IJMC - WCNC Beats the Ratings Game

Now why is Atlanta seemingly unable to find newscasters with this quality 
for any of our stations? I guess thinking is just too overrated in the 
broadcast market...                                                 -dave





Cash Giveaway
	-- By Denis Murphy, (nbc36@vnet.net) WCNC, Charlotte, NC

Here at WCNC, we have been struggling to compete with our rival stations
who have been reduced to giving away huge sums of money to lure viewers
during sweeps months. This year, the market's number-one station,  ABC
affiliate WSOC-TV, is giving away "up to $1 million," while WBTV, the
number 2, has topped that with a supposed $1.5 million giveaway. To win
the money, you must match "lottery" style numbers (mailed to Charlotte
area residents and also available in local fast-food restaurants) against
winning numbers aired during commercial breaks during the 5, 5:30 and 6pm
newscasts.  Not wishing to get into the cash giveaway game,  WCNC decided
instead to display our competitors' winning numbers as they are drawn. So
instead of having to flick channels to watch 2 newscasts simultaneously
for a briefly appearing winning number, contest participants can watch
our newscasts and wait for the winning numbers to be displayed at the
bottom of the screen, for up to 10 minutes.  Our ratings have doubled as
a result.