Last Updated on October 31, 2004 by Paulette Brown-Hinds
Los Angeles
What does it take to land a weathercaster position in a top television market? Find out as the “KTLA Morning News” holds The Audition, a twist on the traditional news broadcast audition scenario, beginning Monday, November 1 (7 to 9 a.m.), and culminating with the announcement of the station’s new “News @ Ten” weathercaster on Wednesday, December 1.
The Audition process began in September when KTLA placed announcements in broadcast and entertainment trade publications seeking unique individuals — no broadcast experience necessary, to compete for its open weathercaster position. Candidates were required to submit reels and resumes and be available to come to KTLA in October and November.
In late September a panel of judges from KTLA selected 16 candidates from hundreds of submissions. In addition to unique presentations, the judges’ criteria included comfort in front of the camera, dynamics and overall performance that would relate well to viewers.
In early October, each of the candidates arrived at KTLA and participated in a taped audition. Each of these auditions will be seen on the “KTLA Morning News” from Monday, November 1 through Thursday, November 4. Out of the 16 eager candidates, eight (8) will be selected to move on to the next round. Viewers will see the selection of this group of eight live on “Morning News” on Friday, November 5.
Then from Monday, November 8 through Thursday, November 11 “Morning News” viewers will see the next round of auditions live. On Friday, November 12, the competition will intensify as “KTLA Morning News” viewers will learn who the four (4) quarter finalists are.
With the four (4) quarter finalists ready to graduate to the next round, The Audition will go in to survivor mode the week of November 15, as candidates flex their talent once again in front of the judges, resulting in the announcement of the three (3) semi-finalists on Friday, November 19. These three will audition the following week (11/22-11/24) and be reduced to two (2) finalists.
Finally, the most compelling moment of The Audition arrives, as two (2) finalists battle it out for their dream job live on Monday and Tuesday, November 29 and 30, leading up to the dramatic moment when KTLA’s new evening weathercaster is crowned by “Morning News” weatherman Mark Kriski on Wednesday, December 1, and awarded the job as KTLA’s “News @ Ten” weathercaster.
Viewers will be able to weigh in on The Audition and let KTLA know who they think should be KTLA’s next weathercaster, as well as post messages about the competition, by logging on the www.ktla.com/audition. “Morning News” anchors will read some of the most interesting comments throughout the competition.
The Audition is sponsored by Southern California Edison.
KTLA, Channel 5, is The WB affiliate in Los Angeles and a Tribune Broadcasting station.