There are many morning news/talk shows to choose from these days. On the national side, there's of course, NBC News' "Today Show", ABC News' "Good Morning America", CBS News' "Early Show", HLN's "Morning Express with Robin Meade", CNN's "American Morning", FOX News Channel's "FOX & Friends", MSNBC's "Morning Joe", and CNBC's "Squawk Box" to name a few. On the local side, you've got the undisputed ratings leader in "ABC7 News This Morning", NBC5's own version of "Today", CW9's wacky "WGN Morning News", CBS2's little watched "Monsters & Money in the Morning", WCIU 26 The U'z "You & Me This Morning" and FOX32's "Good Day Chicago". It's the last of those shows that I'd like to bring to your attention.
According to Vocalo.org, a Web site featuring former Sun-Times TV/Radio columnist Robert Feder, there is talk that there could be big time changes on the horizon for the struggling WFLD morning show. Highlighting the rumored changes could be new hosts for the show, and if FOX Chicago bosses have their way, it could be Anna Davlantes & #1 sports anchor Corey McPherrin. Feder reports that FOX32 V.P. & General Manager Michael Renda & News Director Carol Fowler have privately met with Davlantes & McPherrin about possibly taking over as new hosts of the struggling morning show in the next few months.
As appetizing as it might appear, there are things to consider. First, despite her recent addition as a "contributing" anchor on FOX32's 9p weeknight newscast, ratings have actually declined since Davlantes signed on late last year. There's been talk that Davlantes could be the heir apparent to the ageless Robin Robinson at the anchor desk. Second, McPherrin could follow in the footsteps of other sports anchors who have made the transition to hard news such as Warner Saunders, Bill Weir, Mike Barz & the late, great Tim Weigel. Third, despite expanding "GDC" to the current 5 hours from 5-10a and rumors that the show may soon start at 4:30a, ratings for the local morning news/talk show have constantly finished fourth to their local & national competition. It is far from a done deal however and it remains to be seen if Davlantes & McPherrin would be willing to move to mornings. It also remains to be seen what would happen to current "GDC" anchors Jan Jeffcoat, Kori Chambers & David Novarro if Anna & Corey took over. Needless to say, it would be quite an upgrade and a very bold move if FOX management pulled it off.
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