Todd and Tyler Unauthorized Forums

Dave · 01-30-2007

The secretive blogger that had few nice things to say about local media personalities decided to call it quits on 1/4/2007.

His articles were entertaining, but I don't give a lot of respect to "anonymous cowards" running around as "Ted Brockman", yet, you realize how much attention he got when you read his last blog below.

He is rumored to be on the "inside" of a TV or Radio company, and maybe that's why he was so secretive. Maybe it was Deb Ward or Greg Peterson of KMTV!

Hopefully, he'll come back without a nom de plume.

Omaha TV News

-------------------------------

Good Night and Good Luck
"It all began at a little 50,000 watt station in Cleveland..."

So began one of Ted Baxter's self-aggrandizing on-air pronouncements on the legendary "Mary Tyler Moore Show." Not coincidentally, it is how our final installment here begins, as well.

For several months now, we've wrestled with the question of how long to keep our little effort here going, and we finally decided that two years is enough.

Why?

Well, for one thing, we've said about all we have to say. Based on the response, we've said it for a number of people who are as disgusted by the quality of local programming as we are. For example, it seems pretty clear that lots and lots of people absolutely loathe Travis Justice. Likewise, lots of people seem to agree that Channel Sux is tired and getting worse by the day. And we've yet to receive one email defending Fubar Fazal or Suzanne Deyo (unless you count the ones Deyo is said to have submitted under the name "journalism 101").

Our second reason for hanging it up is that there is now a source to keep us updated on what's going on in Omaha broadcasting. It is Sean Weide's "Reader Media Notes" blog, and it wasn't around 24 months ago.

The third reason is pretty simple: we're tired of doing this. In most endeavors, it helps if you can see that your efforts are having some sort of impact, and as near as we can tell, the only impact our efforts have had is to make news directors say and do some pretty stupid things. (As if they needed help in that department!) In fact, one can argue that Omaha television has deteriorated considerably in the past couple of years.

So what have we learned? Well, as we just mentioned, we've learned that television news directors are about as idiotic as the crap they feed us on their broadcasts. According to sources at several local newsrooms, rather than focus on improving the quality of their product, at least a couple of news directors have, at one time or another, (1) forbidden employees from reading us on company time, (2) hired professionals in an attempt to ferret us out, (3) counseled weeping idiot reporters to avoid reading "the Blog," so as to preserve their self-esteem, and (4) blamed us for bad morale in their newsrooms.

What else have we learned? Let's see...we already mentioned the number of people who've indicated their hatred for Trav. Oh—here's one: people at KETV laugh at Suzanne Deyo behind her back. They think it's funny, for example, that she filed a police report against this blog. They also laughed when she told co-workers she wouldn't be friends with them anymore if she caught them reading us. So that was fun to know.

Finally, a few notes to local on-air types:

• Malorie Maddox: get some dialect coaching, so that you stop referring to "President Besh" and saying "inny" when you mean to say "any." You should also get help to stop talking through your nose and do something with that hair.

• Jeff Jensen: For the last time, get a voice coach. Your high voice is like nails on a chalkboard to hear. Bring it down an octave and keep it down. And stop adding extra rs to the word temperatures. Saying "temp-RUR-churs" is just stupid.

• Mike Cronemeyer: We know that you coined the term "blogalicious" to describe any flub or artifact of your station's stupidity likely to end up being written about here. Kinda funny. But we still think your work sucks.

• Jimmy Siedlecki: Dude, you were so in the right place when you and the missus were in Joplin, Missouri. They thought you were great. Here, however, you look like a total rube. You know—a hick, a hayseed, a bumpkin. No one here thinks you're smooth, clever, worldly, or sophisticated. Go back to where people appreciate an anchor with more than five teeth.

• John Chapman: Four letters, dude—D-I-E-T. And how about a little effort, for a change?

• Brian Mastre: See note to Chapman. And do something with that hair (toupée?).

• Sheila Brummer: We hate watching you almost as much as we hate looking at Trav and Fubar. Our main regret regarding you is that we never got around to doing a "separated at birth" post featuring you and Marilyn Manson. We never could quite figure out what to do with the rumors that you were bounced from your Des Moines gig based on your work under the anchor desk, but we think that alleged work couldn't have been any worse than your efforts above it.

• Rachel Pierce: You'll never take any of our advice, so we won't even bother. It's really quite remarkable that you found a station in a market this size that'd give you a job, much less one on-air. Congrats. Cling to this gig like grim death, 'cause it ain't gonna get better than this.

