Sources: WB56 to be sold, news department eliminated

Sources: WB56 to be sold, news department eliminated

Three Boston media sources have confirmed to Media Blitz that Florida-based Sunbeam Television Corporation headed up by Ed Ansin is set to purchase Boston’s WB56 and eliminate the station’s news department.

A WB56 source told Media Blitz regarding the sale, “You are on the mark.” When asked if, in fact, the news division would be scrapped, the WB56 source added, “If they (Sunbeam) comes in, that is a distinct possibility. They already have their people in place.”

Sunbeam currently owns 7NBC in Boston. If the sale becomes reality, they would most likely use 7NBC’s on-air talent and production people to create an early newscast on Channel 56. The situation would be similar to that of WBZ-TV 4 and UPN38. According to another source, familiar with the negotiations, only WB56 news anchor Karen Marinella would remain part of the on-air staff.

The WB56 source relates, “I’ve heard stories of Ed Ansin being close to signing a deal, then walking away from the table. Management here has been mum on the deal. I am not sure what Ansin’s plan would be. Maybe he will do something like WBZ and UPN or maybe he is trying to make us the NBC affiliate. No one really knows.”

All of the sources have stated that Ansin does not get along with NBC and the feeling is mutual. Media Blitz has left a message for Ansin, whose assistant said he was out of town until next week. A message has also been left for WB56 general manager Vincent Manzi.

The general consensus among the sources is that if Ansin seals the deal, he will have a 10:00 p.m. newscast on 56 featuring 7NBC personnel similar to the WBZ/UPN model.

Says one veteran Boston TV executive who has spent time at Channel 7 and several other Boston stations, “That is a royal pain in the ass. The same people have to produce another newscast.

“In sports, you have to cut highlights for the 10:00 news, then cut highlights again for the 11:00 report. Everyone has to produce different stuff and with Ansin, you know they are not going to get paid any more money. “

That same source commented on the ongoing search for a replacement for departed 7NBC anchor Wendi Nix. “I have been told that agents are keeping their female clients away from Channel 7. ESPN gets 1000 resumes a day and they have suggested to many agents that these prospective employees apply for the opening at Channel 7.

“The agents, however, know that it is a (terrible) place to work and that the pay is low. You can’t be your own person and there is total interference. Agents are not sending their female clients’ tapes and resumes to 7NBC.”

So, what does this mean for current 7NBC fill-in Duke Castiglione? Says the source, “Duke has applied for the job full-time, but 7 has only offered him a limited contract. He’s got another offer out of town and still works at ESPN. ESPN is a great place to work, but they won’t give him benefits.

“He can’t learn anything at Channel 7. The only thing they offer is money. 7 only wants Duke for a short period of time until they can hire a female reporter permanently.” Media Blitz placed a call to 7NBC news director Linda Miele but has yet to hear back from her.

As for the rumored and now imminent WB56 purchase by Ansin, the sources say that both Ansin and NBC were vying for the station. “About a month ago, there was talk that Ansin would buy WB56,” says one source. “He doesn’t like NBC and NBC does not like him.”

Adds the WB56 source, “This business has changed forever with station consolidation and ownership changes. No one here is sure what’s going to happen. I have been quietly poking around for other opportunities.”