Anchor Changes at WTNH

Comment from: lola [Visitor]

I think it will take awhile to get used to these changes. I would like to know the real reason these changes are being made. I am glad to see Matt S not on the list. He was so rude to me that I have never watched him again!

02/11/10 @ 17:17

Comment from: Marge and Al - Waterbury [Visitor]

My husband and I have enjoyed watching the folks at WTNH. He's a bit of a "newcomer" since we are "newlyweds"
and he's only been here since 2004. I, on the other hand, have watched WTNH since it was WNHC on channel 6. Very rarely watch any other station, so everyone is like family, each with their own idiosyncracies like the rest of us, and that includes Matt Scott, Gil and Desiree, Darren and Sonia and everyone else. Yes, even remember when Geoff was a newcomer! Sorry, Dr. Mel, I was in the Navy during the late 60's so might've missed when you arrived. (LOL)
We enjoy the bantering in the morning, makes it seem more like family...shouldn't have changed a thing. And Keith and Ann in the evening are generally more business-like which is okay at that time of day.

02/12/10 @ 19:01

Comment from: Charlene [Visitor]

Gee, Matt Scott was rude? Wow, he must be taking lessons from Geoff Fox, who, off screen, is known as the rudest, nastiest SOB that ever was. I used to work at the Aqua Turf Club in Southington, he was a guest at a party there, and he reduced one of the waitresses to tears he was so downright mean. From what I have heard, even the people who work with him can't stand him. Maybe there is something in the water at the WTNH studios.

02/16/10 @ 12:57

Comment from: Judge and Jury [Visitor]

Now if you guys can also add Cusato on CT Style (after a show re-brand) and give her a music-centric approach to the show, that'd be great. I think Fontaine and Cusato would be a great combo.

BTW, Sonia is also wearing wayyy too much make-up lately. Not really a fan of 'Bags' as of late, she just doesn't seem as genuine on-screen as in years past. Just my opinion.

Also, having Fontaine do traffic at 6 yesterday was cool. You should consider giving her traffic 5, 5:30 & 6.

02/11/10 @ 17:21

Comment from: Jack [Visitor]

Kristen was missed! She is truly a professional and while I was pleased to see her back as a sub on weekends I am even more pleased to see that she returns to a regular schedule!

Also, Keith and Ann are a great match and for the life of me I don't know why Ted was brought in for that. Nonetheless, glad to see Keith back at the 6PM slot!

Rest are very good fits for Darren, Sonnia and Chris.

Looking forward to better NEWS CHANNEL 8 in the future!!!!

02/11/10 @ 17:41

Comment from: Sue [Visitor]

Great! Nightmare on Elm Street is at is again. The morning lineup was just fine as it was - enjoyable - Gil and the traffic lady -over the top at times - they do need to tone it down (she can leave channel 8 at anytime and all will be well) - it's like Lucy and Dezi (in a bad way), but now...forget it!

Leave Sonia alone - she is an award winning reporter and has grace and style. Sometimes a professional demeanor is better for the long haul than over the top. With this lineup, I'm seriously considering changing to Fox for the morning news - Frankly, although Kristen is back...I am still of the opinion that she is not that great - all that glitters is not gold and I don't know if she'll bring in anymore viewers and I've seen her in a couple of newscasts behaving in a way that is not professional and in poor taste - she needs to grow up.

The PM lineup - I feel bad for Koppy and Maminta - good solid folks who did a great job - hope that it was not politics.

I hope that these changes are based on solid facts and not internal politics. Don't like the new management at the station. Finally, rather than change the anchors...GET YOUR ACT TOGETHER WITH THE BACK OFFICE STUFF - IS IT REALLY POSSIBLE THAT YOU CAN MESS UP ALMOST EVERY NEWSCAST WITH WRONG GRAPHICS, SOUND, ETC.?! That should give you an emmy for the most messups in a single newscast. It's embarrassing!

Finally - ditch the Desiree show - unless you are willing to pour money into it like Channel 3 - it is agonizing to watch.

Let's see what happens, but I won't be watching the morning show - sorry...off to Fox!

02/11/10 @ 23:47

Comment from: ann [Visitor]

I agree with Sue. Kristen is NOT geniune....I strongly dislike watching her!!

02/15/10 @ 17:05

Comment from: Jada [Visitor]

I loved Darren & Sonia in the morning and feel it is a mistake to change them to the evening, since they will have to be much more professional and serious in the evening. I'm not sure that is their personality, and it was pleasant to wake up to their banter. Desiree seems a genine person, but definitely needs wardrobe help. Ann Nyberg is a good model; she is able to use humor, seriousness, and professionalism at all the correct times. As for those feeling she is too old, get a life. I can't wait until you age. Hopefully you will be fired for just being old with no one paying any attention to your skills and what you've done with your career. I also never understood why Keith was taken off the partnership with Ann; they have always been able to "strike the perfect note' together. It was great to hear Keith speak with just the correct emphasis, rather than Geoff yell, the opening to the 6:00 broadcast. The technical aspects behind the scenes MUST IMPROVE. It is painful to watch the newscasters try to pull off the broadcast with poor sentence formation cues, the wrong graphics, and constant mistakes when switching from newscaster to reporter, etc..Once I listened to Jamie Muro say, "When me and Jim,,," Please listen to your broadcasts and correct them. Finally why has there been no response to the questions regarding Sara Welch? She is another Ann Nyberg in the making and it would be a huge mistake to not take advantage of that.

02/15/10 @ 19:48

Comment from: Johnny D. [Visitor]

I agree with Lola Marie--Matt Scott always sounds very congested and has bags unher his eyes like he's not sleeping.

I disagree with J&J--Darrin Kramer and Kristin Cosato are perfect, so put Kristin on with Darrin to head anchor.

I agree with J&J--Sonja Bagdaddy looks like a parrot and should stay in the mornings.

02/11/10 @ 17:46

Comment from: Suzanne Lawson [Visitor]

You've got to be kidding... Sonja is beautiful and professional... it's that Desiree Fontaine that looks like a clown!! Who dresses her anyway... her clothes are obnoxious and very busy and distracting!! That dress this morning was awful, I wanted to throw up... I can't believe the station manager doesn't do something about her appearance...

02/12/10 @ 09:50

Comment from: linda [Visitor]

Ditto - I like her style - but her clothes are sometimes very distracting and inappropriate for TV - tone it down!

02/13/10 @ 11:25

Comment from: N Joy [Visitor]

Agree with your three comments with special emphasis on DARRIN and KRISTEN - they would be GREAT together. Glad for Sara also

02/19/10 @ 12:59

Comment from: Catherine [Visitor]

So, where are Sara Welch and Matt Scott? Gone?

02/11/10 @ 17:56

Comment from: Monty [Visitor]

Catherine muttered

So, where are Sara Welch and Matt Scott? Gone?

Matt should get fired.He thinks he knows everything.

02/12/10 @ 23:51

Comment from: The HOODLUM [Visitor]

wow Geoff Fox is still doing the weather since 1984!

02/11/10 @ 18:09

Comment from: jeff [Visitor]

and sara???

02/11/10 @ 18:20

Comment from: sav [Visitor]

Weekends? I think that is where Matt will be. You may have noticed that some of the field reporters are not around now ----- Ted is needed there.

Remember a guy named Lewis who was on 8 some years ago? He was the worst I remember seeing.

02/11/10 @ 18:45

Comment from: Trumbull Fans [Visitor]

What is going to happen with the GMCT weekend programs? Perhaps that decision has not been made yet but just wondering who the "weather person" will be. Do you think it will still be Matt?

02/11/10 @ 19:10

Comment from: Carol [Visitor]

How do the anchors feel about this? I would like to hear from them. Darren, Sonia? How do you feel about this change?

02/11/10 @ 19:30

Comment from: Jeff Bailey, Executive Producer [Member]

I posted a video clip of their good morning farewell on Facebook. You do NOT need a FB account to view.

http://www.facebook.com/video/video.php?v=323833102812

02/12/10 @ 08:05

Comment from: Jeff Bailey better get his own farewell video [Visitor]

Adding Desiree and Gil in the mornings had to drive Sonya and Darren to a new time slot. It is unbearable to watch so it must be unbearable to work with them

02/12/10 @ 08:31

Comment from: Jeff Bailey, Executive Producer [Member]

I don't do video, but thanks for thinking of me.

02/12/10 @ 08:43

Comment from: crystal [Visitor]

thanks for posting that

i love desiree she is very nice and pretty. i love darren too!

02/18/10 @ 16:23

Comment from: Just sayin [Visitor]

Carol-

They can't really say. The BIG boss probably imposed some GAG ORDER on them!

02/12/10 @ 08:17

Comment from: ZZZ [Visitor]

Rearranging deck chairs on the Titanic.

02/11/10 @ 19:41

Comment from: Sinde [Visitor]

I think kristen Cusato is the best reporter in the business, with a sense of humor and true beauty, Chris and Kristen will be dynamite together. Now a few others gone and you might get your audience back!

02/11/10 @ 20:14

Comment from: NBCT [Visitor]

I look forward to Chris and Kristin in the a.m. If only the excess comments of Gill and Desiree would stop I might enjoy the entire newscast...when they get started I flip the channel...please more professionalism....I want just the facts, not a reality show. I mentioned this a long time ago and was told the people love it....NO one in my family, friends or neighborhood can tolerate the chit chat.

02/11/10 @ 20:41

Comment from: Just sayin [Visitor]

Why don't you change the channel PERMANENTLY? Then, you, your family, and your neighborhood will not be bothered by the "excess comments of Gill[sic] and Desiree"?

There are plenty of us who do enjoy the morning news the way it is!

02/11/10 @ 20:59

Comment from: NBCT [Visitor]

I am very happy you enjoy the morning show. I am also entitled to my own opinion. Please try to comment on your opinion to others in a less negative way. Thank you so much.

02/12/10 @ 14:09

Comment from: James Covington [Visitor]

My wife and I continue to be loyal WTNH viewers, hence these people are a bit like family. We will be interested in seeing how the lineup shift changes things.
It IS nice to see Kristen back in the lineup, but Darren's humor will be missed in the mornings!

02/11/10 @ 20:42

Comment from: Just sayin [Visitor]

OH NO! I HATE the fact that the morning show is being disbanded. I thought that foursome was GREAT together! Their personalities seemed to meld PERFECTLY! I know that we will NEVER know the real reasons for all these changes, but I hope they were based on some SUBSTANTIAL reasoning and not the whim of some higher up at WTNH or a new boss who came in and decided to make changes for change's sake!

I don't think I'm going to like this new lineup even though I like all the names listed above. Time will tell, but I think it's a BIG mistake!

02/11/10 @ 20:46

Comment from: Just sayin [Visitor]

Just curious WHY this BIG shakeup appears at the BOTTOM of the main page under BLOGS? It SHOULD be right at the TOP under BREAKING NEWS!!! Are you afraid you'd get too many negative comments and your server would crash?

