I wouldn't argue with you, NB.

The format has SO much potential, but it sounds like the station is still running through rehearsal drills.  Sounds like the old days of "all news" when we used to read wire copy "cold" as it was handed over our shoulder. When you don't get a chance to read over the story in advance, it can make even the most experienced anchor sound rough.

You're also right about the "breaking news"..the only time I hear about it is when the "web editor" refers to something posted on the website. To make this format successful, it HAS to be compelling. That means LIVE hits from breaking news on a regular basis, and FRESH copy. I can't count the number of times last weekend that I heard Chris Gaaaaaaaardner do his recorded bit about his conversation with a taxi driver.

It's a good basic format, but it's the little things that make a difference....sound quality of the stingers (chopper, business desk, weather) smooth delivery from the anchors (Sheila does it best) and good writing. Even if you're reading stale copy about last night's robbery, you've got to put a fresh top on it. If you're going to sound current, the copy has to refer to what's happening NOW, not what happened 12 hours ago.

ie: Instead of running a Saturday afternoon story about a Friday murder that says "a 22 year old man was stabbed to death last night..." you've got to make it fresh with something like "police need your help in looking for 2 people who killed a man with a knife last night. Detectives are looking for a green van with......."

You're right NB....it's the basics, but it comes down to experience.

Quoted from freqfreak2

Let's not lose sight of what this is all about: fending off Rogers.

If Corus was at all serious about any of this they would have hired some veteran news people with solid credentials behind them ... but the Kraft Dinner salary budget wouldn't allow for that.

I had heard one time that CHED's newsroom only had a couple of full-timers - everyone else was part-time, hourly.  Obviously, a way to save money.

Is that the same at iNews?

I am going to guess the hourly guys at CHED and iNews are in around $12/hr?  That might be a little generous.  Anyone know for sure?

$12/hr x 40hrs/wk x 52wks/yr = $24,960.  That's what I remember hating about radio.  

Yup you're pretty much bang on.

Sounded good today when I was listening.  We must tune in at different times.  I was there early midday, listening to Landon Kelly.  Quinn is good.  I haven't heard Sheila Gardner yet.  Maybe I'll get up earlier soon...

I know there's a lot of whining on this board about Bryan Hall - but the report I heard today was fine.  It fit in very well.  I never seem to hear the web stuff - I'm usually out by bottom hour.  

They posted those jobs as full-time - can't imagine they'd back out on that...  I know people there - I don't think they have many part-timers in the newsroom at all anymore.  I'll ask.  The ones I know started part-time but were bumped to full-time pretty quickly.  

$12/hr - ouch!

Don't they start night shift at McD's at $11?

well do you want to kick off your amazing fast food career or get a foot in the door in radio?

...come on, the first 2 months of my first radio gig I lived in my car in the station parking lot (thank god it was summer)

There are times of the day when the announcers are just brutal. The hosts continue to boot names left and right and have a real problem with basic formatics. Most of them should be honing their skills in small markets. It really is embararrasing for a market of this size.

880 = amateur hour.

Days are numbered

Quoted from NBeaconIsBack

Days are numbered

CRTC decision regarding the new FM licence(s) comes in the fall.

is it just me or is it hard to hear chopper traffic at times?  Dont get me wrong I really like that Shanes voice - just cant hear him

Yes, Nhaymut.  I think the quality of the audio fro the chopper reports has gotten progressively worse.

When CHED first got the chopper, I thought they had a studio quality line (maybe the one they feed back to Global with).  

thanks - I have tried to adjust my tv (have radio on satelite),  one minute it is so quite next I hear the chopper.  I wonder if the new guy needs to talk louder?  is it cables?  I do know it is making me have to listen elsewhere for traffic