Little Rock Reporter Shown the Door
A tipster says KTHV reporter Wayne Cross has been let go from the station. According to Cross' bio, he joined the station earlier this year from Shreveport where he was a Mutli-media journalist.
posted by ATN @ 10:51 AM
153 comments
153 Comments:
Details?
They did take him off nightside reporting and then moved him out of the newsroom about a month ago.
I heard that the EP there had a vendetta agaisnst him for breaking up with some internet twit that was supposedly a friend of hers, and she wanted a reason to get rid of him. As a storyteller - he stood out...but he fit in perfectly with the other reporters when it came to live shots...they're all horrible!
Wayne was a terrible reporter but a nice guy. He was a good shooter, poor writer, and atrocious live shot performer.
So he fits the qualifications to work in the little rock market.
Actually, if he wasn't cutting as a reporter, then what are the blonde idiots still doing there? And the EP starting digging into his personal life and got wrote up for it. A month later, they told him take Davey's job as a photog or leave. So he left.
I don't understand how these stations keep hiring inexperienced people (experience as a photog doesn't count as on-air) and then expecting them to perform miracles. It sets them up for failure.
If the EP were truly written up it sounds like high school drama. Seriously, grow up. It's like bashing a co worker on facebook. Maybe they should start paying attention to the ratings at night.
A love triangle - really??? You people watch to many soaps over there.
The guy is nice, had no experience, actually did some good work every now and then, and wasn’t given training - like most people at THV.
Is this the last THVer to be shown the door or leave because of high school type drama? Probably not, wasn't the first.
Not the first time the EP has bashed a co-worker on Facebook. Such an example of management! She could be a good EP. BTW - SHE is responsible for hiring the MMJ's and producers with no experience because SHE wants to control them and lead by intimidation. Wayne, unfortunately had a problem with not showing up for work. The first week he worked at 11, he didn't call in or show up for a couple of days. It freaked out the ND. Wayne has potential, however his lack of work ethic did him in here. It was something 11 overlooked when they hired him. I feel sorry for Lisa though as she will become his new mommy. She could do much better.
Who was the "Asian web chick?"
The web girl was Amanda Terrebonne, very good person, great work ethic, like by all. Sad to see her go.
Oh, so thats where Wayne landed. Shreveport has a dozen more just like him to fill his spot.
Lisa and Wayne aren't the BIG problem in that newsroom. Does the corner office hear any of this?
OMG, most of the reporters at THV are TERRIBLE. Please go ahead an fire some more of them, I cringe during every live shot. Don't steal the one's from KARK because they suck too, especially since Lauren has gone to the weekends.
The BIG problem covers her arse in most situations. Poor Lisa, Wayne will suck the life and resources right out of her. Lisa wake up dump this loser before he takes you with him! Yes most of the MMJ's aren't good. The thought was to hire them, train them (yeah right) and hope that they will get better. It's lie, after lie, after lie....
When does the house get cleaned at THV?
The executive producer, michelle chism runs the newsroom. Chuck "no back bone" Maulden the news directors hands any decision making to her.
I cant believe they'd just let Wayne Cross go. Lauren Clark messes up just as much as him, if not more but he is the only one that gets in trouble.
Anyone in the newsroom will tell you Michelle Chism has her favorites. And she can be mean and scary to the others not under her wing.
Who made the decision to move Wayne out of the newsroom? He had a desk right in the center with all the mmjs. Who made the decision to demote him and move him dayside and weekends?
Can he sue? Especially if Chism did try and gey into his personal life, and theres paper work showing he wrote her up.
Why can't Craig, Dawn, and Liz walk into the manager's office and say, "Hey, get us some good reporters or get these kids the proper training!"?
THV needs an overhaul at management. I'm not in the business, just a viewer.
Wayne didn't show up for work on several occasions. In this regard Chism made the right decision.
The EP was written up for getting in his personal business? Please do tell.
Wayne pulled the "dissapeering act" at KTBS too.
Do all the newsrooms in LR have this much drama?
