Breakfast With "T"

At the end of CBS 2 News This Morning, Michael Pomeranz and Lisa Hill quickly talked about a new segment in the morning. Starting tomorrow, "Breakfast With 'T'" will be with The Fresh Grocer, Tony Tantillo. He appears three times a week on CBS 2 First News at 4:00, and he'll now appear in the morning. He will show viewers how to prepare healthy breakfasts. "Eat Fresh And Stay Healthy."

CROSSING OVER WITH JOHN EDWARD Debut a Ratings Success

A CBS 2 Press Release:

CROSSING OVER WITH JOHN EDWARD, featuring renowned physic medium John Edward, debuted on CBS 2 on Monday, Aug. 27 (3:00-4:00 PM, ET) with a 2.0/5 average household rating/share, a marked increase of 186% over what the time period averaged for the prior four weeks (7/30-8/24).

The success of CROSSING OVER WITH JOHN EDWARD propelled CBS 2’s FIRST NEWS @ 4 to its highest ratings, a 2.7/6 household rating/share, since July 6. This 2.7 is also 93% higher than the average for the prior four weeks (7/30-8/24). In addition, CBS 2’s News at 5PM (3.3/7) and 6PM (2.7/5) also saw household ratings increases, 57% and 35%, respectively, compared to their averages for the prior four weeks (7/30-8/24).

Edward, a Long Island native, is one of the country’s foremost psychic mediums and author of the critically acclaimed New York Times bestsellers One Last Time and What if God Were the Sun. Since its debut on the SCI FI channel in July 2000, his talk show has become a breakout hit and a national fascination. Edward uses his unique abilities to connect people with loved ones who have passed on. Deeply fascinating, often startling and frequently humorous, Edward’s down-to-earth approach to psychic phenomena has made the show appointment viewing for even the staunchest of skeptics.

CROSSING OVER WITH JOHN EDWARD, broadcast Monday-Friday (3:00-4:00 PM, ET) on WCBS-TV, is produced by SCI FI. Paul Shavelson and John Edward serve as executive producers. Shirley Abraham is co-executive producer and Dana Calderwood directs.

(Thanks to Kevin and David for sending this press release to me!)

Chopper 2 Tour

Kevin and David tell me that CBSNEWYORK.com has added a slideshow of Chopper 2! It includes pictures of Jim Smith and Joe Biermann, and Chopper 2 covering some big news stories. To see this virtual tour, including video of a Chopper 2 landing, click here.

The CBS 2 Information Center

J.R. Whalen, manager of the CBS 2 Information Center, tells me some interesting information. Most of the people in the CBS 2 Information Center are not volunteers, rather they are a diverse mix of researchers. I was also told, "On the first day, Michael Pomeranz tried to 'stump the Info Center' twice during commercial breaks, asking us trivia questions such as the square footage of work space inside the Pentagon (3.7 million sq. ft.) and the name given to the pads seen on the underside of a dog's foot (they're called pads.) The Info Center research staff had answers for each question for him within 60 seconds. You may see instances like this on the air in the future." I expect that we will see more of the Information Center soon.

The New York Post On Studio 43

Michael Starr of The New York Post has this in today's paper:

CH. 2 has moved the last of its newscasts out of the fancy new studio near the Plaza Hotel - and back to its old studio on West 57th Street. Ch. 2 unveiled its spanking-new studios yesterday at the CBS Broadcast Center (between 10th and 11th). With the move back to its traditional home studio, Ch. 2 staffers no longer have to board a shuttle bus and schlepp across town to "The Early Show" studios on 5th and 59th - as they'd been doing since 1999.

This allows us to be here for every show, where we couldn't do that under the previous setup," said Ch. 2 GM Tony Petitti. "In the old configuration, a lot of people started [their day] here and went to [the 55th St. studio] during the day," Petitti said. "But most anchors went straight to 55th Street." Earlier this summer, Ch. 2 moved its early-morning and noon newscasts back to the Broadcast Center - and it was expected that the 4, 5, 6 and 11 p.m. newscasts would follow suit when the new facility was completed.

