Oregon Media Insiders

Bummer!

I'll miss her smile but not her hair stylist.

She didn't seem as bubbly on the later shift as she was on the morning shift.

Rebecca;
Has been hired by KIRO-TV. She has a six month non-compete. In April 2008 she'll be the chief meteorologist for KIRO. Andy Wapplers, contract was not picked up

Anybody know if the rumors are true of a major makeover coming at KIRO? They seem to have been pretty stagnant from an image/graphics/set look for many years. The new ND has been in place for several months, anyone have some inside info?

Does anybody know for sure that Rebecca Stevenson is getting the Chief position at KIRO? Wouldn't that step on the toes of Monty Webb and Rick VanCise? Will Andy Wappler stay in the Seattle market? Would he leave the area? Come on down to Portland? Or lower himself to a smaller market like Spokane or Boise?

Look for a change in the local weather

Meteorologist Rebecca Stevenson is leaving KING-TV, but she might not be going all that far. Pat Costello, the station's vice president for news, said Stevenson resigned Sept. 6, reportedly to take a job at rival KIRO. Neither Stevenson's agent nor KIRO would comment.

If she remains in this market, Stevenson wouldn't be appearing on any broadcast until at least April because of a six-month noncompete clause in her previous contract.

Florangela Davila, Seattle Times TV writer

The "Dopler" radar is a real radar system name. The Wapplers (both long-time Harry, and son Andy used it as a play on words. Rebecca Stevenson as main weatherperson? Not surprising. While Monty Webb, Rick Van Cise, and even Harry's son Andy are capable talents, Rebeccca will bring in higher ratings. Let's face it, she has the look and that is the most important componet in today's local news. Might not be right, but it is the reality.

I still am hearing rumors of a major makeover of KIRO's news in the next few months. Rebecca will be a part of it for sure, but who else? Is Aaron Brown coming back? (Rumor, again)....

Both Seattle newspapers cover the local tv and radio media quite regularly. For years, Vic Stedicke ran a weekly radio column in The Times, and Bill Virgin still runs one in the P-I. The TV columnists used to write quite a bit about the local news scene, even publishing the ratings, but have backed off a bit from it in recent years.

Okay, before we begin to believe she's only getting the job because she has "the look" lets compare credentials. Andy Wappler has a bachelor degree in English, a masters degree in Journalism, and a certificate in broadcast meteorology from Mississippi State. That's pretty solid...

However...if I read her biography correctly Rebecca has completed two bachelors degrees including Earth Sciences degree at Mississippi State University. That means she took all the certificate courses that most of us (including Andy Wappler) took but also tackled the additional hell courses needed to earn an actual meteorology degree.

I think we discredit women both by 1. Undervaluing them if they're not pretty and, 2. Selling them short just because they are.

I don't know the lady but she's solid as a rock in all regards---including her science education.

I think if we woke up one day to find the Marquam bridge painted lime green or that the Portland Trailblazers had changed their logo, most news organizations would report it.
Neither story may affect how we live, but a lot of people will notice them and want to know why the changes came about. News orgs no longer set the daily agenda, the public does. Failure to acknowledge that has hurt many news organizations.
I don't know if you'd write about reporter changes, but changes of anchors and those with a long tenure in the area should be reported.
Remember, news these days is whatever the consumer thinks it is, and if they don't get it from one outlet, they'll go elsewhere.

I thought this was OMI.com

now how bout' some new visions rumors!!!

Yes, I have always been surprised that The "O" never really covered local media. IMHO, media talking about other media creates more media buzz. Kinda like when a McDonalds moves in, a Burger King, Taco Bell, and Wendy's increases everybodys profits.

I like Rebecca. She's always smiling. I get the KIRO news on the Comcast cable system (CNW-14) here in the Portland area so the only sucky thing is waiting until April. That's the silliest thing about TV, the contracts of the reporters and anchors. Newspaper people can float about all they want, but not TV/radio. Don't get, never will. People are going to watch what/who they watch.

I was on NWCN's NW Sports Tonight last year hosted by Chris Egan, and while the segment went very well, I was hoping to meet Rebecca but she was off that day.

