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Business
Oct. 21, 2009
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CORRECTION: A story in Wednesday’s Business section incorrectly stated that Las Vegas One television channel was ceasing operations. Only the “News One at 9” news program has been canceled.

Greenspun news show 'News One at 9 p.m.' ends operations

By HUBBLE SMITH
LAS VEGAS REVIEW-JOURNAL

"News One at 9 p.m.," a television news program produced by Greenspun Media Group and KLAS-TV Channel 8 in Las Vegas, pulled the plug on its operations Tuesday and laid off four staff members, according to local media reports.

The folding of the program, which aired on Las Vegas One, Channel 19, follows cancellation last week of another Greenspun Interactive division project, 702.tv, a Las Vegas-based news and entertainment video Web site. Staff members were either laid off or reassigned.

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    • Calls to Greenspun Media for comment were not returned by deadline.

    A source familiar with Greenspun Interactive had said about half the department staff was laid off on Oct. 13. Greenspun had also cut staff at its Home News publications this year in an effort to save the interactive division, the source said.

    Jeff Gillan, anchor and managing editor for Las Vegas One, said he was "blindsided" by the move.

    "This is the economy we're in," Gillan said. "I think the Las Vegas economy, save Michigan, is the worst economy in the nation and you can only go into that headwind so long until something has to give."

    Gillan said he was grateful for the partners' support of "News One at 9 p.m." since 2001.

    "If there's one thing I can get out there is, there's no hard feelings here," he said.

    The one-hour news show won two local Emmy awards for best evening newscast. It featured interviews by political commentator Jon Ralston.

    Beyond that, questions are being raised by those in the industry about the present viability of video reporting on newspaper Web sites.

    "I think there's a future," Gillan said. "At the end of the day, people still want to watch a thoughtful TV program. I still believe in what we do."

    Greenspun Media, owner of the Las Vegas Sun, isn't the first newspaper company to mothball its video newscasts. The Roanoke (Va.) Times produced its final show in October 2007 and the Wilmington (Del.) News Journal no longer produces a daily news show.

    "Eventually, people will watch Web videos on their home television sets and mobile devices," Ken Sands wrote on PoynterOnline.

    "In theory, newspaper companies should invest now to develop video skills and earn a reputation for quality video journalism. But the equipment, training and staffing are expensive. And while video pre-roll advertising typically commands a high rate, it's difficult to produce enough video to break even. So when the economy tanks and newspaper revenues plummet, video is seen as expendable."

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    Shirley & Fred Koegel wrote on November 07, 2009 06:31 PM: Jeff Gillan was the best anchor and newscaster on Las Vegas TV. We listened to him every night we were home. We are going to miss this program.


    buck wrote on October 23, 2009 11:04 AM: I never understood why the RJ allowed the Sun to be inserted. Why don't they boot that loser rag?


    lol wrote on October 21, 2009 08:18 PM: Now Greenspsun need to pull the plug on another one of it's Joint Ventures and put it out of its misery -Aliante


    Joey wrote on October 21, 2009 06:29 PM: A "Pulitzer" prize isn't worth the paper it's printed on these days. Keep dreaming "Native".


    Mike Ault wrote on October 21, 2009 05:16 PM: Benn, put it down, you will go blind


    Answer this wrote on October 21, 2009 05:13 PM: Can someone answer this?

    If the Greenspuns had not embarked on that foolish idea of 702.TV (which was the largest embarrassment in modern day television - worse than Cop Rock) there would be enough money left to keep News One at 9 going?

    The first generation makes the money - the second generation spends it - and spends it foolishly.

    How about Greenspun fires himself for making such a bad decision. Then fire the board. Then fire the person who thought the idea of 702.TV up. Then fire all those who poorly executed a poorly thought up idea. Boobs and haircuts bringing the public fluff news - I don't think so. So we lose the worst and lose the best - LV One at 9.

    Thanks for nothing Greenspuns.


    Benn wrote on October 21, 2009 04:54 PM: laguna is an idiot! why would anyone psot anything about newscorp except that they know it is parent co. of faux noise?

    duh?!


    lee wrote on October 21, 2009 04:53 PM: Times Record: 16
    Home / View comments

    Fort Smith, Ark.
    Owner: Stephens Media Group [RJ publisher]
    Effective: October 2008
    16 employees were laid off.


    Native wrote on October 21, 2009 04:27 PM: Yeah, let's "shut down" the only Pulitzer-winning newspaper in Las Vegas. You morons.


    laguna wrote on October 21, 2009 04:24 PM: I didnt expect you to know that NewsCorp. is the parent company and has tv and newspapers all over the world. Fox TV is only one part and did very well for itself. It is the Number one Cable news.


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