Petitti said that, contrary to rumors, Ch. 2 will not be dropping its "CBS2 Information Network" tag nor its 4 p.m. newscast, which now follows "Crossing Over with John Edward." "We have no plans to change that format," he said. "We bought a lot of syndicated programming . . . and we're going to see what works and how it configures." In addition to "Crossing Over," Ch. 2 will be airing syndicated version of "Weakest Link" (beginning in January) and "Who Wants to Be a Millionaire" next fall. It's also purchased "Dr. Phil," also scheduled to kick off next fall.

A few incorrect comments in the article: There is/was no CBS 2 studio on 55th Street. Most newscasts moved to the 59th Street studio on January 17, 2000 (News 2 at Noon moved a month earlier). And all the newscasts moved to the new studio yesterday; CBS 2 News This Morning and At Noon did not move earlier.
(Thanks to Brian for sending me this article!)

Nightcast in Studio 43

"Nightcast" began last night as usual: with a preview during the previous show's credits, then a 30-second commercial break. The open, which now has the new CBS 2 Information Network graphic, is now worded like this: "You're watching CBS 2, home of the CBS 2 Information Network. Live from the CBS 2 Information Center in New York, this is Nightcast." The open had called it "CBS 2 Nightcast" since late April. It now appears as if they've changed the title back to "Nightcast". This open is now different than the other new opens that premiered yesterday because it does not show the anchors in the second half (they kept the animation for the open).

Then Ernie Anastos and Angela Rae were at the plasma screens with the top story. Back at the news desk, they added an HDTV plasma screen on the right next to Ernie (possibly from Studio 59A or 59B). David Rogers previewed the weather standing by the large video wall (which shows nighttime scenes of the city). And after a story about PowerBall winners, Angela Rae said, "Well, we have hit the jackpot ourselves here at the CBS 2 Information Network. Look at us! We're in new digs!" Angela, Ernie, and David talked about the Information Center behind them, and welcomed viewers to their new home. Angela added, "And there's just more to come!"

Studio 43's First Day

All of the newscasts this evening at 4:00, 5:00, 5:30, and 6:00 used the new type of opening with the new CBS 2 Information Network animation and the anchors at the desk. At 4:08, a new CBS 2 First News at 4:00 anchor open was used: "You're watching CBS 2 First News at Four, with Dana Tyler, Ernie Anastos, Cindy Hsu, and Ira Joe Fisher's forecast." At 4:13 and 4:43, Cindy Hsu was standing by the plasma screens with the Information Network update. At 4:21, Dana Tyler and Ernie Anastos talked about the new studio, technology, and the people working in the Information Center behind them. Ira Joe Fisher added that they "have the best crew." At 4:38, Tony Tantillo had the "Top Four at 4" on the left side of the studio near the plasma screens (he used the table from The Saturday Early Show's temporary studio).

At 4:57, Angela Rae and Todd McDermott were at the plasma screens right after the top story and the open for CBS 2 News at 5:00. At 5:21, Todd, Angela, and David Rogers introduced the new studio and said that we're going to meet some of the Information Center volunteers later this week. And Angela added, "We're going to keep some of it [the changes] under the hat." Then at 5:22, the 5:00 anchor opening played but was modified so that the new CBS 2 Information Network graphic was in the beginning and the end.

At 5:58, CBS 2 News at 6:00 opened with the top story, the open, and the anchors at the desk (same as what happened today at Noon). Alexis Christoforous was in the Information Center with the CBS.MarketWatch.com report. Nightcast is coming up tonight at 11:00, and we'll have details on that tomorrow morning.

CBS 2 Names New Managing Editor and Executive Producer

A CBS 2 Press Release:

Richard Bamberger and Kristin Quillinan have been named Managing Editor and Executive Producer, WCBS-TV New York, respectively, it was announced today by Joel Cheatwood, Executive Vice President for News, Viacom Television Stations and WCBS-TV News Director. The appointment is effective Sept. 10, 2001.

“Rich and Kristin are both dynamic news managers whose track record speaks for itself,” said Cheatwood. “They are aggressive, innovative journalists who bring great passion to their work. We look forward to their arrivals.”