It is surprising what a small region this is. The first time Wayne didn't show up for work or answer his phone, someone I know called up a buddy in Shreveport. The person said Wayne was shady back then and will likely be the same.
The person from Shreveport says Wayne inflates himself, his lifestyle, his pocket book and accomplishments to those around him.
The guy is in his 30's and you know if he is at THV he is working for peanuts so I think he must have a low self esteem among other issues.
No, Today's THV has the most drama. I dare you to post a thread about anything on here and it always turns to THV and the mmjs.
WOW!!! I feel sorry for Wayne and any other person in LR news. It sounds like everyone hates each other in that market!
Oh and i'm sure if he didn't show up for work(either place) he would have been fired on the spot, so that i'm not buying that!!!
What i am buying is we need to train MMJ's and reporters before we just put them out to fail.
LR you need an overhaul and quickly!!
Regarding Wayne's work ethic....you have to be kidding me!! That guy accrued more comp days for working late and coming in on his days off then anybody this year.
I know for sure that he even worked a whole weekend without even telling management - to help out the weekend crew. Then told them he didn't want comp days. I used to work the weekends at THV and it was so helpful.
He is a very nice guy that has a lot of experience as a photographer(he was the best we had), but like anybody with less than a year’s experience as a reporter - green.
I actually heard he's going back to being a photog because he hates the drama of being on-air.
So there you have it THV and Little Rock you destroyed the hopes and dreams of yet another soul. I hope your happy!
We are.
Wayne is a very nice guy. Yes, he's as green as can be, but he actually did do some great stories. Like the one about the changing face of the homeless. Or the one about the crazy lady living underneath a mobile home. Those are only a few, but I know he was only going to get better with time. I can't speak of his work ethic, but being helpful and friendly is always welcomed in any newsroom.
Hmmm... 11:29 sure sounds like a supportive girlfriend who still works at THV. LISA - YOU ARE BLINDED BY WHAT YOU THINK IS LOVE - WAKE UP!!!!
Wayne did great stories, Wayne does have some talent, Wayne is a very nice guy, and Wayne is very tall etc., etc., etc...
However, you DON'T get demoted for doing great stories, and working really, really hard, or being a nice guy. You get demoted when you DON'T show up for work and/or do what the boss tells you to do. If your schedule is M - F, then you show up for work M - F, Not W - F. He had to be doing something WRONG otherwise he wouldn't have been asked to become a photog and take a substantial pay cut. That's corporate speak for quit or be fired. He had red flags from the day he arrived when he promptly didn't report for work. Guess what, the ND gave him the benefit of the doubt and Wayne pooped on him. Maulden realized he made a mistake with Wayne but found out too late. Even some of his former peeps above said he didn't report for work in Shreveport! Can you say "track record" boys and girls? Wayne is all of the positive things you have said about him, a talented reporter, photographer and good story teller, he just needs to grow up and take some responsibility - He's in his 30's for goodness sakes!
To the above, my thoughts exactly. Your short comings don’t necessarily get you the boot if you have strengths.
It does sound like Lisa wrote the other comment too, because she recently got off weekends. Lisa, just because your boyfriend is done with his shift and sits and waits until yours is over doesn’t mean he worked a double.
While our reporters are on the air (I’m not a reporter.) I sometimes watch all the screens or flip channels on the TV to so the competition, and I couldn’t tell you how many times a story Wayne Cross did, was far less than our competition. He’d bury the lead or completely live out something huge. One of many that stick out to me is how he was the Alexander reporter. One of the heated city council meetings he left out a lot of info Fox and Seven mentioned and completely left out that a council member walked out and quit.
Ok, so majority says he belongs behind the camera. Have you heard what type of job he is looking for? Or is he still looking to be talent?
I am suprised all of you geniuses are still in the LR market and not at network by now!
LOL @ 9:55pm... get 'em! Acting like market 50-something is market 5. And even people in market 5 aren't any happier than the rest of us in smaller markets... they're just paid more and have higher risk of heart attacks.
