The Southern Ontario/WNY Radio-TV Forum / CFRB: How Much News Is Too Much News?

**Posted by RadioActive** **Online!** November 18, 2024 8:57 pm

It never really occurred to me before, but I wonder if there can be such a thing as too much news on at least one Toronto AM talk station at dinnertime.

Consider:

CFRB takes the audio from CTV Toronto's 6 PM newscast and broadcasts it for the full hour. What happens when it ends? A spot or two and then, you guessed it, another newscast at 7 PM. This one is also anchored by one of the CFTO on-air types and even uses some of the same audio listeners just heard a few minutes before.

I realize they're joining other stations for the Shane Hewitt show that follows, and have to fill that time with something to join the network. But they're broadcasting a newscast right after another newscast. And it happens every single night.

AM640 takes Global News at 6, but at least they have a shilled Employment Law show at 6:30PM to separate them from their upcoming 7 o'clock cast, so it's not as bad.

I don't have an answer as to what could go in the 7-7:05PM timeslot on RB every weeknight, and yes, new people are tuning in all the time. But having two newscasts back to back makes no sense. Well, it does on 680. But not on 1010.

**Posted by newsguy1** November 18, 2024 9:14 pm

If I wake up early and can't get back to sleep I often tune into John Moore beginning his show at 6 am.
He follows the 6 am newscast which ends with the weather.
I've noticed when Moore starts his show he begins with the weather which was just given at the end of the 6am newscast. Then he does that five things you need to know segment in which he repeats pretty well every story we just heard in the 6 am newscast.
So that the weather at 6:05 followed by Moore giving the weather at 6:06 followed by mentioning the main news stories we just heard at 6 am.
This morning I was rather puzzled, or amused when at 6:45 the traffic was sponsored by Lexus of Vaughan, followed by the actual commercial for Lexus of Vaughan followed by John Moore announcing his next segment, sponsored by -- yes, Lexus of Vaughan.
I wonder if anyone is listening to what's going out or whether everyone just does whatever they are told without thinking how it all sounds together.
Probably the listeners don't notice it but a radio guy like me does and it sounds silly.

**Posted by mace** November 19, 2024 10:11 am

I think you are correct newsguy1. This site caters to those who work in the media business or those who don't but are interested in its workings. The average listener/viewer is oblivious to the things SOWNY members notice. For example, everyone here knows what "simsub"is and it often creates some lively discussions. However, if you asked Mr. or Mrs. Front Porch what simsub is, you would most likely get a blank stare except just before the SuperBowl when the annual Why can't I watch the U.S. ads discussion always surfaces.