Joel Cheatwood, dubbed the “nation’s most controversial news director” and creator of the 7 News format, is reportedly jumping ship to cable firebrand Glenn Beck’s media company.
According to MediaBistro’s TVNewser, Fox News will not be renewing Cheatwood’s nearly $700,000 per year contract. Beck has been with FNC since 2007. Prior to that, he had stints at CNN, KYW-TV, WCBS, WHDH, and WSVN.
Screenshot from a promo for "Local10 News" featuring WHDH past and present: Matt Lorch and Laurie Jennings. Click to watch the video.
Since it’s debut in 1994, WHDH’s 7 News format has been mostly successful. However, a key piece of the formula is the “revolving door” effect when it comes to talent. As a result, 7 News alumni are scattered throughout the country. One such example is Miami’s WPLG, which also has been home to some current 7 News personalities.
The video today is from May 2005. WPLG, Miami’s channel 10, is a strong number two to WHDH-sister station WSVN. While WSVN is somewhat of a “farm system” for our adaptation of 7 News, WPLG also has a number of familiar faces. Current 7-anchor Matt Lorch was at ‘PLG for the better part of the naughties, and former-7 News morning anchor Laurie Jennings is a current anchor at the station.
Beginning Monday, Kim Khazei will replace Matt Lorch on 7 News at 10. Matt Lorch will continue to anchor at 4, 4:30, and 5:30 on Channel 7. The Boston Globe was the first to report the story yesterday. 7 and 56 management hope that the move will boost viewership to the perennial 2nd place finisher at 10, considering that the target demographic of the CW network is young women.
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