Oregon Media Insiders

I hate to be superficial, but man do I love a new television news set. I know it’s more a reflection of money, space and technology, but there is nothing more appealing to me than watching my news delivered with lots of flash and glitter. Plus a completely tricked out weather center is always nice.

Right now, my vote for best news set in Portland goes to KGW. When they made their HD debut, they rolled several new pieces in their news set arsenal. But what perplexes me is their lack of a modern weather center. KPTV has one, and it’s got the graphics to prove it. But their news set is weak – which is a surprise. I read on OMI that KPTV will be rolling out a new set in the fall. KOIN’s though is worst of all. I’ve dogged KOIN on this blog so many times that I’m beginning to sound like a one trick pony. But KOIN is in despite need of a new on-air home. That leaves me with KATU. Hopefully, KATU comes out with something truly whiz bang.

To me, the most interesting news set experience is the out of the box experiment tried at KIRO in Seattle about 15 or so years ago. From what I recall, KIRO paid a fortune to create this poorly received flop. At the time, someone wrote that had Aaron Brown still been at KIRO, it might have had a fighting chance. I can’t imagine even Aaron Brown saving that sinking ship.

Does anyone remember KGW doing 5pm, summertime broadcasts from out of doors? I know it was Pete Schulberg and either Tracy Barry or Kathy Smith who anchored from a portable news set out of doors. Plus, I recall years ago KGW traveling around the state visiting different locations and hosting its 5pm broadcast from those locations.