TV Blog

By Someone

November 8, 2008 10:39 PM | Link to this

Take a look at what's happening in radio, it's only a matter of time before the news comes from a generic central hub with regional items flown in to make it seem local.

BOB-TV anyone?

By Leah Selvidge

October 8, 2008 9:09 PM | Link to this

First Robert Flores over a tape monkey flub and now this - back to KXAN for me.

By amh

September 11, 2008 4:15 PM | Link to this

Count me among those viewers leaving KEYE. Byron Webre was the reason I chose them over other stations. Low-key, professional, and knowledgeable — by all means dump him! Can't wait til he lands on another Austin station. Meanwhile, hello KXAN!

By diana

September 10, 2008 10:38 PM | Link to this

I don't know if you'll read this Liz, but I am really upset that you're gone. I only had your work email, but hopefully I will see you around town. Miss your face, and working with you.
Diana from Total Mommy Fitness

By StumpyPeeps

September 10, 2008 12:45 AM | Link to this

Good job. Lay off Keith Elkins but keep Gregg "Worst Reporter Ever On Television" Watson.

By StumpyPeeps

September 10, 2008 12:28 AM | Link to this

KEYE even dumped their receptionist. Bet that saved them millions. That's what happens when a
"venture capitalist group" is in charge of running a local TV station. They are flying this one straight to the crash site.

By WesD

September 9, 2008 6:45 PM | Link to this

i must admit i use to surf all the morning news from 5-7am until i found the morning keye morning news crew to be the best and most down to earth. They were people i could relate too and Texans to boot. I miss Elizabeth D. Fred's a great morning anchor but the friendly chemistry between the two is what sold me on Keye morning news. Congratulations on Susan Vessel taking the chief meteorologist job but Byron Webre was by far my favorite weather guy. you've lost a long time viewer Keye. Somebody clearly got these lay offs wrong. I'm done with you guys.

By Kaydee

September 8, 2008 10:49 PM | Link to this

WHAT??? No more Liz Dannheim in the morning??!
What less-than-bright move is next?? Axing Fred Cantu? (Don't you dare!).

Attention Chrysler Corporation: Cerberus Capital owns you too, and you're next.

By J-Dub

September 3, 2008 6:08 PM | Link to this

I realize and fully acknowledge how superficial this is, but could KEYE take some of that money they're saving and get Judy a makeover?! She's had the same hairstyle since the day she began on television! Remember "K-Vue 24 Action News"? Wasn't there a weatherman in the 80's named Tim Morris or something like that? Tim something. I dunno... I was 5 years old when the 80's came along.

Thanks for tolerating my stroll down memory lane. : )

By Tripodd

September 3, 2008 1:59 AM | Link to this

Must have missed this when it was first published. We always watch KEYE news and heard Byron saying good bye yesterday. Searched around and found this article. Build yourself up to the number 2 news show and then start dismantling the team? Sounds like a great experiment. If the ratings go down, is the market worsening and was the talent missed? This was the best news team in Austin. Ron and Judy are great, but Byron was the best in Austin. Keith will definitely be missed. Maybe they can subcontract the news, weather and sports to a station in India and save even more money. No offense to anyone in India, but it seems to be a common practice to hire outside the country.

By Ken

September 2, 2008 3:28 PM | Link to this

If KEYE was looking to save to most money with the least amount of cuts, then the weather person is the one to go after. (They're the one person on the set that can actually work without a teleprompter, and thus can cut or fill as needed during the broadcast).

Too bad for KEYE that they took out the real talent on the newscast.

A short-sighted solution for a long term issue.

I'm back to KXAN for my evening news now.

---A Former Broadcaster

By Bob F.

September 1, 2008 11:08 PM | Link to this

Best meteorologist in Austin. A Huge mistake for KEYE.

By Myron

September 1, 2008 11:06 PM | Link to this

I am very sad to hear that Byron Webre will no longer be on KEYE. I feel that he is the most accurate weatherman on t.v. and enjoyed his straightforward and accurate forecasts. Hope you find it in your budget to bring him back.

By Myron

September 1, 2008 11:06 PM | Link to this

I am very sad to hear that Byron Webre will no longer be on KEYE. I feel that he is the most accurate weatherman on t.v. and enjoyed his straightforward and accurate forecasts. Hope you find it in your budget to bring him back.

