This is totally untech related, but in case anyone in Topeka Kansas and surrounding areas haven't heard by now, KTKA ABC 49 in Topeka has announced (last week) that they're dropping their news casts.  The cost of going digital and the loss of compensation from ABC has forced them to do what many station in the country have had to do to stay alive, including the station I work for.  ABC stations have been getting hit the hardest, mainly because they've been the most agressive about dropping their compensation to affiliates.  Combined with the soft ad economy, the extreme costs to go digital, and the increasing costs of programming, many stations have had to can their news departments in order to stay in business.  Our thoughts and prayers go out to those who have lost their jobs.

Sorry I posted this, but it struck an all too familiar chord with me.  3 weeks ago the station I work for laid off a grand total of 15 people, our news department and some technical staff.  Fortunately I was spared (guess they still need someone in promotions ), but it was still a sad time for everyone.