Forgot to say that I'm glad Kristen Cusato is back also. I like her a lot too. I'm happy for Chris too! :-))

02/11/10 @ 20:55

Comment from: Just listen please [Visitor]

You can change some of the players, but the game is the same. I turn on the news at 5:15 am and in five minutes I am sorry I did. I want weather and traffic not adult Romper Room. Why don't you listen? I promise my comment is the majority...my parents now watch NBC after decades at WTNH...change sounds better than stress.

02/11/10 @ 21:15

Comment from: Just sayin [Visitor]

NO STRESS now! You watch NBC, so why comment here? Stay with NBC, keep your blood pressure low and live a happy life with those OTHER wonderful newscasters and let us enjoy WTNH!

02/11/10 @ 21:29

Comment from: just listen please [Visitor]

Please read carefully, my parents watch NBC after decades of WTNH....I have been a faithful viewer and enjoy most of the commentators of WTNH....and find that Gil and Desiree can be professional and informative....but the ad lib, dancing, waving, cutesy talk is downright unprofessional....you clearly must enjoy reality shows and that is your right..I respect that...How about a question of the day...a WTNH poll of their performances...curious if I am the majority opinion. You type with stress..I am just fine. Take care.

02/12/10 @ 08:42

Comment from: Channel 8 Continues It's Slide [Visitor]

Appears Jeff Bailey is asleep at the switch or he is actually being paid by its competitors to ruin WTNH.

The morning traffic and weather has become unwatchable. Like Desiree would say - I'd like to give a shout out. Who says that? Really? She is a buffone. Watch any other station including NY... every traffic person is more professional. Did you see the black and gold dress she wore today - it looked like drapes from the 1970s. No one needs the traffic every thirty seconds.

02/12/10 @ 08:25

Comment from: Jeff Bailey, Executive Producer [Member]

I am? How am I doing that?

02/12/10 @ 08:41

Comment from: just listen please [Visitor]

To Jeff Bailey...if you are reading these comments, please, please, try to find a happy medium for all your viewers. Viewers are young, old, employed, retired etc. not all can be satisfied.I clearly understand that and I would not want anyone to lose their job. However, please review opinions of the morning show. I do not like change and follow ABC news after WTNH in the morning and evening...but so did many people I know and they have switched networks permanently. Save your faithful viewers.

02/12/10 @ 09:15

Comment from: Jeff Bailey, Executive Producer [Member]

I am simply the messenger here, not the 'decider', but others who make these decisions on staff changes do read and are kept up to date on what viewers such as yourself have to say. Thanks for your comments and for watching.

02/12/10 @ 09:20

Comment from: Jane [Visitor]

I think these are good changes ,I am a big fan of Kristen . I do hope the constant chatter that was a part of the last crew is gone, I found it both distracting and unprofessional and not good for early morning TV. Really would like to have seen Desiree gone. Too chatty , not professional. She needs to watch Rachel Lutzker to get a clue. As for Connecticut style , not home to watch , so who cares .

02/12/10 @ 11:33

Comment from: Robin Calvert [Visitor]

Chris Velardi in the morning is definitely going to send me to another station for the morning news. He is a part of the reason why I don't watch WTNH on the weekend mornings.

02/12/10 @ 13:30

Comment from: Trumbull Fans [Visitor]

Hi Jeff,Perhaps it is time for a change but only time will tell. No mention of what is going to happen with the Weekend GMCT? How about a clue in regard to that or is that not clearly defined yet?

02/12/10 @ 14:50

Comment from: Mary Poppins [Visitor]

You saw that awful dress too! I almost vomited... oh wait, someone already did that all over the dress!
She has no taste in cloths. They usually make her look heavier and like she's going to a costume party or something... Someone needs to help her dress more professionally. Isn't there a wardrobe manager or something? Does Des have a mirror at home? Full length? If she does, she doesn't use it!

02/12/10 @ 11:38

Comment from: yankee [Visitor]

agreed! very unprofessional dress! like she is off to a disco party - or drag party -every day! Get professional people on board!

02/14/10 @ 19:54

Comment from: Suezy [Visitor]

Wow, you people are mean and hurtful. That is just her style and I like it. Maybe she (Desiree) would want to vomit when looking at you and your clothes.

02/16/10 @ 14:22

Comment from: Suezy [Visitor]

You are so mean and hurtful. That is her style and I happen to like it. Maybe she (Desiree) would vomit if she saw you and YOUR clothes.

02/16/10 @ 14:25

Comment from: Ed [Visitor]

I agree. The constant competition between these two buffoons (Gil and Desiree) is sickening. It appears that both of them get paid by the word. They can't say enough. I want news in the morning. Weather and traffic are important, but I don't need them every 5 minutes. The cutesy "jam session", "hot mess", the "dealeo", and all the other buzz words make me sick. We have watched WTNH for 30 years because it focuses on New Haven area while the other network affilliates seem to focus on Hartford. After 30 years, we are considering switching. Dump Gil and Desiree now before we all start watching Scott Hainey.

02/12/10 @ 18:15

Comment from: Leslie [Visitor]

And how sick are we of hearing Gil say how many more "sleeps" or "wake-ups" 'til the weekend? I doubt that too many toddlers are paying attention.

Where is Matt going to be? He stutters, stammers, asks questions and clearly doesn't listen to the replies. Kind of looks like Fred Flinstone to me which is not his fault but he is definitely overconfident and overbearing.

02/15/10 @ 17:19

Comment from: Just the News Please..... [Visitor]

Matt Scott is the reason I stopped watching WTNH hated the fact that he nver stood still looked like he was coming right through the camera, and the Traffic report should be just that. Why do they think we need her to tell us about dancing with the stars, what does that even have to do with the traffic? By the way Desiree shops for her clothing @ the Milford Walmart, freinds ran into her there i guess she's trying to get a part on one of the Soaps maybe that explains the show.
Dr. Mel is the BOMB it's going to be a sad day when he's no lnger there.

02/16/10 @ 14:22

Comment from: vince [Visitor]

I welcome the change but I am surpised that they are keeping Geoff Fox with his over hyped weather forcast

02/11/10 @ 21:29

Comment from: Luv WTNH [Visitor]

Sorry to see the morning crew breaking up. I think they are very funny together and you can tell they really like each other. Yes, Des can be a little over the top, but that is part of her charm. I hope Darren is not forced to give up his fuuny side just because he is going to the evening/night spot.
Good luck to all of them, and for those that dont like the WTNH folks, use the remote and go elsewhere.

02/11/10 @ 21:49

Comment from: Just sayin [Visitor]

LUV-

I agree with you! Desiree is one of those people- what you SEE, is what you GET! She is as nice in person as she is on TV. Met her last Fall at the Breast Cancer Walk at Lighthouse Park and felt like I knew her for years! It's her husband I feel sorry for!!! LOL...

02/12/10 @ 08:22

Comment from: judy vallati [Visitor]

Just sayin muttered

LUV-

I agree with you! Desiree is one of those people- what you SEE, is what you GET! She is as nice in person as she is on TV. Met her last Fall at the Breast Cancer Walk at Lighthouse Park and felt like I knew her for years! It's her husband I feel sorry for!!! LOL...

wow finally some change !
i do not think Ann nyberg is not a good anc. she mumbles her words it was very boring to watch them two.
so glad cusato is back I like her I like sara , you can understand her. I will return to the 5 to 6:00 news now .hope all goes well for you guys, you need hi def now.

02/12/10 @ 09:30

Comment from: Marge and Al-Waterbury [Visitor]

Ditto!!!!

02/12/10 @ 19:17

Comment from: THE TRUTH [Visitor]

LESS MONEY...DEPRESSION TAKING TOLL ON ALL MEDIA...CANT PAY THE BIG BUCKS WITH ALL THE PERKS.. GOD PUTTING THE GARBAGE OUT HAHAHAHAHAHAHA

02/11/10 @ 21:52

Comment from: rocco [Visitor]

Should have put Darren and Kristen together again, they were perfect and Sarah with Chris!

02/11/10 @ 22:28

Comment from: Brian S. [Visitor]

You have it all wrong. Here's the best set-up:

Good Morning Connecticut 5-8AM
Anchors: Darren Kramer and Kristen Cusato
Weather: Gil Simmons
Traffic: Desiree Fontaine

News Channel 8 at Noon
Anchors: Erin Cox and Jamie Muro (they've earned it)
Weather: Gil Simmons

Connecticut Style:
Hosts: Desiree Fontaine & Kristen Cusato

News Channel 8 at 5 & 5:30pm
Anchors: Sara Welch and Chris Velardi
Weather: Dr. Mel Goldstein
Traffic: Desiree Fontaine

News Channel 8 at 6pm
Anchors: Keith Kountz and Ann Nyberg
Weather: Geoff Fox
Sports: Too early for sports, ditch it.
Traffic: Desiree Fontaine

News Channel 8 at 10pm
Anchors: Sara Welch and Chris Velardi
Weather: Geoff Fox
Sports: John Pierson

News Channel 8 at 11pm
Anchors: Keith Kountz and Ann Nyberg
Weather: Geoff Fox
Sports: Noah Finz

WEEKENDS:
Anchors: Kent Pierce and Jocelyn Maminta
Weather: Sid Starks
Sports: Marc Robbins

Out:
-Matt Scott (he's happier at WPLR)

-Marc Davis (dissed StormTeam 8 yesterday and kinda pompous to boot...and she should have been giving Dodd a hard time but just gave him a pass)

-Sonia Baghdady (she started this shell game of mixing everything up after wanting her old job back after dropping CT Style like it's hot because she got mad about the fencing segment when Desiree went overboard. When the music stops playing and there aren't enough chairs for everyone to sit in, somebody's gotta go).

Now THAT'S a stellar line-up.

02/11/10 @ 22:35

Comment from: Bob Maisonet [Visitor]

I agree with most of the "stellar line-up" but it's time for Ann Nyberg to go.I remember when she started as a week-end reporter,got the week-end anchor job,got pregnant, went on maternity leave and came back as the new anchor and has been there ever since. I remember her mentioning recently that her twins turned 19.So as you can see she needs to go . She like a male anchor eater. By the way Mark Davis is just as pompous as Geoff Fox who atleast has some personality. I remember when Dr. Mel did weather for ch 20 when it was WATR and NBC affiliate.Gil Simmons by the way is the most educated weather person from all 4 local affialiates.And it's about time Chris Velardi got his respect.After all he did get regulated to weekend which I thought was unfair since I loved and still do Darren Kramer.Sonya I can do completely with out. She acts too much like a diva.I think either Chris Velardi or Kristen would be good on CT. Style I didn't watch because of Sonya.Sara and Kent deserve more respect that they're getting.Put those 2 together.I only watch the noon news because of Darren. I had switched to 30 but will admit that the reporters are alot better than they used.Any body remember Kenn Vennit and Bob Norman,or
George Grande and Kai Maxwell?