By Linda

September 1, 2008 10:52 PM | Link to this

Oh, this makes me so sad. I really do like Byron Webre, and his weather reporting. And Elizabeth Dannheim...she and Fred Cantu are such a nice broadcast pair in the morning. And Keith Elkins? not now during the conventions and election? I watch KEYE because i like the local people. Darn.

By roos

August 29, 2008 10:49 PM | Link to this

The first weekday Byron Webre is gone will be the day I stop watching KEYE. Without question, Byron has been the most accurate weather forecaster in Austin.

He is a no nonsense, meat 'n potatoes weather forecaster -- just the way I like 'em. Spare me the references to the Austin music scene; spare me the references to being a school sports referee; and last but not least -- spare me the 10% rain chances.

If Webre goes, so do "eye". Get it?

By Gman

August 29, 2008 9:06 AM | Link to this

Getting rid of Byron was a HUGE mistake. He was the only person that had charisma and a sellable brand on that station. Why make the investment to promote all of his other segments such as the BBQ showdown and best burger contest and then not renew his contract?

Not only am I a watcher of K-eye, I'm also an advertiser and the 5 and 10pm news were gaining ground fast on the #1 spot largely due to Byron's personality and accurate forcasts.

I'm pissed and can guarantee that I will NEVER do any business with K-EYE going forward. This management crew had no experience running an affiliate before and it shows; they got rid of one of their best talents. if you want some advertising why not cut the off-air idiots that made this decision and get people like Byron and Liz back on air.

Oh and the rest of you people who think those people were paid too much, you'd be suprised how little they got paid relative to Judy and Ron. K-EYE, you suck! and say good bye to my business!

By CEK

August 29, 2008 12:00 AM | Link to this

Good, now KEYE can bring Troy Kimmel back to their airwaves.

By No Spin

August 28, 2008 9:22 AM | Link to this

Business is business. I do wonder, has the "business" reviewed ALL avenues before letting people go? I think about the waves that go past just people like Byron. His family. Wow, he has kids. His oldest just started his first year of public school. He just met his new class this week and with a this life change, he will be moving. Yes, his dad chose a profession that is subject to public preference. Still, I wonder, could they (management at KEYE, gone a different direction first?
What about putting up to the public? The ratings seem to say they like KEYE, more than ever. Just makes you think.

By Capt Crunch

August 28, 2008 2:31 AM | Link to this

Just looking at the list - Milwaukee, Birmingham, Salt Lake, New Orleans, list goes on...

Milwaukee is market 33, Birmingham is 40, SLC is 36, New Orleans is about 50-55 (not sure which since Katrina)...

Austin is at the bottom of that heap for the "total TV market". 54, I believe.

Here is where Austin is far different than those other markets. The "HUT" levels in Austin (houses using television) are down sharply from those other markets. People in Milwaukee watch a LOT of TV because it's cold. Birmingham also has high HUT levels.

Austin does not have the high HUT levels (it is definitely a town with a strong 'oh, I don't watch TV unless it's PBS or the Daily Show' type of demographic). Total eyeballs on the local TV news programs are probably fairly low compared with other similar size markets. And the growth? Unless these stations are doing news in Espanol, they are probably not getting TOO much of that growth.

Some larger markets do not even have four "free standing" newscasts anymore. St. Louis is merging back to three and that trend will continue. I would HATE to be at any #3 or #4 right now.

By Wake Up Texans

August 28, 2008 1:30 AM | Link to this

The station is owned by interests related to the new NAFTA superhighway being built through town. It's so much easier to swoop in, buy TV stations and newspapers, and fill the sheeple's heads with nonsense news and propaganda than to have actual debates about these massive contracts that turn over control of these new (and existing) roads to foreign interests. Then when they have all the contracts in place, why pay more money for people you don't give 2 craps about. Remember, people - follow the money. There's always more to the story than you're being told.

By bigpig

August 28, 2008 12:22 AM | Link to this

This is terrible. Byron Webre is simply the best meteorologist on Austin TV. He is the only reason I watch KEYE News on those occasions that I do. Judy and Ron are yesterday's news and the two sports goons on KEYE are absolutely terrible.

