Mike Palmer - TVSpy

Following the On-Air Resignation of Cindy Michaels, WVII-WFVX Names Craig Colson News Director

Merrill Knox — Fri, 07 Dec 2012 16:04:07 +0000

Craig Colson has been named news director and evening anchor at WVII-WFVX, Rockfleet Broadcasting’s duopoly in Bangor.

Colson replaces Cindy Michaels, who delivered her resignation during the evening newscast last month, in both roles. Michaels’ co-anchor, Tony Consiglio, also resigned during the newscast. In an interview with the New York Times, the pair said the dramatic exit was because of general manager Mike Palmer‘s “philosophical beliefs.”

Colson, a Bangor native, spent more than two decades working for rival WABI, the CBS affiliate in Bangor. He was let go as the evening anchor in 2009 when the station downsized, according to the Bangor Daily News. continued…

New Career Opportunities Daily: The best jobs in media.

WVII Anchors Cite General Manager’s ‘Philosophical Beliefs’ as Reason for Resignation

Merrill Knox — Mon, 26 Nov 2012 10:53:42 +0000

Six days after Tony Consiglio and Cindy Michaels resigned from WVII on the air, the finger pointing between the anchors and general manager Mike Palmer continues. Palmer asserts that the anchors quit because he was preparing to replace Consiglio on the evening newscasts. In an interview with the New York Times’ Brian Stelter, Michaels — who was also the station’s news director — says that was not the case:

In interviews off the air, the anchors asserted that they quit to preserve their journalistic independence. Ms. Michaels, who doubled as the person in charge of all news coverage at the two stations, said that the managers of the stations had meddled with news coverage. Singling out Mike Palmer, the general manager of the two stations, she said, “The general manager’s philosophical beliefs played a role in what he wanted us to cover, or not cover.”

Furthermore, Ms. Michaels said, “there was disrespect toward some staff members and a constant hand in the entire newsroom operations to the point I was not allowed to make decisions as news director.” But she declined to share any specific examples of clashes with management. continued…

New Career Opportunities Daily: The best jobs in media.

Prepared Anchor Shakeup Led to On-Air Resignation, WVII General Manager Says

Merrill Knox — Fri, 23 Nov 2012 10:46:29 +0000

More details are emerging about the motivation for the dramatic on-air resignation of WVII news director Cindy Michaels and her co-anchor Tony Consiglio. The pair announced at the close of Tuesday’s 6 p.m. newscast that they intended to exit the station, citing ” recent developments have come to our attention.” The station’s VP-GM Mike Palmer tells the Bangor Daily News that the Bangor ABC affiliate was preparing to replace Consiglio at the anchor desk:

“Tony’s job was offered to someone else Monday. Cindy knew this and decided she couldn’t continue working without him,” said Palmer.

When told of Palmer’s statement, Consiglio said he didn’t know anything about that. Both Michaels and Consiglio said they are close friends in addition to being co-workers and have almost the same mindset when it comes to the way news should be done.

When asked if their departure had anything to do with salary issues, Palmer said no. “Actually, Cindy was offered a contract extension within the last few days. We wanted her to stay,” he said.

Consiglio and Michaels told the Bangor Daily News they don’t regret their decision, noting they have received support from family, friends and strangers. continued…

New Career Opportunities Daily: The best jobs in media.

‘And Finally Tonight’: Bangor Anchors Quit On Air

Kevin Eck — Wed, 21 Nov 2012 11:48:56 +0000

In a dramatic on-air resignation, the WVII evening anchor team announced their intention to leave the Bangor ABC affiliate Tuesday night. Cindy Michaels, who doubles as the station’s news director, and her co-anchor Tony Consiglio surprised both staff and viewers with the announcement at the close of the 6 p.m. newscast (video above).

“And finally tonight this will be Tony and my final show together here on ABC7,” said Michaels. “The last 6 years have been an interesting and enjoyable time for both of us as we have been the longest running news team in Bangor.”

“Some recent developments have come to our attention, though, and departing together is the best alternative we can take,” Consiglio added. continued…

New Career Opportunities Daily: The best jobs in media.