Posted on 08/17/2010 4:42:27 AM PDT by roaddog727
Top-rated WFTV-Ch. 9 is replacing anchor Barbara West at 5:30 weeknights with Vanessa Welch.
The change takes effect Labor Day, when WFTV will launch a 6:30 newscast on sister station WRDQ-Ch. 27. Welch will co-anchor the 6:30 newscast with Josh Benson, just as they co-anchor the 10 p.m. news on WRDQ.
WFTV General Manager Shawn Bartelt said the station is making the 5:30 change to provide some flow to the 6:30 newscast. I have the utmost respect for Barbara West, Bartelt said. This is no reflection on Barbara. I have to get more faces into those 90 minutes from 5 to 6:30 p.m.
West, who has been an anchor since coming to WFTV in 1986, will continue to anchor at noon.
Barbara covers all of our health content, and we have a lot going on in the coverage of health, Bartelt said. Were focused on kids and obesity, a lot of the stuff happening in the health sphere, a lot of that is online. Barbara brings huge knowledge and resources to that.
(Excerpt) Read more at blogs.orlandosentinel.com ...
More great comments at the web site:
I cannot believe WFTV is dropping Barbara West from the 5:30 slot. She is one of the most articulate and intelligent anchors on TV. Her work in the community far exceeds anyone else, and she is always gracious and friendly. I have watched anchors come and go, but she has been a constant on Ch.9. It is disappointing to see how they treat people who have been loyal over the years (I am referring to Ms. West AND the viewers).
Reply Posted by: Jan Cummins | Tuesday, August 17, 2010 at 10:35 AM
http://blogs.orlandosentinel.com/entertainment_tv_tvblog/2010/08/wftv-barbara-west-coming-off-530-news.html/comment-page-1#comment-105120
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Barbara West is a complete professional and a tremendous asset to WFTV as they well know. Mrs. West: Thank you for all your time at 5:30 and continued success @ noon and with your terrific health reporting- the best in the market.
Barbara West and her husband have been instrumental in the success of the Headdress Ball; the single largest fundraisers for the Hope & Help Center Central Floridas largest HIV/AIDS service organization. (also the BEST party in Orlando ) She is an Orlando TREASURE!
Reply Posted by: Helen vanPatterson Patton | Tuesday, August 17, 2010 at 11:09 AM
http://blogs.orlandosentinel.com/entertainment_tv_tvblog/2010/08/wftv-barbara-west-coming-off-530-news.html/comment-page-1#comment-105124
As it turns out, WFTV is owned by Cox Broadcasting, the left-wing newspaper and media company (its founder, ‘Rat Governor James Cox of Ohio, owned the Dayton Daily News, and was the ‘Rat nominee for President in 1920 (FDR was his running mate) versus Warren Harding.
Cox is probably best known for its cable TV systems these days, but its flagship newspaper currently is the Atlanta Journal-Constitution (aka Urinal and Constipation”).
I’m guessing that an executive at Cox got a phone call from someone, possibly in the WH or in the office of FCC Chairman Julius Genachowski. Also, WFTV’s license renewal application must be filed on October 1, 2012.
AJC - NO wonder!
What a liberal piece of Fish-wrapping. Sorry - bird-cage liner.
What a shame. Barbara is the best!
Yep. The same "talents" that get young beauties their jobs are the ones that fade with age and ultimately cost them their jobs. Oh well.
I think Barbara West should join Fox news.
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