The journey of a thousand miles… January 10, 2010
Posted by Chris Stover in Journalism.Tags: CBS19, Charlottesville, Newsplex
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OK, so it’s about 257 miles from Philadelphia to Charlottesville, Va. But the journey still begins with a single step.
Posts have been sporadic (or nonexistent) as of late thanks to my move to Virginia to work at CBS 19 and the Charlottesville Newsplex. Tomorrow, I’ll begin at the station as a Web producer and reporter.
Charlottesville is an interesting place, from my brief experiences so far. It’s a small, friendly city known for its Downtown Mall, Thomas Jefferson’s Monticello and the University of Virginia.
My station is also pretty unique. The Newsplex is a group of network affiliates housed in one complex — CBS 19 (the flagship, WCAV), ABC 16 (WVAW) and FOX 27 (WAHU). The station is just more than five years old, and it’s the only country to have that combination of affiliates under one roof.
And that’s that. The plan is to try this out for a while and to determine what I’d like to do with my life. I’ll update every once and a while with behind-the-scenes information from Charlottesville.
For now, that’s the story. We’ll see how it finishes soon.
Channel 6’s Dave Roberts prepares to say goodbye November 19, 2009
Posted by Chris Stover in Journalism.Tags: 6ABC, Dave Roberts, Philadelphia, Weather
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Courtesy Mainline Magazine | Dave Roberts (pictured with his grandson and son, actor David Boreanaz) announced his retirement from Channel 6 after more than 30 years at the station.
And the call from AccuWeather is… A goodbye from longtime Channel 6 weather guy Dave Roberts.
6ABC promoted a “big decision” that Roberts made and wanted to share tonight on the 11 p.m. newscast. That decision was to retire from broadcasting after more than 55 years in the business.
The 11 p.m. newscast featured Jim Gardner’s one-on-one interview with Roberts. The show had no commercial breaks until after the tribute to Roberts, coming 23 minutes after the hour. When asked what he’d miss most in retirement, Roberts responded:
It’s the people… That’s what I’m gonna miss and I don’t know how I’m going to deal with it.
The Buffalo, N.Y., native began his career in Syracuse before moving back to Buffalo. The 73-year-old joined WPVI-TV Channel 6 in 1978 and began reporting the weather in 1983. With today’s weather technology and green screens, it’s not hard to forget Channel 6’s magnetic weather board, in front of which Roberts was a staple.
Thomas is the father of Bones star David Boreanaz. His last day on Channel 6 will be Dec. 11. Gardner said more features on Roberts’s life and career will be featured leading up to his final broadcast.
SEPTA unveils more user-friendly Web site November 18, 2009
Posted by Chris Stover in Philadelphia.Tags: Philadelphia, SEPTA, Transportation
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SEPTA launched a more accessible Web site this afternoon.
In the second “long-time-coming” post in a day, more Web site news to share.
SEPTA, the sixth-largest public transportation agency in the country, has launched a sleeker, new Web site.
Schedule information is much more accessible (though, as of today, there are still bugs to be worked out — Regional Rail and trolley schedules are MIA), and important links for riders — including customer service comments — are conveniently posted on the home page.
Next on the agenda, from a rider’s perspective, should be a new “Plan My Trip” feature. The old one is still in tact, but SEPTA also gives the option of Google Transit. But an in-house feature would be much easier to use. I gave up on Google Transit almost immediately.
Philly.com finally launches mobile site November 18, 2009
Posted by Chris Stover in Journalism.Tags: Daily News, Fox29, iPhone, mobile, NBC10, Philadelphia Inquirer, philly.com
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The Web site for the Inquirer and Daily News, philly.com, recently launched its mobile Web site.
One would think media outlets in large markets — such as Philadelphia — would be ahead of the curve in mobile technology. However, as in many aspects of life, Philadelphia is trying. We’re one step closer with philly.com’s mobile Web site.
