… AND GOING …
This website has already weighed in on the “scandal” involving former WIS TV 10 (NBC – Columbia, S.C.) news anchor Ben Hoover – who was abruptly informed last week of a decision by his employer not to renew his contract.
Our thoughts on the whole thing? Eh …
We like Hoover just fine (and respect his professional abilities), but as we noted he “spoon-fed his viewers pre-packaged, establishment-approved bullsh*t for a living … so it’s hard to feel too sorry for the guy.”
We also think it’s ironic Hoover’s ouster – and not the status quo scandals his station glossed over (or ignored) all these years – is deserving of outrage.
But whatever … television viewers in the Midlands region of South Carolina are outraged, and the cacophony has reached a volume level requiring the station to issue a response.
What did they say? Not much …
“During the last several days much has been posted on social media about Ben Hoover’s departure from WIS news, much of it erroneous,” the statement read. “However, we simply cannot engage in a public conversation regarding details of Ben’s departure from WIS TV. It is a private personnel matter.”
Hmmmm …
“We sincerely thank Ben for his service to the station and the community and wish him nothing but the best in his future endeavors,” the statement continued. “We also want to thank our viewers for their concerns and comments regarding this matter. We can assure you that WIS remains fully committed to the excellence you have come to expect from this television station over the last 60 years.”
Excellence? Really?
Since when was jerking off the state’s entrenched establishment at the expense of the people paying its bills considered “excellence?”
Anyway, sources tell FITS this opaque statement was drafted personally by WIS general manager Donita Todd, the fishnet-wearing senior executive whose mind-numbing opinion segments are widely ridiculed by viewers.
Again, “Hoover-gate” fails to hold our attention. Why not? Because as an anchorman, he has absolutely nothing to do with driving the uber-liberal editorial/ ideological bent of the station. That’s fishnet lady’s job. And until that bent changes, it really doesn’t matter who is reading off the teleprompter, does it?
Still, in a chromosome-challenged, intellectually incurious marketplace like Columbia, S.C. – where viewers swallow what they’re told to swallow – Hoover’s departure has become a huge controversy. And the fact WIS can’t seem to shoot straight regarding what happened is fueling that controversy.
“They’ve created a PR nightmare,” one local public relations practitioner told FITS.
Indeed they have …
All we can think to say is … What Would Ron Burgundy Do?
UPDATE: The “back story.”
(Pic: via FB)
75 comments
Is WIS a privately owned TV station? In the free market, are they allowed to air whatever opinions they desire (short of libel of course)? Was Hoover an employee of WIS? Therefore he would spout whatever he was instructed to say or be shown the door. This all sounds like the free market. So what is Sic Willie’s problem?
Am I saying I had a problem with it?
Devoting two posts in two days on a talking head seems to indicate that it is a big deal to you. I certainly didn’t get the sense from your writing that you agreed that WIS can do what it pleases. It did seem, however, that the whole point was to create a forum to express your “love” of Ms. Todd.
Devoting two posts in two days
The first one was on a recent event that happened rather abruptly. This one is a small update. It’s not that big of a deal.
Am I saying I had a problem with it?
Just because a private company does something doesn’t mean you can’t have a problem with it. Like if Chic-Fil-A started selling me cow dung burgers instead of chicken sandwiches, would you come on here and be like “is chic-fil-a a private company? Sounds like the free market to me. Stop complaining.”
That viewers can be outraged by a private company’s decisions, and potentially influence a private company’s decision is exactly the point of the free market.
Sure you can. And the “message” that is understood in the “free market” is not bitching on a web site but by not using their “product”. Has WIS viewer numbers noticeably decreased as a result of this decision? Have their advertisers withdrawn as a result of their decision? If the answers are no, then bitching on a web site is just noise in the system.
Bitching on the website is what will result in more people not using their product/ watching their program. It’s not like WIS is going to report on their own problem. You’re saying everyone should just sit silently and change the channel when they’re outraged about something a private company does because of the free market. I’m saying the free market demands that word get out about a bad decision a company made.