• Devon Patton: Sounds like somebody needs to keep his creepy ways to himself. Also, stop jumping around like a squirrel and yelling every time you do a story.

• Travis Justice: You're fat. Your voice sucks. Ten years from now, people will look at pictures of your facial hair the way we look at early '90s mullets today. Many people hate you, and we have the emails to prove it. Several have commented that Journal "cleaning house" a couple of weeks ago and leaving you on the air is, sadly, like the final episode of "The Mary Tyler Moore Show," when everyone but buffoon anchor Ted gets the axe. You're a joke and a tool.

• Fubar Fazal: A reader from Montana, who'd seen your work there, tried to warn us. We thought he was exaggerating. Now, we realize, he was taking it easy on you. We have no idea what made you (or KETV) think it was a good idea for you to be on the air, but you were both ridiculously misguided. Your most recent "Fubar" moment came on December 28, when, according to an alert reader, you followed an interview of a North Omaha man with this sentence: "police have solved 14 of the 34 shootings last year, but they have yet to find his killer's friend." You're a frickin' moron, and a repellent one, at that. (How repellent: We'd rather watch Trav for an hour than you for a minute.) You suck. Do yourself and everyone else a favor and get out of the business.

One other thing we've learned: that there are, unlike those mentioned above, a number of educated, intelligent reporters, anchors, photojournalists and behind-the-scenes personnel who take pride in their work, work hard at their jobs, and are embarrassed by much of the sewage their respective employers put out as "news." We are grateful to them for their efforts and assistance and wish them well as they keep fighting the uphill battle against the mediocracy that is local news these days.

And on that note, we'll stop. It's been fun.

In the words of WKRP's Les Nessman, "Good night, and may the good news be yours!"

lilyvon schtupp · 01-30-2007

ha, i misread the name and thought it was kent brockman
does this have more to do with recent law changes that would have
bloggers arrested?

Hal Dawg · 01-30-2007

I doubt it. I think it had to do more with time - and possibly the fact that so much attention was being given to finding out who "Ted Brockman" really was.

We know it was not these previously fingered "suspects":

Todd Clark
Sean Weide
Warren Francke
Greg Peterson
Deborah Ward

It was probably someone with an ax to grind against Channel Six.

lilyvon schtupp · 01-30-2007

ok, i've read this and seems that
the blog is mostly based on people's looks
well, the blogger can go and watch E! now
(all pretty people all the time)
one news director's note...
journal pay attention
in"action" 3, please stop lighting yer talking heads from below
very unflattering to anyone

Marto · 01-30-2007

I hate to say it but Ward and Peterson are good possibilties!!!

KUfan_Donnie · 01-31-2007

I agree with Lily; the writer(s) seems to be channeling the investigative and observational skills of an average teenage girl. I might be more willing to overlook the fact that this bastard can't spell his/her name if more legitimate substance is provided in this article.

Oh well. Perhaps soon Ted will grow up...

2ox · 01-31-2007

its been a few weeks since I've checked in with Ted. too bad he's gone. I will miss his updates. I always thought his sarcastic criticism was dead on and fun to read.

Local Omaha news talent began its downward spiral when channel 6 hired Brian Mastre. There are a few exceptions though and they keep punching it out everyday. Kudos! You know who you are.

I would also like to say that Journal Broadcasting screwed the pooch big time when they fired Greg Peterson. I will never watch "Action 3 News" again. Too many shiny happy people now.

and Donnie, a bit harsh little buddy. When you have watched local news for nearly 30 years, by then you will have qualified your opinion.

OmahaMomma · 01-31-2007

I loved Ted, yep I did ! And, I miss him !

roadrat · 01-31-2007

I liked the blog because Omaha newscasts have little credibility. I never understood Ted's bashing of Travis though. In all honesty does anyone watch the local sports anymore? Ever try to watch a newscast and 10 minutes in you get Mike Sigmund sampling skin care products? That's total BS. If you can't find enough news to fill 30 minutes, then get the anchors off their butts and find some news.

Thender · 01-31-2007

I'm in on this with 2ox on a couple of points... I've had to watch Omaha news for 37 years... Grew up with it since I was in diapers... I can still recall repressed memories of my life while watching the 5:00 o'clock news when my Dad got home from work...

But, yet, After returning from the Army in '93 I settled on tuning into channel 6... I cannot tell you why. I can't even tell you who the main anchors were... I can't tell you what the back drop was or what their selling point was... All I know was that they delivered to me the news that I wanted. It was straight and to the point.

I don't get into the personalities and mannerisms of the anchors... It really doesn't matter as long as they give me local news... I just don't get into the inner-office rivalry....