02/18/10 @ 16:11

Comment from: Bob Maisonet [Visitor]

I made it sound like Mark Davis has more personality than Geoff Fox when I actually meant it the other way. I also meant to say that the reporters on TNH are alot better that they used to be. I do agree that the technical gliches really do need to be dealt with.I too feel bad for Ted and for Ms. Miminta.I remember when Annie Roarke spent 1 wk on 30 before she went to TNH. I also remeber Bob Wilson and Jody (Chant) LaTina when they were there as well. In any case it's nice to see that the owners of TNH care enough about their viewers to do something.My only pet peeve is that they cut off ABC7 and the ABC's news brief that comes on at 2:57PM. If they really are News Channel 8 with coverage we can count on then what are they afraid of. Gives back our news brief. I wish them all well since I been watching this ch since I was 7 and I'm 52 now.

02/18/10 @ 16:27

Comment from: RK [Visitor]

Kramer is smooth but shallow; Fontaine is glamorous but shallow; Nyberg is tiresome; Weather folks ok; sports ok; other anchors/reporters ok.

02/11/10 @ 23:02

Comment from: NH Townie [Visitor]

Kristen Cusato is BACK!

Wishes can come true :)

02/11/10 @ 23:06

Comment from: visitor [Visitor]

Why did she leave San Diego? Someobne out there told me that she was fired! Is that true?

02/13/10 @ 23:06

Comment from: pat [Visitor]

I believe I read somewhere that her mother is ill and that she moved back to take care of her

02/15/10 @ 13:35

Comment from: soome [Visitor]

Changes seem fine except for Sonia - a bit full of herself and too rigid. Not what I want to see before going to bed at night. The 10PM crew is good - but if I am up till 11PM then NBC30 will get the nod. Where did Sara end up - may be the nicest one of the bunch.

02/11/10 @ 23:13

Comment from: St.N/eno Glenna MacDonald [Visitor]

Turn on Stevie Nicks singing
"I can`t wait" and call it Musical chairs!
~Peace Glenna~

02/11/10 @ 23:28

Comment from: disgusted [Visitor]

whatever. I've met most of these people at various events - Cusato is a snob, Kramer is cardboard, Baghdady is starting to pack on the pounds, Nyberg is WAAAY past her prime, Kountz is okay, Davis is a liberal hack, and Velardi is okay. The only one who ever had any personality was Matt Scott - and it looks like you've tanked him. Smooth move.

I never watch anyway - I just come to the website to see how many spelling and grammatical errors I can find. LOL

02/11/10 @ 23:53

Comment from: stunned [Visitor]

Matt Scott??!! Are you kidding me??!!

The guys a walking cartoon! If got a dollar for every time he goes "uhhh" he could pay off the national debt!! The only one worse than him is "No Offence" (Noah Finz)! Dude! Just listen to other sportscasters and copy them! Talk about "vanilla".

02/12/10 @ 07:50

Comment from: Just sayin [Visitor]

DISGUSTED-

You made ONE comment above that PROVES to me that you have NO clue what you are talking about! Have fun looking for grammatical errors. You WON'T find any here!

02/12/10 @ 08:28

Comment from: Judge and Jury [Visitor]

Just sayin muttered

DISGUSTED-

You made ONE comment above that PROVES to me that you have NO clue what you are talking about! Have fun looking for grammatical errors. You WON'T find any here!

Sorry to chime in, but "WON'T" is not a word; and as such, is a grammatical error.

02/12/10 @ 16:54

Comment from: fairplay [Visitor]

WILL NOT = WON'T

02/15/10 @ 10:46

Comment from: Blake [Visitor]

You've got a real great life, disgusted. Wish I had the time to sit around and count errors and judge people I've never met.

Oh wait, I have a job and a social life.

02/16/10 @ 17:47

Comment from: Alan [Visitor]

This is going take some getting used to. For what it's worth, I think Geoff Fox should be on in the mornings. Sometime before Christmas, they had him on in the morning and it was the funniest thing to watch. He was like the regular Geoff Fox times ten! And he got along so well with Darren and Desiree it was great. That's the one good thing I see coming out of this, Darren moving to nights with Geoff and Noah Finz. Ladies and gentleman we're going to be in store for alot of laughs, in a good way. Sometimes you just have to break up the monotony of things. As it's been, things have become quite stale and I found myself watching channel 3 and Connecticut FOX more often.

Now my pet peeves are mostly for the morning: why the need to wave? It reminds me of parents putting their kids on the bus for school. And why is everything always a weather alert in the morning? I don't see the relevance when it's just a little rain, a little wind, frost, fog, cold wind chill temperatures, etc. Every day there's a weather alert it seems. Maybe they will tone it down now after the blizzard that never was. And the need to mention every town on the map in Connecticut during the morning? It's a little excessive. Finally, with respect to all the newscasts, why is everything always breaking news at the top of the hour? It kind of shocks your system when the music and graphic kicks in. Maybe that's what's needed to get viewers but it's a little too much. What happened to just calling it the top story? Also national or international news shouldn't be the breaking news at the beginning of newscasts. Save it for later. With all due respect, no one wants to hear about breaking news in Iraq, Haiti, Saudi Arabia, England, or even California and Washington, D.C. at the top of the newscast. That's what CNN and the other cable stations are for. I think the majority of us are only concerned with what's going on in Connecticut and maybe the border states at most when we put the news on at 5 or 6. When you jump to another distant state or country with irrelevant news, I vote with my remote and I turn the channel. Stick with what you do best, local Connecticut news. Please don't take this as criticism, just friendly feedback since it currently seems you're open to making changes for the better.

02/12/10 @ 06:55

Comment from: Debbie Griswold [Visitor]

So happy to hear that Darren and Sonia will be getting a promotion. Those two are good together, but I will miss Darren's humor in the morning. Congrats to the two of them! And put Desiree on with the traffic at 5 and 5:30 too. It's time to bring in the more up-to-date anchors in the 5 and 5:30 time slot. I think Gil should move with them and move Geoff to the morning show. Gil definitely has the potential to attract more weather watchers than Geoff. I'll be watching!

02/12/10 @ 07:03

Comment from: Geoff Fox is still the Top Dog [Visitor]

Gil has potential but he is too busy helping Desiree be annoying. Geoff Fox should stay where he is - the top dog. The only people who would want in prime time is maybe his family

02/12/10 @ 08:10

Comment from: john [Visitor]

I will miss Ann at 11...she is the mainstream of 8!!!

02/12/10 @ 07:05

Comment from: 1last thing [Visitor]

Can someone please tell Sonya, Desire, Darin, and some of the others from out-of-state that the accent is on "HAVEN" and not New, North, East, and West?

02/12/10 @ 07:16

Comment from: Susan from East Haven [Visitor]

I'm not understanding all the negative feed back. If you do not like watching the line up than switch to another station. I'm a big fan of new's 8 and will continue to watch faithfully. I appreciate the humor that some of the anchor's have. We all need to smile once in awhile and apparently some more than others. I say to all the negative viewer's (LIGHTEN UP!) and I like Matt Scott, he has a great sence of humor.

02/12/10 @ 07:28

Comment from: truthsayer [Visitor]

Isn't that a little hypocritical complaining about people complaining???

02/12/10 @ 07:53

Comment from: Debboe [Visitor]

I so agree. I love Matt Scott. We will have humor in the morning with Kristen and Darren at night. He is the best

02/12/10 @ 12:37

Comment from: Leslie [Visitor]

uh b day ya abuddah uh, uh dat's all folks! Matt Scott was definitely a cartoon....

02/15/10 @ 17:28

Comment from: marilyn d'andrea [Visitor] · http://wtnh.tv

Sorry to see the breakup of the morning crew. I however love the fact that Kristen is back on in the morning. She has always been a favorite. I be looking forward to the news cast with the new lineup. Congrats to all. Keep up the good work.

02/12/10 @ 07:34

Comment from: Susan [Visitor]

I like Darren and Sonia in the morning. Why change when it works. I look forward to them in the morning.

02/12/10 @ 07:55

Comment from: Afan [Visitor]

My take is change is a part of life so we'll se what happens. Chris is good and professional. Kristen, sigh, used to be good until she started with all the "witty banter" and please, loose that fake laugh. I hope Sarah Welch will show up somewhere and regarding Geoff and Gil, I think it's the producers and directors that have them "hyping" things so much so that you'll watch them. Hey, that's just the nature of their business.

My only suggestion would be: BRING BACK JODI LATINO!!

02/12/10 @ 07:59

Comment from: Jeff Bailey, Executive Producer [Member]

Note: Jodi Latina left News Channel 8 in Sept. 2009 to work for the Senate campaign of Republican candidate Linda McMahon.

02/12/10 @ 08:02

Comment from: Ed [Visitor]

You've got to be on drugs. Jody Latina was a foul ball for years. In fact, it took her 3 years to learn how to pronounce her own last name (marriage). Good luck to her and her new boss.

02/12/10 @ 18:23

Comment from: Bob Maisonet [Visitor]

I agree bring back Jodi. She should definitely be an anchor.Maybe with Keith at noon. She was always pleasant to watch and very professional.She has always been a top notch field reporter and in my opinion has earned the anchor chair alot more than Sonia has. After all she had been a reporter in our state alot longer than Sonia has.Sonia's looks don't make up for "better that thou" attitude. If I watch the llpm edition it will only be because of Darren. I was sad when he left and very glad when he came back. I'm very happy for Chris. Kristen is a nice personality on air but even though I'm crazy about Sonia I'm not crazy about a snyde remark Kristen made about Sonia before she left and came back. I wish Darren and Chris much success in their current positions and just hope that viewers give the chance that they deserve. And lay off Matt he is very inteligent just obviously not a morning person. He always looks like someone woke him up and said "You're on". Put him on at 11 and put Geoff on at 5,6, and 10. Best success to all.

02/18/10 @ 23:36

Comment from: Channel 8 will now be unbearable in the AM [Visitor]

For many years we would turn on Channel 8 until we all left for work. The last two years, have been difficult on your AM base. The Traffic and Weather have become a freakin' nightmare. Desiree thinks she is the traffic's version of Vanna White and Gil feeds right into it. Desiree is the most annoying person on TV. She stands in front of the traffic cam like she is modeling, her hand jestures are pathetic attempts for attention and half the time she offers NO relevant information. Just a lot of jibberish and someone please send her to school to learn how to speak professionally. A Jam session is a music term not traffic. Is it a vocabulary deficiency or just an attempt to be different? And does she have to drink every time she signs off at 7am? By the way with weather and traffic on so often - you can't have those two on and expect people not to change to another station.

The only reason for watching IS Darren and Sonya. Nothing against Kristen or her new side kick - But we will now watch Fox61.

02/12/10 @ 08:06

Comment from: Hung Lo [Visitor]

First Regis and Kelly now this......

02/12/10 @ 08:13

Comment from: Kim [Visitor]

I really love Darren and Sonya together. Gil and Desiree, too. I like Matt Scott and think he should stay on the weekend show. Change is OK, but if it's not broken, why fix it? Some people were a bit too critical about the anchors. I think they all do a great job. I wouldn't watch news on any other TV station.

