Thursday, December 2, 2010

Early Show ----No More!

I have a hard time believing what I read in the paper this morning....

In an effort to boost ratings, CBS will have a new cast on The Early Show, January 3, 2011. You must be kidding!

No more Harry and Maggie

No more Dave and the weather



These three are the reason I watch The Early Show....
I don't like it when one of the three is on vacation or on assignment....

Three people that I admire and love to spend my morning with!!!


From the web:

Yesterday we heard that anchors Harry Smith and Maggie Rodriguez, plus meteorologist Dave Price, had been axed from 'The Early Show' in a major reshuffle of CBS News on-air talent.

Now, executive producer David Friedman has been explaining the reasons behind the sweeping -- and, to many, unexpected -- changes. He told The Hollywood Reporter that although the shakeup came after a lot of careful consideration, "it feels sudden because there are multiple people and it feels like a big deal." It is a big deal to us....the viewers!

The change of hosts has allegedly been a topic of discussion at CBS News for some time, according to sources, and it reinforces the critical importance of chemistry in morning television. Announcing the new anchors -- Erica Hill and Chris Wragge -- CBS News President Sean McManus said "This new team brings vibrancy, intelligence and warmth that I think America will grow to love." Do not insult the intelligence and warmth of Harry Smith and Maggie Rodriguez!

Echoing that sentiment, Friedman said: "These shows are about the team ... It's about finding the right team." I don't know how you will find a team any better than Harry, Maggie and Dave!!!

Friedman has been in the job for less than a year, and under his tenure 'The Early Show' ratings have dropped to their lowest level since the 2000/01 season. He said that when he arrived he "looked at many different aspects of the show and tried to figure out what needed to be changed," adding that "obviously if things were, quote unquote, working, we wouldn't make changes."

But Friedman denied that the shuffle is just a ploy to grab higher ratings and thus higher ad revenue: "My mandate is a solid show, ... Ratings are obviously important. But as a producer I focus on the content and the quality of our broadcast. ... I'd like to say that the broadcast is going to continue to improve, and with that will come better ratings." Change the content and quality ......not the crew!!!!

So what now for Smith, Rodriguez and Price? Pink slips just in time for the holidays? In a statement released Tuesday CBS said that veteran newsman Smith will "shift his focus to hard news with an expanded role as primary substitute anchor on 'The Evening News with Katie Couric,' 'Face the Nation' and 'Sunday Morning' while continuing to report major stories for all CBS News broadcasts."

But the future's less defined for Rodriguez and Price: The statement went on to say that the CBS news division is discussing "prominent and ongoing roles" for them. "We appreciate Harry, Maggie and Dave's countless contributions to 'The Early Show' and are looking forward to the contributions they each will continue to make at CBS News."
Comment in response to this article
The Early Morning Show has just lost a loyal morning viewer! They fired them to work on your ratings well it looks like to me that it will backfire on them. I hope they have the worsest rating ever and the exc.producer
who has only been there a year gets FIRED next. Karma will bite you in the rear CBS.

I agree with this comment.......I will now watch ABC, Good Morning America......
Good Luck CBS!






9 comments:

Jill from Killeny Glen said...

Ya know...MOST people do NOT like change! WHAT ARE THEY THINKING?!?

Solar Powered said...

You have got to be kidding me! I wish I still had my Nielsen box! I would make it a point to turn the channel every mornin. I get very attached too. When they got rid of my local morning people, Jackie and Justin, I nearly freaked. I'm still not over it. The new girl still annoys me. I'm used to her but I don't like her. I can't believe they would fire that crew!

MarieElizabeth said...

I was floored when I saw this too. I don't get to see many early morning shows, but these folks were by far my favorite. This is a really bad idea for CBS, and that is saying a lot!

Unknown said...

I like Harry, Maggie, and Dave, too. I like Harry the best because he reminded me of Charlie Gibson (I always loved him on GMA!). I am sad to see them go, although, I will admit I only watch the early show when something lame is on GMA...and that is mostly because the content of the show does need to be spiced up. I am sorry they are breaking up your team!

KBeau said...

Unfortunately, my work day starts pretty early (subs start at 7 a.m.), so I don't usually get in any early morning TV watching. That said, however, I do feel your pain.

Why mess with a good thing?

Betsy Banks Adams said...

Well----I don't watch The Early Show---but I do know that all of the local network news' shows are struggling these days for ratings... The cable shows are MUCH better --and people are not watching CBS and most of the other network shows anymore--especially for news....

I'm sorry for you and others who enjoyed the anchors on your show.... I hate it when shows that we love get cancelled--so I know how you feel. I'm so sorry... CBS may be shooting itself in the foot.

Hugs,
Betsy

Tanna said...

wow! I don't watch any daytime/morning TV, but I can relate to your dissatifaction with that sweeping change! I'm still upset that Criminal Minds fired the CJ character!!

Deb said...

I've never watched them..but it is upsetting when you enjoy a team and they split them up or change...I usually watch Fox News or our local Channel 4....they changed girls a couple of years ago on our local channel and I just can't get used to her...the other girl I didn't enjoy at first but she grew on me...this one not so much

Mr. Bill said...

I used to watch this show back when Harry Smith was with Paula Zahn. They were GREAT together!Haven't seen it since.