CBS 2 News Sunday Morning

The same team as last week anchored CBS 2's Sunday morning newscast today, Michael O'Looney and Hazel Sanchez. Craig Allen, who has been on this newscast for the past five times, was back again this morning with the weather. Don Piccin had the traffic report.

CBS 2 In The Newsroom

Today on CBS 2 News at Noon and at 6:00, due to CBS Sports using Studio 43, the newscasts were done from the newsroom. There are now three cameras in the newsroom for the event that the newsroom must be used for the newscast. At Noon, Ira Joe Fisher did the weather from Bryant Park. At 6:00, Craig Allen (filling in for David Rogers) was in the weather center while Warner Wolf did sports from outside Madison Square Garden.

"Travel With 2" Recap

Throughout the week, CBS 2 used the Information Center for "Travel With 2," a segment for viewers to call in with their travel questions. Questions were also accepted via e-mail at www.cbsnewyork.com. Robert Sinclair, Jr. and other representatives from The Automobile Club of New York (the local AAA chapter) joined J.R. Whalen and the rest of the Info Center team.

Chopper 2 Returns To The Skies

This morning, Chopper 2 was back in the air reporting on the great getaway for this Thanksgiving holiday. This is the first time it has been overhead New York City since the September 11th attacks. Chopper 2 was also covering the roads and highways this evening on CBS 2 News. The Daily News reports that CBS 2, along with WABC-TV, have received waivers from the FAA. This lets Chopper 2 and "NewsCopter7" fly in areas that WNBC's "Chopper4", WNYW's "Sky Fox", and WPIX's "Air 11" cannot. The reason that Channels 4, 5, and 11 haven't obtained this waiver is because of their pilots' license levels.

CBS Sports Preempts CBS 2 News

Wednesday, 11/21/01, 2:55pm CBS Sports Preempts CBS 2 News
This Thanksgiving holiday, football on CBS will take the place of many CBS 2 Newscasts. CBS Sports will be on the air Thursday from 3:30pm to 7:00pm with a half-hour of "The NFL Today" followed by Denver vs. Dallas. CBS Sports will return Friday afternoon at 2:30 with the SEC on CBS: Arkansas vs. LSU. This is expected to be over by 6:00, which means that CBS 2 News at 6:00 is likely to begin on time.

Robyn Carter On Hollywood Squares

Unfortunately, Robyn Carter lost the four games on Hollywood Squares, which aired on CBS 2 this evening. In game two, she did win a "Secret Square" question for a viewer of the show at home. After she lost the second game, host Tom Bergeron tried to calm Robyn down by telling her, "just relax!" After game three, he said, "the curse of the circle chair continues" (Robyn played "O", and her opponent David Sheehan was "X"). When Robyn took a while to respond to a question, Tom told her, "You have to agree or disagree, and you have to decide if you're going back to New York." She replied, "I'm definitely going back to New York!" They ran out of time in the fourth game, but Robyn was given $5,000 for the charity which she was playing for: the Twin Towers Fund. Tomorrow on CBS 2 First News @ 4:00, Robyn Carter will tell us more about her appearance on Hollywood Squares.

Robyn Carter To Appear On Hollywood Squares Tonight

CBS 2's entertainment reporter Robyn Carter will appear on Hollywood Squares tonight. She will face-off against David Sheehan, entertainment reporter for KCBS-TV in Los Angeles (his "Blockbuster Entertainment Reports" air Thursdays on WCBS).

Robyn joined Dana Tyler and Ernie Anastos on CBS 2 First News @ 4:00 today to talk about her appearance with a behind-the-scenes report. She said, "I was a wreck," adding that it's much easier to go in front of the studio cameras for CBS 2 than to answer questions in front of a live studio audience. As for how well she did, she commented, "Let's just say that it was memorable."

In April, CBS 2 sports director Brett Haber played against KYW's sports anchor Beasley Reece (this episode was actually repeated this weekend). Robyn Carter's show, which was originally supposed to air last Monday but was postponed due to the crash of Flight 587, airs tonight at 7:00pm on CBS 2.s

More Information On "Travel With 2"

J.R. Whalen, Manager of the CBS 2 Information Center, tells us the following

All this week, CBS2 viewers can learn more about the best ways to travel this holiday season and learn where to expect delays caused by increased traffic and security precautions. Along with members of the CBS2 Information Center, Representatives from AAA (the Automobile Association of America) will be on hand in the CBS2 Information Center to answer questions and alleviate viewers' uncertainties. Viewers have responded very positively to the CBS2 Information Center and have encouraged us to broaden the scope of topics to cover.