I still watch Rebecca when I can, she has a certain knack of delivering the weather with such ease and grace. Hope she likes her new digs next year.

http://themcguffin.spaces.live.com

I've never see anybody light up a TV screen the way Rebecca does. She comes across as a real human being, too, not just another talking weather head. When I checked out her bio and discovered she also has serious brain cred (two degrees and counting), I was even more impressed. IMNSHO, KIRO just made one of the best hires in their history.

And hey, there's nothing wrong with her hair! My fave was when she showed up a couple years ago sporting a "do" that looked like she'd just engaged in something so good that, if she told us what it was, she'd have to kill us. lol

But those stodgy three-button suits have to go. The girl deserves better than that.

"Wouldn't be appearing on any broadcast until at least April"? Well, then, it shouldn't be hard for anyone to predict it's gonna be a long, cold, dreary winter in the Great PNW.

I think she is to bubbly for evenings..
she belongs in the mornings..But then again there is M.J. McDermott on KCPQ...
but really Rick is good...I like watchin him too

Rebecca Stevenson is without question the greatest thing to happen to the weather in the Great North West.

Some here say she is "too bubbly"
Bull.

I can never get enough of the weather when she reports, and that is what Kiro is banking on. People like me who are simply hooked on watching Rebecca Stevenson report the weather.

I guarantee you the channel lineup will be changing around our place.

I predict a ratings surge for Kiro.
At least during the weather report...

She's a little ditzy and her forecasts are rarely correct. But, since she's easy on the eyes...she will be accepted and watched. Accuracy and professionalism don't seem to be important these days.

I have to admit I wasn't a big fan when I first saw her (we returned to the NW 2 years ago). But she has certainly grown on me. She's spunky, articulate and cute in a "young librarian" kind of way.

Her hair is always and adventure, and I told my wife they got rid of her because I called several times to complain about it - lol.

KIRO made a VERY prudent business decision. I can't stand the current KIRO TV news, but with her on - I will definitely give it a try.

I miss seeing her on as well. But just wondering to all of you on here.

I notice on Seattle TV Stations KING,KOMO and KIRO that they have new "in the field" reporters working, especially KING and KOMO. I know KOMO is affiliated with KATU in Portland. Do any of you noticed the new newspeople at your stations?

In Seattle KOMO has cleaned house with their in studio people. They brought in Natasha Curry from Texas, the new traffic gal last name Hogan w/Aussie accent and other young broadcasters including Mary Nam. They moved Denise Whitaker from the morning show and put Natasha in her place; Molly Shen got moved around. So look at KOMO and see that they are trying to sell young and sexy on air personalities. Oh yeah Jim Castillo too.

Rick Van Cise has been around for years in the radio industry at KIRO and KOMO (as program mgr if I remember right) then Sacramento and back here at KOMO TV and now KIRO TV. There is a woman with last name of Van Cise on NWCN, is she related? Monty Webb bounces around more than any person I've seen on Seattle TV. Came back to KCPQ and then left to NWCN and then back to KIRO.

Hail Rebecca! Any bets Steve Raible and Margo Myers are gonna disappear???

We need a Washington Media Insider web site!!!

Who cares about her credentials. She is a knockout looking gal.

I have lived near Seattle for 4 & 1/2 years. Rebecca Stevenson is the only local news anchor whose name I can remember. The rest are quite forgettable.

She's smart, capable and pleasant without being superficial. Nice looking too.

Thanks for the memories Rebecca.

Sorry Portland, Spokane, Boise. She's ours now.

If Rebeca goes to KIRO!!!!

so does my family....

bye bye king 5

I just noticed her disappearance here the first of November. So she didn't make that much of an impression on me. Sorry. It looked like they were grooming her to take over for Jeff Renner on 5. A few years back they bounded Renner for some pretty little thing from Spokane; that lasted about 6 months.

Jean, Laurie, and Jeff on King 5 are like members of the family.

Dennis is competent but seems to lack the warmth of the others. Some day they will have some real reporter in sports, rather than some guys reading the lastest press releases.

Sorry Rebecca, you're on your own.

