Central CA—This might come under the heading of TMI for TVV (too much information for TV viewers). There are up to 1.5 million people in California’s Central region. A recent business negotiation created a lot of static for a large segment of that population.  

The FOX affiliate in Central California, KMPH, had a difference of opinion with one of the local cable providers, Comcast. It was a negotiation for re-transmission rights. The local affiliate wanted its fair share for rights to its programs. The definition of “fair” created the tension.

The TMI for TVV comes in after the two sides went public. The cable company hit the cable lines with its message. The TV station went to the airwaves warning that FOX programming might disappear. Just a small warning, a matter of seconds really, that just so happened to run in American Idol. The “Idol” threat stirred thousands watching. The notion that “Idol” might disappear was too much.

Advertisers were uncomfortable with the tension. Distressed viewers flooded both sides with calls. A dilemma was brewing. What will we do if cable drops FOX?

It demonstrated how quickly we change and forget. We changed from free TV, to pay for cable, then to pay for satellite, and forgot that all that FOX stuff (and more) is up in the air for FREE. People with antennas had nothing to worry about, but still there was a panic that cable would drop FOX.

In Central California, cable watchers make up perhaps a third of the audience but the idea of going back to antenna’s had a majority of the viewing public, even those with rabbit ears and dishes in a uproar. Before the confusion escalated further something magical happened. 

Poof, after the announcement on American Idol’s premiere night, it was a done deal. Vocal viewers may have helped speed it up. No matter what the case, it was amazing to see what happens when you substitute TV screens for picket signs.  Only a third of the viewers would have been effected by a day without cable, but you’d never have known it by the public reaction.

M.Brace Coines-RLTV

Central CA—Pay close attention and you will notice a shrinking newspaper or a shriveling news team. There is one big reason for the reductions. It is called advertising dollars. When the advertising dollars dwindle, so does the news, or at least the ability to provide it. 

It may take a while for all of this to sink in but the communication business has forever changed. The main causes include digital conversion in television, Internet acceptance worldwide, and the demand for instant information. Pick your favorite reason or make up a new one. Regardless, there is no turning back.

Throw in the ”current economy” excuse and you have confusion with no real end in sight. There is no way of knowing exactly how the public will react to television’s new world order in February 2009-DTV. However, one thing is for sure: there will be even more options for public consumption and more choices will strip broadcasters and newspapers’ power base.  

Old methods of reaching customers may be outdated, but don’t think that advertising is obsolete. On the contrary, it is far from it. You just need to use the TV and the newspaper differently to make sure people get the information they need and want before they step outside.

This is precisely why RealLocalTV.com exists and why you will want to visit this site repeatedly. To see the change as it happens. We are a part of it.

M. Brace Coines-RLTV

Fresno, CA—Even though currently winning on the ice, the Fresno Falcons could not stop the losses at the box office. Therefore, a Valley ice age ends.

The semi-pro hockey team has been a winter favorite in the San Joaquin Valley for over 60 years. Fresno Falcons hockey started in the 1940s. It went quiet until the 1960s, then it really heated up the ice from there. In 1968, the Falcons battled at the brand-new Selland Arena; ironically, the team’s return to Selland in 2008 did them in.

After playing at the SaveMart Center for five years, financial pressures increased. The team and Freddie the Falcon put on a great show at the SMC, but costs soared. The Falcons hoped the return home to Selland would turn things around, but excerpts from the press release explain it.

Fresno Falcons managing General Partner Chris Cummings announced that the Fresno Falcons will cease operations effective 5 p.m., December 22, 2008.

“It is with sadness and regret that we announce the shut down of the Fresno Falcons. We have operated the Falcons since February of 2006, accumulating significant losses. These losses have been beyond our expectations. The horrific economy and the resulting decrease in revenue from season tickets, corporate sponsorships and overall attendance has created a situation this year which is not sustainable and we simply can not continue to operate. I want to thank the partners for their support, Coach Matt Thomas and the team for producing a great product, CEO John Tull and the Falcons staff, the Falcons season ticket holders, advertisers, and fans for their support these past three years. It is my hope that the ECHL and the City of Fresno will continue their dialogue in the future to possibly revive the Falcons. I wish everyone the best.” Chris Cummings

Fresno, CA—Next to a weatherman and a good news producer, the hardest thing to find in TV news is a money expert people understand. It is virtually impossible to make that find. Most of those people invited in to explain the complicated world of finance talk so far over the audience’s heads that by the end of the segment viewers are scared and confused, particularly these days. 

It is truly and totally a disservice to viewers to bring in the expert who cannot bring it down to the everyday level. Not only that, most of the money experts on TV these days are so baffled by the recent turn of events they really do not add any insight to the events unfolding before us.

That is where Central California viewers have an edge. For the past 16 months, registered financial advisor, Glenn Bever has spent his own time and money to get his point across to anyone willing to listen. Bever made weekly appearances on the television show Valley Life on KMPH FOX 26 to shed light on the ultra complex world of money.