Anchors at THV are not happy with the, uh 'talent' they have to work with.
The girls think they are the hottest thing since sliced bread, if only they knew how much *ish* was being said by their own co-workers who smile in their face.
When I were a THV logo, I have been approached and asked whats going on at the station and viewers tell me they've switched stations.
Even though I work there, I do want ratings to show the decline.
Morale has been down for a while.
One thing that used to separate Today's THV a part from competitors was the photo quality. Now when a great veteran photo leaves, they hire a college student to mmj or recently hired a photog who has never done it.
It is pathetic.
Something has to happen and I hope the decision to get rid of Wayne Cross is the beginning.
and to the previous poster, no one from THV these days will get to taste market 5, ever.lol.
*wear*
You mean things have not improved at THV since Larry left? I thought from reading this blog he was the sole problem. It seems as if nothing has changed, low morale , no money, surveillance cameras, poorly trained mmj's etc. I guess he must get the last laugh or maybe he should get an apology.
The new GM needs to overhaul his management staff ASAP. The only manager worth a damn is the business manager, Matthew Ramsey. All others, including Maulden and Craft, need to go. They are a big part of the problem.
i think if everybody on this blog worked as hard as they bitch and moan Little Rock would be better than Dallas,LA, New York and Boston combined!!!
So stop hating and go do work!!!
To the comment above that proclaimed Lisa wrote it at 11:29 I'm sorry to disappoint - I'm a producer. He never came up there when Lisa was working I would've put his big ass to work. Also just to say im not even Wayne's friend. Although I still say nice guy, but needs some backing and training.
I wish you well Wayne, if you even read this trashy blog!
Craft has nothing to do with the newsroom, he does sales.
Larrys problem was he tried to run everything.
Maulden, the nd's problem is he doesnt know how to run anything and passes all the decisions to the ep, michelle chism.
The new gm hasnt made an impression on me either way, dont really see him
Craft is still in charge of station promotions. When's the last time you saw any real promotion of the news product? Of course, he hasn't anything worth promoting. Never mind -- I talked myself out of it -- Craft stays.
If Chuck is out, does that put Michelle in?
We'll just hire a future intern who is remotely good to take his place, I'm sure of it. Seems to be the way we like it
I know this has nothing to do with this story, but still, KLRT FOX16 still does not have weekday morning and/or midday newscasts. Has anybody gotten any word about them doing so?
No one cares!
F*ck Off!
Once again, I know this has nothing to do with this story, but still, KLRT FOX16 still does not have weekday morning and/or midday newscasts. Has anybody gotten any word about them doing so? Who cares about this story about a reporter shown out the door?!
Who cares about a morning show that would come fourth in the ratings (like all other fox broadcasts) anyway? It would be a big waste of money.
Why hassle with a morning show if you don't already have one. I understand the answer is advertising dollars, but I don't think its worth it for Fox.
Someone wrote: "If Chuck is out, does that put Michelle in?"
I'd say yes. Once, to get a hefty pay raise she threatened to leave and then got her pay raise.
And when Mark Raines left, Michelle Chism and Nick Genty both wanted to job, that's why why were both given the 'Executive Producer' title.
But who is going to let Chuck Maulden go? This GM might want or need a yes man to push everything through to corporate. That's not Michelle.
Michelle doesn't listen to anyone, even when the majority is against her idea. Not a good manager.
She doesn't even get on to the green mmjs. She didn't like Wayne Cross from the beginning and look what happened, he is out.
Why would this Michelle person have so much clout when their evening ratings suck and she was written up for high school drama?
Sounds like MC gets her way. Stand up and you are out. Good management in my book.
Is Drager losing weight?
They sure took his bio down fast. Lauren Scott's bio is not up. Any idea why that is?
What are they going to write about Lauren Scott?
One sentence: She's 12, cheap, cann read and carry 15 lbs.
sorry, typing on a smart phone, it's hard to go back and spell check
*can
Especially while driving a car. That is an action that will self-correct if you do it enough.