It’s his way of trying to dig Sic subtly, by suggesting that he would be against the free market by slamming a private company for a particular action. It’s pure hog wash.
And the “message” that is understood in the “free market” is not bitching on a web site but by not using their “product”.
When movie critics rave or pan a movie, it has an effect at the box office. Even so, movies with poor critical acclaim can still do well, and movies with fantastic critical acclaim can do poorly.
That doesn’t mean the movie critics are wasting their time. They serve a role.
Is Raycom/WIS even a private company? Raycom’s primary investor and only source of financing is the Retirement Systems of Alabama and Raycom headquarters is located in the RSA building in Montgomery. I think we may have an arm of the Alabama government operating in South Carolina.
It’s much deeper than just one man. FITS, if you are supposed to be a pop culture – anti–establishment- commentator. it’s tantamount to mal-practice to be so OFF as you are on this one.
Here’s an article that hits it out the park, and it would help you A LOT: http://scdigest.blogspot.com/
Also: The fact that you had no outrage or questions about Jody Barr leaving WIS reveals you to be disingenuous. If Hoover was a status-quo sycophant, so it’s OK to fire him…why were you silent over Barr being allowed to leave?
You CERTAINLY have fawned over Huff-Po’s Corey Hutchins…yet Barr had much more success exposing gov’t corruption, after Hutchins balked…because of political reason…
You talk out of both sides of your mouth FITS. That’s not good when you write every thought on your mind. People can connect the dots…until they spell L-I-A-R.
Let’s make Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays IGNORE Grand Tango days. Now that is an idea that really hits it out of the park.
LMAO…You paranoid little sycophants are like one of those movies with the merit-less Evil Rich Kid versus the poor hopeless – but cool- Nerd (Karate Kid, CaddyShack, Pretty in Pink) …
You know where the Nerds always win in the end, despite the Rich Kid always getting helped out….(Google James Spader or William Zabka)…That’s your guy FITS.
I’m the Nerd, and you are shilling for FITS, your silvered-spooned, rich-kid punk, who everybody hates, because he’s disgusting, tricky and lies…Hahahaha…Morality play, and you’re the immoral…Hahahaha……
Do you need a weatherman for your new media enterprise Mr. Tango? I want to get away from Donita, please hire me.
“I just burnt my tongue.”
No: We’re always shining sunlight. No need for a weatherman.
But most FITS readers are like roaches. They like to keep what they are doing, covered. But he likes to tell you how bright he is…so he may have something for you…
“I love lamp”
I can’t ignore GT’s posts because I copy and print them daily to give to the immigrant kids in my neighborhood and tell them it’s their English language lesson.
“What a dumbatdollardollar!”
Made me think of Robin Williams… http://m.youtube.com/watch?v=9RwWKCOq0ps
People can connect the dots…until they spell H-A-C-K.
“Your word is: hack.”
Hack. G-R-A-N-D-T-A-N-G-O. Hack.
E-M-I-L-Y
Why do you keep pointing us to your personal blog, yes personal… because at this point you’re the only one who visits that site.
Did Jody Barr not have his contract renewed or did he leave? Why would there be controversy if someone leaves? If Ben Hoover had quit, this would be a non-story.
A TV station that’s owned by Raycom media who’s majority investor is the Retirement Systems of Alabama refuses to out corruption in state government. I guess there is still honor amongst thieves.
In time, Ben Hoover who?
that would be Ben Whoover?
So you’re saying he should change his name to Ben Dover?
Would someone just tell Donita Todd to dress appropriately for her age and weight? And show her the way to some stores other than Target to shop for clothes. Oh and stop trying to squeeze herself into a size 6! She should study Sarah Palin and Condoleza Rice for fashion advice if nothing else.
Unh-unh…. show us those fishnet stockings and stop teasing us —
Fits isn’t clear. Is it fishnet stockings or hair net? (Ruth Buzzi)
Put a mole on her face, stick her in the local elementary school behind a lunch counter with a plate of beans and the picture is complete.