Bamberger, a native of New York City, most recently served as managing editor for WJBK-TV Detroit since 1997. He was responsible for managing the daily operations of the station’s newsroom with more than 110 employees and 6½ hours of news broadcasts per day. He and Kristen both were part of a team that transformed Fox 2 News into a top rated, award-winning news station.

Prior to his arrival at WJBK-TV, Bamberger was assignment manager for WFOR-TV Miami (1996-97) with responsibilities for the daily operations of the CBS owned station’s reporters and photographers.

Bamberger attended Skidmore College in Saratoga Springs, N.Y. He was graduated with a bachelor’s degree in English in 1992.

Quillinan joins WCBS-TV from WJBK-TV Detroit where she served as executive producer since 1997. In that role she oversaw the production of the station’s newscasts, setting new standards for quality in the Detroit market, which were emulated at other Fox owned television stations around the country. Quillinan was executive producer, WFOR-TV Miami (1996-97) prior to joining WJBK-TV.

Award-winning producer Quillinan began her career at WRGB-TV Albany in 1990. She served as an intern, assignment editor, associate producer and producer in her five years with the station.

Quillinan is a 1992 graduate of Siena College in Loudonville, N.Y. with a bachelor’s degree in English. She is the recipient of Emmy and Associated Press Awards for Best Newscast (1998, 1999) and Best Business and Finance Report (1997). In addition, she was cited for her work by the Michigan Association of Broadcasters (Best Station of the Year, 1999 and 2000; and Best Newscast, 1998, 1999 and 2000).

The couple was married in October 2000 and will be relocating to the New York City area.

Ernie Anastos Goes One-On-One with New York City Mayoral Candidates

A CBS 2 Press Release:

With the New York City Primary Election less than three weeks away, CBS 2 intensifies its coverage of the mayoral race with live interviews of candidates Herman Badillo, Mike Bloomberg, Terry Gray, Mark Green, Alan Hevesi, George Spitz and Peter Vallone on FIRST NEWS @ 4 beginning on Tuesday, Aug. 28 (4:00-5:00 PM, ET). Anchor Ernie Anastos hosts “Conversations with the Candidates” featuring the city’s top contenders in the hotly contested mayor’s race as they begin their final steps towards the end of the campaign trail.

Tuesday (28), Anastos talks to Conservative Party candidate Gray followed by Public Advocate Green on Wednesday, Aug. 29, Republican candidate Bloomberg on Thursday, Aug. 30 and Democrat Spitz on Friday, Aug. 31. The series continues on Tuesday, Sept. 4 featuring former Deputy Mayor Badillo and on Wednesday, Sept. 5 with City Council Speaker Vallone. Anastos’ interview with New York City Comptroller Hevesi concludes the series on Thursday, Sept. 6. FIRST NEWS @ 4 will not be broadcast on Monday, Sept. 3 and Friday, Sept. 7 due to U.S. Open Tennis Championships coverage.

“Conversations with the Candidates” will offer the participants equal time to discuss the issues most important to their campaigns and the five boroughs of New York. In addition, viewers will be able to submit questions for the candidates via the CBS 2 website.

FIRST NEWS @ 4 is broadcast weekdays (4:00-5:00 PM, ET) on WCBS-TV New York. Anastos and Dana Tyler anchor the station’s broadcast from the CBS Broadcast Center in New York City. Lucian Chalfen is CBS 2’s Assignment Manager of Planning and Investigations.

(Thanks to Brian for sending these press releases to me!)

CBS 2 News At Noon in Studio 43

Today CBS 2 News at Noon began with the top stories at 11:58, but the anchors weren't standing on the left of the desk this time. Then they had the open, with the CBS 2 Information Network logo and a sweeping shot of Michael Pomeranz and Cindy Hsu at the desk ("Live from the CBS 2 Information Center in New York, this is CBS 2 News at Noon"). Lou Young, standing by the plasma screens on the left, reported on a developing story in Iraq. At 12:08, there was a new CBS HealthWatch animation, and Cindy was standing by the screens. A minute later, Alexis Christoforous joined her and did the CBS.MarketWatch.com report from inside the studio (she usually reports from the CBS.MarketWatch.com Newsroom at noon). Then at 12:17, Dana Tyler had a preview of CBS 2 First News at 4:00 "live in the Information Center". Then they went to Todd McDermott in the CBS 2 Newsroom who previewed CBS 2 News at 5:00, including Marcia Kramer's exclusive interview with Senator Hillary Clinton. More snapshots coming later this week!

