KDNL (Channel 30)'s newscasts remain mired in fourth place among the four network-affiliated stations in the St. Louis, MO, market, despite a reliable anchor team and competent reporters. Its affiliation with ABC News and its acquisition by a bigger company have likewise failed to help it perform well in ratings. The station suffered when it joined the ABC network and was affected by the plunge in the network's national ratings. Its numerous personnel changes are also cited as a factor in its low ratings. According to industry sources, Channel 30 must compete in all the time slots to be taken seriously by viewers.