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?
If you want to do something well, watch someone else do it. That’s the way to improve in most skills in life. That’s one reason I read Scott Jones’ blog, FTVLive.com. Say what you want about him or his spelling, but he’s usually right on the money when it comes to facts, and won’t make … Continue reading Reports: Nexstar says no to WPIX-NY, WSFL-Miami
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
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
There are just 69 days until the midterm elections (for those of you who really explored all around this all-around great blog to see what's new and what it has offered for so long, like relevant countdowns) and Florida held its primary yesterday. The ballot was packed and perhaps the biggest race was for Democratic … Continue reading Ron DeSantis didn’t learn from Roseanne Barr
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
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!
I’ve had a lot on my mind lately. There’s too much going on, between job stuff, the news and that last blog post I wrote. It was about being attacked on Facebook by someone who was angry I don't think Barack Obama is my favorite president and made nasty knee-jerk comments when I simply asked … Continue reading More moderation in politics, not so in casting calls
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
I don’t know why TV stations (and networks) allow mistakes to remain without corrections but it’s certainly a disservice to viewers and readers. One could also say Fake News and fraud. Perhaps the Federal Communications Commission needs to get involved to keep them in line. Local stations use the public airwaves, are licensed to serve … Continue reading Where have you gone, Sasha Savitsky?
I hate lazy people (and stupid ones, but that’s a blog for another time). I can understand being sick. Last year, I showed up to work sick for three weeks since I wasn't contagious and learned two lessons. First, I wasn't appreciated and second, going to the doctor instead of assuming the bug would go … Continue reading The lousiness of laziness and liars
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 didn’t know much about James Comey until about two years ago. Since then, I thought pretty highly of the guy and that really hasn’t changed. Arguably, Comey was the big political story of the week – so far. Today, his new book A Higher Loyalty: Truth, Lies, and Leadership was officially released and Sunday, … Continue reading Comey comes alive with tough talk against Trump
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
First, I want to go thank and apologize to everyone who read my last post. It was way too long. Yes, it contained what I think was good information on several subjects. It happened to be on a snow day and I had nothing better to do then let out some of what I was … Continue reading Call to action: Help stop Sinclair from taking over Tribune
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….
Let's start by updating my latest post on television. Last Thursday, in discussing Fox Sports paying a fortune for Thursday Night Football, I brought up Sinclair Broadcast Group – the largest TV owner in America – trying to buy Tribune Broadcasting, another biggie. Sinclair had given hints on what it would divest in order to get approval from … Continue reading Sinclair, Tribune TV stations combined: Why it’s not a done deal yet
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
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
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
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?
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!