CBS 2 News This Morning in Studio 43

Today's the big day! CBS 2 News This Morning started in Studio 43 this morning at 5:00. Michael Pomeranz and Lisa Hill previewed the newscast on the left of the news desk near four monitors with the "CBS 2 Information Network" and the "CBS 2 News This Morning" logos. They also welcomed viewers to their new studio at the CBS Broadcast Center in Manhattan. The open of the show was changed, with a new Information Network animation. Then they showed Michael and Lisa walking over to the desk with the "CBS 2 News This Morning" logo on the bottom. The open went like this: "You're watching CBS 2, home of the CBS 2 Information Network... Live from the CBS 2 Information Center in New York, this is CBS 2 News This Morning." Here's a look at other changes that were made this morning:

Studio 43
This new studio, which we have been waiting for since May, finally came! It's a great studio with a news desk, an "Information Center" newsroom behind it, and an interview area. There are monitors and CBS 2 logos everywhere. Some monitors have views of New York City (nighttime scenes in the 5:00 hour, daytime views in the 6:00 hour). And the lighting creates "CBS 2 Information Network" and "CBS 2 Info Center" logos on the floor. Sweeping camera angles of the studio were shown often right before commercial breaks. And Janine D'Adamo mentioned that they now use a green chroma-key screen, instead of blue, so "I can wear blue now!"

CBS 2 Info Bar
Michael and Lisa introduced the "Info Bar" at 5:21. It's a black bar at the bottom of the screen (similar to the Sports Scoreboard) with news, weather, stocks, and sports. It's also where the current temperature is located (the "2" logo now has only the time above it). They said that it's an improvement of the CBS 2 Info Box, which used to appear on the bottom-left of the screen. It popped-up saying "INFOBOX: THIS SPACE FOR RENT".

Pet Pix and Wake-Up Call
After her weather report at 5:14, Janine D'Adamo introduced a new segment on CBS 2 News This Morning, "Pet Pix". As Brian reported earlier, CBS 2 will show viewers' digital pictures of their pets in the morning. This morning it was just some producers' pets used. And at 6:45, Janine did the "Wake-Up Call". CBS 2 News at Noon anchor Cindy Hsu was the person who was called this morning! Janine quizzed her to see how well she knew her co-anchors: Which anchor, Michael or Lisa, was a photographer before they anchored? Cindy correctly answered that it was Lisa. Janine also said that they may have contests and giveaways in the future.

Other important notes are that Susan McGinnis did the CBS MarketWatch report only once, at 5:44. This is probably because she had to go to Fifth Avenue to The Early Show's studio for her 7:20 report. The "Inside The Daily News" animation was changed to use the new Information Network graphic. There is also a new full screen for the morning newscast. The "Traffic And Weather on the 2's" animation was changed. And "Rock N Roll History", which was added to the newscast two months ago, has disappeared. Here are some snapshots, courtesy of Kevin:

A Preview of a Change?

Kevin tells me that last night, CBS 2 Weekend News at 11:00 used new graphics during the preview at the very beginning. You can see Kevin's snapshot below. The graphic behind the video on the left (seen on the top and bottom) was red, with the CBS eye logo. Kevin also points out that there are more lines on this graphic; more lines than usual. The preview of the 11:00 weekend news usually uses purple and yellow graphics, and on weekdays, Nightcast uses purple and blue graphics here. This could be a preview of new graphics debuting Monday, the same day CBS 2 News moves everything to Studio 43.

