CohenConnect.com, Honest, accurate & outspoken: Lenny's thoughts on this world of ours
"These are the times to remember" (Billy Joel lyrics pluralized)
It’s that time of year again. No. I take that back. A few weeks ago, it was that time of year again. Regular and long-time CohenConnect readers may recognize the Comcast graphic with Santa Claus. I came up with that two years and a week ago, on Dec. 20, 2017. But I’ve been busy and … Continue reading Have you noticed Comcast’s Christmas gift to itself?
AT&T — which owns DirecTV, DirecTV Now and U-verse — released a statement saying it “offered to pay CBS an unprecedented rate increase and the highest fee we currently pay to any major broadcast network group. CBS has refused.” On the other hand, CBS claims it’s “simply looking to receive fair value for its popular … Continue reading Nothing against my friends at CBS, but…
The phrase “Digital First” is nothing new. Managers in TV station news departments have been saying it for years, but they really hadn’t practiced what it means. Years ago, news directors thought viewers getting information sooner would not feel the need to watch TV newscasts, which was where the money was made and so was … Continue reading Adding my own few points to Nexstar’s ‘Digital First’ strategy
You may have actually looked at the homepage of this blog, http://www.CohenConnect.com, and thought I hadn’t been writing. It may have looked that way, but it sure wasn’t the case. Not at all. Actually, I’ve been writing – a whole lot! I let you know I took a job working for a local weekly newspaper … Continue reading Lenny’s update, and the writing and posting you may have missed
THANK YOU to the two new followers from over the past week, bringing the total up to 116. I hope you like what you read, or at least feel strongly enough to comment. I don’t think people realize there’s something in it for them! Go back over previous posts and you’ll see the subjects I’ve … Continue reading Control of the media after the mosque attacks in New Zealand
It’s always good to be remembered, and hopefully being your last new year’s message of the year will keep some of my thoughts on your minds. (I’d be embarrassed to post something like this more than a week late, even by a few minutes!) Let me start with the most important: that I became an … Continue reading Odds, ends and new beginnings
It was 20 years ago tonight. Not exactly. It was actually four days off, on Nov. 25, but what really matters is it was the night before Thanksgiving in 1998. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AuVRhuk8kmQ I had been producing the 11pm news at CBS affiliate WFSB-3 in Connecticut. It was my last newscast there, before moving to Philadelphia – … Continue reading The end of an era, and beginning of this one (Part A of this one)
It’s a happy moment at CohenConnect.com. (Online definition of moment: “a very brief period of time.” The italics are mine.) September’s blog numbers were high with more than a thousand views, despite the fact I only published four posts. (I know. I have to do better on that. And I can’t complain about the time, but … Continue reading News starting out good but going downhill fast
I try not to go more than a week without posting something. Unfortunately, it has been 11 days dues to holidays that won’t be letting up anytime soon, and also my IT support specialist classes. (Last night, I finished Course 2, Week 1, out of 5 courses.) I just don’t like blogs that give a … Continue reading Eric Trump and his shekels
I don’t know, but I’m pretty sure you’ve had a busy week, between getting used to having your kids in school or planning what to do on this long holiday weekend. Sorry for the folks in “sunny Florida” with plans ruined while dealing with Tropical Storm Gordon. (But you're welcome for this souvenir to help … Continue reading Labor Day weekend leftovers
It’s either coincidence, karma or a higher power when things come together in ways previously thought impossible. This weekend, Jewish people around the world read the Torah portion Shofetim (שֹׁפְטִים, or “Judges,” comprising Deuteronomy 16:18–21:9). The best-known line in it is the third, “Justice, justice shall you pursue” (צֶ֥דֶק צֶ֖דֶק תִּרְדֹּ֑ף, Deut. 16:20). Shofetim also … Continue reading Sanctions against Sinclair? Sounds justified
It’s a great day in broadcasting, or as great as things can get in this day and age. There will be no merger between Sinclair Broadcast Group and Tribune Media. Today, according to Axios, Tribune announced it “terminated its $3.9 billion merger agreement with Sinclair Broadcasting and that it has filed a lawsuit for breach … Continue reading Tribune to Sinclair: Judge’s gavel instead of merger’s handshake
There’s something to be said for waiting before starting to write. That’s not my nature. I want to get things out first. I type very well but nobody can do it as quickly as my brain, so I often dictate into a phone and email myself. Then, I make any corrections and additions, and create … Continue reading Sinclair sinks, Trump’s temper, Cox’s cash value
This was starting to get a little hard to keep track of, and I wrote most of this last night. Good thing I waited to publish, because I had to really rewrite today! It’s looking like the big media merger I’ve been writing about so frequently may not happen! Even better, it looks like one … Continue reading Big merger, big problem, big surprise!