As long as the lil' cute co-anchor is hot! I'll be there!

Lil' Bunny F.U. · 02-01-2007

*blinks* Proof I've been way too busy lately. I noticed the new anchors on 3 but didn't realize what was going on. Who do I kick with my skates for firing Greg? I liked his personality (and he wasn't bad on the eyes). Hmm, this makes me sortof pissy.

KUfan_Donnie · 02-01-2007

Quote:

Originally Posted by Thender

(SNIP)... All I know was that they delivered to me the news that I wanted. It was straight and to the point.

I don't get into the personalities and mannerisms of the anchors... It really doesn't matter as long as they give me local news...(SNIP)

I concur, Thender. I apologize, 'ox, if my earlier post wasn't as clear -- I guess I'm not a fan of anonymity taking pot shots at people's appearances because I feel the on-air staff's main purpose is to provide news, not look great and give news. I won't lie, however; if Bud's photogenic friends got on camera and read the prompter for me, I'd watch that channel in a heartbeat. I imagine most red-blooded males would...the point is, I don't think those that are on-air need to be belittled and viciously attacked by anonymity. The least "he" could do is preface the barbs by stating how all opinions are relative; I suppose I pity the victims who suffer for, truly, no good reason. Which is odd, considering I'm a cynic who almost relishes the failure of others (this is arguably human nature)...I must be going through a phase of having mercy. Who knew?

I appreciate a good amount of "Ted"'s work in trying to help the average viewer relate to those in the media, but frankly some of "his" own reporting is ...dribble, to phrase it nicely.

It's been entertaining while it's lasted, "Ted," and I hope now you can return to your day job feeling fulfilled about this now-closed chapter of your life/lives.

...anyway, back to Thender's boobie thread...

Thender · 02-01-2007

Well stated Donnie!!!

