Originally posted Tuesady, December 4, 2018 by RODNEY HO/rho@ajc.com on his AJC Radio & TV Talk blog
Jeff Zucker defended CNN in a podcast interview with CNN commentator David Axelrod and explained his complicated past with Donald Trump.
Zucker understands that Trump may feel betrayed because Zucker and Trump had been friends. But for Zucker, the truth trumps friendship.
"I think that our job at CNN is to tell the truth," Zucker said. "The problem is, in this day and age, I do understand that sometimes when you're pro-truth, it comes off as anti-Trump. In no way should we set out, ever, to be anti-Trump. We should always set out to be pro-truth. And all I encourage our shows and our anchors to be, is to hold those in power accountable and tell the truth. If that comes off as anti-Trump, then that's a byproduct of being pro-truth..."
He also believes Trump attacks CNN because "we're relevant. If we weren't relevant, if we didn't matter, he'd just ignore us.”
Zucker also didn’t count out the possibility of running for office himself.
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Credit: Gene Page/AMC
Credit: Gene Page/AMC
“The Walking Dead” finished its mid-year with an overnight number of 5 million viewers, a far cry from 8 million a year ago and 10.6 million just two years ago.
The show has effectively lost half its audience in just two years, an astounding drop for any show. Even if you count the DVR and on-demand plays, the show’s fall has been alarming.
This despite the fact the drama has found new footing under a new show runner in this post-Rick era and introduced a potentially interesting protagonist in the Whisperers. For some, it’s clearly too little, too late.
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Sports newscaster Anthony Amey has left Channel 2 Action News after nearly nine years.
News director Misti Turnbull said, "Anthony is no longer with us, and we wish him the best. We're currently conducting a nationwide search for that position."
A replacement is being sought.
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The latest monthly ratings are in and News 95.5 and AM 750 WSB continues to be the No. 1 overall station while V-103 leads in both 25-54 and 18-34.
WSB had its best month (8.6) since February leading into the midterm elections. Rush Limbaugh pulls in the strongest numbers during the day.
In the morning show wars, Scott Slade is No. 1 overall, followed by Steve Craig on the River and the Bert Show on Q100. Among 25 to 54 year olds, the Bert Show is at top followed by Frank and Wanda on V-103 and Scott Slade on WSB. With the 18 to 34 year olds, the Bert Show remained No. 1, followed by Bailey & Southside on Rock 100.5 and (surprise!) Cadillac Jack and Ali Mac on Kicks 101.5.
Two stations had terrible months. Hot 107.9 suffered its lowest rating (3.3) since Nielsen installed people meters in 2009. Alt 105.7 (which was Radio 105.7 for many years under the same rock format) has seen its ratings ebb steadily over the past few years and hit its record low with a mere 1.2.
Top 25 stations covering October 12 through November 7, according to Nielsen Media:
1. WSB
2. 97.1/The River
3. V-103
4. B98.5
5. Majic 107.5/97.5
6. Power 96.1
7. Fish 104.7
8. Kiss 104.1
9. 90.1/WABE
10. Star 94.1
11. Kicks 101.5
12. 92.9/The Game
13. 94.9/The Bull
14. Praise 102.5
15 (tie). Hot 107.9/ Rock 100.5
17. Joy 93.3
18 (tie). 680/93.7 The Fan, Streetz 94.5
20. Talk 106.7
21. (tie) OG 97.9, Z105.3, Alt 105.7
24 (tie). 88.5/WRAS-FM, Jazz 91.9
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Julie Smith's job has shifted at CBS46. She had been doing traffic in mornings but is going to host lifestyle and entertainment segments along with special projects.
“This is something that I’ve loved so much since I first stuck my toe in the water back in Louisville, KY,” Smith wrote on Facebook recently.
“We’re still doing some planning so I’ll come off air for a short time but you’ll still see me on social media!” she added. “I promise not to disappear and will keep you posted on what I’m up to at the station in the mean time. Stay tuned!”
