[Speed Gibson,
Thursday January 27, 2005 at 3:30pm]
Broadcast News: KSTP-5
This is the third of my audits examining the quantity and quality of our local evening news, either 9 pm or 10 pm. The analysis begins when the local station takes control and ending when the program after the news begins.
Station: KSTP-5
Date: 25-Jan-2005
Total Elapsed Time: 35:03
Percents: News: 43% (World 3% National 6% State 10% Local 24%)
Weather: 9%
Sports: 9%
Commercials: 34%
Intro, Promos, Credits: 5%
I was very pleasantly surprised to find no fluff in this broadcast, compared with 18% on KARE-11 and 30% on WCCO-4. So while they had slightly fewer seconds of air time, and slightly more commercials, I think that for tonight anyway, KSTP can truly claim to have more news, and it was solid, informative coverage.
I also didn’t think I’d like Ms. Brucato, either. I haven’t watched her since her return, remembering her aggressive style on WCCO-TV many years ago. She’s now much calmer and more poised. Also, she’s the sole anchor, and I find that rather refreshing. There simply is no need for two anchors, and the needless banter and scripted transitions that go with them.
I detected no political bias.
KSTP is in "the lead” so far in terms of both quality and quantity. That doesn't mean I'll return to being a regular viewer, but when there's a big local story, KSTP will be the first choice.
So now I think I'll do another round, see if these numbers for the big three hold.
Station: KSTP-5
Date: 25-Jan-2005
Total Elapsed Time: 35:03
Percents: News: 43% (World 3% National 6% State 10% Local 24%)
Weather: 9%
Sports: 9%
Commercials: 34%
Intro, Promos, Credits: 5%
I was very pleasantly surprised to find no fluff in this broadcast, compared with 18% on KARE-11 and 30% on WCCO-4. So while they had slightly fewer seconds of air time, and slightly more commercials, I think that for tonight anyway, KSTP can truly claim to have more news, and it was solid, informative coverage.
I also didn’t think I’d like Ms. Brucato, either. I haven’t watched her since her return, remembering her aggressive style on WCCO-TV many years ago. She’s now much calmer and more poised. Also, she’s the sole anchor, and I find that rather refreshing. There simply is no need for two anchors, and the needless banter and scripted transitions that go with them.
I detected no political bias.
KSTP is in "the lead” so far in terms of both quality and quantity. That doesn't mean I'll return to being a regular viewer, but when there's a big local story, KSTP will be the first choice.
So now I think I'll do another round, see if these numbers for the big three hold.