Wednesday, September 20, 2006

BREAKING NEWS: Channel 5's Stefani Schaefer Leaving

And the breaking news just keeps on coming...

The co-host of WEWS/5's long-running 5 PM show "Live on Five" is leaving the Cleveland ABC affiliate for a big national gig.

The Cleveland Plain Dealer's Julie Washington reports on the paper's Entertainment blog that Stefani Schaefer will leave her seat alongside local TV veteran Leon Bibb...for a new job as one of three hosts on the upcoming NBC-produced daytime program "iVillage".

Because of that show's December premiere date, Schaefer will be able to stay on at "Live on Five" through the November sweeps. Channel 5 general manager John Butte is thrilled about that, and gushes to Washington that the station is "really proud of her and excited" about Schaefer's new job.

The new show is being produced at first only for the NBC owned-and-operated stations, reports Washington, so local viewers will not see Schaefer on NBC affiliate WKYC/3 - yet.

There are plans to syndicate "iVillage" beyond the NBC owned stations, but WKYC is no longer owned by the network, so it won't be on Channel 3 - or any Cleveland station - at the beginning. Since the show will be syndicated beyond the NBC O&O's, it's possible another station - say, WEWS - could pick it up once it becomes available.

Local viewers will be able to catch up with Schaefer - who's been with WEWS since 2002 and on local TV since joining WJW/8 in 1992 - online when the "iVillage" show's website launches...

There's no word yet on who will replace her on "Live on Five"...

17 comments:

Anonymous said...

And dim bulbs who smile pretty continue to work their way to the top. It's so aggravating when shallowness and stupidity are rewarded. Isn't this same newsbunny who signed a $250K/yr deal for working 15 hours a week?

Anonymous said...

Yeah it is, and I will watch all 15 hours a week.

Anonymous said...

Steph has a degree from Mt. Union, competed in Miss Ohio finishing runner-up twice, paid her dues, got a shot and made the most of it. Why begrudge her? You don’t look so good in green.

Fact is, if shallowness and stupidity are rewarded then you should be able to retire.

Anonymous said...

Beware the "Gib Shanley and/or Robin Swoboda Syndrome." You leave the comforts of Cleveland, thinking there awaits something bigger and better in another market or another network...then, POOF...reality sets in, and you're a teeny tadpole in a big pond, no one cares about you anymore, and you're not really welcome back home, either. A sad, but true tale told all too often in these parts.

Anonymous said...

assuming 4 weeks of paid vacation per year plus holidays... her 15 hours per week were paying here $360 per hour. are you worth that much?

i'd take that gig in a heartbeat. no wonder everyone is so "green" over her.

Ohio Media Watch said...

Speaking on behalf of Your Mighty Blog of Fun(tm) - one place we CAN officially comment:

We wish Stefani all the best in her new gig.

-OMW

Anonymous said...

Gee does this mean that Robin Swoboda can come back now for the 100th time?

Anonymous said...

Yes...Mount Union, the bedrock of broadcasting schools. Schaefer and Dieter. Terrfic. Second only to the renowned Ohio Center for Broadcasting.

Anonymous said...

Gee Robin welcome back to Ch.5 15 hrs a week big money because if FOX8 WERE SMART FROM THE NEWS A FEW WEEKS AGO THAT SHE'S HEADING BACK THERE,Mike Renda forget it let 5 have her Lord knows they need the help ratings wise,plus Robin is no match against BILL AND STACEY AT 5pm

Anonymous said...

anonymous @ 3:32 ...

I don't think I'd want to see Gib in a bikini, nor Robin these days, neither.

Anonymous said...

Robin a good fit ch.5 15hrs.a week just the 5pm show home in time for dinner at 7pm,put the kids in bed up for breakfast at to send them off to school. Gee she might not have to retire again,again,again.

Anonymous said...

Fox "News" is certainly an oxymoron and they continue to hire either/or news babes or moron news babes to deliver drivel. Sissy will not fail, but she will never be a "real" news person. Oh, and she sings the National Anthem close to as badly as Rosanne Barr but knows the words.

Anonymous said...

must...try...to...care...sorry...I cannot care about this woman.

Anonymous said...

Stephanie Schaefer has worked hard to reach her level of work. I for one wish Cleveland would pick up the program ASAP. She deserves all the KUDOS we Clevelanders can give.

God Bless and Good Luck

Anonymous said...

As someone who has known Sissy Schaefer for 12 years, I can attest that she is FAR from being a "dim bulb". She graduated Summa Cum Laude from Mt. Union first of all. Secondly, she CAN sing. I was a student of hers when she and her mother ran a performing arts center in Alliance. Her voice is stunning. Those of you who have to insult someone you've never even met are pathetic windbags. Sissy is THE NICEST, most genuine, caring, gracious, compassionate person I have ever met. She's inspired me for years and remained a true friend in spite of her enormous sucess. Some of you people could take a lesson in graciousness from this woman.

-Stacey

By the way, her contract was $280k per year for 5 years. Put that in your pipe haters.

Anonymous said...

Hi i'm actually looking for stephanie's brother tommy? if any one can give me any info on where he is that would be great please contact me at angelinaandbill@yahoo.com
this is URGENT and EXTREMELY important
thanku----angelina

VICTORIA said...

Stephanie, who I proudly call "Sissy" is one of the best mom's and friends anyone could ever ask for. I am so honored to call Stephanie my friend. She is extremely genuine, caring, attentive, and humble people I have ever met. If you see her out, talk to her, she will be more then happy to share a story. She is the "real deal"

Victoria :)