WTMJ Channel 4 is reporting on its Web site that there's a monkey on the loose in Pewaukee. It doesn't get any more live, local or late-breaking, folks.

Here's their description:

"PEWAUKEE - There's a monkey on the loose in the City of Pewaukee. The animal was spotted Monday by a woman living near Pewaukee Road and Highway M. She saw the animal after she heard screeching behind her condo. Police were called, but the monkey escaped into a nearby marsh. Police believe it may be someone's pet."

And of course, there's video. Here's the link to this silliness:

http://www.todaystmj4.com/_content/news/topstories/story_3542.asp

I like a good monkey story as much -- or perhaps more so -- than the next guy, but watching Susan Kim report on this subject, and listening to Vinny Vitrano banter about it -- is among the more insane definitions of local news.

Perhaps "Today's TMJ 4" should stick to stories about sex predators on MySpace.

And yes, I hope the monkey makes it to freedom.

6 comments about this article. Post a comment / write a review.

Recent Talkbacks ...

Posted by OMCreader on July 24, 2006 at 9:21 a.m. (report)

Tabitha said: Local Milwaukee TV news is TERRIBLE...at ALL STATIONS. I am so sick of "breaking news" for events that happened 3 hours ago, or in some cases, three days ago. In one case, after the "event" happened MONTHS back...TMJ4 was pushing "breaking news" for the subject involved when he was sentenced. Of course, there is always Channel 12 who will 4ever use the opportunity to re-use its footage of the April 1994 of the bank robbery and chase sequence! And then theres always the investigative reports-during sweep months! Thank god TMJ4 is "perched" on watching where my fish fry's come from!

Posted by OMCreader on July 20, 2006 at 11:08 p.m. (report)

Otto said: TMJ's news has suffered since the loss of their previous news director. The station that was once seen as the pinnacle of broadcast journalism is now spinning downwards toward the Fox look. Funny thing, but Ch 58's news is looking like a better choice.

Posted by OMCreader on July 20, 2006 at 12:45 p.m. (report)

sharon said: I agree with you Andy. I hear that too. I think Channel 4 in general is going through some sort or reorg - and not for the better, along with it's affiliate WKTI. There's a a reason why all the good ones are leaving.

Posted by OMCreader on July 19, 2006 at 4:44 p.m. (report)

Re: said: So what... at least their investigations are informative !

Posted by OMCreader on July 19, 2006 at 11:07 a.m. (report)

Diane said: Funny that I would read this blog today. I was just pondering the state of local news recently. I have to admit I'm in somewhat of a quandry about the whole thing. On the one hand, I'm opposed to the mindless fluff we're usually presented with--the human interest stories, the cute pets/babies, etc. Who is the audience for this stuff? Is it adding value to society in any way? On the other hand, I'm opposed to all the violence that's reported, too. It makes Milwaukee sound like a scary place to live. And if you think about it, the daily videos of people of color in orange jumpsuits facing a judge only feeds our racism problem doesn't it? And hearing about all the terrifying things that happen in this world only feeds our anxieties and fears. Do we need more of that? Americans are experiencing more anxiety now than ever before. Is it the terrorists or the onslaught of violent news stories? I also think that hearing about all the rapes, murders, and kidnappings makes us think they happen more frequently when statistically the opposite is true. We don't feel safe anymore, and I believe it's because we're overexposed to violence in the news. So, what's the solution? Stick your head in the sand? I wouldn't want to do that. I think there is important information out there we need to know about. Government activity, natural disasters, consumer affairs, business news are all important for us to stay on top of. And of course, some news is just plain fun! Who doesn't love a stupid criminal story?!! I guess what I'm saying is I don't have the answers, but I'd definitely like to see some change. I'll have to check out that CBS 58 news tonight and see how I feel about it. Otherwise, I may just relegate myself to liberal slanted public television and radio news sources. And of course, there's always the internet!!!

Recent blogs/briefs by Andy Tarnoff

Let's get realistic about Afghanistan Thursday Obama can't win, when it comes to the war on terror. He can't "win" the war in Afghanistan, ...

Plenty of good Packers plates still available Monday Personalized Packers vanity plates aren't cheap. Fortunately, there are ample combination ...

You can dance if you want to Monday I went to the wedding on Saturday night of one of my wife's best friends. The reception, ...

Has Google's stance on neutrality gone too far? Nov. 25, 2009 The Web is buzzing about an offensive and crude Photoshopping of Michelle Obama that, ...

I'm becoming addicted to the online bargain Nov. 23, 2009 There's something about the online bargain that has me hooked. Whether it's eBay, Craigslist ...