Charleston-Huntington, WV

[<gatorman>]

Tell me about the shops in this market. Pay, positves, negatives, etc. Thanks.

[<gatorman>]

Buhler?

[<kanedog1>]

What station?

[<weebster>]

Sorry nobody replied to this post. I worked in the market 20 years ago and still go there once in a while so here's what I know:
WSAZ (NBC) has been the market leader from day one of broadcasting. This station was the prototype for the Huntley/Brinkley report (2 anchors from different studios and they still do it today). As far as I know the station is non-union. You have to love the call letters - WSAZ - worst station from A to Z! (just kidding).
WOWK (CBS) This place was a hell-hole when I worked there years ago but I'm pretty sure things have gotten better. Not sure of the owner but it's a local guy and he bought several stations in West Virginia. All the stations he owns are linked together and I think they do a statewide report at least on the weekends. This station used to be NABET but things may have changed.
WCHS (ABC) Owned by Sinclair and they also own the Fox station so they do a ten o'clock show as well as an eleven. I would rate this the worst operation of the three. Probably non-union.
Although I have no specifics I'm sure the pay is pretty low at all the stations. The market doesn't seem too concerned about the quality of their product. Looks like a lot of run and gun and the photogs probably don't get to edit their pkgs. most of the time. This market is a good place to learn and I might make it my second move but certainly not my third move. Good luck!

[Smitty]

Originally posted by &lt;weebster&gt;:
WSAZ (NBC) has been the market leader from day one of broadcasting. This station was the prototype for the Huntley/Brinkley report (2 anchors from different studios and they still do it today). As far as I know the station is non-union. You have to love the call letters - WSAZ - worst station from A to Z! (just kidding).
WOWK (CBS) This place was a hell-hole when I worked there years ago but I'm pretty sure things have gotten better. Not sure of the owner but it's a local guy and he bought several stations in West Virginia. All the stations he owns are linked together and I think they do a statewide report at least on the weekends. This station used to be NABET but things may have changed.
WCHS (ABC) Owned by Sinclair and they also own the Fox station so they do a ten o'clock show as well as an eleven. I would rate this the worst operation of the three. Probably non-union.
Although I have no specifics I'm sure the pay is pretty low at all the stations. The market doesn't seem too concerned about the quality of their product. Looks like a lot of run and gun and the photogs probably don't get to edit their pkgs. most of the time. This market is a good place to learn and I might make it my second move but certainly not my third move. Good luck! W's evaluation is fair and accurate.

I grew up watching television news shot, edited and broadcast in this market. WSAZ is the powerhouse. The Chief Photographer is a great guy. I ran in to him covering a murder trial in Carter County last year. I would highly recommend looking for a position here versus the other two stations. But if you don't have that option go with WOWK (WVA Media) and then WCHS (Sinclair).

Good luck!

[Chris Kittinger]

I worked for one of the sister stations of WOWK (WVNS) as my first gig as a shooter, and before that I worked in production at WOWK on a couple of different occasions. I like all the people at WOWK. And my Chief from WVNS used to shoot for WSAZ. He is a great guy, and if the other guys there are like him, well go for WSAZ. Another thing for WSAZ is that they are an Emmis station. That is a huge plus in my opinion. I work in an Emmis shop right now, and I have nothing but praise for the company. I don't think you would hate it at WOWK, they have a good staff, and the Chief seems really cool from the one time I met him. I hope that helps. E-mail me at dckitt@yahoo.com if you have anymore questions that I can help you with.

[<Dog>]

WOWK is owned by West Virginia Media Holdings. They bought a few stations in WV. Everything I hear about WVMH is negative. I would avoid anything they own.

[<IdAgreeWith>]

I would have to agree with our registered poster noted above. Kittinger's postings have always been accurate. reliable, and rock solid; and I'd consider Kittinger to be one of the most valuable contributors to this message board. I'd almost bet the mortage on Kittinger without hesitation.

Want to know more? Why not view some of the stations material- preferably in tapes or even on their websites. It wouldn't take a rocket scientist to figure out which is the best choice.
Another factor to take into consideration is turnaround at the station.

I'm not sure how long one would plan to stay at the station or in the market area, but the turnover is a rather large factor.

The two city market does have some above average tallent, esppecially considering the budget they are left to squander with. It could end up being ones best decision (as to which station they choose), or one of which they'll quickly regret.

Hope it goes well for you!!

[vidrock]

Don't photogs for WVMH have to sign contracts?

[Chris Kittinger]

Wow, that's the nicest thing anyone has ever said about me on a message board. And with the advice you give being so solid, it is high praise indeed. I always try to make sure that I give the best information that I can when posting. I guess that is one reason that I feel that I can actually use my name as my log in for posts. That and the fact that I am not creative enough to come up with something cool like most posters here.

Originally posted by &lt;IdAgreeWith&gt;:
I would have to agree with our registered poster noted above. Kittinger's postings have always been accurate. reliable, and rock solid; and I'd consider Kittinger to be one of the most valuable contributors to this message board. I'd almost bet the mortage on Kittinger without hesitation.

Want to know more? Why not view some of the stations material- preferably in tapes or even on their websites. It wouldn't take a rocket scientist to figure out which is the best choice.
Another factor to take into consideration is turnaround at the station.

I'm not sure how long one would plan to stay at the station or in the market area, but the turnover is a rather large factor.

The two city market does have some above average tallent, esppecially considering the budget they are left to squander with. It could end up being ones best decision (as to which station they choose), or one of which they'll quickly regret.

Hope it goes well for you!!

[Chris Kittinger]

When I worked for WVNS I was not under contract.

Originally posted by vidrock:
Don't photogs for WVMH have to sign contracts?