from theotherpaper.comSixers even prettier in high-def
May 22, 2008
Just in time for May sweeps, Channel 6 has taken on a new look. Though ABC6/FOX28 News Director Lynn Tolan swears the freshly coiffed sets had nothing to do with snagging higher sweeps ratings.
“It’s something we’ve actually been working on for a while,” she said. “We have to really operate nowadays like we’re in ratings all year round.”
The big change happened May 10, with fresh new sets, all new wiring and high-definition technology.
“This move to HD is such a big advancement,” Tolan said. “It’s like when TV went from black and white to color. It’s just stunning to watch.”
And so, apparently, are her anchors.
“We are lucky to have such good-looking talent,” she said. “Every day I’m like, ‘You guys are beautiful.’”
Beauty, it seems, is as important to news, as the news itself.
“It’s a visual product,” Tolan said. “I don’t think people watch just for the look, but the look you have does make a difference.”
Aside from just looking at the pretty people, Tolan stresses the new HD makeover is valuable to viewers in other ways.
“In HD, the graphics are dramatically different,” she said. “Weather is still No. 1 because it affects so many people. Weather is a graphic-heavy item, so it was our priority. And now, we have state-of-the-art weather technology that’s the best in Central Ohio. That makes a difference to viewers.”
And viewers have been showing their appreciation, she said. Although Channel 6 is often considered to be the red-headed stepchild of the Columbus broadcast market, it had one of its best Mays ever, and ratings have steadily increased over the last year.
“I think that any time you upgrade you put yourself into a position of strength,” she said. “I think everybody can feel the momentum on both sides of the TV.”
Columbus, Ohio