Studio 43 To Debut Monday Morning

Today at the end of this morning's 6:55 CBS MarketWatch report, Susan McGinnis mentioned that CBS 2 News This Morning will be broadcasting from the new studio (43) on Monday Morning. Lisa Hill said that they would have more information on the studio after the commercial break, but CBS 2 News This Morning didn't have an ending today. This was most likely due to time constraints. More information as we get it!

-Brian

Press Release: Kramer to Interview Senator Clinton

CBS 2 has issued a Press Release announcing Marcia Kramer's upcoming interview with New York Senator Hillary Clinton:

New York Senator Hillary Clinton, in her first in-depth television interview since her election to the Senate in November 2000, sat down recently with CBS 2 Chief Political/Investigative Reporter Marcia Kramer for an exclusive one-on-one interview in which the two discuss Clinton’s relationship with husband and former President Bill Clinton, the Mideast crisis and the role Palestinian leader Yasser Arafat plays in the situation and the state of New York City’s public school system and ways they must be improved.

In addition, Clinton also talks about the Democrat’s chances for a return to the White House in 2004 and the need for reform of the national election process.

Kramer, winner of numerous awards for reporting on the local, national and international level, including the prestigious Peabody Award, conducted the exclusive interview at Nation’s Café in New York City. Highlights of the interview will be featured during the station’s 5PM newscast beginning on Monday, Aug. 27 on WCBS-TV New York.

Kramer question’s the former First Lady on the differences between then and now, the dynamic between her and Bill now that she is an elected official and he is a civilian, the difficulties of working in an all-male environment, and what it’s like to work with an administration diametrically opposed to everything she stands for.

Part II of the interview, to be broadcast on Tuesday, Aug. 28 (5:00 PM, ET) focuses on Clinton’s views on the situation in the Mideast and whether Arafat has the will to stop the violence.

Kramer has been a reporter with WCBS since 1990 and is also the host of CBS 2’s public affairs political talk show SUNDAY EDITION.

-Brian

Studio 59B Used in the Evening

Studio 59B (CBS 2's morning and weekend studio) was used for CBS 2 News at Noon, First News @ 4:00, and CBS 2 News at 5:00 & 6:00 today. We believe this studio was used for the afternoon/evening newscasts because CBS Sports will be using CBS 2's main studio (59A) for tonight's broadcast of The NFL Today. Nightcast is expected to use Studio 59B as well, because tonight's football game is scheduled to end at 11:00pm.

-Brian

Hsu to Throw First Pitch at Mets Game

CBS 2's noon and 4:00 update anchor Cindy Hsu will be throwing the first pitch at tonight's New York Mets game at Shea Stadium in Flushing, Queens. Hsu was selected by the Mets to throw the pitch for Asian Day at Shea. Today during CBS 2 First News @ 4:00, Cindy told Ernie Anastos and Dana Tyler that her co-anchor at noon, Michael Pomeranz (a former Minor League baseball player), and many of the behind the scenes people at CBS 2 have been giving her pointers. She will throw the pitch at around 6:45 tonight. Good Luck Cindy!

-Brian

New CBS 2 This Morning Site and a New Concept!

CBSNEWYORK.com has added a brand new page for CBS 2 News This Morning. The new page has a link to the Pet Pic of the Day page, and also a brand new interactive idea, Let CBS 2 Be Your Wake Up Call! More on this exciting new concept from the CBS 2 News This Morning page:

You already depend on CBS 2 News This Morning to keep you informed as you begin your day. Why not let CBS 2 wake you up each morning? Just send us an e-mail, including your name and phone number, and why you need a wake up call. We'll give you a call the day before to confirm your information and time. It's that easy! Don't spend one more morning hitting the snooze button on your own! E-mail us at: cbsnewyork@cbs.com with "Wake Up Call" in the subject line.

-Brian

Phil Simms' Bio on CBSNEWYORK.com

The CBS 2 Bios Section has been updated to include the biography of the latest CBS 2 contributor, Phil Simms. Simms is going to be the fitness and well-being reporter for CBS 2 News, joining the CBS 2 HealthWatch team of Paul Moniz and Dr. Mike Rosen, who is scheduled to start soon.