02/12/10 @ 08:30

Comment from: Just sayin [Visitor]

KIM-

Right on! Let all the naysayers go to the other channels. For people with so many complaints about the morning team, WHY do they even come to the Chan. 8 site? Watch your other news!

02/12/10 @ 08:42

Comment from: Ed [Visitor]

"If it's not broke....." It is an absolute disaster. Fix it, or kill it before it multiplies.

02/12/10 @ 18:26

Comment from: Inmyopinion - Sue [Visitor]

I love the banter on the weekend show. Matt Scott and Chris Velardi really do it up good. Yeah, sometimes Matt gets a little crazy but that's what makes it fun.

02/12/10 @ 22:35

Comment from: Elm City Viewer [Visitor]

Some of these comments make me laugh. Seriously, they truly do. When you're watching someone reporting news to an local area, I can't help but to feel it's important that the person reporting should convey a connection, interest, and kinship with the area & it's people. You don't want to watch them and feel they're uninterested or above the people in the community. They should appear as if they're one of them. I don't think that anyone conveys that image any better that Darren Kramer & Sonia Baghdady. I feel as if both of them have done an outstanding job of bringing forth a newscast that's been informative, accurate, but maintaining a feel like you knew them. Like they could be your friend or neighbor. Like they were interested in you as the viewer, and the comminity in which you reside. That's what makes a good local new anchor. If there was a mistake made anywhere in this entire reshuffle, it was in taking Sonia Baghdady off of 'CT Style'....

02/12/10 @ 09:04

Comment from: Jman1339 [Visitor]

Will Sarah Welch remain on weekend evenings, or will she move to weekend mornings and Ted Koppy move to weekend evenings?

02/12/10 @ 09:07

Comment from: da viking [Visitor]

really, who cares -- they all read the "news" -- they are just talkin heads that work by the hour and try and look "pretty" .... at least Geoff Fox said he was sorry for the way the forecast happened ... he at least took credit for the lack of snow.. thank you Geoff I appreciate ur honesty and professionalism.

02/12/10 @ 09:20

Comment from: jeff [Visitor]

the cosmos is out of wack, planets will spin out of orbits, comets will appear in the night sky-bringing evil to the world, and the sun will go 'super nova' and swollow the earth in flames...

02/12/10 @ 10:13

Comment from: Connie [Visitor]

you are an idiot!

02/12/10 @ 10:50

Comment from: Enough already [Visitor]

All you critics,
What exactly is it that you are angry about? Certainly judging and criticizing these people is not what angers you. Look in the mirror. Work out you own issues and stop judging.
Probably every one of you (including myself) would not be able to report the news, report the weather, etc... what these anchors have experience with.

To WTNH: Stop putting these blogs up that allow people to rip apart your staff! I don't want to hear these critics. They are angry people.

02/12/10 @ 10:40

Comment from: Ed [Visitor]

Then where would you print your stupid comments?

02/12/10 @ 18:28

Comment from: Blake [Visitor]

WELL SAID!!!!

02/16/10 @ 17:48

Comment from: cindy [Visitor]

you are right. they just read the news. it is all the same on every station. itdoes notmatter who reads what even though i do like ann nyberg.

02/12/10 @ 10:45

Comment from: Sad to see [Visitor]

Some change might be good, but let's look long term. i don't think that Chris and Kristen will be good for the morning. leave the morning alone. Put Chris and Kristen on at noon. that will bring you a bigger audience. get rid of Ct-Style, and go back to an hour news cast at noon.

02/12/10 @ 10:58

Comment from: Zina [Visitor]

Love, Love, Love Kristen Cusato!! Can't wait to see her and Chris in the AM. Now, please consider getting rid of Desiree. She's annoying, looks like a clown and really cheapens the whole show - actually, the whole station, for that matter.

02/12/10 @ 11:18

Comment from: Suzanne Lawson [Visitor]

Couldn't agree with you more! Desiree looks like a clown... dresses horribly and inappropriately. One day she looks like Heidi and the next she looks like a hooker wearing a red teddy! And today's dress OMG! The ugliest thing ever and it was so busy it was distracting watching the information she was trying to report on... Where's the wardrobe/station manager?

02/12/10 @ 11:30

Comment from: Judge and Jury [Visitor]

Well that's your opinion. I had a lot of fun watching the pole dancing segment last week on CT Style and realized I was sorry Sonia left the show during that segment.

02/12/10 @ 17:02

Comment from: Ed [Visitor]

Kristin Cusato is plain and simple Vanilla. She is the most BORING thing to hit TV.

02/12/10 @ 18:30

Comment from: maria [Visitor]

Totally agree with I don't like her

02/16/10 @ 16:39

Comment from: Santo [Visitor]

I don't know what prompted these changes, but I had a bad feeling something was coming down the pike when Sonia sudenly dropped out of CT Style without warning. I didn't see the fencing segment where Desiree went overboard so I can't comment either way. If Sonia and Desiree had a fight or disagreement, they certainly didn't show it on the air, but who knows what happens when the cameras stop rolling. Where's Sara Welch in this little shell game? has she been let go? I hope not, because she was an excellent reporter and weekend anchor and it would be a shame if she has, That alone would be reason enough to watch another channel!

02/12/10 @ 11:36

Comment from: Blake [Visitor]

Sonya didn't drop out of CT Style, they announced it and keep placing reminders for a while before she left.

Sara is still reporting and doing weekends.

02/16/10 @ 17:50

Comment from: lifetime viewer [Visitor]

I am very sad to see the evening newscasts changing- Jocelyn was very professional as was Ted and Ann (who were perfect together with Geoff at 6 and 11). They seemed to have a solid, professional connection that came across to viewers, and are all well respected in the community. It was exactly what you want at the end of the day, and I felt they reflected positively on WTNH. The comments about Geoff are harsh, he has always been my favorite weatherperson. Again...what about Sara (who is genuinely great)? Could the WTNH staff offer more info. about the changes?

02/12/10 @ 11:43

Comment from: Jeff Bailey, Executive Producer [Member]

Because of the changes in our weekday schedules, we are still finalizing all of our weekend schedules. We'll let you know about them as soon as we can. Thanks to all of you who have asked.

02/12/10 @ 12:50

Comment from: just listen please [Visitor]

Opinions are all over,just wanted to comment how professional Sara Welch is as she delivers the news. Would enjoy seeing her anchor a news time during the week.

02/12/10 @ 13:52

Comment from: jman1339 [Visitor]

When is WTNH going to make the jump to HD local news???

02/12/10 @ 11:51

Comment from: Jeff Bailey, Executive Producer [Member]

It's in the works.

02/12/10 @ 12:59

Comment from: jman1339 [Visitor]

will a new set be constructed?

02/12/10 @ 13:55

Comment from: Jeff Bailey, Executive Producer [Member]

Not in a big way, no. What we're working on right now is a new control room and engineering area for HD.

02/12/10 @ 15:23

Comment from: muffin [Visitor]

Sorry to hear about the changes. Hope it works out. Will miss Darren and Sonja in the morning. Yes Desiree goes overboard sometimes but on the whole she's good. Of course, hearing the weather and traffic every few minutes drives me nuts. I can watch the new for 1/2 hour and hear everything transpiring in the 2 hours as it's all repeated.

PLEASE WHEN ARE YOU GOING TO HI DEF? Practically every other station has and when I tune in and see you haven't makes me want to change the channel.

02/12/10 @ 12:06

Comment from: Jeff Bailey, Executive Producer [Member]

Regarding HD, I don't have a definitive date. We're doing a lot of rewiring and rebuilding around here to get ready.

02/12/10 @ 12:57

Comment from: Kitty Broman [Visitor]

Desiree is truly worthless, dump her but on the other hand we could have ended up with equally bad Rachael Lutziner on 61. Phoney Bagdady is so cold and stuck up.

02/12/10 @ 12:09

Comment from: R. Mathis [Visitor]

Matt's 'buzz-saw' voice and tired look will not be missed. Keith does a good job but would look better and give some appropriate facial expressions if he lost a few pounds.//Ann getting off earlier may help with the tired look and dark circles under her eyes. At least, she shows some caring feelings related to news content. //The zombi look does not appeal to me as Ted and some of the others show. I can get a computer voice on the Maritime Radio. Geoff uses personality to bring the weather home. We need some humor amidst all the bad stuff.// I hope the 6pm family script will change at 10pm and 11pm times. Need more than a new voice to report old stuff for the later mature viewers. Keep us informed.

02/12/10 @ 13:11

Comment from: Ellen [Visitor]

What I find funny, and kind of sad, is how we can all hide under the veil of anonymity and post nasty comments about people, most of which are probably untrue.

How can we channel 8 viewers take what you say seriously when you're probably resentful and disgruntled employees and/ or envious for one reason or another. Comments like this are bred from jealousy and insecurity. Come to think of it--it's probably the same person posting over and over again under a different name. Shame on your station for allowing such a forum to take place.

02/12/10 @ 14:46

Comment from: Jeff Bailey, Executive Producer [Member]

Oh, like Santa Claus who knows who's been good and who's been bad, I know in a general sense who's posting from where. So far I haven't seen any attempts by folks to post under different names from the same IP address, but people have tried that stunt before.

We could have easily posted this and not accepted comments, but we chose to allow the feedback from viewers like yourself. Thanks.

02/12/10 @ 15:07

Comment from: Linda [Visitor]

I am glad that you read these posts, but am disturbed by some of the nasty comments. If someone doesn't like the changes, then watch a different news show - no need to be nasty. I might not agree with your changes-but I will at least give it awhile before making up my mind if these were great moves or not. I agree that there are numerous errors-such as the wrong picture or video running at the wrong time or errors in spelling, etc., but I wonder how many of the people commenting are perfect.

02/16/10 @ 09:26

Comment from: Beverly [Visitor]

I think that the four Darren, Gil, Sonya & Desiree are great together.
My husband & I watch the morning show
everyday and love it.
I am happy for Darren & Sonya though.
I think Gil simons should be promoted also.

02/12/10 @ 14:49

Comment from: Joe D [Visitor]

The only reason I watch wtnh in the morning is because of Sonia and Darren, Fox 61 here I come!!!

02/12/10 @ 14:58

Comment from: millie [Visitor]

jeff bailey: is it possible to have a link to the fencing episode that broke up desiree and sonia? i always thought they were a fun team. i would be interested in seeing what caused the problem.

02/12/10 @ 15:31

Comment from: millie [Visitor]

my husband and i also change the channel on the weekends. we don't watch wtnh. we go to channel 3. for some reason channel 8 on weekends seem amateur, whereas channel 3 is much more informative and you feel like you're watching a news program.

02/12/10 @ 15:38

Comment from: Pamela [Visitor]

i wrote to the network months ago about Desiree and how she was to animated and distracting. But Darren and Sonja were the best together and i loved them in the morning.
i agree that traffic and weather is done too much. Enough already. Really messing the teams up though. If you remember years agao Darren used to be really uptight and angry most of the time when he was with Kristen and the guy that would go around to the diners. Then this team got together and it was nice but Desiree is too over the top. She should have been nixed and Gil could do both weather and traffic. Really too many people on at once anyway. I'll miss Sonja though. don't watch evening news on channel 8 as much but always have the morning new on.

