Posted by Bud on December 17, 2009 at 20:54:07:
WBBM-Ch. 2 subtracts two news writers to add 'Monsters and Money' producer and booker
With needs shifting in anticipation of the scheduled Feb. 1 launch of its early talk and information program, "Monsters and Money in the Morning," WBBM-Ch. 2 on Tuesday released two news writers.
The plan, according to a station spokeswoman, is to replace the writers with a producer and a booker because "Monsters and Money," unlike the flat-lining 5 a.m. to 7 a.m. newscast it will replace, will be ostensibly an unscripted program.
Featuring sports talk hosts Mike North and Dan Jiggetts, former CNBC reporter Mike Hegedus and Chicago Sun-Times finance columnist Terry Savage, "Monsters and Money"will be produced by the CBS-owned station's news department. But the station has made clear it will not be a news show, therefore not held to the same constrictions and standards a newscast would.
Current news staffers Mary Kay Kleist will be on board with the weather, and Susan Carlson will provide headlines and traffic.
The station has described the concept as "a mix of candid discussion of local sports topics, regional business issues and personal money management, as well as news headlines, weather and traffic." The plan also is to include in-studio guests, although this may prove challenging given the show's pre-7 a.m. slot.
There will be contributions, too, from news station WBBM-AM 780, Channel 2's CBS corporate cousin.
Posted at 11:00:06 AM