These AAA Representatives will be in the Information Center all week long during CBS 2 News This Morning, Monday through Wednesday on the 4:00, 5:00, and 6:00 newscasts, and at Noon on Wednesday.

"Travel With 2" This Holiday Week

The CBS 2 Information Center will again be at work this week, but for much longer than in the past. It appears that CBS 2 will be taking calls and e-mails throughout the week answering travel questions. The segment will be called "Travel With 2," and will also operate in the mornings. The Info Center has taken viewers' phone calls and e-mails seven times in the past: six times with doctors and other experts answering questions about Antrax, and this past Wednesday they had employment answers for people looking for a new job (many of the callers had been displaced and laid-off due to the recent tragedies in New York). Send your e-mails to the Info Center via the "Instant Access" webpage located here or by calling 1-866-INFO-TWO. More information on this segment later this week.

CBS 2 Update

Because college football on CBS was using Studio 43 last night, CBS 2 Weekend News at 11:00 was anchored by Kirstin Cole in the CBS 2 Newsroom (it was actually delayed for about 25 minutes). Vince DeMentri was off for personal reasons. The open only began with the first part ("You're watching CBS 2, home of the CBS 2 Information Network."), and then went straight to video of the top story. A second camera has been added to the newsroom for CBS 2 Newscasts that may sometimes originate from there due to CBS Sports's use of Studio 43. Craig Allen did the weather report from the CBS 2 Weather Center, and Gary Apple reported on sports from the Continental Airlines Arena.
(Thanks to Kevin for providing the above snapshots!)

This morning on CBS 2's special Sunday newscast at 8:00, Michael O'Looney and Hazel Sanchez anchored from the studio. Craig Allen was back for the weather forecast, and Lori Blanchard was in the CBS 2 Traffic Center reporting on the roads. A new split-screen was used between weather and traffic: it was the "eye" animation behind the two boxes and the "RoadWatch" graphic underneath (seen at left).This morning on CBS 2's special Sunday newscast at 8:00, Michael O'Looney and Hazel Sanchez anchored from the studio. Craig Allen was back for the weather forecast, and Lori Blanchard was in the CBS 2 Traffic Center reporting on the roads. A new split-screen was used between weather and traffic: it was the "eye" animation behind the two boxes and the "RoadWatch" graphic underneath (seen at left).

CBS 2 Previews

This afternoon at 4:55, at the end of CBS 2 First News @ 4:00, Dana Tyler and Ernie Anastos were standing by the plasma screens. Then they tossed it over to Todd McDermott and Angela Rae who previewed CBS 2 News at 5:00 for about 30 seconds. In the past few days during the 4:00 newscast, Todd and Angela had each previewed the 5:00 newscast at separate times. Today, Todd gave a preview at about 4:15. Also, since November 7th, CBS 2 First News @ 4:00 began a different way right before the open: a quick preview of the stories coming up with a CBS 2 Information Network logo and "swoosh" sound inbetween. And at the end of CBS 2 News at 5:00 today, Angela and Todd sent it to Dana and Ernie with a 30-second preview, similar to what happened just before 5:00.

On The Terror Trail

On CBS 2 News at 5:00 today, Michael O'Looney joined Todd McDermott and Angela Rae at the newsdesk today to discuss his recent assignment in Europe. His first report airs tonight on Nightcast at 11:00 on CBS 2. Also related to this story is that I noticed a CBS 2 "On The Terror Trail" promo locally on the three major cable news networks today: CNN, Fox News Channel, and MSNBC. It looks like CBS 2 is trying to get the word out about their latest investigative series.

CBS 2’s Michael O’Looney Goes Inside Mohammed Atta’s Hamburg Apartment for Special “Nightcast” Reports

A CBS 2 Press Release:

CBS 2’s Michael O’Looney reports from Hamburg, Germany where suspected terrorists Mohamed Atta and Marwan Al-Shehhi had lived prior to the attacks on the World Trade Center. Atta and Al-Shehhi are believed to have been at the controls of the two planes that crashed into New York’s twin towers. O’Looney’s reports will be featured during NIGHTCAST beginning on Thursday, Nov. 15 (11:00-11:35 PM).

Only days after police lifted the seal on the apartment shared by Atta and two of the 19 suspected hijackers, O’Looney was given an exclusive look at where authorities suspect the terror attacks were plotted. He visits with the landlord of the building who said, “I’m shocked… normal students and they’re terrorists!”