SIC’s Rules for Interns:
—————————–
Rule 44:
(a)..All photos of females with mammary meccas too large for body size must be shown in a flaming red dress.
(b)..Photos of Mrs. SIC in a thigh-high dress and 6″ high heels submitted for publication will result in immediate termination.
Donita Todd’s opinions are garbage. Nothing more than pandering to segments of viewers. I watched it last night to see if she’d say anything about Hoover. Nope. Her “opinion” was having random interns read internet comments responding to her other opinions.
Yea, but she has large tits, so there’s something redeeming there. I can focus on her tits while her lips move.
She’d have been a good lay 20 years ago.
I would be eager to play with those tits – if only I can get-my-fingers-to-uncramp!
Perhaps if she first gave you a “release”, no?
I don’t think that is appropriate, unless it is only for physical therapy.
Shifty Henry is alive!
Your opinion is her opinion is garbage…what if she said she thought your opinion is always on the mark, would her opinion then be worthwhile?!
She would never say that because she is a moron. If she did, happen to have a moment of clarity and publicly agree with all of my opinions, I’d be happy to pat her on the back for her change of heart. Wouldn’t make her prior opinions any less garbage though.
WIS is nothing more than a troll net for media clicks! They troll for stories that will push the public outcry, so tires of seeing stories that have nothing to do with this state being pushed out in the media stream. Mostly animal abuse, or child abuse stories. When that fails they find stories to run about police gone wild! WIS has no integrity or media professionalism and that starts with Ms. Todd and her Perspective. Who gives a hookers ovary what her perspective is, now over to you Ron.
Where might I find an example of the opinion piece ridicule? Sounds like a fun read.
Just one more word for Donita Todd – SPANX!
And a brown paper bag.
Ben took the last one when he left Thursday.
“Look Ron, I’m riding a furry tractor!”
I bet she smells.
And its not her socks.
The whole package just looks musty.
“What Would Ron Burgundy Do?”
Have salon quality hair and read the news, that’s what he’d do.
LOL….just look at this comment section. No one gets it…..NO ONE. The readers and loyal comment “warriors” have a golden “lance” and have failed to capitalize.
Wil Folks has set the table but has anyone even NIBBLED…? Nope….not even smirks or Jackie Chiles or Grand Tango……!! Gotta luv it….
SO…..here goes……
Mr. Folks set the table by asking….”What would Ron Burgundy do…?” Mr Folks is not asking a “question”, he is actually signalling a counter action.
What if every “news anchor” in our state was a Ron Burgundy “puppet”? How would each one of US use the News Anchor puppet to stampede a ….”target”…?
How would we use Tara “Serv-a-cious” to torpedo a car dealership that advertises in WIS….?
How would we use Brian Crabtree to plant an IED on the road to Mungo Real Estate…??
How would we use Ron Burgundy to ask Ben “Hoover the Moover” a question about WIS advertising rates and the campaign slots available during an election “sweeps” moment…?
We highly suspect that if Ron Burgundy got fired from WIS that he would at least go out with a laugh……..
Yes, that’s EXACTLY what everyone here was thinking. Good job bro.
My mind used to run off on tangents like that. Finally I figured out that a very strong Afghan strain of pot was causing it. Back to the skunk now and all is copacetic.
This picture speaks a 1000 words:
https://fbcdn-sphotos-c-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-xpa1/t1.0-9/10486111_10152187009487374_1261944718206685980_n.jpg
I have just one thought – woof!
I’m Brick Tamland and I approve this message!
https://scontent-a.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xfa1/t1.0-9/q71/s720x720/10399981_10204474464047698_8014857510331879395_n.jpg
“Where’d you get those clothes, at the toilet store?”
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SLXnBI4ykVs
That one just told me I won’t be needing to eat dinner tonight. Pure repugnance.
I have noticed a few impolite comments about Todd’s looks. This controversy may have more to do with Hoovers looks. GrandTango’s blog shows a picture of street protesters. All of them appear to be women. Is Hoover a journalist or another stud news reader?
