Nothing wrong with that either --it's nice to see that Claudine Wong and Mike Mibach are human and that KTVU's Weekend "Mornings on Two" isn't some local TV News zombie zone.
The suddenly chatty-on-the-couch twosome, along with slightly, less-chatty weatherwoman, Rosemary Orozco, have delved into a very noticeable format alter --call it the official FOX version of what the program has become--the first major tweak from the Murdock media people. It is, after all, their Bay Area baby now, but the difference is startling and different, to say the least. Some of that is good and perfectly acceptable--but it also can be grating and artificial. Not contrived and forced, mind you, but potentially awkward. We're so used to watching KTVU News devoid of chatter; at least inane chit-chat--the banal back-and-forth offered by others.
It's a very subtle sign of the changing style at KTVU, which FOX took over in October. It's not only the very overt chit-chat between the anchors; you can also see it by the more cheery stories, the relentless live shots, the ubiquitous sensational "pieces." Matter of fact, KTVU is being altered by the day. This wasn't part of the early master plan as the basic tenet of KTVU's very successful "Keep it simple" approach to their news brand was and still is a ratings winner. Nevertheless, one need only take a glance at the product and see for themselves the early major twist.
It's first significant test is taking place on the morning show--and now, it's more a show than it is a newscast. I like the fact the growing-powerful Wong has a personality and it's engaging and quite refreshing at times--same too with Mibach, although there's times where Mibach seems a bit wooden and forced. It's not that big a deal but if this is the beginning of the new KTVU brand re-image, then it should be candid and convincing --after all, they have couches now. Party on.
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