-Brian

Ira Joe Fisher Returns to CBS 2

Ira Joe Fisher returned to the CBS 2 News at Noon today. As we reported exclusively last week, Ira has had ankle problems over the past few weeks. Ira Joe explained today that he actually had a torn tendon in his ankle that was a result of his fall during the winter. Because his ankle is still not healed completely, Ira did his weather forecast sitting at the anchor desk. A split-screen graphic was used so that the viewers would be able to see Ira and the maps at the same time.

-Brian

Fill-In Sports Anchor: Sam Marchiano

Last night on the CBS 2 Weekend News at 11:00, Sam Marchiano filled in for Gary Apple. My brother tells me that Sam has worked for Fox Sports Net as a national reporter. Unfortunately, there are no bios on the Fox Sports Net page, so it is unknown if Sam Marchiano still works for them. If the last name sounds familiar to New Yorkers, it should. Sam is the daughter of longtime WPIX/WB11 News at Ten sports anchor Sal Marchiano.

-Brian

CBS 2 This Morning: Pet Pic of the Day!

CBS 2's website, CBSNEWYORK.com, is advertising for a new segment on CBS 2 This Morning called the Pet Pic of the Day. Here's more from the Pet Pic of the Day page at CBSNEWYORK.com:

In this digital age, who doesn't love to take photos and share them online? CBS 2 This Morning would love to see your digital pictures of your pet. Each day we'll pick out the best and share it with our online and on-air audience.

Visit the Pet Pic of the Day page at CBSNEWYORK.com for more information on where to send the photos, and also some important notices.

This new feature is just one of many changes that indicate that CBS 2 This Morning is going to be changing from hard news to a lighter format. Other changes over the last few weeks include more of a discussion to begin the newscast (instead of a rundown of the Top Stories), and there have been special guests during the 6:30am half-hour. CBS 2 also appears to be advertising for their website more often during their newscasts, and CBS 2 This Morning will share the pet photos with their "online and on-air audience." All of these signs point to a more interactive format for CBS 2 News. Stay with CBS 2 New York as CBS 2 continues to undergo these exciting changes!

-Brian

History Channel Joins The CBS 2 Information Network

Last night on CBS 2 Nightcast, Ernie Anastos mentioned that the History Channel is the newest partner in the CBS 2 Information Partner. Anastos went on to mention that Nightcast will air the segment "This Week in History" every week. The segment was reported by a History Channel reporter, and it used History Channel graphics. It opened with the CBS 2 Reports animation with the History Channel logo below it.

-Brian

Ira Joe Fisher Recovering from Ankle Injury

We have learned exclusively through an extremely reliable source that CBS 2's noon and 4:00pm weatherman Ira Joe Fisher has been out over the past few weeks recovering from an ankle injury. All of us here at CBS 2 New York wish Ira Joe a speedy recovery! There had been some speculation on various TV News-related message boards that Janine D'Adamo would also anchor weather at noon, but this source has confirmed that when Ira Joe returns in a few weeks, he will continue to do weather at noon and 4:00pm.

-Brian

More Info on Rose Walia

David informs me that a reliable source has told him that Rose Walia will be working for CBS 2 on a per diem basis.
Thanks David!

-Brian

A New Partner: The History Channel?

Last night during CBS 2 Nightcast, there was a commercial advertising for a special History Channel report entitled "This Week in History," which will be broadcast this Friday, August 17, on Nightcast. It appears as if the History Channel might become a partner in the CBS 2 Information Network. The History Channel is not yet featured as one of the Information Network partners on CBSNEWYORK.com, and it is not in the opening graphics, but it could be added soon if it becomes a partner. Stay Tuned!

-Brian

New Reporter: Rose Walia

A new reporter has joined CBS 2 News! Her name is Rose Walia, and she was most recently with WABC-TV. Walia was a reporter for Cablevision's News 12 Long Island before joining WABC. As we find out more, we'll be sure to post it.

-Brian

CBS 2 Weather Changes

CBS 2 has changed many of its "News on the Hour" reports to "Weather on the Hour." A new animation, similar to the "News on the Hour" animation, has been playing every hour during the morning and afternoon with Janine D'Adamo giving viewers an update on the weather forecast. The new animation has clouds and says "Weather" instead of "News." "News on the Hour" is still used at 7:55 and 8:55 for the CBS 2 updates during The Early Show.

