Even car dealers are rank amateurs in the art of televised self-promotion compared with the local television stations that air their commercials.
But broadcasters’ bragging seems a bit more credible when a third party validates claims of glory. So look for WISH-TV Channel 8 to trumpet its “Outstanding News Operation, Best Newscast and Best Website” awards from the Associated Press, to be handed out April 13.
WISH and WSBT-TV in South Bend earned the awards last year.
“WISH-TV received a total of 17 awards this year, more than any other local station in Indiana,” the station said recently, in a raspberry in the face of arch-rival WTHR-TV Channel 13, which has dominated ratings in recent years.
Of course, in the TV business, it’s ratings and not journalism awards that count most. Ratings can make or break careers of talent—on-air and off.
Ironically, the award-winning WISH last August ousted News Director Patti McGettigan. She was replaced in December by meteorologist Steve Bray.
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