For over a year Bever proved time and time again he had some idea of what is happening to the economy and why. Many people tell you they know what is going on; Bever has proof on digital tape. Bever called the rising gas prices and the fall; the rising food costs; the stock market going down, down and down; real estate sliding; and the list goes on and on.  

Perhaps more importantly, Bever explained why it was about to happen and what you can do to lessen the personal economic impact. Valley Life archives most of the warnings and observations if anyone doubts his validity.

Bever will be the first to tell you he did not see it all coming, particularly the depth of the credit crisis, backed by failed loans. That one caught many people off guard. Bever and others knew it was going to be a problem but not this severe.

So once again, the TV-money talker is looking into the future with his best research and most current information. You can see it on Real Local TV in the Top Videos section. The best thing about his RLTV appearance is that you can spend any day with Glenn and not have to wait for him to show up Tuesdays on the airwaves.

M. Brace Coine-RLTV

Fresno CA-Here’s the side of frat life you may not hear about…the remembrance of a fraternity member. Life-long Sigma Chi fraternity member Robert James “Bob” Long passed away recently and services for the long-time broadcaster took place December 6, 2008.  

Long spent 40 years at one place during his broadcast career, KMJ-KSEE TV.  Even though it seemed like he lived at the television station, Long did have other interests and responsibilities.  One of those interests was serving his college fraternity.  Bob Long was a Sigma Chi advisor for two decades and held a national office at one time in his fraternity career.  

At Long’s memorial service, the fraternity honored their longtime friend and member.  A most impressive and dignified remembrance.  What appeared to be 100-plus Sigma Chi members, younger and older, filed one by one to the front of the service to place white roses in vases.  Two vases spilled over with white roses by the time the silent tribute was complete.

A fraternity’s demonstration of respect unknown to most outside fraternity circles.  A tribute to newscaster Bob Long, a glimpse into the private side of a man with a very public career.

Fresno, CA-Long-time television newscaster Bob Long passed away right before Thanksgiving 2008.  Long retired from the news desk six years prior to his passing but stayed active in the community, mostly teaching.

The historian/newscaster taught viewers a lot in his 40 years at KSEE/KMJ TV.  Even though one credo of news is to “inform, not teach”, Bob Long couldn’t help it.  His history stories and knowledge of current events made him a great teacher.  

One of the greatest lessons by Long, was the lesson of “giving.”  He was much more than a newsman when it came time to help. Take a look at the measure of the man each year over Labor Day.  Bob Long was a telethon fixture.

Fresno, CA-For 40 years in local television you always had Bob Long to turn to, or quite, literally tune-in. Bob Long spent four decades telling the news to Central California viewers and just recently passed away at the age of 76.

Newsman Long will be remembered for his dedication to the industry, taking viewers from black and white screens to color, and near the end of his career enlightening the Central Valley with stories about its past. It was called “On the Map.”

Bob Long with Earl Bradley behind the camera sifted through the history of each central San Joaquin Valley community on the map and told the story.  Most of them were interesting, some fascinating.  If it was on the map, chances are Bob Long knew why.  Long was honored recently by the Emmy’s Northern California Chapter for his years of dedication to the television industry and Mr. Earl Bradley was right there with his colleague again.

Bob Long was a teacher, a storyteller and, most of all, a champion of the past.  His contributions to local history, as told through television, will be hard, if not, impossible to duplicate.  He redefined “Long for the past” in his 40 year KSEE-TV career.

Central CA-When your #1 customer is ailing, it can be contagious.  Such is the case with automotive and television businesses nationwide.  For years, the automotive industry has been the #1 money maker for many local television stations.

When sales for auto dealers wilted, so did the money for advertising.  At least one segment of the auto industry is putting up a fight.  ”New” car dealers in Central California developed a campaign that explains all is not lost.  In fact, current conditions may surprise you.

While conditions remain difficult for some auto dealers and advertising outlets, the time may be right for bargain hunters to make a move and save, save, save.

See the campaign for yourself below click the video. While conditions remain difficult for some auto dealers and advertising outlets, the time may be right for bargain hunters to make a move and save, save, save.

Fresno, CA-Just in time for Halloween, the haunting reality of television rears its head.   If there’s any doubt change is imminent in broadcast TV, just look to recent television news developments.  Two of the most respected and community-minded news anchors are shown the exit.

There was enough concern about costs to shuffle the deck at NBC and CBS locally; two dedicated news anchors are cut.  These sudden departures come with some dark contrasts. Here’s the ebony and irony.  For Wallace, KGPE 47 lured him out of TV retirement only to (tele)cast him back.  For Rodriguez, KSEE 24 let him go on the day he became a grandfather for the first time.  

Here’s the substance of Rodriguez… hours after the dismissal, he was master of ceremonies at two separate events.  One at a high school homecoming, the other at an elementary school fundraiser.  He represented his former place of employment with grace.   Another example of the character missing from the airwaves now.

This is the beginning of a new era in video communications. We are using the knowledge and wisdom gained from the world of broadcast radio and television and moving it into the future.  Visit us often and see the change. We are RealLocalTV.com.