Before the launch, mobile users viewed the regular Web site for the Philadelphia Inquirer and the Philadelphia Daily News on mobile devices. While it’s fairly navigable on a computer’s Internet browser, philly.com was not so easy to navigate with an oversized finger.
As with many mobile sites, not everything found on the regular site is accessible on the mobile philly.com. For example, you cannot separate what appeared in the Inquirer or Daily News on the home page — you’ll find out by the article’s byline. But with larger links and quicker loading, it’s a welcome sacrifice for an easier way to get Philly news on the go.
Fox 29 is the only other local media outlet in the city to have a mobile site, though it’s bare and doesn’t offer links comparable to what you’d see on myfoxphilly.com. NBC10, however, does have a free iPhone application, the first of the market. But I still ask — where are the rest of Philly’s local news iPhone apps?
I appreciate the work of those at philly.com — I have no experience in creating mobile sites, let alone regular Web sites (hat tip to WordPress), and I’m sure much work goes into producing a mobile equivalent of a hefty Web site. Bare with them as they work out kinks, and I recommend following them on Twitter (@phillydotcom, @PhillyDailyNews, @PhillyInquirer) for continuing updates.
Stensland opens up to Daily News November 17, 2009
Posted by Chris Stover in Journalism, Philadelphia.Tags: Daily News, Dawn Stensland, Fox29
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Source: Philadelphia Magazine | Dawn Stensland Mendte discusses her life and challenges in a Daily News article.
Former Fox anchor Dawn Stensland Mendte offered the Daily News a tell-all interview that appeared in yesterday’s paper.
Nothing was off-limits. She discusses her job at Fox, a miscarriage last year and her husband Larry Mendte’s relationship with his former co-anchor Alycia Lane.
Despite the turmoil of the past two years, Stensland still appears to be optimistic about the future. She says she loves her husband more than ever, and she hints at a possible new career for the two.
Any thoughts?
SEPTA struggles: My strike commute November 4, 2009
Posted by Chris Stover in Philadelphia.Tags: Commute, SEPTA, SEPTA strike
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Workers of SEPTA's largest union, TWU Local 234, have been on strike since early Tuesday.
In case you haven’t heard, SEPTA is on strike.
I am one of those affected commuters who relies on SEPTA to get to and from work. I began my day open-minded, even after oversleeping and knowing of the possible trials and tribulations ahead of me.
Thus, here was my day:
8:31 a.m. – I arrive at Temple’s shuttle stop, conveniently a half-block from my apartment. The gated, locked Broad Street Line entrance stares at my face, laughing. I tear up a little, but that may be the cold since I failed to check the weather prior to leaving my apartment.
8:51 a.m. – I now realize I could’ve gone back to my apartment, grabbed some gloves, checked the weather and perhaps baked some cookies since I’m still waiting for the shuttle.
8:53 a.m. – As the crowd waiting for the shuttle grows, I begin to wonder if everyone will fit on the shuttle. I also realize people just walking up now will probably be able to board while I’ll be waiting for the next shuttle.
9:04 a.m. – Shuttle No. 1 arrives. My prediction was correct. I wait for Shuttle No. 2.
9:22 a.m. – Shuttle No. 2 arrives. I surprisingly board and find a seat. It’s the first time in six years I’m taking a school bus to school. But it’s a cool looking school bus.
9:29 a.m. – We make the long trek four blocks to City Hall. I think about how this series of events could be a mildly entertaining blog post.
9:30 a.m. – “Cecilia” by Simon and Garfunkel comes on my iPod. My mood improves ever so slightly.
9:34 a.m. – My mother calls me as a girl shoves her red backpack in my face. Clearly, we have decided to disregard the rule plastered at the front of the bus, “Absolutely no standees permitted.” My mom, a SEPTA employee, informs me that my TransPass is, in fact, valid on SEPTA Regional Rail (conveniently not on strike) even during peak hours. My next commute will be different.
