KADN lays off 19

[facelessjonmoon]

The bloodbath occurred across Allen Media. KADN’s people were among the casualties. Allen laid off some personnel at the Weather Channel, too.

Unlike Scripps, whose cuts at KATC were the result of a reorganization and reinvention of how they do news, this is plainly and simply a budgetary move. Allen’s desire to buy CBS or an NFL team isn’t a secret. Question is: are these cuts designed to save the money he needs to accomplish one of those goals, or is it a sign that his company is hurting?

My hope is that Gray Media makes an offer to buy KADN/KLAF—one that Allen can’t refuse. Gray would pump resources into that station and make it a major player in no time.

If Gray Media would buy it we would get Pelicans games in Lafayette market.

It's the only market in the below map left out with no Pels coverage ( only market below w/ no station owned by Gray)

[fanof71]

If Gray Media would buy it we would get Pelicans games in Lafayette market.

It's the only market in the below map left out with no Pels coverage ( only market below w/ no station owned by Gray)

Announcement is forthcoming...a local broadcasting group has just agreed to televise Pel games in this market

[Cajunrunner]

Another factor is how we consume media. Newspapers, radio, and local television are feeling the effects of a changing media landscape. The print newspaper is going by the wayside, podcasts and streaming are replacing terrestrial radio, and local television is impacted by the number of streaming services that are available, along with people utilizing apps and websites to get their local news. This is particularly troubling for smaller markets that need every advertising dollar they can get. We've seen cuts locally that have impacted the quality of newspapers, radio, and television. Unfortunately, it won't get better.

Agree.

And while some of the other sources may be better or more efficient to consume national/world news updates, the negative has been what looks like a HUGE setback and decrease in news that is state specific, and especially local community specific.

[Cajunrunner]

Sad to hear...

Hope they all land on their feet. I made the switch to KADN from KATC since KATC's weird format change, and I have been enjoying it.

I've heard a rumor that soon, someone may be coming in that could Make KATC Great Again.

[nathancpike]

I've heard a rumor that soon, someone may be coming in that could Make KATC Great Again.

[RedTails]

Agree.

And while some of the other sources may be better or more efficient to consume national/world news updates, the negative has been what looks like a HUGE setback and decrease in news that is state specific, and especially local community specific.

Exactly, there is a vacuum to fill for hyper-local news. The Current does a good job covering local, but it's well left of center in its editorials. They'd do well to get a traditional conservative guest column.

As far as local news on the TV, I know KATC has tried to have field correspondents assigned to each parish but in the times that I tuned in they were not good at finding stories worth covering.

[Duckster]

The quality and content of Lafayette TV station local newscasts is lower than KPLC Lake Charles, a much smaller market. Some of the Lafayette TV stations are hard to stomach, just borderline unprofessional, weak reporting. Or telling too many victimhood stories spun as news. Since most media is folding into the internet one way or the other I'd suggest the first Lafayette TV station to truly invest in their website content, treat it like a news desk breaking news on it 24/7 will be on their way to becoming the market leader. And focus the news more on becoming a local government watchdog. The TV station websites all look the about the same- average at best. Ten years ago KATC ran a great website, but eventually disinvested. One last thing to the corporate bean counters, reduce the number of meteorologists on staff and add news reporter or two in their place. The weather forecast is spewed out by the National Weather Service anyway. Weather is news these days, let the news department handle it on weekends. Finally, devote another minute or two of the broadcast to sports!

[ZoomZoom]

We have not hard investigative reporting since The Times of Acadiana/Kenny Bowen run 1992-96. That was always must read.

Every Wednesday a minion was sent out to gather the Times from all their distribution locations. Fun times indeed.

Today’s news and weather comes from “The Party” and “Big Brother”. Watch the 5:30 PM national news on the big 3. Different order, same news. Only difference is the ending fluff piece. 6:00 PM, repeat of the big story, except for KATC, where we might get a story out of Bunkie where Me-maw’s corns on her toes looking like a Lima bean

[ZZeebart21]

I've heard a rumor that soon, someone may be coming in that could Make KATC Great Again.

Hmmmm? Who says you can never go home again?

[fanof71]

Market 124....

[cajunref]

Where is Al Hebert?

[ZoomZoom]

Where is Al Hebert?

He'd fit in with the neighborhood reporter bunch.