Note: EMGR has moved to its own domain name. This site will remain online (but with closed comments) until roughly July 1, 2007. Please update your bookmarks to visit EMGR at its new location: eriemediablog.com.

Thursday, November 16, 2006

Yes... There is a History Between SJL and New Vision... and New Vision and Erie

For those looking for any kind of connection between SJL and New Vision, you can stop looking. (The FCC records are really great)

In 2002, after owning KSBY in Santa Barbara, California for about 6 years, SJL sold the station to New Vision Television for 39.5 million.

Two years later, New Vision sold the KSBY to the Evening Post Publishing Company for over 67 million. (I would say that was a healthy return on investment) At the same time New Vision sold all their other stations to various other groups.

Now they are back again in a big way into the TV business.

Of additional interest is that Jason Elkin of New Vision and his advisers had visited WICU before it was sold to SJL. At the time, many insiders thought that New Vision was going to be the buyer. He would be generally familiar with the station and, at the time, was impressed.

However, all this is circumstantial speculation in light of the New Vision purchase in Youngstown yesterday. But Elkin says that they are definitely in a buying mood.

(Let's see Atlanta...Pittsburgh...Erie. Not a bad flight.)

14 comments:

Anonymous said...

Jack

Are you sure you weren't a private investigator or in law enforcement? You have done a magnificent job of putting together the SJL/Lilly/New Vision puzzle.

It is a well known fact that at the time WICU was sold to SJL/Lilly Jason Elkin was quoted as saying, "If WICU ever comes on the market again I'd buy It in an instant!"

Mr. Elkin was most impressed with the Channel 12 operation. It looks as Erie might have a "NEW VISION" in its future? At least WICU? WSEE? WICU AND WSEE?

Tune In Tomorrow! Same Bat Time! Same Bat Channel!

Anonymous said...

I would be surprised if WICU or WSEE isn't sold by this time next year.

People who work at WICU and WSEE would let you believe that SJL/Lilly is a fine company to work for.

It is no secret that SJL/Lilly has been selling their properties east of the Mississippi River. What they won't tell you is that SJL/Lilly no longer wishes to be station owners East of the Mighty Miss!

They primarily want to change into a west coast station owner.

Some people are in denial over this. Some people actually have done quite well kissing up to the Lilly family. Some (a lot) have lost their jobs. Erie TV is now at the point where future cuts would be cutting bone, not flesh.

I guess SJL/Lilly accomplished what they wanted to in Erie: The Rape and Destruction of 2 fine stations!

(That last comment oughta bring the heat!)

Anonymous said...

Please quit slamming the Lilly's! They have done a fine job. We are treated with respect and kindness. We even have a suggestion box!

What more could you want?

Anonymous said...

I agree with the remark about future cuts cutting into bone not flesh.

However, being a good station manager means doing more for your employees. Not just putting out a suggestion box!

I am not slamming the Lilly's. When you look at it objectively you will see they are terrible.

Jack Tirak said...

To the above Anonmymous...

I think you may not recognize a slight tongue in cheek from the poster before yours.

The suggestion box comment came from a post several weeks ago from a WICU employee comment made to Portland Oregon reporter.

I think that poster was having a little fun.(At least that's the way I read it)

Anonymous said...

I was mistaken. There is a happy employee at WICU! It was the person who told the Portland newspaper that SJL is a GREAT company to work for!

I think this person has been in front of her computer screen too long?

Anonymous said...

From what I have read, new vision has a focus on the future and making the stations a player. But what I have heard they have a "controversial industry veterans" operating the the group and they see TV stations as being beachfront property and they will be big winners in the future. It sounds like they look for a profit and like making winners but is it all that rosey?
http://www.mediavillage.com/jmr/2005/07/13/jmr-07-13-05/

Anonymous said...

Finally, a company that views owning a Television station as a growth business!

I cannot wait for the day we are ALL liberated from the bastards at you-know-who!

Anonymous said...

It is so nice to see someone that knows how to get under managements skin.

You have no idea how crazy you are driving management at SJL/Lilly?

Keep it up. I guess they can't handle the truth!

Anonymous said...

Oh My God! Here we ******* go again! (I'm going to self-edit because I'm pissed!)

Who the **** is your source?
Where the **** do you get this **** from?
Do you have any idea what the **** you are doing?
I love how you are ******* upsetting the staff!

**** YOU!
SCREW IT!

(Sometimes a TV station has to operate below radar to get things done. You better not **** this up!)

Jack Tirak said...

Above anonymous...

What is the meaning of "this"?

Haven't you heard of the internet and the FCC?

But thank you for following he rules. You stated your opinion.

Anonymous said...

"Operating below the radar"? why does that sound wrong? anyone please specify.

Jack Tirak said...

I am only guessing but that person may consider EMGR doppler radar and that a sale is in the wind that they think could be spoiled.

Anonymous said...

They don't want people to know their business. If they had their way the FCC would not require a public file - or anything else public, for that matter.