01-30-2007	#1
Dave Straight Pimpin Listens: Z92 - Mornings Join Date: Jun 2004 Age: 38 Posts: 4,992	"Ted Brockman" Omaha News Blogger Calls It Quits The secretive blogger that had few nice things to say about local media personalities decided to call it quits on 1/4/2007. His articles were entertaining, but I don't give a lot of respect to "anonymous cowards" running around as "Ted Brockman", yet, you realize how much attention he got when you read his last blog below. He is rumored to be on the "inside" of a TV or Radio company, and maybe that's why he was so secretive. Maybe it was Deb Ward or Greg Peterson of KMTV! Hopefully, he'll come back without a nom de plume. Omaha TV News ------------------------------- Good Night and Good Luck "It all began at a little 50,000 watt station in Cleveland..." So began one of Ted Baxter's self-aggrandizing on-air pronouncements on the legendary "Mary Tyler Moore Show." Not coincidentally, it is how our final installment here begins, as well. For several months now, we've wrestled with the question of how long to keep our little effort here going, and we finally decided that two years is enough. Why? Well, for one thing, we've said about all we have to say. Based on the response, we've said it for a number of people who are as disgusted by the quality of local programming as we are. For example, it seems pretty clear that lots and lots of people absolutely loathe Travis Justice. Likewise, lots of people seem to agree that Channel Sux is tired and getting worse by the day. And we've yet to receive one email defending Fubar Fazal or Suzanne Deyo (unless you count the ones Deyo is said to have submitted under the name "journalism 101"). Our second reason for hanging it up is that there is now a source to keep us updated on what's going on in Omaha broadcasting. It is Sean Weide's "Reader Media Notes" blog, and it wasn't around 24 months ago. The third reason is pretty simple: we're tired of doing this. In most endeavors, it helps if you can see that your efforts are having some sort of impact, and as near as we can tell, the only impact our efforts have had is to make news directors say and do some pretty stupid things. (As if they needed help in that department!) In fact, one can argue that Omaha television has deteriorated considerably in the past couple of years. So what have we learned? Well, as we just mentioned, we've learned that television news directors are about as idiotic as the crap they feed us on their broadcasts. According to sources at several local newsrooms, rather than focus on improving the quality of their product, at least a couple of news directors have, at one time or another, (1) forbidden employees from reading us on company time, (2) hired professionals in an attempt to ferret us out, (3) counseled weeping idiot reporters to avoid reading "the Blog," so as to preserve their self-esteem, and (4) blamed us for bad morale in their newsrooms. What else have we learned? Let's see...we already mentioned the number of people who've indicated their hatred for Trav. Oh—here's one: people at KETV laugh at Suzanne Deyo behind her back. They think it's funny, for example, that she filed a police report against this blog. They also laughed when she told co-workers she wouldn't be friends with them anymore if she caught them reading us. So that was fun to know. Finally, a few notes to local on-air types: • Malorie Maddox: get some dialect coaching, so that you stop referring to "President Besh" and saying "inny" when you mean to say "any." You should also get help to stop talking through your nose and do something with that hair. • Jeff Jensen: For the last time, get a voice coach. Your high voice is like nails on a chalkboard to hear. Bring it down an octave and keep it down. And stop adding extra rs to the word temperatures. Saying "temp-RUR-churs" is just stupid. • Mike Cronemeyer: We know that you coined the term "blogalicious" to describe any flub or artifact of your station's stupidity likely to end up being written about here. Kinda funny. But we still think your work sucks. • Jimmy Siedlecki: Dude, you were so in the right place when you and the missus were in Joplin, Missouri. They thought you were great. Here, however, you look like a total rube. You know—a hick, a hayseed, a bumpkin. No one here thinks you're smooth, clever, worldly, or sophisticated. Go back to where people appreciate an anchor with more than five teeth. • John Chapman: Four letters, dude—D-I-E-T. And how about a little effort, for a change? • Brian Mastre: See note to Chapman. And do something with that hair (toupée?). • Sheila Brummer: We hate watching you almost as much as we hate looking at Trav and Fubar. Our main regret regarding you is that we never got around to doing a "separated at birth" post featuring you and Marilyn Manson. We never could quite figure out what to do with the rumors that you were bounced from your Des Moines gig based on your work under the anchor desk, but we think that alleged work couldn't have been any worse than your efforts above it. • Rachel Pierce: You'll never take any of our advice, so we won't even bother. It's really quite remarkable that you found a station in a market this size that'd give you a job, much less one on-air. Congrats. Cling to this gig like grim death, 'cause it ain't gonna get better than this. • Devon Patton: Sounds like somebody needs to keep his creepy ways to himself. Also, stop jumping around like a squirrel and yelling every time you do a story. • Travis Justice: You're fat. Your voice sucks. Ten years from now, people will look at pictures of your facial hair the way we look at early '90s mullets today. Many people hate you, and we have the emails to prove it. Several have commented that Journal "cleaning house" a couple of weeks ago and leaving you on the air is, sadly, like the final episode of "The Mary Tyler Moore Show," when everyone but buffoon anchor Ted gets the axe. You're a joke and a tool. • Fubar Fazal: A reader from Montana, who'd seen your work there, tried to warn us. We thought he was exaggerating. Now, we realize, he was taking it easy on you. We have no idea what made you (or KETV) think it was a good idea for you to be on the air, but you were both ridiculously misguided. Your most recent "Fubar" moment came on December 28, when, according to an alert reader, you followed an interview of a North Omaha man with this sentence: "police have solved 14 of the 34 shootings last year, but they have yet to find his killer's friend." You're a frickin' moron, and a repellent one, at that. (How repellent: We'd rather watch Trav for an hour than you for a minute.) You suck. Do yourself and everyone else a favor and get out of the business. One other thing we've learned: that there are, unlike those mentioned above, a number of educated, intelligent reporters, anchors, photojournalists and behind-the-scenes personnel who take pride in their work, work hard at their jobs, and are embarrassed by much of the sewage their respective employers put out as "news." We are grateful to them for their efforts and assistance and wish them well as they keep fighting the uphill battle against the mediocracy that is local news these days. And on that note, we'll stop. It's been fun. In the words of WKRP's Les Nessman, "Good night, and may the good news be yours!" __________________ "Perverting the court of justice" -------------------------------------------- Todd and Tyler Streaming Questions, comments, concerns? Contact the Empire

01-30-2007	#2
lilyvon schtupp i ride the short bus because i'm Listens: I don't listen Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: counciltucky Posts: 1,280	Re: "Ted Brockman" Omaha News Blogger Call it quits ha, i misread the name and thought it was kent brockman does this have more to do with recent law changes that would have bloggers arrested? __________________ A man melts the sands so he can see the world outside.--U2, Lemon

01-30-2007	#3
Hal Dawg Media Mogul Listens: Z92 - Mornings Join Date: Dec 2005 Posts: 35	Re: "Ted Brockman" Omaha News Blogger Call it quits I doubt it. I think it had to do more with time - and possibly the fact that so much attention was being given to finding out who "Ted Brockman" really was. We know it was not these previously fingered "suspects": Todd Clark Sean Weide Warren Francke Greg Peterson Deborah Ward It was probably someone with an ax to grind against Channel Six.