Speaking of Texting and driving, didn't THV win an emmy for their texting and driving story?
The texting campaign was a long time ago, we still get emails and phone calls about people attacking us for being the 'hands free cell phone station' but reporters are caught driving and texting and driving while on the phone.
Wayne Cross got in trouble for shooting a stand up while driving, that was an obvious one there that is a no no for any station (if you are the driver and shooter and the car is moving in traffic)
THV should find the money to train their reporters, and get some weight loss help for one of their female anchors. The new manager has his work cut out for him.
Lliz? She looks fine.
Arkansans like a little meat on the bone.
News Anchor Babes- 7: Christina, Joan, Beth- 11: Dawn, Alyse, Ashley - 4: Mallory, Wendy
Who is Joan? Agree with all but Dawn. She looks so old!
Jessica Dean is a news anchor babe.
HATE Jessica Dean's hair. She is moderately pretty though. It looks like she's wearing a wig.
Jessica has the best looking profile of anyone on LR television. Check it out.
Thanks Jessica. Definitely disagree with that statement too. Best profile? What the....
Bottom line: If Liz wants to keep her anchor job, the weight has to come off. The ratings will continue to slip, and she will have to go. The fishing stories will not keep her afloat.
It would take a big life jacket to keep her afloat. Liz will never leave as long as Master MC makes sure she is self promoted. Change the call letters to KLIZ.
Liz is one of the nicest, most down to earth people in this market. Yes, she's put on a few pounds, who hasn't? I'm sure she's working on getting rid of it. Not everyone's body can immediately bounce back after baby, even if it has been over a year. Viewers love her.
thanks master mc
I'm not Michelle. I'm just someone who actually cares about other people. I don't even work at THV.
thank how do you know the master mc?
I said I didn't work for KTHV, not that I didn't know the people in this market. Most people know who MC is, especially on this blog.
Liz is a real person. There is no pretense about her or who she is, and the public loves that about her. Authentic and Genuine! Nothing plastic or phoney!
I think Liz reads this blog.
I know this is off subject but happened to Aaron Nolan doing sports with KARK he was in the middle of doing Fearless Live high school football games in october and then he was on KNWA as a General Assignment Reporter????
I have heard nothing why he just suddenly disappered during the middle of football season .
Liz is getting Cyber bullied. Leave her alone. Meanies.
Amen
Does anyone know what Wayne is up to now?
I think the November ratings will be so interesting this time.
Predictions?
4 for the morning win!
Close race between 7 and 11 for everything, like always.
I think 4 is getting in the game with the evening news, since one of the other stations has some serious issues. 11 will remain on top of the ratings for the morning show.
Why would you put 11 over 7 in the mornings? Curious.
OMG, that awful updo again.
Who's updo?
"Why would you put 11 over 7 in the mornings? Curious."
Pretty and talented females on the set. Most likable co-host and weather man on morning TV in LR market, Tom.
How is the new morning group getting along over at 11?
I like Melinda WAY more than Tom. Tom is very whiny. Ashley and Alyse are great though. But Chris Kane and Alyson Courtney are doing pretty great too. It'll be interesting to see where the ratings fall. 11 promoted some very good sweeps packages.
Tom has a pot-belly now.
Did KARK loose two people to 7?
loose?
Proof positive that correct spelling is not required in order to be a broadcast journalist, but we get the idea of what you are asking. :]
I guess they could have turned them loose on 7. Is that what was meant?
Who is going from 4 to 7?
I heard two producers and an editor left 4 and went to 7.
Seems like 7 pays better than other locals.
Do you think that 11 had Alyse wear glasses today to draw viewers for sweeps? Me likey........
Surely not.
I am the 11:55 poster above. As a faithful 7 and 11 watcher I also like Melissa Dunbar Gates in glasses. I really love women in glasses. Does Dawn Scott wear glasses from time to time? Something about it is sexy too me
Hate to say it but without chasm, 11 would have no leader. It's also true that she is one of the most petty and insecure people in the newsroom. At 11, the biggest egos are not on the anchor desk. I'm pretty sure Michelle wrote on an earlier blog about dude not being the first or last at khiv. She really views people as things to assist her.
