last link on the left

January 2007

Where is Susan Tymofichuk? >permalink<

Word that additional charges had been laid against accused serial killer Thomas Svekla had Edmonton media in a frenzy.

The scope of the case, involving two homicides among dozens being investigated by the Project KARE task force, had news crews scrambling to assemble archival file footage.

In their haste, Global Edmonton hit the airwaves at 11:00 p.m. with some parts of their graphics package not quite finished.

Fall 2006 ratings

Six months ago, Global took out full page ads. This time around they're probably taking a hard look. But that's not the big story of the Fall 2006 Edmonton BBM TV ratings survey.

Global saw a full quarter of its 6 p.m. TV news audience disappear – literally.

While some of the 25,000 viewers that abandoned the CanWest Media station likely drifted to other channels, the total numbers for all TV outlets indicate local news viewership is down – leaving media pundits asking, where did the audience go?

For all the juicy numbers visit the Last Link Edmonton television ratings - Fall 2006 report.

back to menu

February 2007

And baby makes three >permalink<

It was hard to say who was prouder.

There seemed to be an extra glow on the CTV Edmonton news set and it wasn't coming from Daryl McIntyre's head.

The cause of all the fuss was news that Kasha Carsten Petasky came into the world a full day early.

Kasha was the first-born child of Daryl's co-anchor Carrie Doll and her husband Stephen Petasky, born at the Misericordia Hospital.

"He was such a small baby," marvelled Carrie. "Stephen and I couldn't believe how little he was."

When it came to naming their child, Carrie and Stephen decided to "throw out" the books, determined to choose a "strong" name.

"His middle name is a combination of our first names," said Carrie, "but the first name is actually the last name of a friend we know. When we first heard it, we loved it; we thought it was very strong."

Carrie planned to be back in front of the cameras in the fall. For now she had other things on her mind.

"My life is very different now," she said. "I used to spend the day at my desk (working on stories) and now I feel such a sense of accomplishment when I can just get him to burp!"

Sounds like young Kasha is already taking after his mother's workmate. The newsman ended his congratulatory on-air wishes with this line, "Everybody needs a little Kash in the house."

back to menu

March 2007

Global Edmonton takes to the air ... in a chopper, part two >permalink<

For a while now, Global viewers have been subject to a teaser campaign heralding the imminent arrival of their traffic and news helicopter.

The story of Global's chopper was first mentioned here back in October 2006.

The spots feature rapidly-cut close-up shots of a black helicopter – a tail rotor here, a plexiglass cockpit there – flying around against a blue sky that could be ... just about anywhere (a video of the countdown teaser is available at the popular Youtube site).

On March 20th the station reported it was to take delivery of its Robinson R-44 Raven II by the end of the month, with an official launch set for April 30th.

As they have been heard to say: stay tuned.

There are none so blind >permalink<

The staff working in the CTV Edmonton news room had probably been staring at the situation for so long they were likely blind to it. But not so one sharp-eyed viewer.

To the several thousand who drove by the station's windows facing Stony Plain Road every day, the network's logo looked normal. Most likely had never given them a second glance.

But to the hundreds of thousands who watched CTV Edmonton news at home, there was something odd about those blinds. One could almost say their eyes were subliminally drawn to them.

They spelled out V-T-C.

The Last Link learned a viewer e-mailed news boss Steve Hogle to shed light on the oddity ...

... and in no time flat the blinds were re-hung, this time camera justified.

back to menu

April 2007

Edmonton's Most Wanted >permalink<

Beginning April 5th, 2007 Global Edmonton began running an "Edmonton's Most Wanted" feature during its supper hour news on Thursday evenings.

Viewers are shown two to four profiles each week of those most sought by Edmonton police.

For over two decades, Global Edmonton has been part of the area's Crime Stoppers program by providing production assistance.

Armchair detectives can now keep an eye out for the bad guys and take a bite out of local crime with the aid of Global's latest version of a video rogues gallery.

