Memphis GM Leaves for Baton Rouge

WMC (Memphis) General Manager Lee Meredith is leaving the station in the next few weeks to oversee operations at CBS affiliate WAFB-9 and WBXH-16, a MyTV station in Baton Rouge.

Meredith will replace Sandy Breland, who left Baton Rouge for WVUE-8, a FOX affiliate in New Orleans. Meredith's replacement has not yet been named.

“Being from Texas I’ve spent time in Louisiana and I look forward to being there again," Meredith said Wednesday according to the report. “I’ve enjoyed my time in Memphis and there’s a lot here that I’ll miss, but at the same time I’m excited about this new opportunity in Baton Rouge.”

H/T The Times Picayune

Don't Let the Door hit you on the Ass on your Way Out Bert

WLBT's Bert Case

WLBT (Jackson, MS) Anchor Bert Case was coming up on his 40th year working for the station.

But, he's not going to make it.

WLBT is pushing Bert out the door before he can reach the milestone. 

The Longtime anchor has been asked to retire Jan. 31, just months short of his 40th anniversary with the station WLBT employees told The Clarion-Ledger.

Dan Modisett, general manager for WLBT, denied that is true. “It’s his choice,” he said.

Case’s resignation will come one day after he celebrates his 75th birthday and several months short of what would have been his 40th anniversary with the station. He would not comment Thursday.

State Sen. John Horhn, D-Jackson, said the decision seems misguided.

“Bert is an institution in this state,” he said. “He is a much beloved newscaster who has been so much a part of the success of WLBT. I can’t imagine the station without his voice.”

His signature signoff, “Berrrrt Case, WLBT News,” has become so recognized Mississippians often greet him with the phrase, some of them also wanting autographs or photographs, said former WLBT News Director Dennis Smith.

Case anchors WLBT’s 5 p.m. broadcast, which continues to come in No. 1 in its time period.

Great way to treat a longtime employee huh?

Sam Champion Invades Al Roker's Turf...AGAIN!

Sam Champion crashes Wake up with Al

Yesterday, FTVLive told you that former Good Morning America Weatherman Sam Champion popped up on NBC's Today Show. 

Everyone knew it was a matter of time before Champion honed in on Al Roker's turf.

This morning Champion did it again!

Champion popped in on 'Wake Up with Al' on The Weather Channel (for you DirecTV customers, The Weather Channel is a network with reality shows, with some weather coverage sprinkled in). 

This is the second time in as many days that Champion is crashing Roker's turf.

How long before Al tells Sam to back the fuck off?

Dan Rather Sticks up for Roger Ailes

Dan Rather

They seem to be at the far sides of political politics, but former CBS Anchor Dan Rather sticks up for Fox News boss Roger Ailes.

In an interview with Larry King, veteran newsman Dan Rather defends Fox News from critics who say it’s little more than a media operation for the Republican Party.

“Do you ever think the thought that Fox News channel is an actual part of the Republican party?” King asks Rather.

After a pause, Rather says the criticism “goes too far.”

“I’ll say this about [Fox News CEO Roger Ailes]:” Rather says, ”he is a very good businessman, he’s very smart about television, and he built a network when I, for one, wasn’t at all sure he could do so. And has he used it to benefit the Republican Party, yes. The record is very clear on that. But is it a sole operative and propaganda machine for the party? I’d have to stop short of that.”

Wait! Did a pig just fly by my window?!

H/T The Blaze

Couple Sentenced to Prison in Fraud Case Involving Norfolk Anchor

Juliet Bickford

FTVLive was the FIRST to tell you that WTKR Juliet Bickford was gone from the station for her involvement in a international fraud ring. 

Yesterday,  married couple from Canada was sentenced in federal court on Thursday for their role in a fraud conspiracy that's been linked to a bank account opened by  Bickford.

Cullen Johnson, 65, and Elaine White, 70, both Canadian citizens, were sentenced by U.S. District Judge Mark S. Davis to five-and-a-half years in prison, following their prior guilty pleas to money laundering conspiracy.

In reading several "victim impact" statements, Davis said at Johnson's hearing, he was struck by the "repeated story of people who came to the defendant and his wife for help and were re-victimized."

"This has resulted in significant harm to people who were victims," Davis said.

Bickford and Grontis met in the Bahamas in 2006, and lived together in Hampton's Fox Hill section between 2009 and 2011. That was before Grontis skipped town in September 2011, when he learned the IRS was investigating him.

Bickford — who has not been charged in the fraud conspiracy case — resigned from her position at WTKR last week, and pleaded guilty this week to a separate misdemeanor charge of making a false tax return.

As for WTKR, they have refused to cover the story because it involves their now former anchor. 

H/T Daily Press

St. Louis Station Releases Statement About School Incident

FTVLive FIRST told you that a stunt by KSDK in St. Louis caused Kirkwood High School to issue a lockdown.

Now the station has released a statement, pushing viewers to watch their 10:00 newscast for more info.

