Though we're on the roller coaster ride of our lifetime when it comes to the economy, TV news can be thankful for the percentage of revenue it generates for the local markets. As Don Shelby told us last Wednesday day during our visit to WCCO, news generates about 50% of revenue for the station.
That little fact supports what Television Week is reporting Oct. 6, 2008, in their article, "TV Stations Weigh Risk to Economy-How Bad Will it Get in Local Markets?" Even in their article, they acknowledge that stations, in general, will make cuts but most will not make cuts in news. It's no wonder if each of their news departments generates the kind of revenue that Shelby touted for 'CCO.
It is true that local TV news stations are making cuts. But many are the result of technology and emerging industry trends. Reporters are being asked to do when it comes to reporting and less when it comes to those items that lack production value--that don't result in what we see on the newscasts. For example, anchors are responsible for doing their own make-up before they go on the air. Last reports I heard, only KARE brings in someone and then it's only during sweeps. Even that will change as the change is made to people meters.
Bottom line. Local TV news WILL surive!
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