TIME WARNER CABLE SoCal News
Circa 2008
For several years TIME WARNER CABLE put the spotlight on Southland communities through an innovative local news service called SoCal News.
Featured on CNN Headline News (Channel 205) at :24 and :54 minutes after each hour and offered through Video OnDemand, these unique five-minute newscasts focused on informative and positive coverage of the issues and events happening within Southern California communities.
With nine news bureaus strategically placed throughout the So Cal region Time Warner Cable reporters were able to get to the heart of local stories that connect with the every day lives of local residents.
This was their website.
Content is from the site's 2008 - 2009 archived pages offering a historical snapshot of the type of local news this site offered its readership.
Have A News Tip Or Comment?
If you have a story idea, news tip, or a comment about anything you've seen on SoCal News, we would love to hear from you.
My SoCal Mom is a Shining Star” Contest Winners
MAY 7, 2008 - Time Warner Cable announced the two grand prize winners of the "My Mom’s a Shining Star" Mother's Day Contest, sponsored by TWC SoCal News, Bloomingdale's and Burke Williams.
The contest gave Southern California residents the opportunity to honor their mothers by submitting one-minute videos describing why their mom should be considered a “shining star.” The videos were shown on Time Warner Cable’s Video OnDemand service for viewers who could then vote for their favorite entries via the Time Warner SoCal News website.
Shining Star moms Pam Roach and Carol Mealey garnered the most viewer votes and both received grand prizes courtesy of Bloomingdale’s and Burke Williams. These moms were also featured in separate profiles in a special edition of Time Warner Cable's "SoCal News," which can be seen by TWC customers at :24 and :54 past the hour on CNN Headline News, and by digital cable subscribers on TWC Video OnDemand, Channel One in the "Local" category.
Christina Macaulay, anchor of SoCal News surprised the winning moms with their prizes on Mother’s Day.
Carol Mealey of Cypress is the winner of the $1,500 Bloomingdale’s “Shopping Spree and Beauty Rejuvenation Package.”
She was nominated by her daughter, Sandra who put together a fun video with music telling us why her Mom is a shining star.
Carol’s video entry received nearly 3,000 votes on the SoCal News website. Carol Mealey will receive a "Queen for a Day" beauty rejuvenation package and a shopping spree from Bloomingdale’s.
Pam Roach of El Segundo is the winner of the Burke Williams prize. She was nominated by her son Patrick and daughter Kimberly who say she has been a constant shining star through very difficult times.
Their mother has had a hereditary form of cancer for the past 14 years. She’s had two brain surgeries; both of her kidneys were removed and now she goes in for dialysis and chemotherapy three times a week. Her young daughter Kimberly was also diagnosed with the same form of cancer and underwent brain surgery ten months ago.
Pam was constantly at Kimberly’s side during the six weeks of her daughter’s recovery and her friends and family say that during all of this darkness Pam is always shining bright. Pam Roach will receive a "Day Away" massage package and a year of facials and massages courtesy of Burke Williams.
In addition to being broadcast on CNN Headline News, SoCal News can be watched at your leisure on Time Warner Cable’s Video OnDemand.
Along with SoCal News, you may select additional Time Warner Cable locally produced programs including “Dodgers on Demand,” “Local Edition,” and other offerings important to our Southern California viewers.
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2008 OCTOBER Google News - Top Stories
Markets' message: Give us a financial rescue that works
Los Angeles Times - 36 minutes ago
If Wall Street wanted to keep the pressure on world leaders for another huge government-led bailout of the global financial system, maybe the rally in the final hour today wasn?t the right strategy.
Video: Wild Swings Drive Morning Trading AssociatedPress
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Paulson Says Will Buy Bank Equity `Soon as We Can' (Update1)
Bloomberg - 45 minutes ago
By John Brinsley and Rebecca Christie Oct. 10 (Bloomberg) -- US Treasury Secretary Henry Paulson said the US will buy equity ``as soon as we can'' in banks and other financial institutions to restore market stability and revive economic growth.