Of course, the "Most Wanted" element of Global's feature may be a desire for increased viewership. No doubt management will be on the lookout for higher ratings after this addition of an electronic Crimestoppers' Textbook that would even make Dick Tracy proud.

Global Edmonton takes to the air ... in a chopper, part three >permalink<

Is it a noisy bird, is it a chopper, is it an overly-long promotional tease?

The station formerly known as ITV continued its "Coming Soon" campaign and finally delivered an official sneak peak of their shiny and bright hanger queen, the nearly-phantom Robinson R-44 Raven II.

Gord Steinke and Linda Steele weren't sure of the name of the craft, calling it Chopper One and Global One during their voiceover. The confusion led to this on-air exchange:

Lynda: Have we named that chopper?

Gord: Chopper One.

Lynda: I hear Global One – what about – I dunno. We should have a contest.

Gord: We should. Let's just get that thing in the air. It's going to be very exciting.

Nicola: I'd like to get up on top of the clouds sometimes and look down.

Gord: Yeah, you should.

Viewers heard that the craft would take to the sky in a few weeks. There was also still no word on who would host the traffic and news reports from the craft.

As they have been heard to say: stay tuned.

Who is that man? >permalink<

If you're an avid news watcher, with an interest in murder trials, you've likely noticed a man in a hat ducking out of sight whenever cameras are turned on near the courthouse.

And he's obviously trying to keep a low profile – so why wear such a distinctive hat?

Who is that man?

It turns out he's a local radio court reporter with an international reputation and numerous brushes with local police to his credit.

He once described how a murder victim's fate came about by his "chewing a plug of gun" » full details »

back to menu

May 2007

Su-Ling Goh does weather >permalink<

That Su-Ling Goh can do weather is not an issue.

The versatile Global Edmonton personality has often been called in to fill in for regular weatherperson Nicola Crosbie (after Mike Sobel, Kevin O'Connell and Gord Whitehead have passed on the offer).

Currently the station's Health Matters reporter, Su Ling is a relative broadcasting veteran.

The diminutive (five-foot nothing soaking wet) Goh perhaps looks at her best – and most cheerful – in front of a green screen down in the Global basement studios on Charles Allard Way » full details »

Spelling lesson: C before Y except in controversial stories >permalink<

Sometimes a controversial story affects all those involved. Even those in the media.

What else could explain the spelling error in a graphic produced to highlight a story of two Calgary police officers involved in the controversial restraining of a person in custody?

It's a wonder the CBC folks don't spell Portia Clark's name as Porsche.

Global Edmonton takes to the air ... in a chopper, part four >permalink<

Usually no news is good news, but in the case of the long-delayed debut of Global's traffic helicopter, no news was getting downright embarrassing.

But finally, the station had something to offer viewers in exchange for their patience: images from a test flight and a first-look at the accompanying on-screen graphic.

Again, images of the craft in action had the normally calm and collected anchor duo come a little unhinged during their extemporaneous post-footage exchange:

Gord: It was very windy up there for the guys in the chopper – you saw how steady that shot was? The cameras are fantastic.

Lynda: It was actually very exciting when it was looking around downtown and I thought, 'You know - Edmonton's starting to look like a major metropolis like a New York or Chicago.' Looks big time.

Hopefully Global's yet-unnamed onboard reporter is up to the big task of covering the big news in the big city.

When? As they have been heard to say: stay tuned.

News with extra weight >permalink<

While preparing the graphic for a story about missing Edmonton woman Leanne Benwell, Global Edmonton got a little creative ... or a little confused.

It wasn't certain if it was the metric system at fault or that some unknown artist felt the poor woman wasn't heavy enough – so they added an extra 'l' to her weight just to be safe.

And baby makes four >permalink<

Graham Neil has recently been spotted staying up late at night but he wasn't working on his next story.

The CTV Edmonton entertainment reporter and all-around funny guy (and his wife Pam) was proud to usher in the latest member of the Neil clan.