02/12/10 @ 15:46

Comment from: yankee [Visitor]

Couldn't agree with you more- Miss Desiree is a total distraction- very unprofessional and just way over the top--the only part of the news I can't stand!! Love the rest of the team, Mel, Ann, Geoff -the whole crew - was amazed when the diva was brought on board!

02/14/10 @ 19:51

Comment from: millie [Visitor]

jeff bailey: i read a few of your responses. i think it's great that you do read these blogs and respond. it shows that you do care what the viewers think.

02/12/10 @ 15:51

Comment from: Sonia Baghdady [Member]

Hi folks!

Sonia Baghdady here...

I'm sitting at my laptop chuckling over this supposed 'fencing' episode of CT Style that was the 'final straw'? Truth be told-- that show was some of the most fun Fontaine and I have had. There was no fight, no falling out. CT Style was such a wonderful experience for me-- and I wouldn't trade it in for anything. It was the station's decision to take me off of the show so that I could eventually move to evenings, and now that move is happening. Fontaine-- I miss working with you and am thankful for the opportunity.

Now, to clear up a couple of other things:

I've only gained 2 pounds since the Summer... I sometimes look in the mirror and think I look like a parrot... all of the make-up is to hide the bags under the eyes at 4 a.m... and I'm a super, super nice person when you get to know me :) Jokes people, jokes.

Well, let me just say-- I loved working with the morning crew... loved bringing you all the news each morning, and am thrilled to have the opportunity to bring it to you in the evenings.

Thank you for being fans and for supporting us...

Hope you will all tune in!

Sonia

sonia.baghdady@wtnh.com

02/12/10 @ 15:53

Comment from: millie [Visitor]

you're a better person than i am to respond to those derogatory comments. you and darren are a lot of fun to watch, and a lot of people enjoy watching you both, along with desiree. period. i thought it was a great team.

02/12/10 @ 17:34

Comment from: jeff [Visitor]

lol here... you know what my only and on going issue with you is... your rotten baseball team... and now with a Sports cast at the end of your 6pm news cast you can really rub it in... us Venerable Red Sawx fans are ready... :-)

02/12/10 @ 19:19

Comment from: Elm City Viewer [Visitor]

I'd be interested in knowing how many of these comments came from people with ties inside that WTNH building. I can only assume that broadcasting in an incredibly competitive environment. After all there are only so many seats for all these people jockeying for position. I'm sure when DK & SB were annointed the stations 'crown jewels' it bruised more than a few ego's. I'd bet dollars to donuts that half the negative comments from this board come from friends & family of those who feel they were passed on. Hell hath no fury...

02/12/10 @ 15:54

Comment from: SoTrue [Visitor]

Many of you people on here have said exactly what I have felt for a while now. Desiree dresses so unprofessionally and in bad taste! OMG that dress this morning! Bagdady too much make up and many will disagree but,..."Your shirts are too tight!" As far as Ann,......time to retire! Thanks for the laugh WTNH!

02/12/10 @ 16:24

Comment from: Kitty [Visitor]

This morning, Desiree was wearing all the costumes for The Lion King - at once.

02/12/10 @ 16:52

Comment from: Ghandi from the grave [Visitor]

Ha Ha! Thats a good one!!

02/16/10 @ 10:38

Comment from: Ummm [Visitor]

Do you critics have any friends? With friends like you, who needs enemies?? Good grief.

Sonia, Desiree, and all the rest of the crew DO NOT LISTEN TO THESE CRITICS. Desiree, there is nothing wrong with your fashion or your personality. Sonia, I'm sure you're a nice person, these female critics are just jealous of both of you. They wish they had your looks, personality and probably your job! As far as the guys go, there is nothing wrong with you. Ann, I think you look fine. Matt Scott, you are youself, nothing wrong with you - don't let these mean people tell you that. Geoff, shake it off! They wish they had your job. All the rest of you - shake it off. People like this complain about everything and anything they can because they are not happy themselves. Keep on keeping on WTNH staff!

02/12/10 @ 16:53

Comment from: Grandma [Visitor]

I have to agree with most here. Get rid of Desiree! She is sooo obnoxious and so unprofessional.. We used to watch WTNH, after she showed up, no more. AND what about Sara? what happened to her? She is probably the best anchor of them all. The suits should really rethink this and clean house. Do you ever really read what your audience thinks??????

02/12/10 @ 17:20

Comment from: Grandson Jimmy [Visitor]

Grandma,

I'm going to talk with Mom about having you checked out for dementia. I know you don't watch WTNH anymore so I'm worried why you are visiting their blog and posting comments about people you don't watch.

Your Grandson

02/12/10 @ 18:17

Comment from: fairplay [Visitor]

I totally agree, I am so tired of seeing
Desiree dressed for the streets. So
unprofessional! What is wrong with this station. I won't miss Darren's crude remarks regarding Brittney Spears
back in the day. Disgusting!!
I do like Sonia, but somethings been off
with her lately, I hope she is alright.
Will be glad to see Kristen and Chris Velardi. Wish Gil and Matt would go...

02/15/10 @ 10:55

Comment from: Elyse [Visitor]

Ok everyone needs to take a deep breath and take a minute to see what happens. I think what is happening here is that this came as a shock to everybody. So lets kock it off and chill. I don't like change, either. But seriously folks, don't start bad mouthing the anchors. Give this some time. We might even like it. Oh! by the way I agree that Jamie Muro is great, Hope he can also move up to anchor. Maybe on the Weekend.

02/12/10 @ 18:20

Comment from: Ziane [Visitor]

I really hope that whomever made these decisions for this change are reading this. NO ONE LIKES THIS CHANGE. Personally I like keith with Ann, I think they are perfect together. I watch the news at noon as well as 5-6pm and 11pm I don't really care for darren and sonja together, so I guess I will have to watch at 10 instead of 11pm. I am hoping that thisis not permenant, I really think they are making a BIG BIG MISTAKE!!! If I don't like it or able to adjust I will also have to change the channel which is sad because I truly love WTNH NEWS. Please listen to people and leave the way it was before you lose all your faithful viewers!

02/12/10 @ 18:38

Comment from: Cheryl [Visitor]

Reading this only shows that the old saying goes..."you can't make everyone happy". However, I note that an overwhelming number of posters do not like Desiree. I can only say good things about that majority of the anchors and field reporters that work at WTNH. My mother taught me that if I didn't have anything nice to say about someone, not to say anything. I have nothing to say about Desiree or Sid. My husband, however, never listened to his mother and has comments about them and a couple of others. I can't post his comments here :)!

02/12/10 @ 19:11

Comment from: Pat [Visitor]

I am sad to see people we consider friends leaving as regular anchors. I can't imagine the 11:00PM News without Anne--she is a class-act!

I think that they should totally re-vamp the weekend news--the one newscaster reading from the tele-prompter is deadly to watch!! Each weekend I accidently go to 8 and then move quickly. Now with that format I would love to see a change!

02/12/10 @ 19:12

Comment from: WTNH Husky Fan [Visitor]

I just wanted to write to tell how sad and happy that I am about this decision. I loved the morning crew, they were like a family and they became part of my family. I love Desiree, Gil, Darrin and Sonia! For those of you who are complaining that Desiree and Gil are "over the top," I whole-heartedly disagree! Their energy is what I and others need to get started with our day. Imagine if they all were monotone like Ferris Beuller's teacher! You would really be turning the channel. I am happy that Darrin and Sonia will be able to sleep a little later. I'm also glad that they are staying together as a team as they work well together. I've always enjoyed Chris Velardi and Kristen Cusato. I think that they were the logical choice for replacements. I'm still going to be a loyal WTNH viewer and I think I speak for more people than many who post these negative comments do. Go Desiree and Gil!! Just know that there are many people who enjoy what you do!!

02/12/10 @ 19:19

Comment from: Joe [Visitor]

I am actually quite unhappy with the anchor changes. I did enjoy Darren and Sonia in the morning, especially while I exercised. I don't stay up to watch the 11p.m. news (too late) and I am not home before 6p.m. during the week because of work. So, WTNH what do I do now? Signed, Joe, your Southbury fan.

02/12/10 @ 19:20

Comment from: linda [Visitor]

I share your pain! It's the end for me, too.

02/13/10 @ 11:33

Comment from: Jannay [Visitor]

What about Matt Scott? I like when he does the weather.

02/12/10 @ 19:50

Comment from: Greg Z [Visitor]

Jeff Bailey, Executive Producer muttered

Regarding HD, I don't have a definitive date. We're doing a lot of rewiring and rebuilding around here to get ready.

With the anchor changes and rebuilding things, it sounds like LIN is going to put WTNH/WCTX up for sale.

You have to make the place pretty and make the numbers look good for perspective buyers.

02/12/10 @ 20:01

Comment from: yvonne [Visitor]

I thought Darren, Gil, Desiree, and Sonia were a perfect group and I will miss them terribly. Their sense of humor really brightened my day. They all just meshed so well together. I just can't imagine Desiree carrying Kristen around the floor. I will really miss the fun repartee between Darren and Sonja. I can't imagine them doing that on the evening news.

I hope you all know what you are doing.

I love Gil and Desiree to death. BTW tell Gil (and Jeff) to stop apologizing for the weather!

Again, I hope you guys know what you are doing.

02/12/10 @ 20:29

Comment from: yvonne [Visitor]

Gil is a really lovable person—good humor, good looks and dancing even! His fiancee is getting a real gem!

What can you say about Desiree? She kind of slaps you into "on an moving" in the morning with her bubbly personality.

The four of them together--perfect!

Again I hope you guys know what you are doing.

02/12/10 @ 20:40

Comment from: yvonne [Visitor]

"on AND moving"

02/12/10 @ 20:40

Comment from: Thomas Coria [Visitor]

Sometimes it is good to move people around a bit. WTNH is fortunate to have so many competent people working for them. Desiree has been a breath of fresh air to the morning team. Her enthusiasm for her work permeates the entire broadcast and everyone picks up on it. Gil is also quite talented and has fit in very nicely with his lively personna. Darren and Sonya work very well together and I'm happy to see they will remain a team. Chris Velardi and Kristen Cusato will do very well together as they are easy to listen to and present themselves well. Hopefully everything will work out and I hope that nobody has lost their job in this shakeup.

02/12/10 @ 21:27

Comment from: George [Visitor]

Get rid of desiree, she thinks she's so special that it sickens me.

02/12/10 @ 22:49

Comment from: Monty [Visitor]

lola muttered

I think it will take awhile to get used to these changes. I would like to know the real reason these changes are being made. I am glad to see Matt S not on the list. He was so rude to me that I have never watched him again!

He does have a chip on his shoulder.I guess everyone can not be like kristen c

02/12/10 @ 23:39

Comment from: St.N/eno Glenna MacDonald [Visitor]

Muffle all voices and all viewers wear blindfolds and use your God given ears to HEAR the news and it is all the same.
~Peace Glenna~

02/13/10 @ 02:13

Comment from: PC [Visitor]

I can't stand Chris V. He comes across as pompus and arrogant...Sonia used to be just like him but she has loosened up since Desiree has come on board.