US planning to buy equity in financial institutions Reuters
Paulson: US Will Invest in Banks Washington Post
Bizjournals.com - MarketWatch - CNNMoney.com - guardian.co.uk
all 1,652 news articles
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McCain-Palin Supporters Gone Wild
New York Times - 2 hours ago
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By LIZ GANNES, GigaOm Video interviews by confrontational Barack Obama supporters at John McCain rallies are shooting up the YouTube charts, revealing angry and nasty anti-Obama sentiment that is in turn motivational for the Democratic presidential ...
Video: AP Campaign Minute AssociatedPress
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Court makes Conn. 3rd state to allow gay marriage
The Associated Press - 1 hour ago
HARTFORD, Conn. (AP) - A sharply divided Connecticut Supreme Court ruled Friday that gay couples have the right to get married, saying legislators did not go far enough when they approved same-sex civil unions that were identical to marriages in ...
Connecticut Ruling Overturns Ban on Same-Sex Marriage New York Times
Viewpoint: For Gay Marriage, Time to Go Beyond the Courts TIME
Boston Globe - CNN - ABC News - Connecticut Post
all 1,346 news articles
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Conflict Resolution Marked Career of Nobel Laureate Martti Ahtisaari
Voice of America - 2 hours ago
By Andre de Nesnera Conflict resolution marked the career of former Finnish president Martti Ahtisaari who has received this year's Nobel Peace Prize for his efforts to secure peace in various regions of the world.
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Martti Ahtisaari gets a deserved Nobel Peace Prize for a (failed) plan Times Online
The Associated Press - Sydney Morning Herald - TIME - AFP
all 1,240 news articles
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MN-Senate: Coleman Puts the Kibosh On Negative Ads
Washington Post - 2 hours ago
Minnesota Sen. Norm Coleman has decided to pull negative ads, but is it too late to make a difference? (Joshua Roberts/Bloomberg News) The Minnesota Senate race -- already one of the most high-profile statewide contests in the country -- took another ...
Senator Coleman Pulls Negative Ads New York Times
Coleman calls off negative ads Minneapolis Star Tribune
The Weekly Standard - St. Cloud Times - Hutchinson Leader - Morris Sun Tribune
all 522 news articles
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Man dies after balloon crashes in flames in NM
The Associated Press - 2 hours ago
BERNALILLO, NM (AP) - A hot air balloon crashed into power lines and burst into flames Friday during Albuquerque's annual balloon fiesta, throwing both men on board to the ground and killing one of them.
One dead in balloon crash BBC News
KOB.com - WLOS - KVIA - NewsWest9.com
all 610 news articles
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Mad Dash for House Seats
New York Times - 2 hours ago
By Michael Falcone A leader of the Republican effort to stanch what could be a substantial blood-letting of seats in the House of Representatives today put his best face on in predicting a strong finish for his party in the final weeks before the ...
Davis Predicts 'Double-Digit' Losses for House GOP FOXNews
Strategists See Republicans Losing Seats In House This Election RTT News
CQPolitics.com - Washington Post - Bloomberg - The Hill
all 24 news articles
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Teachers Sue Over Right to Politic
New York Times - 1 hour ago
By JENNIFER MEDINA The New York City teachers? union filed a federal lawsuit on Friday claiming that a policy banning political pins and signs in schools violates teachers? First Amendment rights by blocking them from political expression.
NY teachers union sues over ban on political pins Reuters
New York teachers sue over ban on campaign buttons The Associated Press
Newsday
all 111 news articles
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Suicide bomber kills dozens at Pakistani peace meeting
guardian.co.uk - 1 hour ago
Peace efforts in Pakistan received a major blow yesterday when a gathering of the country's nascent anti-Taliban tribal movement was bombed, killing up to 50 and injuring 100.
Bomber Strikes Anti-Taliban Meeting, Killing 40 New York Times
Pakistan suicide bomber strikes anti-Taliban tribal elders Los Angeles Times
AFP - The Associated Press - McClatchy Washington Bureau - Voice of America
all 1,000 news articles
Car bombs pair fled on rickshaws, court told
guardian.co.uk - 57 minutes ago
Two bombers made their getaway on cycle-rickshaws after cars packed with gas canisters and nails failed to explode outside a busy London nightclub, a court was told yesterday.