I agree with everyone who loves the way Rebecca Stevenson lights up a TV. Anyone that doesn't love her looks, style and charm is probably just jealous. She has the warmest, sweetest smile on television. I only watched NWCN because of Rebecca. What a fabulously beautiful woman she is.

She does have a pleasant manner and appears comfortable and confident in her delivery.

I think she appeared as an actress/dancer in a bank commercial (Rainier Bank? Seafirst?) on TV a few years ago.

Rebecca made me stay up late just to watch the news. Absolutely stunning.

I'm another who supports Rebecca Stevenson, I think she adds alot to being a metorologist. When she reports the weather it makes the rain a welcome sight. She has our support and dad-gum she is pretty.

Yes, she is totally gorgeous. And she lights from inside, which is great. Plus she knows her stuff. Always gets my attention, and I'm glad to hear she's coming back!

Shannon O'donnell is back on KING 5. If I remember right, Rebecca replaced her when she left several years back.

Rebecca Stevenson is a genuine person with an excellent personality, and she has obviously worked hard to become a great meteorologist. Many of us admire the hard work she puts in to delivering a professional and pleasant forecast. There were so many people that tuned into NWCN and King 5 just to see her.

Thank you for your weather forecasts Rebecca and we can’t wait to see you again.

Rebecca is absolutely cool as hell!!! Talk about someone who is downright genuine. We miss seeing you on the air and can't wait for you to get back!!! You rock!!!

Rebecca is a perfect fit for the Northwest weather. She is always upbeat and our winter weather reporting really needs that, at least for me!

Thank you Rebecca. I hope to see you again soon.

Joseph

Too bad Rebecca is gone. I loved watching her. She was very upbeat and sincere. You can tell that she enjoys what she does. I don't care too much for Mary Loos. She is very mono toned and there is no energy in her deliverance. I don't believe she is with King 5 anymore. As for the new meteorologist that is on King5 I really don't care for her. Yes she is pleasant to look at but there is something about her that sends no energy my way. She must not be staying long because she still doesnt have a bio on King5.com. Jeff Renner and Rich Marriot are tops with me. But I do really miss Rebecca.

I, for one, am looking forward to Rebecca making her debut on KIRO7. I don't usually watch that channel, but will just to see Becky's smiling face. Being the lowest-rated news broadcast in the Seattle/Tacoma viewing area, they seem to be able to afford some new talent. Margo Meyers was with KOMO4 before moving over to KIRO, so maybe they are trying to move up the ladder. Getting rid of Andy Wappler will help. I can't stand him. I went to school with Monte Webb, so know him...he's okay. I just hope they don't pick up Mary Loos. She's so unfriendly and cold...brrr.

Hurry back, Becky! We can't wait to see your smiling face, and great hairstyles, on our Seattle stations again!

I agree with the majority here. I think Rebecca is absolutely beautiful,that with the combination of her obvious intelligence and solid background in education,she is the best weatherperson in the Northwest. I fell in love with her the first time I laid eyes on her after I got here in 2000. She is actually the only reason I even watch the weather....otherwise I just look out the window to get the report first hand.
I usually watch NWCN,but I think I'll be moving over to watch KIRO if that's where she is headed. She definately brings a much needed huge ray of sunshine to our beautiful part of the world.

You all know that Rebecca is beautiful, but she needs a lot of help with her wardrobe. Mary Nam can dress and needs to speak with Rebecca to show how to be a bit modest and wear something that brings out her best side, as is needed for business in the television market. What I mean is a performer dresses a certain way when in front of their audience, Rebecca's clothes are just not the style or type needed for a position she holds in public view. The only word I can think of is "frumpy". I hate to be negative about the girl but the clothes have to go. Maybe she can get an appointment with a professional that knows how to bring out your best side with your wardrobe. I loved to watch that sparkle she exudes. BUT the clothes really turned me off. She just doesn't know how to make the clothes-celebrity connection.
Other than that I'd say she really ROCKS!

The best of luck to you Rebecca in what ever you do.

