I’m taking my talents to Chatham Parkway.
You will have to forgive me for the use of that line. That’s the old sportscaster in me paying tribute to Lebron James’ 2010 announcement that he was moving to Miami to become a member of the Miami Heat. A huge day for me as a South Florida sports fan.
As days go, though, they don’t get much better than this one here. Today.
One of the happiest of my 25 year television career.
Eat It and Like It with Jesse Blanco has a new home. Beginning Sunday, September 23rd you will find us on WTOC-TV. 11:30am, right before the NFL on CBS Pregame show. It would be impossible to be any more excited about this news.
Six years ago (2012 if you are scoring at home) we took a chance with our show by choosing a time slot we knew would be tough to attract viewers. Sunday mornings, 7:30am. Siberia. The other option was Tuesday morning 2:00am. Fun fun! So we rolled the dice, put out as good of a product as we possibly could and hoped and prayed that you would watch.
Not only have people been watching, but ratings have been strong and steady for 6 years now. There were some ratings periods where of all the people watching television at that hour of the morning, the large majority were tuned in to our show. Eat It and Like It was so strong that WSAV brought in a cooking show out of Augusta to drop in the time slot ahead of us. We were glad to provide a wave to ride but also humbled that things were going so well for us.
Nothing, however, lasts forever.
Presented with an opportunity earlier this year to join the number one television station in this region, we jumped at it. Our projected growth will be two-fold. Not only will we have more eye balls at 11:30am on Sunday mornings, but our episodes going forward will also be available for streaming into your living room or smartphone via the ROKUTV app. All of you cord cutters aren’t going to get away so easily. And, yes, this also allows us a much larger platform for our Drink It and Like It project we told you about last month.
If that isn’t enough for us to be giddy about, we are thrilled to have the opportunity to contribute content to a brand new digital platform WTOC-TV is offering. It is called “Your Savannah Weekend” and will feature our city in a new light. Arts, Entertainment, Culture, and of course Food. We’ll be right there, Eating and Liking.
To coincide with the move, we’ve updated our logo and all of our graphics to prepare us for the future.
There is more, but we will get to all of that down the road. Today is a great day in our journey. There is no question there will be more. Remember that magazine we told you about last year? Yeah, it is most certainly coming. We just had to put all of that on hold while we made this transition.
We wouldn’t be in this position without your loyal support. Those of you that watch, those of you that visit this website and those of you who follow us on social media, receive the newsletters and attend our sold-out events. Thank you all.
On behalf of our Managing Partner Senea Crystal and our Creative Brand Manager Melody Johnson, I cannot thank you enough for being a part of this amazing journey.
See you on TV – September 23rd on WTOC-TV
Jesse
17 thoughts on “Our new home is WTOC”
Congrats Jesse!
Awesome. I checked at 1201 and didn’t see anything. I was worried you were going to be a contestant on chopped or something dumb like that
Congratulations Jesse! I can’t think of many people that are as deserving as you and your family. I remember when you were supportive and encouraging of my move from the JEA to my own studio. Thank you again for your genuine excitement for me. Now it’s my turn to do the same for you. Your show is wonderful. Keith and I watch it as we get ready for church every Sunday. We will continue to watch and enjoy. BREAK A LEG!
Renee’ Grotheer
Jesse and Senea, congratulations on all of the big news. The new time slot is terrific and it’ll be fun to see what you do with it. On behalf of the 28,000+ of us that represent the local tourism industry, we appreciate all that you do to help us promote everything that is good about visiting Savannah and Chatham County!
Keep going!
Jesse and Senea, congratulations on this big news. On behalf of the 28,000+ of us that represent the local tourism and hospitality community, thank you for all that you do to help promote everything that is good about visiting Savannah and Chatham County!
Keep going!
Congratulations Jesse! This will greatly expand your viewing audience and your ratings no doubt!
I’m disappointed because I really liked your 7:30 spot. 11:30 is right in the middle of church, so I won’t be able to watch anymore.
We will be in church also and unable to watch any more. We are very disappointed also.
Thanks for taking the time to comment. Please keep in mind that on demand options have now improved dramatically with the ROKUTV app as well as Amazon Fire. There is also DVR to be able to watch whenever you’d like.
Well deserved recognition for the hardest working guy in local tv!!
Congrats.
I record and watch at my leasure!
Yes, CONGRATS ! If you are happy I am too.
I loved the 7:30 timetime slot though not home at 11:30 .
Looking forward to all you do!
Congratulations, Jesse. Well deserved.
Congratulations and good luck in your new endeavors. since we cut the cable we can watch on Roku.
thanks Dave.
Congratulations and Blessings to all of you. Jesse, you are an incredible MAAAAAAAAAN!! Now when will this Rhode Islander be able to find some fried Clams in Savannah? Please help an old Yankee out.
Thannnnnnnnnnnk you. Only place Ive seen is Poseidon on Hilton Head Island