Now I will have to find another morning show...

I think that replacing Ted is a great move as he can't read. He is always messing up and never seems comfortable.

I like Matt but having him with snooty Velardi does him no favors...and he needs to loose the girl glasses.

The evening change is fine I guess...they will still be better than the other stations...I guess.

02/13/10 @ 06:12

Comment from: Jeff Bailey, Executive Producer [Member]

Regarding the weekends and Sara, allow me to repost what she herself posted on Facebook Friday:

"Hey everyone... just to clear up some confusion about all the anchor changes at WTNH. I want to let you know I will continue delivering the news to you weekend nights! No change for me! Thanks for all your nice notes and compliments! :))))"

02/13/10 @ 06:47

Comment from: jeff [Visitor]

Jeff Bailey, Executive Producer muttered

Regarding the weekends and Sara, allow me to repost what she herself posted on Facebook Friday:

"Hey everyone... just to clear up some confusion about all the anchor changes at WTNH. I want to let you know I will continue delivering the news to you weekend nights! No change for me! Thanks for all your nice notes and compliments! :))))"

" clutch "

02/13/10 @ 10:13

Comment from: millie [Visitor]

jeff bailey: "clutch"? what does that mean.

02/15/10 @ 10:16

Comment from: LJ [Visitor]

Morning show was fine until they added Desiree - she's so full of herself and drives me crazy. She's always interrupting everyone else. I like Gil okay but he gets caught up with Miss Rah Rah Sis Boom Bah too much. I will miss Darrin and Sonia in the a.m.

02/13/10 @ 08:05

Comment from: vince@hotmail.c [Visitor]

Sonia was the only bright spot on the show that made it worth watching

02/13/10 @ 08:12

Comment from: Rhea [Visitor]

AMEN...love Kristen and Chris. Sonia is nothing but a Barbie doll. I agree with some others that she might be better away from the Gil and Desiree MORON show in the mornings.

WTNH...please stop insulting our intelligence with Gil and Desiree....don't you realize they are the laughing stock of morning news?

Oh yea, love Darren also!

02/13/10 @ 08:20

Comment from: Laura [Visitor]

There are just TOO MANY changes all at once. I can't keep them straight. I liked things the way they were, but I'll still watch. Anyhow my question is...who is taking over for Chris Velardi on the Saturday and Sunday versions of Good Morning Connecticut?

02/13/10 @ 08:27

Comment from: Just sayin [Visitor]

St.N/eno Glenna MacDonald muttered

Muffle all voices and all viewers wear blindfolds and use your God given ears to HEAR the news and it is all the same.

~Peace Glenna~

Ah....Glenna, I knew you would come through with some sensible solution to this whole mess! However, I loved watching Desiree, Gil, Darren and Sonia in the AM. I thought they were a breath of fresh air in these trying times. Let the major news anchors be serious and deadpan. The GMC team was a GREAT way to start the day!

Now, I suppose Darren and Sonia will have to be "more reserved" in their new time slot? If this is a promotion for them, then I am happy for THEM. If it's change for change's sake, then maybe some higher ups at WTNH need to be "moved".

02/13/10 @ 08:38

Comment from: nancy [Visitor]

no one likes change especially me but you just have to take things one day at a time. I have been watching for fifty years every morning and nite and enjoy most of the newscasts. i wish all the newscasters well in thier new endeavors.

02/13/10 @ 08:50

Comment from: Sydney [Visitor]

Does Ann Nyberg have an iron clad contract or what? I have been sick of listening to her sing songy way of emphasizing the news for way too long. Can't stand her and she is looking older by the minute. Keith Kountz has a weird accent and pronounces his e's and a's weird. Get some new blood WTNH. You're anchors are all second rate

02/13/10 @ 10:57

Comment from: linda [Visitor]

I'm new to this blog. Can't believe so many people have opinions about the news show (as I do)! But, just as I was beginning to really enjoy the morning line -up, especially Darren! You go and change it. Oh well, I hope darren and Sonia enjoy their new spots. Desiree and Gil will just have to fight it out.
I watch NO other news station. Just listen to WNPR in my car 2 hours a day.

02/13/10 @ 11:30

Comment from: Chris [Visitor]

Where is Sara going? I think that she is great News Anchor on the weekend & a great reporter. Kristen is good & I'm glad to see that she's back but don't lose Sara.

02/13/10 @ 13:04

Comment from: Todd [Visitor]

Leave these hard working people alone!! my god people, they do the best job they can all day everyday.......poor Fontaine is on at 5 am and sometimes again at 6pm that is a long day...Sonia is beautiful and caring, Darren is funny and serious all in one, Gil is straight to the point unlike Geoff. If you don't like it change the channel.

Best of luck on the new assignments!

I for one will miss seeing you every morning......but will be tuning in at night like I do now

avid viewer

02/13/10 @ 13:43

Comment from: Jim [Visitor]

Big mistake breaking up the morning team . I'll be switching to another station . Nice job fixin' what ain't broke.

02/13/10 @ 23:47

Comment from: bobbiebobbie [Visitor] · http://yahoo.com

Hi, this is in reference to Sonia's Post. "if you got to know me you'd like me". That's why you get so many negative posts. You have been on the air for over 6 years. It's the attitude you portray on the air that the people see. They want to watch someone "they can trust" or at least feel that way. If you are as "nice" as you say, why doesn't it come across on air? It's hard to exactly pinpoint the problem, but there just doesn't seem to be a connection with the viewers. People love their local news and want to feel that. They want to feel a trust. It just doesn't happen with you. Whether it's right or wrong, it feels like a certain aloofness, at least to me. (and it appears to half of the other posts). It may very well not be, but, that is what's coming across... Bobbie

02/14/10 @ 03:00

Comment from: Bob Maisonet [Visitor]

I agree with these comments completely.Sonia if your as nice as you seem to think you are then start showing it. Stop coming across rude and cutting Darren off. I hope you don't do that at night.You look like you could be a nicer person but you just don't come across that way.Everyone has the potential to be a nicer person. Make a stronger effort. Most of the time you make feel bad for Darren.

02/19/10 @ 00:09

Comment from: Jume [Visitor]

I wonder if all these negative posters would sing the same song if they were face to face with the people they are knocking. Just because they are on TV doesn't mean they're not real people with real feelings. Imagine how you would like it if anonymous posters made mean remarks about you in public. How do you think it would feel to read those remarks or know that your friends and family were reading them? I guess it makes some people feel better about themselves when they put other people down.

02/14/10 @ 08:33

Comment from: Bob Maisonet [Visitor]

June, as you can see my from my posts I'm not hiding under some fake name.As for their families I'm not watching them. I say what I mean and mean what I say. Up untl recently with the exception of Keith,Geoff, Dr.Mel and Gil this station has always been 2nd rate although I did say in my earlier posts that their news reporters have gotten alot better. I actually left ch 8 when they made a mess of GMA with Diane Sawyer. I came back when I noticed that Jodi LaTina moved from ch 30 to this ch.By the way Desiree is just the kind of personality this station needed especially in the morning. I think that people are upset with her because she's too real for alot of people who just can't be real themselves. Cut her a break. It's possible that she doesn't even get a clothing allowance like the anchors probably do. I know they used to.Again best wishes to all involved. By the way I'm glad the Sara will be sticking around.

02/19/10 @ 00:22

Comment from: SectionSav [Visitor]

I have to admit that I am only 'partially' disappointed.

I was a huge fan of Darren and Kristen years ago and was so disappointed when he left to pursue other opportunities. I was so happy when he returned.

As for Sonia, I have to admit I wasn't fond of her in the beginning, but I think she has grown so much and now I really enjoy her banter with Darren. I will be tuning in at 5:30 to continue to watch them.

It is the morning show that I tune into every morning, and while I'm excited to see Kristin back, I wish I could say the same about Chris. Try as I might, I just can't warm up to him. Chris, if you are reading, please don't take offense. This is most likely due to my own tastes and has nothing to do with your abilities as an anchor.

As for Gil and Desiree, I'll have to add my vote that they tone it down a bit. I like them, but they are a bit much on some mornings.

All in all, I will continue to watch and see what happens.

Thanks for the opportunity to post my thoughts.

Sav

02/14/10 @ 10:42

Comment from: Judge and Jury [Visitor]

Found the fencing segment; you be the judge...I hear enough passive-aggressive comments from Fontaine to fill a Jerry Springer studio. Two days later, Baghdady left CT Style.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Tr5EJH--jQ8

02/14/10 @ 13:49

Comment from: Sonia Baghdady supporter [Visitor]

I agree with you 100%. It may come across as Des is trying to be funny, but you can hear the jealousy in her voice. Sonia, I think you are hot and sexy! You go girl!

02/16/10 @ 16:28

Comment from: Bob Maisonet [Visitor]

I think you got this 100% backwards.

02/19/10 @ 00:34

Comment from: Glad [Visitor]

I'm glad to see Jocelyn Mimenta go. I can't stand listening to her garbled words, rambling on an on. The minute I see her, I have to change the channel. She stumbles over everything she says. Why do people with speech impediments wind up on TV and in commercials? Just to drive everyone crazy? Now if they would only stop giving Keith every single story with the word milk ("mElk") in it, I'll be happy.

02/14/10 @ 15:08

Comment from: Good Riddance To Nancy [Visitor]

I know it was ages ago, but when they finally kicked that obnoxious Nancy Aborn to the curb, it was the happiest day! You want to talk about an arrogant witch. You couldn't find worse than her. And no matter kind of weather she reported on, it was always "toasty warm". I hope it's excurciatingly, "toasty warm" in out of work hades for Nancy. Good riddance to that horrid woman. She shopped where I once worked, and she was rude and arrogant in person too. After her, I haven't been able to be annoyed by anyone on the news. She was the worst offender.

If you switch to Fox61, don't write to the station about Rachel whatever her name is. My friend wrote a suggestion about her on the website once, and Rachel wrote back the most insulting and hateful diatribe you ever want to see. How dare you write about me! And she sent several more. She's out of control and hateful, even though she was wrong from what I saw. Channel 61 obviously has no control over their employees. Just in case you people who say you're switching channels go there, because you all seem to have strong opinions about the people you watch.

02/14/10 @ 15:41

Comment from: Judge and Jury [Visitor]

Good Riddance To Nancy muttered

I know it was ages ago, but when they finally kicked that obnoxious Nancy Aborn to the curb, it was the happiest day! You want to talk about an arrogant witch. You couldn't find worse than her. And no matter kind of weather she reported on, it was always "toasty warm". I hope it's excurciatingly, "toasty warm" in out of work hades for Nancy. Good riddance to that horrid woman. She shopped where I once worked, and she was rude and arrogant in person too. After her, I haven't been able to be annoyed by anyone on the news. She was the worst offender.

