The State Of Local News: Part Two

Here is part two of a three part series on how I see the state of local news in Spokane. Today's subject is KXLY 4 HD News.

For the first time in a long time. Things seem stable and quiet at the last place newsroom on Boone Avenue. Dave Erickson has settled in as co-anchor of the 5pm, 6 and 6:30pm newscasts. Robyn Nance has always been a strong anchor. First as morning and noon anchor at KREM 2 and now as primary evening anchor on channel 4. Kris Crocker is one of the best forecasters in the market. One of the chinks in KXLY's armor would be moving Dennis Patchin to the radio and hiring Derek Deis as sports director. I would have never moved one of the most recognized personalities on Spokane TV to the radio. Dennis was doing an excellent job as sports director and lead anchor, there was no need for change. The old saying "If it isn't broke, don't fix it" motto is perfect for this situation. I have nothing against Derek Deis. He is a capable sports anchor and reporter. If I were going to move Dennis, which I wouldn't do. I would have went after former KREM 2 sports director and voice of the Gonzaga Mens Basketball team Tom Hudson before I would have went for Deis. Good Morning Northwest keeps moving along. Last book "GMNW" was fighting for second place. Kalae, Mike, Mark and Colleen are all great in their respective positions. Tori, Ben and Jared are good on weekends. KXLY is also in need of a bit of a facelift. The newsroom set is looking a bit haggard and the weather center is very outdated. Channel 4 has been using virtual sets, but they look odd. I don't know if its the program or the green screen behind that make the edges look rough. A shiny new set with some modern graphics would look great in High Definition.

Could the quiet and calm be coming to an end at KXLY? Rumors are that Nadine Woodward will join KXLY in some capacity. First rumors had the former KREM anchor moving to "NewsRadio920" as morning co-anchor along side Bud Nameck. Now the rumors are turning to Nadine taking Robyn Nance's position as evening anchor on TV and Robyn moving to the morning shift on AM radio. If KXLY were to hire Ms. Woodward, the best place for her would be on television. Channel 4 has been last in the ratings for many years now, nothing seems to move the ratings needle. Being first in HD news didn't help the ratings. If anything or anyone has the power to bring up ratings for KXLY 4 HD News it is Nadine Woodward. If I were Jerry Post or Steve Herling, I'd be talking to Nadine and doing what they can to bring her on board as evening co-anchor. I have nothing against Robyn Nance. She is a great anchor and reporter.  But, Robyn and Richard Brown didn't bring ratings. Robyn and Dave Erickson have not moved the ratings. Robyn has had 7 years to make a ratings difference and sadly that has not happened. Nadine becoming available gives channel 4 it's best chance in years to become a real competitor in the evening local news race. By the end of February we should have a better idea of where Nadine will land. And if she lands at KXLY, what position will she fill?

What do you think?

KXLY's Website