Photo: Chris Stover | The shuttle bus that took me from Center City to Temple's campus is decked out in a wrap designed by Tyler students.
9:36 a.m. – Our bus gets into a duel a la 2 Fast 2 Furious with a normal-looking school bus. It’s somewhat terrifying yet equally exhilarating. I never knew bus drivers had it in them.
9:37 a.m. – “I’d Like to Teach the World to Sing” comes on my iPod. I find it appropriate, as it inspires me to be the arbitrator between SEPTA and the TWU and settle this strike once and for all. And then reality sets in when “We Didn’t Start the Fire” comes on next.
Read more of this exhilarating, edge-of-your-seat tale after the jump.
Rendell for mayor in 2011? October 30, 2009
Posted by Chris Stover in Philadelphia.Tags: Ed Rendell, Esquire, Mayor, Michael Nutter, Philadelphia, Philadelphia Magazine
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AP Photo | Some Philadelphians favor Gov. Ed Rendell to return as the city's mayor.
How would you like to have one of the world’s 75 best people back as mayor of Philadelphia?
Gov. Ed Rendell, whom Esquire magazine talked up in its October issue, is a favorite for some to challenge Mayor Michael Nutter in the city’s democratic mayoral primary in 2011, according to Philadelphia magazine.
As stated in the brief:
Lots of movers and shakers think the solution to the city’s problems lies in a Rendell run. “I know people who asked Ed if he’d consider it,” says the CEO. “People are upset. There’s no communication from the current mayor, no direction, no sense that there’s anyone there.”
Rendell responded, saying he’d only run if all 1.4 million Philadelphians signed a petition asking him to do so.
I’m not endorsing. Simply providing links.
Union may walk if SEPTA strikes out October 30, 2009
Posted by Chris Stover in Philadelphia.Tags: 2009 World Series, Philadelphia Inquirer, SEPTA, SEPTA strike, The Temple News
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...for now.
At least the Phillies are taking Amtrak.
If history is any indication, there’s probably going to be a transit strike. SEPTA’s largest union, TWU Local 234, is threatening a walk-out that could leave thousands of commuters stranded.
@SEPTA has released two seemingly unrelated “news” stories on its Web site — “World Series Information” and “Service Interruption Guide.”
The “World Series Information” article lists important details about service to and from the World Series games, including increased local service in addition to Sports Express trains running every 10 minutes. This is fantastic and really shows SEPTA’s commitment to getting you to the games, until you read the next article…
The “Service Interruption Guide,” which makes no reference to the World Series article (and visa versa), suggests the following:
- Take Regional Rail.
- Alter your work schedule to avoid peak-hour trains.
- Redeem your Trans/TrailPass if necessary.
Broad Street does have sidewalks extending from City Hall to Citizens Bank Park. Estimated travel time (walking): 50 minutes.
Just like back in 2005, SEPTA and TWU Local 234 have locked themselves in a hotel (the Old City Holiday Inn) to hash out a new contract, conveniently just in time for Philadelphia to be on the national stage for the World Series. The union has been without a contract since the spring. At the core of the negotiations, similar to 2005: wages, benefits and pensions.
This time, though, both parties have new negotiators at the top. TWU spokesperson Robert Wolper, perhaps mimicking an old, popular SEPTA slogan (knowingly or unknowingly), said in reference to negotiations, “We’re getting there. Slowly.”
According to the Philadelphia Inquirer, SEPTA is hesitant to dish more money to the union since ridership is down (it reached a peak last year when gas prices jumped), state/federal funding is questionable and operating costs are rising.
The union has set a deadline for Saturday at 12:01 a.m., but a strike could occur before that, the article said.
A strike would affect most city bus routes (except LUCY and CCT Connect/Paratransit), trolleys and subways. Regional Rail will be operating normally, yet with an expected increase in passengers.
Temple University and the University of Pennsylvania are providing shuttles to students, faculty and staff should the strike happen, similar to their plans in 2005. Both universities also encourage carpooling.