Really?!

Here is the station's statement they posted on their website:

"NewsChannel 5 recognizes the importance of safety in our schools. As part of a continuing investigation this afternoon, we visited five local schools.

One of our employees assigned to this investigative report visited Kirkwood High School. He entered and walked his way toward the office, asking a teacher for directions after a few minutes. There, he asked if he might discuss the school's security. He identified himself by name and gave the office his phone number.

When the security official could not be reached, our employee left the premises without escort.

Approximately an hour later – after our visit – the high school was put on lock down. This lock down certainly was not the intent of our visit.

We will report this story tonight on NewsChannel 5 at 10 p.m.

NewsChannel 5 will continue to be vigilant when it comes to the safety of our schools and your children within."

Palm Beach Station Names new News Director

Word is that WPEC in West Palm Beach has hired Mike McCormack as the station's new News Director.

McCormack was recently pushed out at Cox owned WETV in Jacksonville and now heads down I-95 to Palm Beach.

Sinclair owned WPEC has been struggling in the ratings and kicked ND Cathy Younkin to the curb.

Not Again?! Station Causes Lockdown at School

Sources tell FTVLive that KSDK in St. Louis was doing a story that tested the school security  at a high school in Kirkwood.

Word is that the station stunt ended with the school on lockdown.

There are no posts from KSDK on their Facbook page about the incident, but a number of viewers are posting comments about it and asking the station for answers. KSDK hasn't said anything as of yet.

KMOV Sportscaster Doug Vaughn sent out this tweet:

As we said, KSDK has made no mention of the story.

Jason Nico is a parent of a child at the school. His wife was out of town on business and gets a text that school is on lockdown.

Both parents were very upset, Nico called KSDK says he spoke to a producer who he says confirmed the story and apologized.

While other parents are begging for information on the station's Facebook page, the latest post from the station is promoting the Olympics.

Sometimes all you can do is shake your head. 

NBC's Sochi Studio

Here is a look at what NBC's studio will look like at the Sochi Olympics. 

This is just one of the NBC studios and this is said to be Studio B.

H/T Newscast Studio 

Out the Door at CNN

Sources tell FTVLive that CNN International Meteorologist Ivan Cabrera is not having his contract renewed.

Cabreara came to CNN in 2009 working freelance and was hired full time in February 2010.

Cabreara working at CNNi but was sometimes seen domestically during severe storm coverage.

He came to CNN from WESH in Orlando.

Word is he's out the door next month. 

Ummm Yeah...You might want to Silence that

Before you go on live TV you might want to silence your "Fat Bottom Girls" ringtone.

Just saying....

How I Work? - Scott Jones/FTVLive.com

Today FTVLive is launching a new segment that will share how your friends/peers/competitors in and around the TV industry work and what they use to make their work and life more efficient.

FTVLive will be sending emails reaching out to some of the cool people in and around the TV News world and sharing their answers with you.

Since this is the first segment, I'll be the guinea pig and go first.

So here is the very first edition of HOW I WORK? 

Scott Jones/ FTVLive.com

Location: Fleming Island, Florida

Current gig: CEO/Founder and editor of FTVLive.com 

Current computer: Desktop 27" iMac Laptop 13" Original Macbook Air (on its last legs), Google Glass on my face

Current mobile device: Nexus 5

One word that best describes how you work: Passionately 

What are your favorite Apps that you can't live without?

I spend most of my time using the Twitter app to keep tabs of what is happening. I never follow more than 100 people on Twitter. I find that even that few people can keep your Twitter feed busy. I use the I Heart Radio app to listen to radio stations outside my market. I download a number of apps, but some only last a day or two on my phone before I delete them.

What's your workspace like?

I work out of a home office. Every weekend I clean up my office and by Friday it is back to a big mess. My cats spend  as much time on my desk (or lap) as I do sitting at it. I put a home gym in my house, so when I take a break, I can get in a quick workout. Sitting at the desk all day, does not do a body good.

Besides your phone and computer, what gadget can't you live without?

Without a doubt, It's Google Glass. I have been in the Google Explorer program with Glass for about a month and I love it. Having Glass means I spend less time reaching for my phone. I love the concept behind Google Glass and I'm sure the technology is only going to get better. 

What Music are you listening to?

I'm not a huge music listener. I do listen to music while working out or riding my bike. I like most kinds of music, but I'm not a big hard rock fan. Right now, I've been listening to Swedish House Mafia and also Robin Meade's new album. 

What's your sleep routine like?

I'm and early to bed and very early to rise kind of guy. Most often I'm in bed by 9PM, although I usually surf the web on my iPad for 45 minutes to an hour before turning off the lights and going to sleep. I'm up around 4:30AM and starting my day. Even on the rare day where I get to sleep in, I still find myself waking up around 5AM. There is no doubt, I need more sleep.

Best Advice you Ever Got?