Doctor in bomb case 'made a will' BBC News
Car bomb trial: 'Prepared to do anything to get an explosion' Scotsman
Telegraph.co.uk - AFP - Times Online - FOXNews
all 1,233 news articles
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Child Dies Inside Car Outside School
Houston.com - 1 hour ago
HOUSTON -- A child died inside a vehicle parked at a southeast Houston elementary school Friday afternoon, police told KPRC Local 2. Investigators said the child was found at Rucker Elementary School, located at 5201 Vinett.
Dead Baby Found in Car Parked at Southeast Houston School MyFox Houston
Child left in car at Houston school parking lot dies Houston Chronicle
all 5 news articles
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Mayor Plans an $80 Million Campaign
New York Times - 3 hours ago
By DAVID W. CHEN and RAYMOND HERNANDEZ Even as Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg and his advisers await a City Council vote on a measure that would allow him to seek a third term, they are mapping out an aggressive re-election strategy that involves spending ...
NYC term limits to be the topic in churches Newsday
Complaints filed with Conflicts Board on term limits New York Daily News
WNYC - WNBC - New York Times Blogs - Crain's New York Business
all 681 news articles
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Gears of War 2 is 'Epic's Best Work,' says Bleszinski
GameDAILY BIZ - 1 hour ago
You ready to help Marcus Fenix and Delta Squad save humanity? Gears of War 2 could end up being the best selling game of this holiday season.
Video Q&A: Gears 2 golden, Epic console-focused GameSpot
Gears of War 2 Has Gone Gold, Epic's "Best Game Yet" TheHDRoom
DailyGame - GamePro.com - TG Daily - Ve3d.com
all 10 news articles
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More Background on TWCSoCalNews.com
TWCSoCalNews.com, also known as Time Warner Cable SoCal News, was a dedicated local news platform serving the Southern California region. Developed as part of Time Warner Cable’s broader strategy to provide hyper-local content, the website and its associated television channel became a staple for residents seeking community-focused news, events, and stories. This article explores the history, operations, audience, media coverage, cultural significance, and critical reception of TWCSoCalNews.com, drawing from independent sources and publicly available information.
History and Background
Time Warner Cable’s Expansion into Local News
Time Warner Cable (TWC) was one of the largest cable providers in the United States, known for its wide-reaching influence and innovative content strategies. The company’s foray into local news began with the launch of NY1 in New York City in 1992, which set the template for 24-hour, regionally focused news channels. Recognizing the demand for localized content, TWC expanded this model to other major markets, including Southern California.
The Southern California iteration-TWC SoCal News-was designed to deliver news that resonated with the diverse communities of the region. The platform included both a television channel and a companion website, TWCSoCalNews.com, which provided on-demand access to news segments, community stories, and special features.
Programming and Content
TWC SoCal News distinguished itself by focusing on positive, community-driven journalism. The service featured five-minute newscasts that aired at regular intervals on CNN Headline News and were also available through Time Warner Cable’s Video OnDemand service. The channel operated multiple news bureaus across the region, enabling it to cover a wide range of stories from local politics and education to cultural events and human-interest features.
Website Features and Offerings
Local Video Content
TWCSoCalNews.com was notable for its robust video library, offering viewers the ability to watch news stories on demand. The site featured a variety of segments, including:
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Community Profiles: Highlighting local leaders, artists, and organizations.
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Event Coverage: Reporting on festivals, parades, and public gatherings.
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Public Affairs: In-depth looks at issues affecting Southern California residents, such as transportation, education, and public health.
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Special Series: Themed content, such as “My SoCal Mom is a Shining Star,” which engaged viewers through contests and community nominations.
User Engagement
The website encouraged audience participation through features like viewer polls, video contests, and opportunities to submit news tips or story ideas. This interactive approach fostered a sense of community ownership and relevance, setting TWCSoCalNews.com apart from more traditional, top-down news outlets.
Accessibility
TWCSoCalNews.com was designed to be accessible to a broad audience. In addition to the website, content was available through multiple digital platforms, including Video OnDemand and dedicated cable channels. This multi-platform strategy ensured that viewers could access local news at their convenience, a significant innovation at the time.
Critical Reception and Reviews
Audience Response
TWC SoCal News and its website generally received positive feedback from viewers who appreciated the focus on local stories often overlooked by larger media outlets. The channel’s commitment to positive, solutions-oriented journalism resonated with audiences seeking alternatives to the often negative or sensational coverage prevalent in mainstream news.
