonymous said...

Michael Flannery we'll be missed. He was a class act helping the kids and the community. I agree TV,Radio and other media outlets are a disgrace. How will the younger generation respect the meida outlet in the future, if the present coglomerates(sp) keep cutting the common worker?

at 3/07/2007 7:43 AM

Anonymous said...

I am a special education teacher and seeing his stories warmed my heart. He has helped so many and I am saddened to see this be discontinued.

at 3/07/2007 8:22 AM

Anonymous said...

we NEED Michael Flannery to keep up the work he’s doing. He’s helping SO many – and personally, I like to see POSITIVE news stories every now and then!!!

He helped families who were in need that is just the type of person he is. He is a great person with a HUGE heart!!
We need him back so someone can speak up for our kids! They are our future

at 3/07/2007 10:56 AM

Anonymous said...

Flannery should run for Mayor

at 3/07/2007 11:35 AM

Anonymous said...

Why would Mr. Flannery be taken off. We need more "feel good" stories. Watching the news anymore is so filled with murders and other doom. It is nice to have something good in the news.

at 3/07/2007 4:30 PM

Anonymous said...

I'm quite sure that Michael Flannery will go on to bigger and better things. He has proven that he is an advocate for those who cannot advocate for themselves. Mr. Flannery, this, I'm sure, is a blessing in disguise. God knows your heart and will lead you on to bigger and better things. (Ch. 9 is the loser here - they just do not realize it yet.)

at 3/07/2007 5:08 PM

Concerned viewer said...

All this means is that Channel 9 can now hire two kids to replace Michael. Channel 9 reall is "On your kids side" and there product is really starting to show it.

at 3/07/2007 5:10 PM

Concerned viewer said...

First Brian Pactrick now Michael Flannery. Whos next? Channel 9 use to be your Hometown news station. Now it is your copy and paste station.

at 3/07/2007 7:24 PM

Anonymous said...

Who else is leaving? (from "concerned viewer") is a good question, or maybe a new thread.
February ratings are over and that's usually the time staff changes take place. So, who's on their way out?

at 3/07/2007 7:36 PM

Anonymous said...

If 9 is looking to cut costs they have some other members of the news team that are pulling down the product. A certain weekend anchor and a former medical reporter who are struggling to do live stand-ups as beat reporters.
But, they are untouchable for obvious reasons.

at 3/08/2007 10:43 AM

Anonymous said...

This is Michael Flannery. I never had to visit this blog before because I've been receiving regular phone updates from my Mom. She tells me about every single entry so I'd like to say, "Thank you."
Your kind words of encouragement have not only been support to me and my family but to my Mom I'm no longer just "the son who lost his job"
...for that alone, I thank you.

Now,... to the Anonymous, who spouted off about poor performance from
"A certain weekend anchor and a former medical reporter" I have this to say:
I've known these folks for years. They are not only fine people but Emmy winning professional journalists whose ethics and performance have never been questioned.
I have seen them do remarkable work in both stressfull and dangerous conditions so you could get the information you needed sitting at home on your couch.
And another thing: There are hundreds of reporters and anchors in smaller markets across the country who are waiting in line to work at a station like Channel Nine and live in a city like Cincinnati. Which means you're right, the reason they are here is obvious, ...they're dedicated, experts in their field who care about the people in their stories and the people watching at home.
We're lucky to have them in CIncinnati. They have what it takes to move up to bigger markets and make more money but they stay here because they like Greater Cincinnati and the people who live here.

SO STOP DIS'N MY FRIENDS.
and remember ...my Mom is watching you.

mflannery@WCPO.COM

at 3/08/2007 11:08 AM

Anonymous said...

Has the split-shift finally gotten to David Rose? What the heck was going on THERE...?! Anyone?

at 3/08/2007 2:05 PM

Anonymous said...

I guess the segment didn't "test". Sad really. Michael is a good guy who did good work. It was nice to see something positive for a change in the news, I have a thought...how about they pay mr dimple the weather guy less so they can keep Michael! I thought 9 was a station that cared about local and doing good in the community....instead I guess they care more about being mean (like tom susie or however he spells it) than they care about doing something positive for our town.

Michael, you're a good guy....keep your chin up...someone will recognize your talent!

parting shot....the weather guy sux...please someone remove the broomstick from his ass.

at 3/08/2007 2:21 PM

Anonymous said...

Cancelling this segment is an abomination. I take heart in the fact that Michael will surely move on to bigger and better things than this heartless corporate operation grinding out the enternally identical material every other news entity does....

You are intended for more, Michael. Please know that. You have a purpose that transcends this heartless and shortsighted bull.

at 3/08/2007 3:24 PM

Tina Mooney said...

Michael was the only reason I watched channel 9 news - something to feel good about in this world. I'm switching channels. At the end of the month, when Michael's gone I'm gone.

at 3/08/2007 7:07 PM

Anonymous said...

Yeah what was up with David Rose the other morning. All of a sudden he left the newscast 45 minutes into it and before that he was not making any sense with what he was saying.

at 3/09/2007 9:48 AM

Anonymous said...

Yeah. I was wondering what happened to David Rose. Is that split-shift is to blame? Sick? What gives?

at 3/09/2007 12:15 PM

Anonymous said...

Please reconsider Ch 9... Keep Michael Flannery.

at 3/10/2007 10:38 PM

Anonymous said...

Looks like Scripps doesn't know a good thing when they have it. I wish the world had more people like Michael Flannery. I wish him the best and pray that he continues his work regardless of what the rest of the media does. Who cares about Anna Nicole any more, anyway?

at 3/12/2007 6:16 PM

Rajiv Satyal said...

"Shame." - David Brent. I think it'd be great if another channel picked him up. There's clearly public demand for it. Michael Flannery is a very good guy - I know him personally - and he should be able to continue helping kids w/ TV as his platform.

at 3/29/2007 6:19 AM

Unknown said...

this is ridiculous, I can't believe they would do that. The news is full of so much negativity and this was one of the small positive things with a great impact on the community.

at 7/21/2007 12:21 PM

Anonymous said...

Wow I leave the country for another vacation paid by us the taxpayers and I find out Michael Flannery is off the air. Too bad Flannery could not find a national sponser for the program. We don't want to here good news just Katie Couric-isms. "Long live the drab the discontent and the ignorant...long live the King..."

at 4/04/2008 10:30 PM

Anonymous said...

ch 9 is really beginning to sux first you take david from us and now flannery
SCRIPP YOU NEED TO LOOK AT THE BIG PIC YOUR ARE LOSING VIEWERS

Previous Posts

Monday, March 05, 2007

Ch 9 pulls plug on Michael Flannery, "9 On Your Kids Side"

63 Comments: