Jeff Hoover, a longtime producer and on-air contributor for WGN-Channel 9’s top-rated morning news show, was the first employee to speak out Monday about the impending takeover of the Tribune Media station by Sinclair Broadcast Group.
He also was the last.
In response to a video montage that went viral last weekend showing anchors at Sinclair stations delivering identical messages parroting President Donald Trump’s anti-media talking points, Hoover tweeted: “Re: Sinclair – There is NO WAY any of our on-air anchors and reporters will read their scripted messages on our show. Chicago’s Very Own, not owned.”
The normally free-spirited Hoover later said he could not talk about what he had written and declined further comment. Other sources confirmed that Hoover had been admonished by his bosses for the unauthorized tweet.
I know the people on that morning show felt a little bulletproof because of their incredible ratings, but these Sinclair folks don't care about ratings. They are in this to push a political agenda. I said it at the time, and Feder says it too, Mark Suppelsa sure picked a good time to get out.
I still hope that Sinclair won't mess with what's working, especially that morning show. But the reaction of the current WGN bosses sure makes it look like they aren't exactly convinced.
This John Oliver piece from last summer might illuminate you to what WGN will be soon facing...
