Market Share has written about WGN Morning News more than any other news operation. Why? The show and especially the promos are outrageous, real, hilarious and irreverent. Check out its latest effort that’s about to debut.
If you were to search through all the Market Share articles I’ve written about WGN Morning News and its promotions over the years, surely more than any other news operation in the country, you would know what the show and its promos are like just by some words and phrases used in the titles: Outrageous, Pokes Fun at Itself, Unpredictable, Real, Hilarious and Irreverent.
WGN Morning News airs on WGN, Nexstar’s Chicago independent. And it’s not to be confused with the new three-hour national newscast, Morning in America, that just launched on NewsNation on Monday, Sept. 27.
In one article, I wrote: “WGN’s Morning News has a national reputation, well-earned, as being different from most nearly every other local TV stations’ morning news. Some might say it’s more National Lampoon than news. More Saturday Night Live than news.”
In another piece, I wrote how much viewers love the show and the promos.
“Can’t and won’t watch any other station. You’re the best and the funniest.” — Elba Carballo
“Real people, warts and all, with no plastic smiles.” — Eddie Matsuoka
In yet another Market Share column, Larry Potash, WGN Morning News anchor, describes the show. “Our recipe is hard news and hopefully, clever, unpredictable shtick,” says Potash who’s been anchoring the show since 1995.
Clever, unpredictable shtick? How do you promote that along with hard news?
There is no doubt that the reason WGN Morning News has been written about so much in Market Share is its promos. So let’s get to the newest one which will begin airing on Oct. 1.
The music was done by Stephen Arnold Music.
“We just finished working on a new promo project with Jeff Wilson and his creative team at WGN-TV Chicago,” says Chad Cook, VP of creative services at Stephen Arnold Music.
“I thought their creative approach was really interesting (and quite brilliant),” Cook says.
“In our spot encapsulates everything that IS the WGN Morning News brand, and that differentiates us from the competition — through the use of content from the show,” says Jeff Wilson, WGN’s creative director.
“The goal of this spot was to juxtapose what is a well-known song, You Are My Sunshine, that elicits positive and earnest attributes, and pair the song with the unique personalities of WGN Morning News showcasing their key attributes; REAL, AUTHENTIC, and FUNNY. Attributes that over 25+ years the viewing audience has developed a demonstrable emotional connection to, and having been the #1 Morning News for over 10+ years,” Wilson says.
So here’s the new spot and below that, a handful of other older and more infamous WGN Morning News promos.
And to give credit where it’s due, here are some credits for the new spot:
* Creative Director: Jeff Wilson
* Producer: Andrew Lennie
* Art Director: Kristi Stone
* Designer: Lee Kraft
https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=550639582852478
KTXL, Nexstar’s Fox affiliate in Sacramento, is looking for a Digital Content Director to join a talented and growing team at KTXL/FOX40. We are seeking a Digital Content Director to lead our web, mobile and social efforts in this dynamic, diverse market, the political epicenter of California. The Digital Content Director is responsible for managing and growing FOX40.com along coaching a successful team. She/he will oversee and improve the daily packaging and distribution of all digital daily news and enterprise content across all FOX40 digital platforms. Click here for more specifics and how to apply.
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I was doing similar schtick 30 years ago, Paul!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fxWIsC28Ezw&list=PL185BC6E9BFA4C714&index=4
Brilliant Concept – Hope it works in Chicago, .. wonder if it would work in other Markets, or add to Negative Perception. Sure *Should* get people talking – and isn’t that what ya want to do?
Good Luck WGN9 – Luv ya!