The Federal Communications Commission has a very important mission, but it’s not being fulfilled. In fact, the opposite has been happening over the past few days and it’ll likely lead to less children’s programming – and less attention when you complain about your TV, phone company or internet service provider. The FCC says its mission … Continue reading The FCC’s war on American children, adults
First, I want to thank you for all your reading. This is my 99th blog and so far there have been more than 14,100 page views. Dozens of you are reading and clicking more than once, even when I don't post anything, and the numbers have really been going up. Reading above what's above would good … Continue reading Follow-Up Friday, plus David Hogg defeats Publix
I don’t know about you but yesterday, I couldn’t stop “hearing” about what the people who listened to a certain audio file heard. Most insisted it was one thing: just not the same thing. That became the Yanny-Laurel debate. What you think you heard became the side you were on. Sometimes listeners even switched teams. … Continue reading Forget Laurel and Yanny. Did Cecily call Adam a moron?
I hope you’ve had a terrific Tuesday! I have a few thoughts (just a few) I figured I’d get out today. This morning, Axios reported several news websites “launched new paywalls within the past year.” Sorry! (But not this one.) It named Bloomberg, Vanity Fair, Wired, Business Insider and The Atlantic, and added, “Legacy institutions like The New York Times, The Wall … Continue reading Paying for news, one candidate’s free airtime and asking for your comments
I've avoided writing much about Sinclair Broadcast Group trying to buy Tribune Media because I’ve been busy and I don't want to jinx any possibility the merger will fall through. But there has been some news, and the biggest for a local TV market could be Miami/Fort Lauderdale (of course!). You’ll remember, one of the … Continue reading Media mega-merger may be moving closer, impacting Miami
I have a lot more on Marjory Stoneman Douglas hero Emma González, not a hero for surviving but for her activism after. She has probably suffered more than her surviving schoolmates after February’s shooting massacre. In late March, USA Today reported Iowa Republican Rep. Steve King drew criticism when someone from his campaign team mocked González’s ‘look’ … Continue reading In defense of Emma González, not that she needs it but deserves it
This is my 90th blog post and like most journalists, I identify mistakes all over and somehow -- often through publicity -- try to get them fixed. But not on this milestone. There's too much good to write about. I also want to point out the page CohenConnect Headlines Sitemap has a list of all the blog … Continue reading Who says everything I write is negative (but correct)?
I’m not writing to take an opinion on the issues of sanctuary cities or illegal immigration, but have to say I’m pleased a gang of Republican-appointed federal judges were willing to rule against a president from their own party. Philly.com reports from the Associated Press that this afternoon, “A federal appeals court in Chicago has … Continue reading Sanctuary cities judges show they know justice, not politics
Listen to this. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fJbGCZuB0rM&feature=youtu.be Ever heard anything so absurd? It’s not “Follow the Leader” because there is no leader. There are local TV news anchors. I don’t think one of them wants to be on the air reciting the crap their corporate bosses ordered them to do. Not even their managers on the job site. … Continue reading My urge: Follow your conscience, despite the cost
They did it again! Villanova University’s men's basketball team is celebrating its second national championship in three years. According to the school’s president, Rev. Peter M. Donohue, OSA, “In 2016, it had been 31 years since our last national championship for basketball, and now, just two years later, Villanova is once again the national … Continue reading Villanova Victory, Volume III
It's nice when Americans exercise their First Amendment rights (freedom of religion, speech, the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances) with good intentions, and that should be encouraged. Last Saturday, many in the country were shocked after March for Our Lives rallies were … Continue reading Tiffany Trump’s trouble, what unions could do to Amazon and the media
If you were reading the Sunday paper, you may have come across this full-page ad from Facebook with a letter signed by Mark Zuckerberg. Seems like he spent a fortune but needed to for a chance to save his company. Axios reports the ad ran “inside the front section of today's N.Y. Times, on the back … Continue reading Facebook: Friend or foe? Keep or delete?