In other weather-related news, CBS 2 News at 6:00 and Nightcast have been devoting their last segment to "The 24 Hour Forecast," which is just a rundown of the weather forecast for the next day. The six o'clock newscast had been ending with "The Last Word," and Nightcast had been closing with a variety of segments, including Famous Faces and other entertainment-related stories.

-Brian

CBS 2 HealthWatch Changes

Today's Starr Report in the New York Post reports that CBS 2

has hired a new health/medical reporter, Dr. Mike Rosen, who joins the station from WPXI/Ch. 11, the NBC affiliate in Pittsburgh. Rosen will provide a staple of medical reports, with Paul Moniz handling medically related consumer investigations and ex-Giants QB Phil Simms reporting on fitness and well-being.

The Health Page at WPXI.com has a picture of Dr. Mike Rosen and a link to his biography. Phil Simms' biography from CBS SportsLine has more information on him.

-Brian

Janine D'Adamo's First Official Day

Michael Pomeranz and Lisa Hill welcomed Janine D'Adamo officially to CBS 2 News This Morning. Although she did a few weather updates on Friday, today was the first day that Janine appeared on the morning newscast. Originally from Long Island, Janine comes to CBS 2 from the CBS Affiliate in Dallas, Texas. She replaces Tony Pann, who left CBS 2 to join his wife in the Baltimore area.

-Brian

More Info on Information Center Volunteer Positions

CBSNEWYORK.com's Jobs Section has more information on the volunteer positions available at the new CBS 2 Information Center, which is located in CBS 2's upcoming Studio 43. Anyone interested can e-mail CBS 2 with "CBS 2 Information Center" in the subject line (Be sure to include your name, number, and qualifications in the e-mail).

- Position: Information Center Volunteers Wanted (posted 8/9/01)
CBS 2 is seeking volunteers for several positions as researchers in a new interactive component of the CBS 2 Information Network.
- Responsibilities: You'll be a part of a new and exciting way for viewers to interact with our news department through phone, Internet and e-mail communication. This will be a hands-on role in providing a voice for our viewers who contact the station with questions about issues and current events. Be in the thick of the action during a live newscast and do something great for the community. Plus, it's a great way to learn the business of television news and grow with the CBS 2 family.
- Preferred skills: Experience with the Internet, familiarity with CBS 2 news programming and knowledge of current events. We work in a fast-paced environment and are looking for people who are ready for the challenge.

-Brian

Kendra Farn Leaves CBS 2

It appears as if CBS 2 reporter Kendra Farn has left the station. There have been many posts at television news-related message boards about this, and now Kendra's biography is no longer on the CBSNEWYORK.com Bios Page. Kendra joined CBS 2 on April 25, 1996 as a reporter. She was the co-anchor of NEWS 2 This Morning with Cindy Hsu from 1997 to 1999. In 1999, Kendra went back to reporting for CBS 2's evening newscasts. As we learn more on this story, we'll be sure to post it.

-Brian

Tony Pann Leaves CBS 2

Tony Pann filled in for Ira Joe Fisher today at noon, and Michael Pomeranz and Cindy Hsu said goodbye to him. He said that he's going to "the CBS affiliate in Washington so I'll still be a part of 'the family.'" And this afternoon Janine D'Adamo did "Weather On The Hour".

Janine D'Adamo Forecasts The Weather

Keisean tells me that Janine D'Adamo did her first forecast at the top of the 7:55am update. She then did the weather updates at 8:12, 8:25, 8:35, and 8:55. She may also do the "News On The Hour" updates all day long. We're now not sure if Tony Pann will be there at noon.

Tony Pann Leaves CBS 2

This morning on CBS 2 at 6:58, Michael Pomeranz and Lisa Hill announced that Tony Pann was leaving New York, and that today is his last day. He is moving back to Maryland where his wife, Mary Ellen Pann, is a meteorologist in Baltimore. Tony is going to join CBS affiliate WUSA-TV in Washington, D.C. this October where he be the noon meteorologist. Janine D'Adamo, Tony's replacement starting Monday, was introduced today and was even given cake! She also did the five-day forecast at the very end. Tony Pann will fill-in for Ira Joe Fisher today at noon, which will be his final newscast on CBS 2.