Born May 16th, 2007 at 5 lbs. 4 oz., Spencer Walter Neil is the second child for the couple.

Reported was that Samantha is loving the fact the she is now a big sister and that Pam was "doing just great."

Meanwhile, Graham was seen sneaking in naps whenever he could (no news to fellow CFRN staff) as Spencer stays up late most of the time.

CTV Edmonton viewers were expected to see a number of features concerning the effects of sleep deprivation ... and Graham sleepwalking his way through celebrity interviews.

Time will only tell if the tiny tot fills his daddy's large shoes (poppa is a solid 6-feet plus).

Spring 2007 ratings

Edmonton television ratings - Spring 2007

The "Spring 2007" book measured Edmonton television audiences in February and March ... and that's about all that's known of this ratings period.

Unlike the Bureau of Broadcast Measurement's radio ratings, details of television surveys are generally not made public ... unless stations have something good to say about themselves.

For all the lack of juicy numbers, visit the Last Link Edmonton television ratings - Spring 2007 report.

back to menu

June 2007

How do they do that? >permalink<

It's called the location stand up, a staple of modern news reportage. There's no real reason for it, but the TV business seems to think it lends a sense of immediacy and supposed credibility their reporting. It's basically news candy.

To add visual excitement to what is sometimes a pedestrian story, news programs often cut to a reporter at the scene. Sometimes it's live, sometimes the anchors simply introduce a taped story.

The piece usually starts with the reporter shot at some locality decribing the story. Then the station rolls video footage as the reporter keeps adding details about the event. Occasionally this "voiceover" is pre-recorded, but often it is live.

So how do reporters manage to tell what is sometimes a very intricate story when they are live on the air?

The best in field do it off the top of their head. Others carry a clipboard which can sometimes be seen as they begin their report. Others have joined the modern digital age.

For your consideration: CTV Edmonton's Serena Mah.

Covering the sentencing hearing of Karl Strongman, one of three persons convicted in the murder of cabbie Hassan Mohammed Yussuf, Mah was caught assuming the station had already rolled file footage as she began her voiceover.

What viewers saw was Mah beginning to read her script from a personal digital assistant, likely a Blackberry.

Now we know.

Global Edmonton takes to the air ... in a chopper, part five >permalink<

On June 6th, 2007 Global Edmonton provided its first real news coverage with footage taken from their new helicopter.

While there weren't any stars in the sky, there were one or two at the Winspear Centre For Music as Global held their fall programming launch the next day.

Global National anchor Kevin Newman was on hand to give the local affiliate their pep-talk, coincidentally on the same day it was announced Canada's third network was moving its national news show on-air presence from Vancouver to Ottawa.

Having arrived in downtown Edmonton on the back of a flatbed truck, the Global One helicopter was carefully guided in place by hand onto the Winspear's front sidewalk.

It was there that Nicola Crosbie did her five-o'clock weather hit taking care of two special guests: the chopper and Global's golden-boy Newman » full details »

Global Edmonton takes to the air ... finally >permalink<

It had to happen sometime ... and on June 19th it did: the launch of Global 1 Chopper Traffic reports.

Early morning viewers were startled when an animated version of the Robinson R-44 Raven II seemed to fly out of their TV screens like a kamikaze mosquito, heralding the first regular coverage from the craft » full details »

A tough sentence >permalink<

The 14-year sentence Justice Sheila Greckol gave William Edward Wharry Jr. for the manslaughter of Sara Easton was one of the heaviest handed down in recent memory.

It left some in the legal community speechless and the media found it hard to describe. For one outlet it was also hard to spell.

The word the Global Edmonton graphic artist was going for was "commensurate," meaning corresponding in size or degree or extent.

What appeared on screen seemed vaguely closer to "consumate," meaning having supreme mastery or skill, which the graphic's author didn't seem to have.

Seeing a man about a horse >permalink<

Citizen reaction to the placement of open-air urinals along Whyte Avenue had local media wags weighing the use of clever puns in their headlines against public taste.