There are two big changes in weather: The snow has stopped and The Weather Channel is being sold. Also, you can say the owner is a real person for two more reasons: The new owner is not a partnership between three corporations, like in the past – and he was one of the stars of the … Continue reading The Weather Channel’s new owner, a real controversial person
People who know me can never, ever say I’m not loyal to people I like and respect. You’ll see that in a moment, along with an example of the opposite. (Is your mouth watering yet?) Yesterday, one of Philadelphia’s daily newspapers published an article called “Is the morning news format that fuels Mike Jerrick's 'weird … Continue reading Be nicer to Mike Jerrick, and other thoughts on what’s making news
They haven’t been “Fair and Balanced” in a while but stating Monday, Fox News will be marketing itself as “Real News. Real Honest Opinion.” Yesterday, Ad Age magazine made the announcement. It’ll start with Fox’s own properties and then perhaps go elsewhere. The change follows the huge “revelation of sexual harassment allegations” that got Fox … Continue reading Fox News: Really ‘Real News. Real Honest Opinion’?
Gotta love a snow day if you don’t have anywhere to be. Yes, I have a busy week ahead and things to prepare, but they don’t require going out. The TV people were right this time. It’s almost 1pm and I’m supposedly getting 3 inches of snow an hour, which should end up as 6-10 … Continue reading Flakes and facts, lots on my mind
Surprisingly, I haven't seen this reported at all by South Florida media. Yes, they’re still consumed and reeling from the massacre at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School on Valentine’s Day, but this involves THEM, darnit, and they know it. There was nothing in the Miami-Herald, Sun-Sentinel, or New Times about it, nor TV stations WSVN … Continue reading WSVN without Fox? It’s possible if….
How many of you watched the Super Bowl this year? Of course, in Philadelphia, that's a loaded question with the underdog Eagles in the game and beating the seemingly perennial winners, the New England Patriots. Same thing in New England. Their team was in the Super Bowl and they don't get sick of Tom Brady … Continue reading Got cable, satellite? You’ll foot the bill for Fox’s Thursday Night Football
What’s famous to you obviously relies on where you’ve been and what you’ve noticed, but these people have had national exposure for at least part of their long working lives. It took longer than a New York minute, but Howard Stern would be happy to hear Warner Wolf is suing Don Imus -- and it has … Continue reading Famous man, 80, suing famous man, 77, for age discrimination
OK, I may be a day late (and I’m definitely a dollar short, these days), but I read three articles on jobs, yesterday morning -- on companies we all know -- and they were a whole lot different when I read between the lines. First, Yahoo reported in “Dollar Stores hammered by Trump proposal to … Continue reading Your JOB is to read well past the headline
The Super Bowl is over, the Eagles won and in a moment, I'll show you why the old phrase in the title -- “may be hazardous to your health” -- doesn't just apply to cigarettes, but also football. One of my favorite sportscasters since I was a teenager has been NBC's Bob Costas. He's very … Continue reading Football, even the Super Bowl, may be hazardous to your health
Talk about ungrateful and too much attention for a minor story. The only thing major was the size of the animal. About a year ago, you’ll probably remember all the interest that started to be given to a giraffe named April, that was pregnant at a small zoo called the Animal Adventure Park in … Continue reading Eagles’ fans give April the Giraffe an ‘F’
You would think anytime there’s a possibility of terrorism in Philadelphia, the Philadelphia media would report it. Apparently that wasn’t the case this week. Maybe hysteria over the Eagles in the Super Bowl is to blame. By all reported accounts, Khalil Lawal of Arlington, Va., drove a car into a pedestrian in South Philadelphia. It … Continue reading Eagle eye: Most Philadelphia media ignore possibility of local terrorism
Two articles got my attention as I recover, tonight. You'll remember yesterday, I couldn't read or even think. Now, look how far I've come -- and for how many hours! The first, called How Facebook Can Grow Its Media 'Likes' by Harry A. Jessell on TVNewsCheck continues the discussion I wrote on Rupert Murdoch saying Mark … Continue reading Facebook, Twitter, and Fox (Fox x 14)!