For a thoughtful reminder of the 2005 strike, check out The Temple News’ award winning coverage, to which I was proud to contribute:
- Transit workers walk off the job
- Commuters crowd Broad Street shuttles
- Emergency plans put into action
- Dean briefs TSG on transit options
But the all-important question: Will the popular “SEPTA Race to Citizens Bank Park” air at the World Series?
Dawn Stensland released by Fox 29 October 23, 2009
Posted by Chris Stover in Journalism, Philadelphia.Tags: Coming Clean, Dawn Stensland, Fox29, Larry Mendte, Twitter
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It was the tweet heard around Philadelphia. On Tuesday, Fox 29 anchor Dawn Stensland updated Twitter to say:
Fox is not renewing my contract. I wanted you to hear that directly from me. Thank you for all your love and support over the years.
Stensland, who has been the main anchor on Fox for eight years, anchored the 10 p.m. news Tuesday night and followed it up with special post-midnight coverage of the Phillies’ NLCS clinch.
That broadcast would be her last. After gossipers reported that a timeframe for her departure had not been determined, it was announced on Wednesday, one day after her tweet, that she had been released immediately.
Kerri-Lee Halkett, Emmy Award winner for Best Anchor, will take over the 10 p.m. newscast.
As evidenced by Stensland’s Twitter page, many fans are outraged by the ousting. Her husband, ex-anchor Larry Mendte, called out Fox 29 in one of his tweets:
The amount of Love that my wife @DawnStensland is getting on her Facebook Page is insane – R U seeing this @Fox29Philadelphia
This week, King of Prussia-based company Banyan Productions announced its pitch of Coming Clean, hosted by Mendte. The syndicated show, which is being pitched to programming directors across the nation, would be a day-and-date show that would examine national and local headlines and “be an advocate for the truth,” according to the demo.
The Temple News: Then and Now October 23, 2009
Posted by Chris Stover in Journalism.Tags: Journalism, The Temple News
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The following is an article published in The Temple News on Oct. 13, 2009. Past staff members discussed how the newspaper has impacted their personal and professional lives. For some, it’s been decades. For others, it’s been weeks.
CHRIS STOVER
Editor in Chief, 2008-2009
I never aspired to become the editor-in-chief of The Temple News. As an unassuming freshman in 2005, I did what I was told. I wrote whatever the editors needed, covering topics from SEPTA to ramen noodles.
Little did I know these stories would prepare me to cover slightly more notable events, including a World Series run and a historic presidential election.
As a broadcast journalism major, I was a rarity at the paper. Peers always asked me why, as an aspiring broadcaster, I chose to spend my time writing and editing articles instead of shooting stand-ups. When I inherited the editorship in 2008, these questions made me realize that The Temple News should no longer be seen solely as the school newspaper. Rather, it should be considered Temple’s media organization. This thought always remained in the back of my mind.
Entering my senior year at TTN, I had the pleasure of leading 25 like-minded individuals from various backgrounds. And when you shove those 25 people in one newsroom under immeasurable stress, failure is a distinct possibility. It was a possibility I thankfully never experienced.
Instead, the staff channeled that energy into creating fantastic copy, design, video packages and Web products. Our hard work week after week paid off, as evidenced by numerous Keystone Press Awards, an ACP Online Pacemaker nomination and, perhaps most impressive, an Editor & Publisher EPpy Award for Best College Newspaper Web Site.
The TTN experience will always be a highlight of my life. Not only did I have the opportunity to refine my own multimedia reporting skills, but I was also able to witness the incredible talents of my peers.
To think that a job I initially had no desire to pursue would become one of the defining moments of my life continues to amaze me. It never crossed my mind that the irreplaceable experiences – and the lifelong friends – were part of the deal.
TTN has had a rich history in 88 years, and I’m privileged to have played a small role. In this evolving multimedia world, I look forward to seeing the accolades and achievements of TTN’s future generations