And not that anyone asked, but KXAN could stand to lose that phony cosmic cowboy, Jim Swift. I simply can't take that jerk.

By MacDaddy

August 27, 2008 11:27 PM | Link to this

Interesting ... When the Statesman was put up for sale, the tone was very different ... but because this is TV -- faces you recognize -- suddenly everyone has a heart.

By Mark

August 27, 2008 11:25 PM | Link to this

Why would you watch the news? That's what the Internet is for. (Right, STATESMAN.COM?)

By mikeaus

August 27, 2008 10:50 PM | Link to this

Eh, I don't watch TV news except for the weather. And Mark Murray is by far the most accurate. The rest of the news is generally pap, life-essential stuff like how to scrub toilets clean or some guy got hit backing out of his driveway.

Some of these anchors making upwards of $350K are way, way, way overpaid, but hey, get it if you can I suppose. Otherwise, the news is a half-hour grinfest of mostly unimportant junk unless some real story breaks.

By Fred

August 27, 2008 10:30 PM | Link to this

How much of the recent Austin area layoff's are really related to a "down economy"?

I think this is a window for business to "lean up" a bit. Presents a nice path of least resistance!!

By Dawn

August 27, 2008 10:16 PM | Link to this

I think the sad story here is that these are people with families. I know they will all land on their feet, but for everyone to sit here and bash KEYE because they are trying to reposition is just wrong. Sounds like KEYE is doing everything wrong going from 4th to 2nd? Looks to me like not renewing contracts maybe a way for them to get younger!

By Josh

August 27, 2008 9:37 PM | Link to this

It's a shame. I like all the departing talent - but why should they be immune from downturns in the economy. All the rest of us are at risk, it only makes sense that they would to. The ownership has a right to protect its investment.

And to say that Austin is not big enough to support 4 newscast - that's an absurd notion. There are more than a few cities smaller that austin that easily support 4 newscasts... (Just looking at the list - Milwaukee, Birmingham, Salt Lake, New Orleans, list goes on). And those cities dont have our growth rate.

This city is plenty big.

The problem here is a downturn in the economy - and huge investment in HD upgrade that maybe hasn't paid off the way it was supposed to.

By CO

August 27, 2008 8:27 PM | Link to this

Upon moving to the Austin area six-months ago, I happened to stubble across KEYE's Morning Duo of Liz & Fred while franticly searching for what channel my ESPN Sports Center would be on. Now while I'll admit that the reason I stopped surfing through endless stations was Ms. Dannheim's beauty, it was her charisma and charm playing off of Fred's "grandfather" demeanor that kept me tuning in. Now, I'm not one who normally one who takes the time to write just to complain, but I honestly have to say that I'm sorely disappointed. It is a shame that corporate types make those who actually do their jobs, pay for their mistakes. I also have to question the judgments of those making these decisions; who is their target audience? I have tried numerous times to tune in to the evening broadcast, but have had a hard time stomaching the "Stepford Wives" team of Ron Oliveira and Judy Maggio. And God bless Fred; he may be an icon around the Austin area, but is certainly not someone I can relate to. On the flip side, I'm sure that Ms. Dannheim's talents will have plenty of suitors, and my hopes are that she lands a job where she is truly appreciated. . Good luck Liz.

As for me, I will be watching Sports Center come Monday Morning.

By Jim

August 27, 2008 7:45 PM | Link to this

Dump Fred Cantu and I might watch your news but until then I will continue with KXAN.

By Sonia

August 27, 2008 7:43 PM | Link to this

WHAT, KEYE is my favorite news channel to watch, and letting go of some of your most highly respected, intellegent personnel is crazy. I think they made a big mistake, especially when the ratings when up a couple of notches, what were they thinking? When that happens, obiously something is going right, why fix what is not broken??? I hope they don't let go of Fred, Ron and Judy or they will be in last place for sure.

By lp

August 27, 2008 7:41 PM | Link to this

It's an election year and you now have no political reporter! That 's insane. There are some of us out here who still want to see EXPERIENCE and WISDOM in our news people. Keith Elkins is our "Walter Cronkite", we trust that when he covers a story and knows his material as well as his audience. I watched him, for weeks, thoughtfully and compassionately cover the children in the FLDS story while standing in sweltering heat AND YET NEVER BREAKING A SWEAT! Austin's loss!