Rebecca and I go back many years when she appeared and toured in an original musical I wrote. Not only did she act, sing, and dance in the show, she also took on the additional responsiblity of Touring Stage Manager AND transported the sets and costumes as well! She's a tremendously sweet and talented person and completely genuine. She appeared in most of the top theatres in Seattle, Including Village and ACT, and in many commercials and Corporate videos. She was successful, but got tired of the strain of never knowing when or where the next job (Or pay check) would be. Like many actors, she made a break and went with what she knew she had to offer - expression, talent, enthusiasm, a nice speaking voice, brains, and of course, good looks. We know how hard she studied to become a meteorologist, as well as the financial situation it put her in. College loans are expensive, and beginning pay at KING-5 did not bring millions. If you notice, during the last few months of her tenure there, she was starting to have better hair and wardrobe. Rebecca is very tiny and petite (Camera makes you bigger, remember?) and from my guess, she was finally able to start having clothes custom made and tailored to her specific dimensions.
It makes a huge difference! Rack clothes are not for everybody, especially her small stature. I'm petite and many petite jackets, tops, and suits are STILL too long in the sleeves -Rebecca is even smaller so there's the answer to all you fashionistas out there. So cut her some slack, be proud of the Northwest gal who's done good, and tune in to KIRO when she's back in April. I can think of few others who deserve our support like Rebecca.
(Baaaa-Baaaaa! - inside joke for Rebecca!)
PS - Hey Designers - make her your "Project Runway!"

He is taking a new job with Puget Sound Energy in Bellevue.

So the job is now opening up for Rebecca...

Will be good to see her back on!

Rebecca, Rebecca, Rebecca Where are you? You are missed and
needed here in the great north west to report our weather. Not
only are you pretty but you are a great metrorologist. The
weather seems so gloomy when you are not reporting it. come
back and make our day. Your greatly missed

barf...

http://members.shaw.ca/nwbroadcasters/recentnews.htm

Provides the link to Seattle Times regarding Rebecca Stevenson coming to KIRO; although the article is about Andy Wappler who was told by KIRO management some changes were going to be made.

UPDATE: I e-mailed a person at KIRO and they replied "Please be watching next week."
My crystal ball is a bit cloudy, so I dunno whether this means a) the "Rebecca" promos will hit their air next week or b) she will actually join the newscast on-air.
Judging by the number of people who've posted on this thread, there's a bit of interest... anyone know the latest?

Just watched Rebecca do the weather on KIRO @11pm. Is today her first? Looking beautiful, but a bit nervous I think.

It's refreshing to see Rebecca on KIRO. Just saw her tonight at 600 and was surprised. It was sad to see Andy Wappler leave and be replaced by Monty(Cheeseball)Webb. Rebecca Stevenson is a change for the better, I think.

In Vancouver WA, Comcast used to rebroadcast the KIRO weekday newscasts at 5pm, 6pm and 11pm on Channel 14. But due to changes on both Comcast’s end as well as monetary demands made by KIRO to rebroadcast in Vancouver, the broadcasts on Comcast in Vancouver -- Channel 14 ended.

I was never a huge fan of Rebecca Stevenson when she was a weathercaster on NWCN, but I’m sure she’ll have a positive impact on KIRO. And from what I read, KIRO needs an infusion of good fortune.

From years, I watched KIRO via the cable system here in Vancouver, WA. From its news outside the box experiment in the early 90’s to its 7pm weekday newscast as well as its heavy use of political and social commentary on many of its early afternoon and evening newscasts, KIRO always seemed to be in search of itself.

This is in contract to my best recollection of KING 5, which offered a very well paced, non-gimmicky broadcast. Prior to rebroadcasting KIRO in Vancouver, it was KING 5 that was rebroadcast in Vancouver.

