In a shocking move, KDNL (Channel 30) told its newsroom on Sept. 28 that it was dropping newscasts from the station's schedule. Forty seven staffers will be out of work following the 10 p.m. news on Oct. 12. Channel 30 is owned by Sinclair Broadcasting.

General manager Tom Tipton, clearly upset about having to make the move, said, "The competitive landscape is such that it has become increasingly difficult to operate a competitive news department. Rather than sacrifice the quality of the news we deliver, we decided to close it down."

I interpret that as meaning that Channel 30 was never able to break the habits of viewers in St. Louis. More than most cities, St. Louis viewers stick with what they know. Channel 30's five-year-old news operation couldn't break people away from their habits with the other channels. And although they had a few good people on the air, the station's overall broadcast was never good enough to compel viewers to switch from their familiar faces.

Those with contracts will be paid for the length of their agreement. Others will get severance pay. Tipton says outplacement services will be offered to anyone affected by the newsroom shutdown.

Channel 30's ratings have been abysmal...