By Jennifer

August 27, 2008 7:36 PM | Link to this

How can you consider letting go Byron, but not Susan Vessel? We do enjoy watching Byron very much, and Elizabeth D is so gentle and nice to start the day compared to the competition. KEYE has made so many changes, including being the 1st in HD, they are really shooting themselves in the foot. Good luck with the restructure.

By Capt Crunch

August 27, 2008 7:34 PM | Link to this

Well, Austin is not a Top 20. It's about in the Top 60 markets so pay is a bit lower.

I'm not sure if the ad market can support four "free standing" newscasts in that town. Here is the trouble for on-air people in Austin: Unless you are a main anchor, you don't make very much to live in a city where housing is expensive and very spread out.

On top of this, Austin is also a "hot" destination in the quality of life rankings so the stations know there will ALWAYS be people willing to work, on TeeVee, for peanuts.

Main anchors make good livings in that town (veterans probably clear 150k) but general assignment reporters probably don't clear much more than 35k. It's a hard racket to be in, especially if you are not at a #1 station or at a shop that has 40 other stations in the ownership (higher overhead in that the top stations have to carry the struggling ones).

KEYE definitely qualifies as "struggling".

By anguis in herba

August 27, 2008 7:14 PM | Link to this

I sure hope they leave Betty Cross alone she's the best field reporter in the history of field reporters.

By jl

August 27, 2008 7:06 PM | Link to this

Get rid of Liz??? How about keeping her and lose Fred! She at least brings a more up to date look to the program.

By jen

August 27, 2008 7:04 PM | Link to this

Judy Maggio cost the station a huge chunk of money years ago. Has she really been worth it? I like Byron and Elizabeth better than Judy and I know plenty of my friends and family feel the same way. What a shame. Did we, the viewers not have any input? Surely they look for feedback from the public?

By right

August 27, 2008 7:01 PM | Link to this

Is this really what is going on or they being replaced by minorites as the other stations have done?

By rub

August 27, 2008 6:48 PM | Link to this

DROP Ron Oliveira and Judy Maggio! You will save a ton of money, they are old enough to go retire anyway. Get some new fresh faces that don't have the huge overhead that they have.

By keith

August 27, 2008 6:45 PM | Link to this

Sounds like KEYE realized they don't need to be throwing their money away...getting rid of the chief meteorologist shows he was being paid more than he should have been for this market. I never watched the guy but he most like had been offered a sizable salary to leave wherever he came from for Austin and the new owners realized this.

They've never had any reason for me to actually watch their newscasts and will end up having the 'geriatric' bunch (Maggio and Oliveria) unless they get rid of them also. If KVUE starts cleaning house then there are problems, but KEYE is still 3-4th place news IMHO and probably always will be

By Molecule

August 27, 2008 6:25 PM | Link to this

Times must be hard when they axe their chief meteorologist. Byron Webre is very knowledgable and is a pleasure to view his weather casts, and his radio spots. Big mistake. There had to be cuts they could have made before they cut Byron, including the idiot that ok'd cutting Byron

By Jill

August 27, 2008 6:25 PM | Link to this

KEYE is my favorite station, as I always enjoy watching your senior reporter Keith Elkins. He's the BEST at what he does....there's no one that comes close to him. If he is gone, I will be watching KVUE. Good luck with you new "rookie" staff.

By VZ

August 27, 2008 6:19 PM | Link to this

Besides having a smile that fills your mornings with sunshine, Liz is without question amongst the most talented and articulate young reporter/anchors on television! I hope she stays in one of the local stations so we can keep enjoying her wonderful news stories and cheerful character. WE LOVE YOU LIZ!!!!

By Don

August 27, 2008 6:16 PM | Link to this

How sad. Byron Webre is one of the best chief meterologists out there, and Keith Elkins government reporting is exceptional. Oh well, it looks like KEYE will be in 7th place behind wheel of fortune re-runs...

By Laurie

August 27, 2008 6:15 PM | Link to this

What?? How stupid is it to cut a veteran reporter like Keith Elkins esp. during an historic election year at that? Byron is the best weatherman in town. Instead of firing the intelligent veterans, get rid of the rookies, esp. the ones who butcher the English language. When times get tough, get creative with making good deals to the advertizers! Oh, please. The next to go will be all the loyal viewers.

