I've been canned by WRAL-TV.
In 2002, WRAL and The News & Observer joined forces on a weekly 30-minute news and public affairs show called "Headline Sunday" (later changed to "Headline Saturday"). The show was co-hosted by WRAL's David Crabtree and Melanie Sill, executive editor of The N&O. When Sill left for The Sacramento Bee in late 2007, I was named executive editor and joined Crabtree as co-host.
This week, Steve Hammel, WRAL's general manager, called to say he was changing the format of the show. Crabtree will host alone and the show won't be affiliated with The N&O, although N&O reporters could be invited to appear from time to time. Hammel was gracious and even gave me two weeks notice, meaning my last show will air Saturday, Aug. 22. By the way, neither I nor other N&O staffers who appear on the show are paid by WRAL, so this wasn't a cost-cutting move.
It's more about the pace of the show, Hammel said, which can quicken with a single anchor. Certainly, TV is not my medium -- even my own mother once pointed that out to me. (If your mother says you looked bad on television Saturday night, you probably did.) But I have enjoyed working with David Crabtree, floor director Stuart Todd and the rest of the crew at WRAL. They always made me feel welcome and helped a newspaper guy get through a television show. They are true professionals. We have a healthy rivalry with WRAL but there's no doubt it's a first-rate operation. I'd like to think we make each other better.
As for my co-hosting abilities, I might have erred in modeling myself after Ron Burgundy of the 2004 movie, "Anchorman." Still, as my TV career ends, I'd like to say: Stay classy, Triangle.
--John Drescher
Comments
It seems to me that WRAL
Fri, 11/06/2009 - 08:26 — trentonwilmoreIt seems to me that WRAL manages to be the first local news station to report on any local breaking news, and that's the main reason that I tune in. I also frequent their website, which is pretty well organized except for the fact that you have to scroll down the page to get some of the slightly older major news stories.
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I usually fall back on WRAL
Fri, 11/06/2009 - 08:25 — trentonwilmoreI usually fall back on WRAL for local news that I can't get from CNN, BBC, or NPR. I do think WRAL offers pretty good local coverage, although I usually don't bother watching past the first 10 or 15 minutes of the broadcasts. I find their special interest features to be lacking, but then again they have to appeal to a pretty broad viewership.
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John Drescher is a Mensch
Sat, 08/22/2009 - 07:45 — DebrahI can't believe that anyone would entertain the thought of dismissing John.
I suppose he was too hot and provided too much competition for David Crabtree!
LIS!
John was the only reason I ever tuned into that show.
And he and the terrific investigative reporter Joe Neff are the only reasons I keep renewing my subscription to the paper.
Retribution by WRAL?
Tue, 08/18/2009 - 18:23 — kloyd1953John, I'm not one to fan the flames of conspiracy theories, but it seems apparent to me that this move by WRAL was a thinly-veiled act of retribution for making Greg Fishel "disappear" from your weather page a short while ago. Just be glad it's not the mafia you're dealing with.
Who needs TV?
Fri, 08/14/2009 - 12:48 — jpurdyYou guys should take the time & material and put together a YouTube channel...
Join the Club
Fri, 08/14/2009 - 08:13 — minpaulWow, I thought being dissed by the media only happened to Durham grassroots street reporters, like myself. Oh well, at least you have a newspaper. There are many of us who will never get to express our views at WRAL or the N@O. So , I would be thankful for the opportunities taht I have. Everyday folks like me can only vent our frustrations on our blogs. Paul Scott No Warning Shots Fired.com
Newspaper Folks Help TV Panels
Thu, 08/13/2009 - 12:28 — proctorThink of where the major Sunday morning television network talk shows wold be without erudite, knowledgeable and articulate newspaper writers and columnists such as David Brooks of The New York Times or Dan Balz and David Broder of The Washington Post. Why even George Will reads the newspapers, and he's as up to date on the issues of the day as Will Rogers was. John Drescher should pull a Kramer and tell WRAL they can't fire him because he never worked there! The trouble with may television news show intereviews is that they tend to become too sweet in tone and style. You need newspaper folks on your television news show panels to keep things properly dry, detached, bemused and whimsical when the occasion calls for these reportorial demeanors. TV folks too often have the answer to their questions selected before the questions are asked. This is definitely a journalistic injustice of the highest order because WRAL's Pam Saulsby, who can sing jazz like Ella Fitzgerald did, had her picture in an ad in last week's Independent Weekly (for one of her music appearances). Now being on TV every night is one thing, but having your photo--at least if it's a good one like The N&O ought to use for Governor Perdue--in the newspaper, now that's really something of note. WRAL should put Ruth Sheehan on their "Headline" show and Ruth can cut to the chase on the major issues in state government. Besides, how can our beloved Channel 5 news team use the term "Headlines" for a news interview program without including at least one journalist from a respectable print organization which indeed specializes in writing headlines? They're gonna miss those stoic and knowledgeable N&O editors not being on the show with the Rev. Crabtree. David McKnight
I usually enjoy this show
Thu, 08/13/2009 - 12:01 — jesmyopinionI usually enjoy this show depending on the topic, and thought that N&O brought more credibility to it. I wonder if only Mr. Crabtree will be asking the questions from now on and will not have other questioners - hope not. I think the show needs at least one other person to ask questions.
Those Churlish Louts!
Wed, 08/12/2009 - 20:20 — AgentPierceWeep no more Johnny. This was set in motion several months ago when you foolishly allowed Barkin to sub for you. Even Ron Burgundy cried over that one.
Lex Luthor Lives ..... impressionable children thru the Triangle were traumatized. Goodmon doesn't have enuff liability insurance to cover that again. Call Tom Campbell .... he's like Mikey ... Tom will use ANYONE on his show. If you look like John Hood or Chris Fitzsimons it will help and you sorta do. Have Ruthie put in a good word for you.
I did hear that Barbara Goodmon and Mary Easley are good buddies. That would NOT help you.
Hey!
Thu, 08/13/2009 - 13:56 — danbarkinI was great.
-Barkin