Posted by chicagomedia.org on June 05, 2009 at 11:32:10:
Why isn't Sirott's 10 p.m. role official? Likely money
June 5, 2009
LEWIS LAZARE Media & Marketing Columnist
So the question is still out there. Why hasn't NBC-owned WMAQ-Channel 5 officially announced that presumed heir apparent Bob Sirott and Allison Rosati will co-anchor the station's flagship 10 p.m. newscast? According to one source familiar with developments, the answer is: "corporate economics." Or, more simply, "money."
As previously reported, Sirott has in his current contract a clause that promises him an anchor role in WMAQ's 10 p.m. newscast. But with the increased responsibilities, sources say, also would come -- per the contract -- a boost in salary, which very likely is the sticking point in making Sirott's 10 p.m. role official. While WMAQ honcho Larry Wert and his second-in-command, Frank Whittaker, appear to be OK with Sirott's taking on the 10 p.m. anchor role, informed sources suspect higher-ups in the NBC parent corporation may be pressing Wert to find a way to keep from boosting station overhead if Sirott is formally anointed a 10 p.m. anchor. Wert, of course, won't comment.
For now, Sirott says he's continuing to co-anchor the 10 p.m. news, as his bosses have asked him to do. But how long will Sirott patiently wait for Wert to figure out what he's going to do at 10 p.m.? On that matter, Sirott had no answer Thursday.
(Chicago Sun-Times)