01-30-2007	#4
lilyvon schtupp i ride the short bus because i'm Listens: I don't listen Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: counciltucky Posts: 1,280	Re: "Ted Brockman" Omaha News Blogger Call it quits ok, i've read this and seems that the blog is mostly based on people's looks well, the blogger can go and watch E! now (all pretty people all the time) one news director's note... journal pay attention in"action" 3, please stop lighting yer talking heads from below very unflattering to anyone __________________ A man melts the sands so he can see the world outside.--U2, Lemon

01-30-2007	#5
Marto Keep Cool My Babies!! Listens: Podcast Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: Onawa,IA Age: 22 Posts: 76	Re: "Ted Brockman" Omaha News Blogger Call it quits I hate to say it but Ward and Peterson are good possibilties!!! __________________ Proud member of the Jerry Fan Club

01-31-2007	#6
KUfan_Donnie 1-800-BETS-OFF Listens: Podcast Join Date: May 2005 Age: 21 Posts: 3,480	Re: "Ted Brockman" Omaha News Blogger Calls It Quits I agree with Lily; the writer(s) seems to be channeling the investigative and observational skills of an average teenage girl. I might be more willing to overlook the fact that this bastard can't spell his/her name if more legitimate substance is provided in this article. Oh well. Perhaps soon Ted will grow up... __________________ One weekend survived

01-31-2007	#7
2ox proud beta test subject Listens: I don't listen Join Date: May 2005 Location: on the poor side of town Age: 44 Posts: 3,312	Re: "Ted Brockman" Omaha News Blogger Calls It Quits its been a few weeks since I've checked in with Ted. too bad he's gone. I will miss his updates. I always thought his sarcastic criticism was dead on and fun to read. Local Omaha news talent began its downward spiral when channel 6 hired Brian Mastre. There are a few exceptions though and they keep punching it out everyday. Kudos! You know who you are. I would also like to say that Journal Broadcasting screwed the pooch big time when they fired Greg Peterson. I will never watch "Action 3 News" again. Too many shiny happy people now. and Donnie, a bit harsh little buddy. When you have watched local news for nearly 30 years, by then you will have qualified your opinion. __________________ "Sheep go to heaven, goats go to Daves"

01-31-2007	#8
OmahaMomma One Hot Momma !!! Listens: Web Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Omaha Age: 30 Posts: 669	Re: "Ted Brockman" Omaha News Blogger Calls It Quits I loved Ted, yep I did ! And, I miss him !

01-31-2007	#9
roadrat TnTU Grade School Listens: Z92 - Mornings Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Omaha Posts: 10	Re: "Ted Brockman" Omaha News Blogger Calls It Quits I liked the blog because Omaha newscasts have little credibility. I never understood Ted's bashing of Travis though. In all honesty does anyone watch the local sports anymore? Ever try to watch a newscast and 10 minutes in you get Mike Sigmund sampling skin care products? That's total BS. If you can't find enough news to fill 30 minutes, then get the anchors off their butts and find some news.

01-31-2007	#10
Thender Always riding the ragged edge of disaster. Listens: Z92 - Mornings Join Date: May 2005 Age: 38 Posts: 18,147	Re: "Ted Brockman" Omaha News Blogger Calls It Quits I'm in on this with 2ox on a couple of points... I've had to watch Omaha news for 37 years... Grew up with it since I was in diapers... I can still recall repressed memories of my life while watching the 5:00 o'clock news when my Dad got home from work... But, yet, After returning from the Army in '93 I settled on tuning into channel 6... I cannot tell you why. I can't even tell you who the main anchors were... I can't tell you what the back drop was or what their selling point was... All I know was that they delivered to me the news that I wanted. It was straight and to the point. I don't get into the personalities and mannerisms of the anchors... It really doesn't matter as long as they give me local news... I just don't get into the inner-office rivalry.... As long as the lil' cute co-anchor is hot! I'll be there! __________________ Two in the mouth is worth one in the bush. 4th place, 2008 TNTU.net college fantasy football... Bud came in 6th...

02-01-2007	#11
Lil' Bunny F.U. Roller wheels of dooooooooom... Listens: Z92 - Mornings Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: Omaha Posts: 484	Re: "Ted Brockman" Omaha News Blogger Calls It Quits blinks Proof I've been way too busy lately. I noticed the new anchors on 3 but didn't realize what was going on. Who do I kick with my skates for firing Greg? I liked his personality (and he wasn't bad on the eyes). Hmm, this makes me sortof pissy. __________________ I like to watch people trip. ~~Lil Bunny F.U.

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