Brien Kennedy - TVSpy

WCCO Launching Sunday Morning Newscast

Merrill Knox — Thu, 06 Sep 2012 10:15:00 +0000

Beginning this weekend, Minneapolis CBS O&O WCCO will have a Sunday morning newscast.

“As the local news leader, we are always looking for opportunities to increase our commitment to serving our viewers,” VP-GM Brien Kennedy said in a statement. “We feel Sunday mornings is a great time to make this happen.”

The hourlong show will air from 6 to 7 a.m. It will be anchored by Esme Murphy (pictured), who will be joined by meteorologist Matt Brickman.

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WCCO Investigative Reporter to Review Political Ads Airing on Station

Andrew Gauthier — Wed, 22 Feb 2012 14:44:00 +0000

With political ads expected to flood the airwaves in the coming months, WCCO announced this week that investigative reporter Pat Kessler “will regularly research and review these commercial messages for accuracy and truthfulness.”

“We have little doubt our viewers will be exposed to messages underwritten by candidates running for office, political action committees, and advocacy groups,” WCCO vice president and general manager Brien Kennedy said in a message to viewers on Wednesday. “You may not agree with all of the messages contained in these commercials. Other messages you may heartily support and endorse…WCCO-TV believes that the best forum for the public debate will be the ongoing coverage in our daily newscasts.” continued…

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Reporter Behind Chinatown Dog Meat Story Is a Favorite of WCCO GM, His Frat Brother

Andrew Gauthier — Mon, 14 Nov 2011 11:09:41 +0000

WCCO has been loudly silent in the wake of its infamous Chinatown dog meat story, sticking with a firm “no comment” as damaging details about the investigative report continue to emerge.

The latest: Minneapolis alternative weekly City Pages reports that the person from the Chinatown meat market who spoke to WCCO’s James Schugel told him that he didn’t speak “very good” English and WCCO vice president and general manager Brien Kennedy may be protecting Schugel from the fallout because they’re “fraternity brothers and go to the same church.” continued…

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WCCO Appoints Station Veteran to News Director

Andrew Gauthier — Mon, 24 Jan 2011 11:08:34 +0000

WCCO has chosen Mike Caputa to be its next news director.

The Minneapolis-St. Paul CBS-affiliate announced on Friday that Caputa, who has been the station’s assistant news director since 2007, would lead its newsroom. Caputa had been serving as acting news director since October, when WCCO fired then-news director Scott Libin.

“Mike has demonstrated over the past several months that he is ready to be the leader of a newsroom,” said Brien Kennedy, WCCO’s vice president and general manager. “Mike has earned this opportunity through hard work and dedication.”

Caputa has been with WCCO since 2002, serving as managing editor before he moved on to become assistant ND.

“I am mindful of the rich tradition of WCCO Television in the Twin Cities,” said Caputa. continued…

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