According to insiders at WTVJ, and multiple tipsters, DeMarco Morgan has been named the new co-anchor of “South Florida Tonight at 11.” No word of when he will start with Jackie, or when NBC6 will tape their new promos, but it looks like they will be going back to two anchors at 11. Good luck DeMarco!
**UPDATE**
Multiple insiders have written to us via meebo chat, or e-mail with some more information, as of why DeMarco was placed in the anchor position so early. Before anything is said, i first would like to say that we are not trying to make any “racial” comments. These are simply the tips that we have assumed to be factual, by trusted and reliable sources. These tips are, of course, alleged, and the opinions of our tipsters don’t necessarily represent the views of us, or NBC6. That being said, WTVJ insiders have left tips today, claiming that DeMarco was promoted, possibly because of his race. One tipster said it lightly, by saying:
“Our news director always has said “we need more minorities on tv,” and she doesn’t like two white people anchoring ever.”
Another tipster said this:
“I can’t say who I am but there was an executive meeting with NBC people and the management at WTVJ to discuss who should anchor at 11pm. Many of us said Joel was the only choice. He has been here for three years and is excellent on tv with big market experience from Los Angeles. The news director shouted us down saying - there are too many white folks on tv. Demarco is my choice.”
Is it really right for WTVJ to promote DeMarco, allegedly, just based on race?.. Or is this a smart choice by NBC6? Should there be more minority anchors? I leave it to the commenter’s to decide. Be nice, everyone is entitled to their views.
Jackie’s Alleged Views
I have also received a tip regarding the views of Jackie Nespral. The tip reads:
“…but I have heard that Jackie is not happy with it. She feels Demarco is not ready and she has spoken out that other people should anchor with her before him.”
Now these words didn’t come from Jackie herself, but in my opinion, it does seem a tad on the awkward side between them. You can just feel it while watching…
UPDATE 11:24PM 8/6/2008
For any of you wanting to watch them together, Jackie and DeMarco are on live tonight.
New NBC6 Anchor Lineup
With Demarco Morgan off to NYC, that leaves an open anchor spot at NBC6. The new line is:
(Weekdays)
6P.M.: Tony Segreto and Julia Yarbough (for now). Tony still needs to decide about retiring.
7P.M.: Joel Connable and Jackie Nespral. If Tony retires, Joel will fill his spot.
11P.M.: Jackie Nespral and Julia Yarbough. It’s a tad unusual to see two women at 11, eh?
(Weekends)
Well despite Ms. Tisha Lewis going around, boasting about how “she was taking over for Joel when he moves to weekdays”… She didn’t get the anchor seat. The new weekend lineup is:
Weekend Mornings: Sharon Lawson.
Weekend Evenings: Amara Sohn.
Tisha was visibly upset, and was even allegedly overheard complaining to fellow on-air talent about how “she deserved it over Amara and Sharon.” As for Amara Sohn, I like her. I like her look, her style. The only thing I would say is she needs to be more personable on-air. I’ve seen her fill in for Joel Connable a few times, and she’s fairly good. I think she’ll do a fine job. Who knows how all of this will work out in the ratings department. Will two women at 11 be a good thing, or turn some viewers off? Only time will tell.
NBC6 also has some new part-timers. Evan Bacon, a freelance reporter is working part time. Joining Evan is Claudia Decompo, a part-time freelance producer and reporter. It’ll be interesting to see if NBC6 hires one of them full time. After all, they’re going to need a new consumer reporter.