For viewer impressions, channel four leads the pack without a doubt. Their new round of promo's-- like the morning show-- are the best in this market in years. Is the producer local?
16 is next followed by 7--sorry, but same newscast format and feel as 1985-- and 11 is last with a reporting crew that couldn't make it in Vicksburg, ms.
With a few adjustments, four will be a contender soon.
I used to work in TV news for years so I'll just toss in these 2 cents:
I've worked with/for many different news anchors / directors / reporters, etc. My take is that folks are good at being your pal when they need something but will toss you under the bus when they don't. I was just a working-slob, they go-to guy for solid camera work in the field and if I got half the drinks I was promised for pulling some dork or diva's ass out of the fire on a story they screwed up, I'd still be hungover.
Now there have been some decent folks I've had the privilege to work with but I have to say that they were the few and far-between.
After almost 14 years in the biz I had to leave and I'm happy I did.
Too many users and devious mental defectives (both genders) and don't even get me started on management.
I saw first-hand too many instances where the worker-bees did the heavy lifting and the OCD mannequins made a hard job tougher with their bullshit/drama and demands when it's really just a 60 second VOSOT with an on-camera setup / toss. They majored in hairspray and makeup and reading prompter. Forget reporting, they ripped a lot off from the newspaper or some consultant newsletter.
It's just TV news folks, it's not anything but newsets, noise and hype. And despite all the new technology and toys, it's far worse than when I worked in it. Though I'll admit the weathercasts have become a circus in of themselves.
Simple solution for those that want the Official forecast and the best of the guesses since the local stations lack the equipment to accurately forecast any weather.
Buy a scanner (a cheap one will do) and tune it to 162.550 MHz for 24/7/365 around the clock live broadcast from the NWS North Little Rock. In other areas of the state, check with the NWS for frequencies in your area.
Oh, and to the above poster @ 9:06pm, you are spot on in your writing.
Also, off subject here, but the new "Ken" on the morning show on Channel Seven needs some work.
Another example of a person who was a good sportcaster but something happens when they start reading news.
Now he's saying a long "a" everytime he comes across the letter as in, Police are looking for A suspect. Also does that with the word "the." It's not thee.
And please quit yelling at the camera-- if you can hear an echo when you listen on the TV it means you're talking WAY too loud.
Don't you have him confused with Craig O on the yelling?
Can someone please explain this trash THV put on TV as their lead story?
Watch the video:
http://www.todaysthv.com/news/article/180867/2/Update-on-Big-Rock-Interchange
First, The way I understand it, this is Jessica Duff's story. But Dawn Scott pitches to Wess Moore.
No one mentions why he is even standing there. And there is no reason for him to be there.
Then they stand and talk for way to long about the video behind them.
I'd also like to know who gave this girl a job. She is horrible.
It was so poorly thought out.lmao.
To the poster who wrote:
"...For viewer impressions, channel four leads the pack without a doubt. Their new round of promo's-- like the morning show-- are the best in this market in years. Is the producer local?..."
Promos might get you to tune in, but then it's up to the talent, reporters and product to keep you from flipping the channel.
I've noticed THVs promotions are poor as far as the quality and of course the reporters are the worst in the biz.
This isn't the list of how I flip the channel, but this is my list of how good the promotions are done:
FOX
KARK
KATV
KTHV
Fox promos can be too extreme (News Leader, Breaking News Leader, Best Weather and on and on)
But they look good
The new Ken yelling in the camera? 5:43 AM what have you been smoking?
I love reading this blog. It's an entertaining read to pass the time while sitting on the pot!
Well you must be really constipated to take time to read this while on the crapper.
11:14 November 4, You are right, station should get the woman some weight loss help, or put her behind the scenes.
Liz?
Who are the people from KARK now at KATV?
