KNBC has launched a news series called “Life Connected” to “celebrate community-centric acts of goodwill” in Los Angeles.

“‘Life Connected’ is a long-term station initiative that will celebrate different communities and cultures and demonstrate the human spirit and triumphs throughout Southern California,” Steve Carlston, KNBC’s president and general manager, said in a statement.

The weekly segments will air on Tuesdays during the 11 p.m. newscast on the Los Angeles NBC O&O. The first installment, a report by Lolita Lopez on three friends who met doing volunteer work, aired last night. Video inside… Read more

FishbowlNY talks today with Lolita Lopez, the newest member of the news team at KNBC, the NBC owned-and-operated station in Los Angeles. Lopez, formerly a reporter at New York City’s WPIX, dispels the notion that the station’s decision to eliminate the sports department had anything to do with her move to California:

“I thought it was just a good time to make a switch,” Lopez admits. “…It was great for what it gave me during that time [at WPIX], but I felt for me personally that’s where it ended.”

Lopez says, despite the overhaul, she was confident that her job was secure at WPIX. Read more

Lolita Lopez, who has been with New York City CW-affiliate WPIX since 2001, is headed for California. Beginning October 10, Lopez will be a general assignment reporter for NBC owned-and-operated KNBC in Los Angeles.

Lopez began her career as a news reporter and shifted to a weekend sports anchor in 2005. She went back to general reporting in January when WPIX eliminated the sports department.

“Lolita is a reporter with great versatility and passion,” said KNBC vice president of news Vickie Burns. “From immigration issues and politics, to sports and lifestyle stories, Lolita is a skilled journalist who effectively can cover a broad spectrum of news beats.” Read more

“There’s no line that can’t be crossed,” a WPIX employee told the New York Post in describing the environment at the Tribune-owned CW-affiliate, which has been rattled by aggressive cost-cutting.

WPIX staffers are now dealing with the news that the station is closing down its sports department.  According to the Post, WPIX has eliminated the sports director position and reassigned the current sports director, Lolita Lopez.

A source also tells the Post that WPIX is looking into changing union rules so that a photographer won’t be required for on-location shoots, opening up the station’s news reporting to one-man-band reporters.

WPIX appointed Bill Carey to news director in late 2009 and the market veteran has since spearheaded a major renovation of the station’s operations, including the recent launch of an unconventional, desk-less 10 p.m. newscast anchored by Jodi Applegate (right).

Upon joining the station, Carey said, “It’s necessary to make a big change at Channel 11.”

“I don’t think it’s any secret that we’ve never been one, two, three or four in the ratings.”