world news with diane sawyer evidently DOES have a new announcer

abcworldnews_dianesawyer

Well color me surprised and perplexed.

I did not expect that with so many changes NOT being made (set, theme) that ABC News would replace Bill Rice with a new announcer for World News with Diane Sawyer.

I said so. I meant it!

This made me feel that we would be in good taste running our unofficial audition for the announcer job for World News with Diane Sawyer. It would be fun, harmless fun which is the point of the whole exercise.

I didn’t see the first show tonight but reports are coming in that indeed there IS a new announcer. No video yet as I think we have to wait for the west coast feed to be done at 9:30 PM ET. I’ll update it when I find it.

I am stunned and feel kind of bad about the whole thing.

Nobody and I mean NOBODY was gunning for Bill’s job with this silly event and in fact I think to a person we all respected his work. But somebody at ABC decided on a new voice and made that call.

So should we continue with the faux-ditions or is it now in bad taste? Is it a matter of ‘that’s the way our business goes’ or should we, as peers show more respect?

Kudos to the new person who got the gig. I hope it turns out to be one of my friends who has kept a great secret.

Were we merely being naively prescient with this new outcome or are we now dancing on a great announcer’s career if we keep this going?

Seriously, give me your thoughts!

P.S. 12/22/09: Here is the first video I could find of the new open.

16 Responses to “world news with diane sawyer evidently DOES have a new announcer”

  1. Like most of the world, I doubt the former announcer, new announcer or indeed anyone at ABC News either knows or cares what’s going on here.

    Keep going, it’s fine.

  2. You’re a mensch, Peter, to be so concerned. But I agree completely with Philip…

  3. @Philip I agree although with very basic internet tools, I would be surprised if some one from ABC or NBC over the years didn’t come across this stuff via key word searches. As for the network not caring, I agree completely. As for Bill Rice, I don’t know but I was just concerned about compounding what may (or may not) be his disappointment. Hopefully you’re right on all counts.

    @David thanks. It seems the majority here and elsewhere on the web is that we should forge on.

    Best always,
    – Peter

  4. Hey Peter,

    It’s nice of you to be concerned, but I would think that the decision to replace Bill and indeed the selection process was most likely completed before your “casting call” 🙂

    Merry and Happy,
    Michael.

  5. I know how you feel, Peter … the power of the virtual pen! But time passes and all is forgotten until we blunder again. NO! SERIOUSLY! I wouldn’t worry about what has very obviously been a fun tradition. All the best to you and for bringing us fun like this.

  6. I agree boys – game on!
    https://blog.audioconnell.com/2009/12/22/game-on-unofficial-audition-for-world-news-announcer-continues/

  7. Is it just me, or does the new guy sound like Mike Rowe of Discovery’s Dirty Jobs fame?

  8. Anthony:

    You may be right. That’s what I was thinking when I heard it. We’ll find out soon enough.

    Can’t wait to hear your submission.

    Best always,
    – Peter

  9. Anthony: we were right: http://www.mediabistro.com/tvnewser/abc/a_much_cleaner_job_for_mike_rowe_the_voice_of_world_news_with_diane_sawyer_146830.asp?c=rss

  10. ‘guess they want the “every man’s man” and Mike Rowe seems to be cornering the market on that archetype. I like Rowe, so good for him. ‘Still miss Bill Rice though, but I’m sure he’s been around the block enough times to understand the ups and downs of this business. (Is that a mixed metaphor?)

  11. Just heard the new intro. Pedestrian and the pay off “with Diane Sawyer” was as if he expected it to be Natasha Kaplinsky presenting so he couldn’t hide his disappointment when he realised the awful truth.

  12. It’s part of the inevitable change that started at least 5 years ago. And that is, that the networks have to update their sound to something younger in all promos, news, etc.
    The change in anchors just plays into that long term strategy.
    Congrats Rowe! BANK!

  13. Yet again… …a male voice. 😉

  14. Greetings….just learned of the “faux” contest yesterday…and hoping it’s still “open” over the coming weekend?? I plan to record on Saturday….will this be OK?
    Thanks for hosting this!
    Regards,
    Mike

  15. Send it over Mike.

    Best always,
    – Peter

  16. @ Liz I know, I thought if they would change, it might be a female. But Mike Rowe does a really nice job.

    @DC you’re right, the big announce sound (save for Cronkite’s CBS Evening News intro) seems to be ending. And even Cronkite’s is fairly subdued…and awesome.

    @Philip, one loses the reason to live when not announcing for Natasha.

    @Ron, you’re welcome

    Best to you all,
    – Peter