CBS 2 Announces Whitney Casey

Thursday, 8/9/01, 6:25pm CBS 2 Announces Whitney Casey
Last week, we reported that a new reporter would soon be joining CBS 2. After researching on the internet, Brian, a frequent contributor to this website, believed that this new reporter was Whitney Casey from WTVJ-TV in Miami. This afternoon, CBS 2 issued a press release on Whitney Casey:

Whitney Casey has joined CBS 2 as a general assignment reporter, it was announced today by Joel Cheatwood, Executive Vice President for News, Viacom Television Stations and WCBS-TV News Director. The appointment is effective as of September 10th.

Prior to joining CBS 2, Casey worked as a reporter for the NBC 6 News Team in Miami. She joined the station after spending nine months at WTVJ in Atlanta, where she lived and worked as an Anchor/Reporter for a FOX affiliate just south in Macon.

Prior to working in TV news, Whitney spent time in our nation’s capital, researching President Clinton’s first term for Thomas Blood’s book, State of the Union. She is acknowledged in the forward for her in-depth research and writing. In 1998 Whitney worked in New York City with NBC Sports and Madison Square Garden Network’s "Jet Journal" as a feature reporter.

Whitney grew up in Tampa, Florida, but moved across the country to Northern California to pursue her athletic aspiration of playing for the U.S. National Volleyball Team. Soon after, she received a full athletic scholarship to the University of Virginia. In 1997 she was named Academic All-American, graduating on the Dean’s list with a Bachelor of Science in Exercise Physiology. Just one year away from heading to Medical School, Whitney found her true passion in TV news.

Whitney volunteers and shares her time and personal experiences as a YoungLife leader, helping high school kids navigate through tumultuous teenage years.

(Thanks to Brian once again for telling me about this press release!)

CBS 2 Announces Janine D'Adamo

CBS 2 has issued a press release on Janine D'Adamo joining CBS 2:

Veteran meteorologist and native New Yorker, Janine D’Adamo, has joined WCBS-TV’s CBS 2 as weekday morning weather anchor, it was announced today by Joel Cheatwood, Executive Vice President for News, Viacom Television Stations and WCBS-TV News Director. The appointment is effective as of August 6th and will appear on air the following Monday.

Prior to joining CBS 2, D’Adamo worked as the morning and noon meteorologist for Viacom’s Owned and Operated station, KTVT-TV, in Dallas, for the past year. A seasoned weathercaster, D’Adamo spent 3 years at KTBS-TV in Shreveport, La. as the station’s Chief Meteorologist and was chosen by ABC News One and ABSat to provide live coverage of land-falling Gulf Coast hurricanes. Among many major storms, she covered Hurricane Danny in 1997, Earl and Georges in 1998 and Hurricane Brett in 1999.

D’Adamo spent two years working for The Weather Channel as an On-Camera Metereologist. Prior to that job, she held positions at WDAM-TV in Hattisburg, MS and WUFT-TV in Gainesville, Fl.

D’Adamo was awarded the Seal of Approval by both, The American Meteorological Society, and the National Weather Association.

D’Adamo is a Long Island native. She graduated from University of Florida, with a Degree in Broadcasting and Meteorology. She also received a Certificate in Broadcast Meteorology from Mississippi State University.

(Thanks to Keisean for sending this to me!)

CBS 2's Online Broadcast Center Tour

CBSNEWYORK.com has just added pictures of the CBS Broadcast Center. The pictures include a look at the building, the newsroom with reporters, control rooms, the garage, and the new studio! The tour is located here. The studio is basically the same as the one seen here in March:







There are many CBS 2 logos above, and the logos of the Information Network partners behind the desk and in front of the Information Center. There is a spiral staircase to the right of the Information Center, leading up to a fake balcony. The official date for the studio change is August 27th.