FTVLive.com

Today’s FTVLive is a bit brief today, as the 4th of July holiday weekend kicks off. But as we wrote in yesterday’s Newsletter (Here’s a link) the Country’s milestone birthday is a bit disappointing. But, we hope you have a safe holiday and we will be here all weekend long and back to full speed on Monday. Below is Today’s News:

If you are a weather guesser in Cream City, you might want to double-check which station you're supposed to report to when you wake up. There is a full-blown game of musical chairs happening in Market 38, mostly centered around Scripps’ WTMJ and Hearst’s WISN. Let's look at the scorecard to keep track of who is going where: The Cross-Town Jump: Lindsey Slater, who abruptly exited WISN a few months ago under a cloud of "not at liberty to discuss" NDAs, didn't stay on the beach for very long.

Donald Trump’s Press Secretary, Karoline Leavitt posted on social media how she was able to fly on the jet that the Qatari government gave Trump as a bribe. Leavitt posted that she was honored to be on the first flight.

Let’s face it, FTVLive has covered local TV stations doing some very stupid stuff over the years. But, I think what WESH in Orlando just did, might take the prize for the most stupid thing we have seen. The FTVLive Patrons can read this story at this link. If you’re not a Patron, click the banner below and get instant access to this story, plus thousands of more stories about TV news.

KTBC (Austin) Reporter Jessica Rivera has left the station, while it appears she was still under contract. Rivera posted about her exit and says that her plans are to be, “catching up on some sleep and spending much needed time with my family.”

Last year, 25 kids died in a flash flood swept through Camp Mystic, along the Guadalupe River. Graham Media’s KSAT is going to be airing a special on Friday about the tragic event. KSAT Reporter Courtney Friedman posted about their special on social media. Her tease for the special included her in a selfie, smiling along the bank of the river where 25 children lost their lives. And yet, she seemed to have no issue with snapping that selfie. The downfall of Graham Media continues.

A source in Raleigh tells FTVLive that Nexstar’s WNCN in Raleigh has cut the weekend newscasts. “They now show cheap looking podcasts with most all being pre-recorded,” the source tells FTVLive, adding, “And their slogan is: “local news that matters”. I guess not on the weekends anymore.” Since Nexstar rushed on the Tegna deal, which is now being held up in court and likely will be, at least until the Fall, the company has watched its stock price drop.

Apparently this Gray Media station is not above airing an up-skirt video of their new Anchor to try and lure viewers in. The FTVLive Patrons can read this story at this link. If you’re not a Patron, click the banner below and we will get you instant access to this story, plus countless other EXCLUSIVES, involving TV news.

Lindsey Burrell is just about wrapping up her time at Nexstar’s WHO in Des Moines. Burrell joined the station back in 2023, and is set to sign off next week. Don’t be surprised if you see her pop up in FTVLive’s neighborhood here in Florida. Burrell is said to be dating WFLA (Tampa) Sports Anchor Jeff Dubrof. I’ll bet that she ends up here in the Sunshine State. One person who is for sure moving to the home of FTVLive is KETV (Omaha) Met Luke Vickery.

FTVLive often points out the stupid social media posts of talent, posting dance videos, make up videos, or videos of the OOTD. But, we also post videos of Journalist who use social media in a way to inform viewers and not just as thirst traps. At Sinclair’s KEYE (Austin), Anchor Adela Uchida is one of those that does it right. She posts short clips on her instagram, giving viewers news that they can use. How refreshing. Here’s one of her latest posts.