KARK, KATV, and KTHV have been around for a along time. But its time to start paying a little more attention to KLRT (FOX16) as well! Come on Arkansas! Its time to grow up! (No offense) You have a newer fourth option for news. Respect that!
KARK 4 Today...
Channel 7 News Daybreak...
Today's THV This Morning...
FOX16 News This Morning...
Which one of this doesn't (but kind of should) belong in this list.
...Question to anyone reading this comment. If KLRT FOX16 has morning and/or midday newscasts, would you watch them?
The fact that almost every LR-based discussion turns into a "KLRT should have a morning show" thread makes me think it's already in the works.
No point really.
"KARK 4 Today...
Channel 7 News Daybreak...
Today's THV This Morning...
FOX16 News This Morning...
Which one of this doesn't (but kind of should) belong in this list."
Hmmmmmmm . . . Channel 7 News Daybreak?
If any of them don't belong, it's KARK Today. Such a boring, pointless two hours of a show.
THV is very good. Always full of different segments and good banter between anchors.
KATV is getting there. Definitely a big difference in the past few months. It's getting more fun, but still needs "something" to be able to compete against THV.
If KLRT developed a morning show, they should put Dudzik on. She'd be good in the mornings.
The only way KLRT could compete is if they steal talent from other stations that already have a big viewer base. Hmmmm, is that in the works?
Get ready, it's going to happen.
4:52, I agree 100% and hereby appoint you to management (if you are not already there).
To echo 6:37 - Fox has already spoken to a current morning show anchor and if they proceed with an offer, this person would accept.
On air talent that is not under a noncompete contract, doubtful.
On air talent, worth a darn, is under contract.
contracts do run out - ala Alyson Courtney?
I heard KLRT has approached current talent too. They are very savvy over there. It may leave some news directors scratching their heads, duh, what just happened here?
Savvy they are. Crafty too. Crafty little foxes.
Who has KLRT approached?
Talent at 11.
They have been holding back on their morning show because of the economy. They ave spoken with at least one of 11s main talent who has expressed a desire for a fresh start somewhere else. However, this was about 6 months ago.
Would Tom really leave for Fox? Can they afford him?
Fox has more money than the others combined.
Wow. that's a lot of money.
If KLRT is able to steal talent from other stations then kuddos to them. I think Tom would be good on their evening news.
if Fox was smart, they would get Tom for their evening shows. He is a star and would really add an element that they are missing. He'll go for the right money. management at THV is ready to let him go.
That doesn't make any sense. If he were a "star" as you say then management would probably want to keep him and not unload him. But do tell more. as far as stars are concerned, the only star at THV is Craig.
THV offered a new contract to Tom several months ago. I doubt they want to send him packing.
But what was the offer? THV has a history of low-balling their talent when it comes to re-signing. Plus, how much is enough to put up with Gannett's BS for another three years?
THV already tried to get Tom to re-sign a year before his contract was up. I don't think that means they are ready to let him get away. The fact that he didn't sign anything does make you wonder, though. THV would REAL stupid to let him get away, but then again.....
That is,THV would be real stupid to let him go, but then again.....
THV is not exactly flooded with talent. I doubt they would let Tom or the few heavy hitters they do have walk out the door. If they do, then I give up on them for good.
They have already and so have I.
KTHV should be ashamed of the quality of the video from the live shots at the Arkansas-LSU game. Washed out video that was far from being standard definition, much less HD. Looks like KTHV wasted a lot of money sending a crew there with no better equipment to work with. "The HD leader" fails again. Come on Gannett, turn loose of some money if you want your station to compete.
And still, THV has two #1 shows so obviously they are competitive.
What are the shows?
Are they on CBS?
The video was pitiful and looked like some high school television class was in charge of the tech stuff.
those are just merely rumors? or you have some solid data to support it, I think that you should not post rumors since it would be like a gossip kind of blog and I consider your blog very serious!
Wayne Cross is a horrible person. He got fired from two stations in Albuquerque for stealing, and he lies about everything. I'm shocked he was able to find yet another job in the TV business after all the bridges he has burned.
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