On user forums and review sites, viewers praised the platform for its accessibility, the quality of its reporting, and its ability to connect communities across the vast Southern California region. Many noted that the hyper-local approach made the news more relevant and actionable.
Industry Recognition
Media analysts highlighted TWC SoCal News as an example of successful hyper-local journalism, particularly in an era when many traditional newsrooms were downsizing their local coverage. The channel’s use of multiple bureaus and community-based reporting was seen as a model for other regional news providers.
Press and Media Coverage
Coverage in Trade Publications
TWC SoCal News and its parent company received coverage in industry publications such as Broadcasting & Cable, Multichannel News, and Variety. These outlets often cited the channel as a leader in local television news innovation, noting its integration of digital and on-demand platforms with traditional cable broadcasting.
Mainstream Media Attention
The channel’s unique programming, such as local contests and community initiatives, occasionally garnered attention from larger media outlets. For example, special events like the “My SoCal Mom is a Shining Star” contest were covered by local newspapers and radio stations, further boosting the channel’s profile in the community.
Audience and Demographics
Target Audience
TWCSoCalNews.com targeted a broad demographic, reflecting the diversity of Southern California itself. The platform aimed to serve:
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Families: Through coverage of local schools, youth programs, and family-friendly events.
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Civic-Minded Residents: With in-depth reporting on local government, public safety, and community initiatives.
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Cultural Enthusiasts: Highlighting arts, entertainment, and heritage events from across the region.
Reach and Impact
While precise audience figures for the website are not publicly available, Time Warner Cable’s extensive subscriber base in Southern California ensured that TWC SoCal News had a significant reach. The channel’s integration with Video OnDemand allowed it to capture viewers who might not tune in to traditional newscasts, expanding its influence beyond the standard cable audience.
Notable Features and Examples
Community Contests
One of the platform’s signature features was its community contests, such as the “My SoCal Mom is a Shining Star” campaign. These initiatives invited viewers to submit videos and stories about local heroes, with winners receiving prizes and recognition on both the website and television channel. Such contests not only engaged the audience but also highlighted uplifting stories from across the region.
Special Reports
TWC SoCal News produced a variety of special reports on issues like transportation infrastructure, public health, and education reform. These in-depth segments often included interviews with local officials, experts, and residents, providing a comprehensive look at topics of regional importance.
User-Generated Content
The website encouraged viewers to contribute their own news tips, photos, and videos, fostering a participatory news environment. This approach anticipated the rise of user-generated content in mainstream media and helped the channel stay connected to its audience’s interests and concerns.
Cultural and Social Significance
Championing Local Voices
TWCSoCalNews.com played a crucial role in elevating stories that might otherwise have gone unnoticed. By focusing on local achievements, challenges, and innovations, the platform helped foster a sense of community identity and pride.
Bridging Diverse Communities
Southern California is known for its cultural and demographic diversity. TWC SoCal News made a concerted effort to reflect this diversity in its coverage, featuring stories from a wide range of neighborhoods and communities. This inclusive approach contributed to greater understanding and cohesion across the region.
Innovation in Local Journalism
The platform’s integration of digital, on-demand, and traditional broadcast formats was ahead of its time. By making local news accessible across multiple platforms, TWCSoCalNews.com set a precedent for future news providers seeking to adapt to changing viewer habits and technological advancements.
Transition and Legacy
Acquisition and Rebranding
In 2016, Charter Communications acquired Time Warner Cable, leading to the rebranding of TWC’s local news channels under the Spectrum News banner. TWC SoCal News was eventually replaced by Spectrum News 1, which continues the tradition of providing local news coverage to Southern California residents.
Enduring Influence
While TWCSoCalNews.com is no longer active, its legacy endures through the ongoing operations of Spectrum News 1. Many of the innovations pioneered by TWC SoCal News-such as hyper-local reporting, community engagement, and multi-platform accessibility-remain central to the Spectrum News model.
TWCSoCalNews.com was a pioneering force in local journalism, offering Southern California residents a unique blend of community-focused reporting, accessible digital content, and opportunities for audience engagement. Its history reflects broader trends in the cable and news industries, from the rise of hyper-local coverage to the integration of digital platforms. Though the brand has been retired, its impact on local news delivery and community engagement continues to be felt through its successors.