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Sally Thorner, one of the city's best known news anchors, officially marked her return to television Jan. 3, when WJZ-TV (Ch. 13) launched its new 5 p.m. newscast.
The hour-long newscast, a mix of hard- and soft-news stories, included Thorner's new sidekicks Bob Turk, John Buren and Sandra Pinckney in extended roles.
Thorner, 38, and her stationmates are leading the charge against WMAR-TV (Ch. 2). Until this week, WMAR was the only local station with a 5 p.m. newscast, which has had a lock as the number one program in that time slot.
WBAL-TV (Ch. 11) pulled the plug on its 5 p.m. newscast about three years ago because of poor ratings.
As expected, WJZ won the time period its premiere night with a 17 rating/27 share. WMAR finished with a 14 rating/23 share, but WJZ vice president and general manager Marcellus Alexander says he is not claiming a victory yet.
Alexander says there are some facts to take into consideration: the results are from one over-night rating period; it was a snowy day; and because it was airing, viewers were curious.
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