Take your foot off first base. Let me explain, a friend of mine, who is a giant in business told me "You can't steal second base, without taking your foot off first." In other words you can't chase your dreams and ambitions without taking some chances. It took me a while to take my foot off first base, but I finally did it. 

Best Thing About your Job?

I get to interact with so many people, although almost all of it is done either via the phone or email. There are people that I have talked to for years and I feel like I really know them, yet I never have met them face to face. 

Worst thing about your Job?

The early wake up and the fact that I update FTVLive.com 7 days a week. In the past year I have taken off only 2 1/2 days. I have a day off planned coming up and I'm looking forward to it. Also, being a one person business means there are no sick days. It is so hard to work when you feel like shit. 

Reporter Went for a Walk, Never Came Back

It's the mystery of the missing Reporter.

Police, volunteers and the running community have rallied around the search for a 55-year-old marathoner from New Jersey and Dow Jones reporter who went missing on Jan. 11.

USA Today reports that David Bird left his home in Long Hill Township, N.J., to go for an afternoon walk after a bout with an intestinal bug and never returned, according to published reports. Two hours after he didn't return, his wife, Nancy Bird, contacted police.

"I knew this wasn't right. Something was wrong," Nancy Bird told the Wall Street Journal. "He's a really great dad and a great husband."

Bird is a liver transplant patient who needs medication regularly, his wife has said.

He ran the 2013 ING New York City Marathon andRunner's World magazine published a piece asking the public for help in finding Bird.

Bird covers energy markets for the Wall Street Journal and has worked for Dow Jones for more than 20 years, according to the Wall Street Journal.

The Facebook page of the Long Hill Township Police Department has turned into a detailed feed focused almost exclusively on what appears to be an intense effort to find Bird.

"The search for Mr. Bird enters its 5th day and 89th hour today," someone posted to the page on Wednesday. "We want to assure the public that everything related to a missing person investigation that can be done is being done with assets from local, county, state resources."

A Community Response Team of volunteer civilians has been working since Sunday morning to provide food to law enforcement, help search and distribute fliers, according to the page.

A poster circulated by the police department indicates that Bird has blue eyes and gray hair and has a scar on his abdomen. When he left home, he was wearing a red jacket, jeans, sneakers and glasses, according to the poster.

He is 6'1" and 200 pounds, according to the police department Facebook page.

Suing Denver Station

Tom Martino's mugshot after his arrest on a domestic-violence charge

Tom Martino claims that KDVR in Denver fired him in 2011 after he filed for bankruptcy. 

He is now suing the station in federal court. 

The Denver Post reports that Martino  claims in the lawsuit that the station dropped him and his new Martino TV segment when it learned he was filing for bankruptcy, a move the self-proclaimed troubleshooter said violated federal law protections against such conduct.

The station, in response to the claim, said it simply did not renew its contract with Martino, saying his personality was “too strong” for the direction it wanted to go and it wanted a host with “less personality.” That Martino filed for bankruptcy had nothing to do with it, according to the case filed in U.S. District Court in Denver.

Individuals who filed for bankruptcy protection are protected by federal law from employers who toss them as a result. KDVR and its owner, Community Television of Colorado, say the law only applies to firings that come after bankruptcy has been filed and cited case law to support that defense.

Martino’s lawyer — the same one who helped him with the Chapter 7 case from which he was discharged last year — said although the station told Martino of its intent to not renew his contract shortly after he announced his bankruptcy intent in a website blog posting, the contract actually ended several days after he filed Chapter 7 in September 2011.

Martino’s lately made news with his arrest on a domestic-violence charge Dec. 20 involving his 45-year-old troubleshooting-partner wife, Holly Martino. Martino allegedly punched her in the face, leaving her with a bloody nose as there were in the car. He faces a Denver County Court hearing on March 5 on the misdemeanor charge, including another for disturbing the peace, court records show. 

Looks like Martino will be spending much of 2014 in a courtroom.

Stay tuned. 

Before Stroke Reporter Was Going to Sue Her Station

Heather Ishimaru

Days before she suffered a serious stroke, KGO reporter, Heather Ishimaru, was about to file a hostile work-environment lawsuit against the station, according to blogger Rich Lieberman.

Ishimaru suffered the stroke and now lays in a San Francisco rehab facility unable to speak or swallow food. 

Her attorney, Angela Alioto, confirmed to Lieberman that Ishimaru had planned to file a lawsuit.

"She, (Ishimaru), wrote three letters to management, (News Director, Tracey Watkowski and Assistant ND, Stephainie Adrouney),  about some work-related issues then suddenly she had her medical setback," Alioto said.

Insiders say that Ishimaru, who is a veteran and much-respected reporter, had asked for some time away from the station dealing with a family matter involving one of her kids, a special-needs child.

Alioto confirmed this account.

"Heather has an incredible performance record. She was harassed and treated differently by her superiors Stephanie and Tracey concerning medical leave to take care of her son. Heather was very stressed out about the treatment."

Watkowski did not return phone calls requesting comment.