Time for the obvious, yet again. News organizations post their news on Facebook and other social media sites. Those articles, videos, slideshows, etc. also get picked up on search sites like Google, Yahoo and Bing (Microsoft). If they use the correct SEOs (Search Engine Optimization words) and have a little luck (or pay a … Continue reading Don’t post your content on Facebook if you don’t want readers getting it for free!
Last night, I did something I rarely do: open a Facebook post to the public, rather than just friends. Today, I'm blogging about the online battle that followed, something I hadn't planned to do. The story was about one of the hosts of a show on the DIY Network -- part of Scripps Networks Interactive … Continue reading Sad stereotypes too strong to silence (for now)
By now, I'm sure you realize I'm a fan of the underdog. Fly, Philadelphia Eagles, fly! I also strongly believe in holding people in high positions accountable for their acts, even off the clock. Can’t deny that after the recent string of sexual harassment allegations and confessions from some of the smartest and most talented people in … Continue reading The rights of TV station owners vs. the public
First, I have to thank everybody who looked at Monday's blog post. The analytics were incredible, the best ever (and that's all that counts, right? :)). If you haven't seen it yet, it gives a brief overview of the place I worked for 15 months until August. Feel free to comment below it, or on my Twitter … Continue reading Follow-up, fewer watching TV news, future president?
Most of you know I was a web producer for the Fox station in Philadelphia, but fewer of you know I haven't worked there since last August. The reasons are still to be discussed, and probably won't be public. However, I've come across some interesting and incorrect content from that station while working on my … Continue reading The news where I used to work: Unbelievable!
There's always a lot at stake at an NFL football game but this year, the league decided to break its own rules to avoid a ratings disaster for the last game of the season, on New Year's Eve. The National Football League is trying to save face after already having lower ratings than last year, … Continue reading Rules? NFL throws out ratings book for holiday weekend finale
No waiting until Christmas on Monday. Comcast, you obviously consider yourself too powerful. Today, your hard-earned rate hikes take effect. Santa says you've been such a good company this year, only getting me concerned and wasting my time by forgetting when my Xfinity introductory offer ends. Does anyone reading this have suggestions for me for … Continue reading Today, Merry Christmas to Comcast! You’re welcome!
Today, it was Matt Lauer. Some of you want the newest, shocking details. The Miami Herald called the accusations against him “crude misconduct.” Less known, it was a two-fer. Well-known Minnesota Public Radio host Garrison Keillor won’t be showing up for work anymore. Last week, Charlie Rose went down, fired for alleged sexual harassment over … Continue reading Hey, you accused! Would Mom say, wait until your father gets home?
On Facebook? You're probably signed up for a lesson on mailing a letter, paid for by the U.S. government, like the one above. I was a little out of it, last Thursday, told I was sounding stuffy, so I didn't do much other than read. Part of that time was on Facebook rather than anything … Continue reading Lessons on addressing, our government’s gift to you!
Every situation is different, but death always seems to be a hard topic. We could be talking about a close relative, an acquaintance from years ago, a pet, or a famous person. How people respond is unique and usually understandable. Usually. And I will say it. Tom Petty’s younger daughter seems to be an exception. … Continue reading Disgraceful daughter
I've mentioned the sad state of the U.S. broadcasting industry these days, with big companies eating up smaller ones like never before. There are too few independently-owned stations left -- run by business people, some better meaning than others -- who actually live in the market they are supposed to serve on the public airwaves. Decisions … Continue reading No more newscasts, but what a farewell!
The spring of 1997. It was pretty much my first time away from home. Steve and Tom hired me to produce the 11pm news at WFSB-Channel 3 in Connecticut. I got there, but anchor Denise D’Ascenzo was on maternity leave for the first month or two. We'd only met during my interview. (Thanks to Dennis … Continue reading Dinner in my honor: A favorite memory
I don't get shocked too much anymore. Maybe that's from age, or having done a lot of things in a lot of places. Maybe it’s from having been in the news and teaching fields, where you see and experience a lot. But going through the weekly ads this week got me. I've never seen “non-Kosher” … Continue reading Beating Welch’s un-kosher coupon policy
This is my first blog in several months, and only my second since arriving back in Philadelphia. The first was shortly after my return, so it has been way too long. That’s why I'm happy the article Let Me Tell You How ‘The Media’ Really Works... really got me thinking and helped me gather my thoughts, some … Continue reading The media: Certainly imperfect, definitely necessary and trying