By felda

August 27, 2008 6:07 PM | Link to this

If the station has come from 3rd/4th place to 2nd, why are they firing people? Something sounds weird here, don't you think? When a station moves UP one (1) or two (2) notches in popularity, the norm is to HIRE people, not FIRE them. I think KEYE is hiding something. But, then, I'm generally distrustful of people who stay in management roles and cut the jobs of people below them. Why don't THEY take a cut in salary if finances are so tight? Or, better yet, get someone else who can better manage the station's finances. Sounds as though Villareal and the others are trying to blame their MISmanagement on others. I DON'T THINK SO!! Guess I'll watch another news station until KEYE changes its mind and stops cutting "key" (no pun intended - honest!) people (unless the people are MANAGEMENT, that is). BAD!! BAD!!

By Jim

August 27, 2008 6:02 PM | Link to this

Bravo, bravo Diane. The last laugh will be on you when the Statesman gets sold and gobbled up by the bean counters. I guess someone at KEYE can blog about you and all of your under-achieving colleagues sent home. Hopefully you do more than blog, because that is not enough to survive these tough economic times. Maybe you can pick up a delivery route too?

By Glad I got out of the profession

August 27, 2008 5:55 PM | Link to this

News flash KEYE -- you actually have to have reporters on the street to cover the news. So who do you expect to cover the November election and the State Legislature? This reminds me of the end of the movie "Broadcast News" -- when they dumped their best people to cut costs and only kept folks who fit the payroll profile -- namely the cheap and inexperienced. Austin is a top 20 market in the nation -- viewers deserve better. More proof that broadcast journalism is dead in this town, dumped for an inferior product called TV news. Sigh.

By Erin

August 27, 2008 5:41 PM | Link to this

Letting Byron Webre go is a grave error. Keith Elkins too. Please please please do not touch Fred Cantu. the man is an icon of Austin news.

By bob

August 27, 2008 5:31 PM | Link to this

Get rid of your best new people and keep the old ones??? nice move S.B.

By Jerry Mouton

August 27, 2008 5:24 PM | Link to this

Byron was the reason I watched the KEYE news -- guess I'll have to find another station...or follow him when he finds another Austin station.

By Allan

August 27, 2008 5:20 PM | Link to this

"KEYE is owned by New York-based Cerberus Capital Management".

This is what happens when bean counters and investment groups own local media outlets. They could care less about running a professional news station. Profit at any cost is their only concern. Greed. At least KTBC, KVUE and KXAN are still owned by media companies.

By Joy

August 27, 2008 5:17 PM | Link to this

Just goes to show you..Someone who doesn't know their butt from a hole in the ground is directing KEYE..You don't let go your most popular people maybe the manager should be let go..cus you sure as heck don't know what you're doing.

By radiob

August 27, 2008 5:11 PM | Link to this

That's what happens when corporate Bean Counters take over local TV. It wasn't so long ago that TV stations had owners who cared about keeping good people, doing solid journalism and developing new talent. Now it's all about proping up the price of the stock with little regard for the damage that's being done.

By Brian

August 27, 2008 5:11 PM | Link to this

If there was ever the picture of a reporter it was Elkins. The hair, the suit, the voice. I know times are tough, but come on. Just lost another viewer.

By Oh No

August 27, 2008 5:07 PM | Link to this

Liz was my favorite, hope she goes to someplace that appreciates her more.

By Tori

August 27, 2008 5:04 PM | Link to this

Not a good move. KEYE was my favorite station until I read this. Byron is my favorite meteorologist. I have no reason to watch this station any longer, especially now that other stations have followed suit in broadcasting in HD.

By Bob

August 27, 2008 5:00 PM | Link to this

People still watch TV news?

By Flo

August 27, 2008 4:55 PM | Link to this

I'm done watching all of them. To cut your best people - crazy!

By AB

August 27, 2008 4:45 PM | Link to this

wow, can't believe you are cutting such talent. I love Liz in the mornings, her and uncle Fred are my favorites. If you let Fred go or Susan Vessel, I will never again watch your news cast.