It was ages ago...welcome back from your coma. The Red Sox won the World Series, unemployment is at 10% and there is a life changing device called the 'iPhone' you should run out and buy.

02/14/10 @ 21:11

Comment from: Good Riddance To Nancy [Visitor]

Well, "Judge and Jury", you have sufficiently failed to comprehend the point I clearly made there. Typical! Go back to CNN and soak up some more Kool-Aid. You shouldn't reply to something after reading only the first sentence.

02/15/10 @ 12:18

Comment from: IS IT JUST ME!!!! [Visitor]

Something else has change too on the morning weekend shows. I've notice that there are more mistakes during the shows like bad camera shots, no sound at times and other things. Did the crew change also?

02/14/10 @ 16:48

Comment from: Avacado man [Visitor]

Why do they keep Geoff Fox? He is a
flipping moron.I stopped watching him years ago.

02/14/10 @ 19:48

Comment from: anonymous [Visitor]

rats..I'm going to really miss Darren Kramer in the a.m. He was so funny. I'd bet they are going to make him be serious in the afternoon.

Not going to miss the princess though. Kristen is way better!

02/14/10 @ 19:57

Comment from: zoobeast [Visitor]

Be honest. Nyberg is aging, Baghdady is easy on the male eyes, Krammer is along for the ride. It's TV and your looking at numbers and Baghdady is a best bet to increase male viewership. Personally I liked the original pairing both morning and evening but I'm not your age demographic. I situation I find amusing as my age age group is the one with all the money and unlike to 20 to 40 somethings, we watch the news. But I'm happy with Baghdady; it's like my wife says, with sarcasm, your morning girlfriend is on.

02/14/10 @ 20:40

Comment from: Willysniffit [Visitor]

You are 100% right!!

02/15/10 @ 08:00

Comment from: Jessica [Visitor]

I will give it a chance before jumping ship, but I will sorely miss Sonia and Darren in the morning. Desiree has just a bit too much energy for my tastes.

02/14/10 @ 21:09

Comment from: bobbiebobbie [Visitor]

To all above, A lot of responses were anti Sonia, however, it was sure fun to tune in in the morning to see what "style" she was wearing. The one post where the wife called out to her husband "your tv girlfriend is on" , isn't going to happen anymore..All you're going to see is "professional" with Kristen. I'll take as someone said "The Princess" any day of the week. I certainly won't be watching the "Katie Couric" look...

02/15/10 @ 05:15

Comment from: robert rak [Visitor]

put sonia back on in morning and tell kristian to stop rolling her tongue and playing with her ring its annoying

02/15/10 @ 06:54

Comment from: robertgreenwich [Visitor]

Wow, this is some move they've made here. Talk about rehashing the hash. They talk about making changes and bring back someone from yesteryear. Obviously, there was not a lot of thought put into this. There must be a pool of a thousand that they could have picked to replace Sonia and this was the best choice? Just from a local standpoint, they could have gone to fox61 and grabbed Jennifer Lahmers. She's a little young, but attractive, very personable, articulate and has filled in as anchor at Fox. And if not her, as I said, there has to be thousands of others across the country. May as well threw Ann in there, not much difference. I guess she must have fans from her first stint, but I thought the whole idea was to appeal to a changing audience. The only thing her audience did was get older, and they were probably older to start with.

02/15/10 @ 07:57

Comment from: Willysniffit [Visitor]

What happened??? I woke up this morning and turned on the news....who are these "gargoyles"?? The woman is OK but she is no "Sonia" and the guy appears to be a resident of "Boredom Avenue".The only counter balance to The over stimulated "Lady Ga Ga" Desiree was Sonia!! What a contrast! Desiree in her Ronald MacDonald outfits with her huge chompers laughing and laughing and laughing...and Sonia with her classy svelte look.Really now...Desiree is something you accidentally step in and smells up your car....but I admit,its always .."I wonder what she is wearing today"?? Oh No...can you believe this!Sorry if I seem a bit harsh...

02/15/10 @ 07:59

Comment from: Cantelope [Visitor]

Ho Hum...Ho Hum...another brain damaged move by management to justify their "all knowing" positions.I have an idea that fits with theirs..instead of changing babies diaper after it doodies...why not let it wear a 15 gallon sized garbage bag and wait for it to fill up...in about 5 days? That would save a lot of trips to the dumpster and it could serve as a "sea anchor" if the baby was ever washed overboard in a storm! This is a true tale...my 4 year old came into our bedroom as we were getting ready for work....Desiree( the laughing medusa) was on and my daughter screamed and ran behind me and cried.."Daddy, don't let the monster woman eat me...please".I think we should offer to send Desiree to Haiti as an example of what a "Real" disaster looks like!!!

02/15/10 @ 09:42

Comment from: Corrin [Visitor] · http://corrinhuddleston.com

Thank you for allowing me to vent in my evil fashion!!Actually Desiree is one of the reasons we watch in the morning just because of her erratic dress! Its a show in itself!!

02/15/10 @ 10:34

Comment from: pat [Visitor]

Must go to Logan Byrnes Fox 61....He is the best......Sonia should be fired..She is a big egotist....Kristen is good...Must have gotten a divorce...No ring on her finger that is why she is back.....

02/15/10 @ 11:36

Comment from: Sandy Palmieri [Visitor]

What about Matt Scott. I really did like him. And I do like Desiree. She is fun and different

02/15/10 @ 12:01

Comment from: louise [Visitor]

I stopped watching channel 8 in the morning because of Desiree. She is the worst broadcaster channel 8 has ever had. She dresses like a street walker and constantly interrupts Gil when he is trying to give the weather. I now watch Gil at 4:55am and change the channel to channel 3 the minute she starts to talk. WTNH has lost me in the morning because of her. WAKE UP! get rid of her.

02/15/10 @ 12:11

Comment from: grateful for small things [Visitor]

I leave for work very early in the morning. Makes me a happy guy to see Sonia in the evening. She is the hottest thing on CT news anywhere. Parrot ??? Heavy?? You folks need a new tv..... obviously yours is distorted.
As for the rest..... just give me the news, sports and weather and take your crummy comedy show on the road.

02/15/10 @ 12:58

Comment from: Bob Maisonet [Visitor]

Your comment about Sonia being "the hottest thing on CT new..." is both degrading to her and other woman. If you have read my earlier posts you would have seen that I believe Sonia has a little bit more professional to display. You're comment is disgusting. And if you leave to go to work so early in the morniing then your comment leaves us to believe it's because of the sexual way in which you view Sonia will be the only reason why you stay up at night. Maybe you should spend that time and read a book on manners on how to respect people for who they are and not what they look like.

02/19/10 @ 00:49

Comment from: Trumbull Fans [Visitor]

To Jeff Bailey, I think it is time you removed this dreadful, unkind and thoughtless Blog! So many people with so many issues and time to do nothing more than to be unkind and downright cruel to the Anchors. I feel sorry for all of those mentioned in these many posts. Please take it off and stop it now. If viewers don't like the programming, then it's very simple, make another choice for yourself.

02/15/10 @ 13:09

Comment from: Corrin [Visitor] · http://corrinhuddleston.com

Trumball fans....come on ! That is what makes it entertaining!! Oh No...lets stay with the same bland ,middle of the road, politically correct mentality! Yes, the world is perfect that way! This is the first time that I have bothered to comment because it bothered me that management shifted everyone.I poke fun at Desiree BUT she is entertaining and I will still watch which gives the station ratings!! Thats what they want!! Hate?? No I do not hate at all!! I do care though!!

02/15/10 @ 14:21

Comment from: pat [Visitor]

Trumbull Fans muttered

To Jeff Bailey, I think it is time you removed this dreadful, unkind and thoughtless Blog! So many people with so many issues and time to do nothing more than to be unkind and downright cruel to the Anchors. I feel sorry for all of those mentioned in these many posts. Please take it off and stop it now. If viewers don't like the programming, then it's very simple, make another choice for yourself.

i so agree with this comment. i , too, miss the morning line-up; it was charming and sardonic at the same time and an enjoyable way to start the day. yet i cannot understand the amount of vitriole that bloggers always put out there = is it because you are invisible and therefore not accountable for your actions?

02/15/10 @ 17:15

Comment from: bobbiebobbie [Visitor]

To Trumbull Fan, Lighten Up! There is absolutely nothing wrong with people posting their comments. You are probably a person who has little kids play to a tie. No winners/losers. This is a great idea. I just wish that they had it more prominently on the wtnh home page so that even more viewers could post feedback. Instead of the reference being way down at the bottom of the page. If they really wanted feedback, they would have stated anchor changes/feedback very visible to anyone who logged in wtnh site right away. In a separate section. The more feedback you get, whether it be positive or negative, the better product will result. There is quite a prevailing thread however, Sonia is attractive and has a "princess" personality, Desiree, is liked by some, but the majority think she is way over the top, both in dress and delivery. The rest of the crew seems 50/50 in comments. So my opinion, is that there should be even more posts. It'd give management a better idea of changes that were supposedly made for the "viewers".

02/15/10 @ 13:37

Comment from: The Wizard of Oz [Visitor]

Dear bobbiebobbie,

I doubt you would be so eager to criticize the station and its employees if you had to step out from behind the veil of privacy an anonymous post affords you. If you don't like what you see then change the station. Simple.

Trumbull Fans is 100% correct. WTNH should be ashamed of themselves for allowing completely unverified users to blast their own on-air talent. For all we know these comments are from employees at a competing station. And even if they are "real" people why on earth would you open up a forum allowing anonymous users to criticize your most valuable assets. Foolish if you asked me.

WTNH - It's time to rethink your "blog" or at least revamp your comment rules. Instead of your current format, require a verified email address to post comments. This will help encourage users to be regular contributors and hopefully curb the hate comments your getting.

02/15/10 @ 13:57

Comment from: bobbiebobbie [Visitor]

Yes Wizard, We all all from other tv stations, trying to sabotage a sinking ship. Don't you understand that they are trying to increase viewship? If they were smart, they would/should have started this blog "before" they made changes, and once again displayed such prominently on the website and maybe even mentioned it on air. News viewers are very loyal to the stations they watch. The more input they received, the better decision they could have made. They could have kept it to one post per email address, and then sorted ALL of the responses. If a overwhelming majority of the respones leaned one way or the other, I think that you would have to make a decision based on those results. Also, a lot of the posts are just written as they would be said "among friends". As if you were saying it to someone you knew. You wouldn't sugarcoat it. You'd say what you meant. I didn't see one quote of profanity. If the descriptions were too vivid, that's quite all right. They are honest. It's just semantics. Should everyone go to a thesaurus to find words that are gentler? And if I were on television I would certainly welcome the criticism, as long as I knew that it was coming from a majority or even a large percentage of the viewers. Why wouldn't you want to know? If you knew, then either you could change or be obstinate and stay the same. So in summary, I think the more "votes" the better, and though some language will differ than others, a vote against is still a vote against...

02/15/10 @ 14:18

Comment from: Corrin [Visitor] · http://corrinhuddleston.com

Well said Bobbiebobbie!!

