Exclusive: WWJ Detroit Scrapping Morning News

CBS-owned WWJ Detroit is scrapping its First Forecast
Mornings
newscast, a two-hour show that debuted in May 2009. The program,
which initially featured headlines from the Detroit Free Press, billed itself
as "an ongoing report of current and forecasted weather as well as the
most current conditions on area roads."

The last day of the program is Dec. 28. A CBS spokesperson
said a small number of layoffs would result.

WWJ, which dropped traditional newscasts at the end of 2002,
will continue to feature weather updates at 5 and 11 p.m., and a public affairs
show on weekends. Said CBS in a statement:
"WWJ remains committed to local programming where it
makes sense."

WWJ will fill the slot with CBS network news 5-6 a.m. and Dr. Phil
6-7a.m.

CBS also owns CW-aligned WKBD in DMA No. 11. Tom Canedo came
on board as GM in October. 

WWJ took over the CBS affiliation in 1994 after WJBK went
with Fox.

Michael Malone

Michael Malone, senior content producer at B+C/Multichannel News, covers network programming, including entertainment, news and sports on broadcast, cable and streaming; and local broadcast television. He hosts the podcasts Busted Pilot, about what’s new in television, and Series Business, a chat with the creator of a new program, and writes the column “The Watchman.” He joined B+C in 2005. His journalism has also appeared in The New York Times, The Philadelphia Inquirer, Playboy and New York magazine.