A changing role for McKinney at WKMTV (Ch.15)
7:03 PM 10/06/03
Tom Alesia Wisconsin State Journal

One of Madison's most prominent TV personalities, Mike McKinney, is no longer anchoring the 10 p.m. news on WMTV (Ch. 15), placing a cloud over his future at the NBC affiliate. <

McKinney, who had been the 10 p.m. co-anchor at the station since April 1997, remains as the station's co-anchor Mondays through Thursdays at 5 and 6 p.m. He also has added day-time reporting duties and anchors the 10 p.m. news on Sundays. <

"Management felt somebody else could do a better job in attracting viewers to the 10 p.m. newscast, which is our big show," McKinney said. "They made the change." <

Last week, Mike Johnson moved into that station's weekday co-anchor spot at 10 p.m., teaming with Becky Hillier. <

McKinney was up front about the change. <

"I'm fairly well-paid and our ratings have not really reflected that, so a lot of this is a corporate decision," he said. "I really believe it's a business decision and not personal." <

NBC 15 news director Jim Dick downplayed McKinney's job change, saying: "We have some plans to expand Mike's role in the upcoming year. He's very involved." <

McKinney said his contract does not end until December 2004. He has been a frequent winner in various citywide media polls as the area's most popular local newscaster. <

"My plan was to retire as anchor at NBC 15," said McKinney, 37, who is a St. Louis native. "But this is a business that your plans don't always happen the way you want them to. <

"This town is becoming more competitive as a news town." <

McKinney remains upbeat about his situation. <

"I had my first Friday night off this weekend in 10 years and it was pretty cool," he said. "Do I feel this is kind of the beginning of my transition out of here? That's probably it and that's sad to me. Personally, it's a good move. Professionally, it remains to be seen." <