I enjoyed the professionalism of KING 5 anchors Jean Enerson and Mike James (nearly 20 years ago). I thought they were very good readers as well as well schooled on the matters of state in Seattle and the surrounding communities. Too, the reporting staff was excellent and stable, with professionals such as Don Porter, Linda Brill and Glenn Farley. Additionally, I thought KING 5 did an excellent job reporting on sports. KING excelled in its coverage of professional, college and high school level sports. KIRO sports did have a huge presence in the late Wayne Cody, no pun intended. Cody easily weighed 300 pounds. Following his retirement, KIRO hired KING 5 personality Tony Ventrella to replace him. When Tony left KIRO, sports became less a priority. In fact, when I last watched a KIRO news broadcast, it didn’t offer anything but a “Sports in a Minute” feature.

andy has taken a position at puget sound energy and loves it he is the one who decided to leave KIRO 7

KIRO Kicked butt in the early 80s under the direction of News Director John Lippman, affectionally known in the newsroom as the Prince of Darkness. John Marler and Gary Justice co anchored with Harry Wappler on Weather, and the Mound of Sound, Wayne Cody doing sports. Chopper 7 piloted by Chuck Sicotte had a featured role...and for a short time there was the KIRO NewsJet. (A lear jet borrowed from a KIRO board member) In those days the trucks from Salt Lake City used to back up to the loading dock and cart the money off to the Bonneville Broadcasting HQ.

Maybe PSE will teach him to pronounce "Warshington" properly.

Where is Monty Webb??

Rebecca Stevenson, yes she is pretty, does contribute to making a set more cheery and sure, she may be credentialized as well as Andy Wappler and maybe even more so as some have said in here, but personally I don't agree with the change. Whenever I watch Rebecaa it's like she's just not quite sure of what she's talking about and stumbles a lot, whereas when viewing Andy's reports I always felt he knew what he was talking about and I thought he did so with much confidence. Yes, his smile was a little quirky, but along with is his superb weather reports, I did enjoy his quick wit and his interaction with the anchors and will miss seeing him on KIRO. So much for tradition...

What?? Monty is gone?? Say it ain't so! I hope he takes that other cheeseball, Rick Van (not so)PreCise and Jeff(my eyebrows are their own country)Renner. I just want to hear the weather report, I don't need any voice inflections weather(pun intended) real or carny. Rick's boy scout finger posturing on the a.m timeslot makes me wish he was on hiway 99 selling used cars. For all you horndogs who think Rebecca Stevenson is hawt, ughhhhh, honestly, I don't care what kind of degrees she has. All she is doing is reading the teleprompter and pointing, and with that glazed look in her eyes, must be real difficult. The blonde wignut on King 5 who took her place, I really have to say how much I enjoy how she looks at the camera from the right side of her face. Not sure what kind of look she is aiming for, but it's not working. My suggestion is, "look at the camera directly".
Now if Komo could do something about Dan Lewis......

As a viewer with no dog in this fight, I love dishing about the television news business. But in reality, I’ve met very few television news personalities. The few I’ve met were pretty nice, but one seemed really full of herself – a Prima Donna of sorts. Maybe it was a bad day for her, but this impression has been a lasting one. With that said, I can’t imagine living in a community and constantly being recognized. Now that would drive me nearly insane. It must take enormous willpower to be smiling and cordial all the time. The price of fame seems too high to make it worth my while.

So when people make comments about news personalities in forums like OMI, I take it with a grain of salt.

It surprises me that you say that personalities in the business were unfriendly. I've dealt with two local networks and I can't say enough good things about the people at the networks.

In both cases, I have had good experiences with people both on air and behind the scenes. For the most part people on air naturally have more people skills, probably because their job is to speak and create human interaction.

Interesting. What networks were you working with?

Rebecca is damn good to look at and I think knowledgeable. The one drawback I can see is...she will have the same hairdo for the rest of her KIRO career. Part of the fun of watching RS on King,Kong and NWCN, was tuning into see what her hair looked like from week to week.
All or most of the other Seattle anchorwomen never change their hair. It becomes a trademark. DON'T LET THAT HAPPEN TO YOU REBECCA!!!!!
Change your hairstyle every once and a while. It's part of your charm. There are people out here who really like you and want you to succeed.

Rebecca used to be a waitress and the mecca cafe in seattle, as i recall she was an actress,she also had a big ass and the rumor was she had butt lipo,(i know this sounds like b.s. its true i swear) as a waitress she was really nice, she was the only pretty chick to ever work at this dive. She also dated this jerk named drew.

Let's hear it for the beautiful Erin Mayovsky !!!
Doin' a fine job on the weekends at KIRO.