He couldn’t be caught in Donita’s fish net even with the titty trap bait. Donita doesn’t like the word no.
“I’m Brick Tamland. People seem to like me because I am polite and I
am rarely late. I like to eat ice cream and I really enjoy a nice pair
of slacks. Years later, a doctor will tell me that I have an I.Q. of 48
and am what some people call mentally retarded
Has Ben become Will’s new bromance? We haven’t seen a word about T-Rav in what 20 or 30 minutes, perhaps, Slick has dropped him like he’s hot in favor of Ben. I’ll admit that Ben would be a better catch, what with the lack of a criminal record and all but T-Rav, what a man’s man, boats, polo, unwed babies, coke, FEC violations…
oops left off the DUI…
It’s always about Ron Burgundy never about Brick. Why does everyone hate Brick? I’m going to tell you about Donita she’s a witch, she makes me cry, and some nights she won’t even let me go home, she keeps me locked in her dungeon and the second basement of the station.
Last weekend I missed the forecast for Okatie, SC and some thunderbumpers came in about 30 minutes before I said they would and it ruined the her fishnet dinner party. She punished me by tying me to a her special table in her dungeon then her and Dawndy took indecent liberties with me and each other which they made me watch. I love lamp.
Come on now guys…..your SMART. Wil Folks knows it.
SO…….How close is Ben “Hoover” to the “Hoover” car dealership chain..?
…is this a family relation…??
….how has “Hoover the Moover” car advertising dollars changed in the recent years…?
…..this “Ben” move is about more than just an “anchor”..?
…….what real estate has the “Hoover the Moover” dealership been keen on in Columbia…?
Grand Tango wants to know……..
Fire Judy G too….she is terrible. Condescending attitude with only the correct camera angle and camera height. Can she only read the teleprompter with her right eye?
She has that salamander/Jesse Jackson eye thing going on.
Isn’t there a pornstar named Donita Dunes?
Anyone catch the story Benjamin’s people planted on WIS about a “potential civil action” for saying Benjamin with involved with Pinson’s scams? Guess T-Bone is back giving Judi Gatson some one on one civil service. Good thing she’s as barren as the Mojave, else there’d be another lil’ Stevie running around…
What happened to the chick in the wheelchair? She was pretty good.
Susan Aude retired in 2006.
Ben who? I mean, does someone REALLY care if another dime-a-dozen boring talking head is replaced by an exact replica for the infinite time since I was born in Columbia. If you “care” about which guy is telling you that Gervais Street is closed for a parade then I’m sorry to inform you, you have no life.
Poll: Should WIS TV Renew TV Anchor Ben Hoover’s Contract? http://www.latestpoliticalpolls.net/2014/07/05/poll-wis-tv-renew-tv-anchor-ben-hoovers-contract/
“Again, “Hoover-gate” fails to hold our attention.”
Yet you keep writing about it.
Could this be an elaborate scheme to take attention away from the completely mind boggling immigration calamity going on right now? Watch Obammy sign some really overreaching executive order while the torches and pitchforks are all out at the intersection of Bull and Gervais, when it’s all over Ben gets his job back and we are all still fucked’r than fucked.
Who are you people? Furthermore, who runs FITSNews? Any award winning journalism lately? Who are you to judge talent of anyone, let alone a top notch anchor! How did this trash get on my page anyway? Definite block!
FitsNews is the worst pile of garbage. Notice how they pretty much insult the people of the midlands. pffft.
Well if I am Meeeeeeeegan Norman is the answer to Ben Hoover they are so wrong! I can think of at least one other person they should have dropped, Ben the so called weather man who is more interested in presentling himself than giving an accurate weather report, as here in Clarendon County who supposedly are just receiving light rain, so why is my sattelite out and what is that noise out there, oh maybe it is thunder and lightning. Thank God for John Farley who comes at the six o’c,ock news and sets it all straight! Thoroughly disgusted!