02/15/10 @ 14:24

Comment from: pistachio [Visitor]

I am very happy Kristen Cusato is back. She was great with Darren Kramer a few years back. Why didn't they put them back together? And why did Kristen get the morning news job instead of Sara Welch??? Sara is great also. I don't understand why they changed any of it. The only thing I can think of about Gil and Desiree is that the station accepts and probably even encourages their banter because it is supposed to be a wakeup news broadcast. Who wants people like those of us watching who are still half asleep themselves doing the weather and traffic?? It is fun to watch these 2 get going. One thing I do know is where I work now and anywhere I ever worked the top brass made their changes without caring who liked it or not. So much for all of our opinions.

02/15/10 @ 15:39

Comment from: distressed older lady [Visitor]

Desiree Fontaine is not an asset to your station....she appears ill-educated and common...in both her attire and manners. Most certainly does not belong on television. On occasion she borders on appearing quite vulgar in demeanor.

02/15/10 @ 16:45

Comment from: Yaker [Visitor]

I really like the parrot....:)

02/15/10 @ 18:00

Comment from: Corrin [Visitor]

If all parrots looked like that I would be arrested as a Rabid Bird lover!!

02/16/10 @ 10:45

Comment from: Angela Clock [Visitor]

Cannot believe how vicious and insensitive most of the comments directed at the change in anchors were!
Sonia, glad to see your reply.
Desiree - your the best!
WTNH - Why would you want to share these nasty comments???
I hope all the anchors do not take the time to read the majority of the comments - not worth it.
Good Luck to all the anchors in their new time slots!

02/15/10 @ 18:25

Comment from: George [Visitor]

In MHO "Chief" Mark Davis, Keith Kountz, Desiree, and Noah Finz need to be sent packing.

02/15/10 @ 18:52

Comment from: Linda [Visitor]

Everybody has their own personality, and it will be interesting to see what goes on. I wish the weekend morning shows were on later, as I like to sleep in. Matt is very funny, but fools around too much when I'm waiting for the weather. Gil is a sweetheart, but goes for the negative and the most "doomsday" aspect of the forecasts he can, which makes me yell at him, lol. This announcement didn't cover the weekend staff and any changes there, so it will be interesting to see what happens. They are all like family. I'm especially loyal to Geoff and Dr. Mel, but how come nobody mentions Sid Stark or lists him?

02/15/10 @ 19:20

Comment from: Judge and Jury [Visitor]

Linda muttered

I'm especially loyal to Geoff and Dr. Mel, but how come nobody mentions Sid Stark or lists him?

I think Sid Starks needs to refrain from telling viewers "It's a wonderful night to go outside for a walk, under starlit skies..." when it is 11:17pm at night. There are boogiemen out there; who wants to go out at that time of night for a walk and become a statistic? It's 2010, not 1940.

02/15/10 @ 21:09

Comment from: Larry Aquilino [Visitor]

Don't lose Sara. She does a great job on the weekends by herself. I never could understand the style where one anchor says the first line of a story and the other finishes. One anchor has more impact. As for Desiree...her, you can lose. The quicker, the better. What a camera hound! She is the running joke at our house.

02/15/10 @ 22:49

Comment from: bobbiebobbie [Visitor]

SSSSOONNNNNNIIIIIAAAAAAAAAAAAA, Please come back!

02/16/10 @ 06:29

Comment from: Elm City Viewer [Visitor]

I continue to read this blog, and continue to question as to why. I don't know, maybe it's because it helps me realize what a good person I am, and how pathetic others can be. I have some questions for those of you that hurl insults, and more specifically, ones aimed at these anchors personalities...how do you come up with for any of these people, especially anchors, that they're 'stuck up' or 'boring'? how does one read a teleprompter in a 'egotystical' way? how is one 'boring' in the way that they read or convey the news? to me, if they're speech is clear, and understandable, they're pleasant, and polite, then that's all you could really ask for. if you're looking for witty banter, go watch Comedy Central, if you're looking for a news station, pick one, and let it be. I work in the downtown New Haven area, and I've interacted with most of these people, and I have to say, 99% of those interactions have been really positive. All of them, really nice, down to earth people. Whether it's been Darren, Keith, Mel, Geoff, Sonia, Chris, or Matt, they've all been really nice people. I have had one bad experience, and even then, I won't air it here. She knows who she is, and it isn't an isolated incident, so that's her cross to bear. I just don't think you can accurately interpret a person's true personality from your TV, especially when they're simply reading you the news...

02/16/10 @ 08:51

Comment from: Look In The Mirror [Visitor]

With a few exceptions, those of you who have posted here are why we get plenty of flashing blue lights in every newscast (as if we care about somebody's house burning down, or a chair on fire at a senior center, or a brush fire at the side of a road) and the required writing level of stories is that of a third grader. You people wouldn't be entertained or able to comprehend otherwise. I'll bet you don't read books without pictures either. While I'll defend your right to say them, sometimes, it would be better to keep it in your head. The plethora (deluge, abundance for those of you in New Haven and surrounds) of ignorant, mean, ill-bred comments is nothing short of stunning. If you can barely write a sentence as witnessed on this blog, I'm quite sure you couldn't do any of the jobs at WTNH listed above. You might also remember these are human beings who don't make public policy, they don't tax you, they just bring you the news as best they can. They don't choose their assignments and the idea that their boss takes any direction from the likes of most of you is as scarey as it is disheartening. You might want to look in the mirror. If your name was in the subject line, how would feel if you read the same personal attacks over such tripe and trivia in this blog?

02/16/10 @ 09:51

Comment from: Corrin [Visitor] · http://corrinhuddleston.com

I actually watched the 5 PM news with the morning expatriates and It was very good!The duo of Sonia(Worlds best looking parrot woman) and Darren with Geoff was quite different from the "Lets apply electrodes to your genitals" Am broadcast!
Desiree has toned down her dress the last 2 days....but I will still watch...and wait!! Hee hee.The dress Desiree wore last Friday was Startling. I am glad its been immortalized on Youtube by Jeff Bailey. I know these are silly comments but they are only superficial barbs.

02/16/10 @ 10:55

Comment from: Sinde Candella [Visitor]

I can't believe all the negative comments about Desiree. I think she brings the best out of people and took a few stiff anchors and taught them to have a sense of humor! I think her and Gil are dynamite together( I wish i could be as cipper every morning), I think she is beautiful and has a great heart. She is always helping her community and any charity that asks her to. and I wouldn't mind having some of her clothes.

02/16/10 @ 11:47

Comment from: alarmed [Visitor]

I am disgusted with some of the comments on here. I couldn't even read them all. This is a news team who, regardless of what they wear, how many times they say um, whether they gain or lose 5 lbs, have bags under their eyes or tell a joke you don't like or even dance a little, they are, nonetheless, a team of people who work very hard and deserve respect!! Those of you who make such hurtful and unnecessary comments should be ashamed of yourselves! Some of these comments can do more harm than good and are not constructive. You can have an opinion or suggestion that differs from the station and still be constructive when expressing it!! Think before you type....please.

02/16/10 @ 12:15

Comment from: anonymous [Visitor]

aww who cares anyway...it's almost time for spring training so that means NESN in the am.

02/16/10 @ 12:25

Comment from: Liz from Hamden [Visitor]

I have been a faithful viewer of the morning show, but now I will be forced to watch another station. I do not like the new lineup. I don't like Cusato. Why would you make changes to something that was already the best. Don't you know when something is good, then you don't mess with it. Good luck with keeping other viewers. You'll need it!

02/16/10 @ 12:51

Comment from: Jane [Visitor]

Noah Finz on Sports , that really is a joke , he is there about once a week. Most of the time they have John Pearson covering or the awful , Oh no he didn't Oh yes he did Mark Robbins

02/16/10 @ 12:52

Comment from: Kate [Visitor]

Gee, once upon a time Keith wasn't too good and they let him 'mature' on the air. Desiree is just too 'perky'. She gets on your nerves. Too many changes, Darrin left, now is back, Kristen left, now is back. Why doesn't the powers that be just let people get adjusted and let the audience slowly warm up, like you did with Keith. Geoff should really leave, as well as Dr. Mel. Dr. Mel is a gem, but time to make some room. Let him do some of the backroom stuff. I'm tired of hearing about Geoff's dog and wife....this isn't Hooterville.

02/16/10 @ 13:15

Comment from: Morning Viewer [Visitor]

Change will take getting used to but will adapt. Desiree seems like a nice person but do not like her in the AM. She is way too maniac/hyper. Plus hardly have the opportunity to find out the weather. She jumps right in - acts more like it it the "Desiree Show" and not the morning news/weather. We sleepy people getting ready for work want just calm weather/news/traffic. And the other posters are right - her wardrobe is awful!!

02/16/10 @ 13:54

Comment from: bobbiebobbie [Visitor]

This is to all of the "be nice and I can't believe I'm reading these awful comments people"
These are public airwaves, and we should have some say as to who we, as the public, have to watch on them.
This is not a restaurant, where if you don't like it you don't eat there.
It's all big money for the station, they get money by how many viewers watch. Plain and simple. So back to an earlier post. If you were a business "person" (dare I say man), wouldn't you want to attract the most viewers, therefore more ad revenue. They are not doing this as a public service, it's all about cash. Personally, I'd have had the poll running for a year, till I had a pretty good idea of who a good percentage of people wanted to see on air. A vote for, no matter how it's said would still be a vote for. A vote against, no matter how it's said, a vote against. You can't please everyone, but, if the numbers showed I was getting many for/against a person, I wouldn't be such a good business person if I didn't heed it, would I? Would I put someone on air who I liked and not the people? My advertisers wouldn't think that was such a good idea.. And as ad revenue has shrunk, due to various other outlets to spend their money, the economy et al, I'd be certain that I try to draw the largest audience I could. And certainly would make that clear to my "talent".. In the "olden" days when there was no competition for ad revenue, you could still survive with anyone you threw on the air. It's way more competitive now. So be nice and I can't believe what people write, is the exact opposite of what I'd be looking for if I was in charge. If 1,000 people wrote and 70% were "not nice" remarks about a "talent" either they'd make immediate changes or be gone..

02/16/10 @ 14:06

Comment from: bobbiebobbie [Visitor]

P.S. If I were management, I also wouldn't be trapped in the "Dickie V" syndrome either. Meaning the love/hate thing. Remember, there is only one Duke/NC game on, so people are forced to watch. I don't know one person who leaves the sound on when he announces a game, but the ratings for the game will still be good, cause everybody watches. So just because there are a lot of anti statements about a "talent" here, doesn't mean they watch. It's probably more of a watch and turn the station off quickly. So though they are familiar with the people, they don't stick around to watch. Unlike Duke/NC, there are other stations to turn to.

02/16/10 @ 14:18

Comment from: bobbiebobbie [Visitor]

(Lastly,Sorry) As a matter of fact, If I were the boss, the only comments I would ban from here would be the "they're just doing their job", "I can't believe what some people say" etc., Those comments do nothing for me. They are not goin

Anchor Changes at WTNH

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