So you have to wonder what was going on behind the scenes at CBC Edmonton. Was it an all-too-subtle play on words ... or an "intentional" typo in the graphic?

Whatever the case, fill-in anchor David Gerow seemed to be holding something back ... and whether it was his pride or his embarrassment might never be known. Or maybe he was just pissed off at the thought that this moment in his career might end up being preserved for posterity.

back to menu

July 2007

Early delivery for late night anchor >permalink<

She was due after the long weekend but just like the CTV Edmonton late night news her mother delivers, events often take on a life of their own.

And life started for Gillian Taylor on July 1st, 2007 – bouncing into the world at a hefty 8 lbs 2 oz, making her debut at the Misericordia Hospital.

Mother Kim and family were reported "doing just great."

On the road again and again and again ... >permalink<

Fans of news anchor Gord Steinke's "Your Town" reports featuring Alberta communities can delight in knowing the vignettes are available online for repeated viewings.

On July 4th the Alberta traveller announced his small-town profiles were now hosted on the Alberta Tourism Industry's web site.

"Your Town" can usually be seen on the first Wednesday of each month during the supper-time News Hour on Global Edmonton.

And they can now be seen again and again at www.travelalberta.ca/yourtown in case you missed their initial air date.

back to menu

August 2007

Spot the eror >permalink<

A volcanic eruption in Indonesia was almost business as usual for folks in that part of the world. But for folks back in Edmonton the sudden Ed Grimley-like eruption of hair on top of CBC news anchor David Gerow's head was an entirely different matter.

And so was the spelling error in the accompanying graphic.

Dramatic Fall Spawns Dramatic Footage >permalink<

A near-tragic accident saw a local television station repeatedly air footage of speeding police cars escorting an ambulance carrying a severely injured boy.

The frequent airing of the footage challenged viewers to ponder what the story was really all about » full details »

Hogles in and out of the news >permalink<

Just as local media observers were absorbing the announcement of the departure of 630 CHED's Gord Whitehead came word that for the first time in over half a century there will not be a Hogle in the CTV Edmonton newsroom.

As of August 2007, third-generation news director Steve Hogle accepted a position as the Alberta Research Council's vice-president of communications and public affairs.

“I love television news and wasn't looking to move, but this brand new challenge came up,” Steve told the Edmonton Journal.

During his thirty years in the business, Steve had seen a lot of change in the media landscape. Concentrated ownership and national re-branding (the local station no longer refers to itself as CFRN) are part of a long list of indictments of how the local news business has been altered » full details »

back to menu

Related Pages

edmonton television ratings
Bragging rights and pink slips.
radio in edmonton
The Last Link look at the local dial.
final credits - television
Reflecting lives that have contributed to the world of television.

television - edmonton television news archives - 2007

around the local tv dial

January 2007

Where is Susan Tymofichuk? >permalink<

Fall 2006 ratings

February 2007

And baby makes three >permalink<

March 2007

Global Edmonton takes to the air ... in a chopper, part two >permalink<

There are none so blind >permalink<

April 2007

Edmonton's Most Wanted >permalink<

Global Edmonton takes to the air ... in a chopper, part three >permalink<

Who is that man? >permalink<

May 2007

Su-Ling Goh does weather >permalink<

Spelling lesson: C before Y except in controversial stories >permalink<

Global Edmonton takes to the air ... in a chopper, part four >permalink<

News with extra weight >permalink<

And baby makes four >permalink<

Spring 2007 ratings

June 2007

How do they do that? >permalink<

Global Edmonton takes to the air ... in a chopper, part five >permalink<

Global Edmonton takes to the air ... finally >permalink<

A tough sentence >permalink<

Seeing a man about a horse >permalink<

July 2007

Early delivery for late night anchor >permalink<

On the road again and again and again ... >permalink<

August 2007

Spot the eror >permalink<

Dramatic Fall Spawns Dramatic Footage >permalink<

Hogles in and out of the news >permalink<