This was posted on Thursday, July 20, 2017 by RODNEY HO/rho@ajc.com on his AJC Radio & TV Talk blog
Bossip is a popular gossip site started in Atlanta that tries to rise above the rest with sharp writing and video targeting an African-American audience.
WE-TV decided to team up with Bossip to test a weekly "Dish Nation"/TMZ"-style gossip discussion show. It debuted two weeks ago and airs at 10 p.m. Thursdays.
"I think we're funnier than the other news shows," said managing editor Janee Bolden. "It's everything on the website. The crazy headlines. The crazy punchlines. It's a lot of personality."
They do quick takes on various hot topics centered mostly around reality show stars and musicians with occasional comedic takes by contributor and comic Tyler. They get guests on occasion, too. This past Thursday, Yung Joc of "Love and Hip Hop Atlanta" came by.
"We emphasize black gossip and Atlanta is the mecca for black entertainment," said Mara, known as the "hip hop socialite" and is the youngest of the crew. "Everyone comes through Atlanta."
"You can walk down Peters Street and get a couple of news stories," joked Ronnie Jordan, a comic contributor who helps "punch up" the scripts.
"We have a much younger perspective than other shows," added associate editor Jason Lee. "Our perspective is fresher and is not on TV right now."
"And we're a lot cuter," said Danielle "Dani" Canada, associate editor.
They have rented a studio/set in Atlanta, where the site started in 2006, to sit around and talk on camera. (They just left their actual Bossip office and are seeking a new pad. The studio itself replicates the graffiti-strewn wall from the original office.)
The show tapes on Wednesday to give their post-production editors 13 hours to make it sing visually.
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