O’Looney’s reports also focus on the investigation into the Hamburg terrorist cell, including a look at a radical mosque being monitored by the German Secret Police where Atta and his followers often met. He also examines the alleged link between al Qaeda and Iraq, as well as the relationship between the father of suspected hijacker Ziad Samir Jarrah, a former member of the Stasi, and the al Qaeda terror network.

O’Looney has served as a reporter for WCBS-TV since 1995. His credits include foreign assignments in Egypt, where he investigated the rise of the Islamic fundamentalist movement following the 1993 World Trade Center bombing, and in the Bahamas, where he tracked the criminal trail of Sante and Kenneth Kimes, the mother/son grifter team convicted of murdering Manhattan millionaire Irene Silverman.

Cliff Cohen serves as Executive Producer of ON THE TERROR TRAIL. Joel Cheatwood is Executive Vice President for News, Viacom Television Stations and WCBS-TV News Director.

David Diaz Reports From The Dominican Republic

After providing updates from the newsroom yesterday, CBS 2 News reporter David Diaz has been reporting from Santo Domingo in the Dominican Republic, where Flight 587 was scheduled to land yesterday afternoon. His live reports began on CBS 2 News at Noon today. He will cover how the community and the families are coping with yesterday's tragic plane crash. He is the third CBS 2 reporter to travel out of the country this month; Lou Young is reporting from the Middle East, and Michael O'Looney will begin reporting from Europe beginning Thursday night.

CBS 2 News Coverage Of Crash Of Flight 587

Unbelievably, New York has suffered another tragedy just one day after the two month anniversary of the attacks on America. This time an American Airlines Airbus A300, Flight 587, crashed at 9:17am, just three minutes after takeoff, into the residential neighborhood of Belle Harbor, Queens. The flight took off from John F. Kennedy International Airport and was bound for Santo Domingo in the Dominican Republic. It is not believed to be terrorism-related, but rather an engine problem is likely the cause of the crash. 260 people were onboard the airplane, and there are at least six people reported missing on the ground.

Minutes after the crash, CBS 2 News broke into regular programming with a special report. Michael Pomeranz and Cindy Hsu anchored the coverage all morning long, and a Metro camera shot of the smoke filled the screen. David Diaz provided constant updates from the newsroom. Jennifer McLogan, the first CBS 2 News reporter near the scene, reported via telephone. Then at 10:15, CBS 2 provided the first live camera shot from Belle Harbor, which was picked up by cable news networks CNN and Fox News Channel. CBS 2's full team of reporters were soon reporting from the scene, the area airports, and in the Broadcast Center. By 11:15, CBS 2 began using special graphics created for the tragedy. Just after 1:00, Todd McDermott took to the anchor desk along with Cindy Hsu. Angela soon joined him at around 2:00. Two minutes after 3:00, the anchor team was Dana Tyler and Ernie Anastos. An hour later, CBS 2 began to use a special opening animation, soon accompanied by a theme and the announcer. The regular 5:00 anchor team of Todd McDermott and Angela Rae came on at 4:59, and Dana Tyler and Ernie Anastos returned to the desk at 5:58. A special one-hour edition of the CBS Evening News with Dan Rather started at 6:30. By 7:30, CBS 2 was back on with another special report updating viewers on the ongoing situation.

Michael O'Looney To Report From Europe

This past weekend CBS 2 began to air promos for Michael O'Looney's trip to Europe. He will travel to France, England, and Germany and will report on how Europe is fighting terrorism. O'Looney will also interview Interpol's top detectives. His reports will start Thursday night at 11:00 on Nightcast.
(Thanks to Kevin for the "CBS 2 Information Network" snapshot!)

CBS 2 Weekend News

Sunday, 11/11/01, 9:05am CBS 2 Weekend News
It has now been exactly two months since the devastating attacks on America, and this morning CBS 2 News continued with its special Sunday morning newscasts at 8:00. Cindy Hsu and Hazel Sanchez anchored from the newsdesk. Craig Allen had the weather forecast, and Debbie DuHaime reported on the traffic. This evening, for the first time in many weeks, CBS 2 will have an early weekend evening newscast at 6:30 (the 6:00pm Saturday and 6:30pm Sunday newscasts have recently been preempted by college and professional football).

Doctors Taking Your Questions Again

This evening on CBS 2 News, doctors were once again on hand to take viewers' questions via the phones, and also questions from cbsnewyork.com. Dr. Eric Braverman (PATH Medican), Dr. Jordan Glaser (Staten Island University Hospital), and Dr. Robert Labinson (St. Clare's Hospital) joined anchors Ernie Anastos and Angela Rae in the CBS 2 Information Center. The phone line, 1-866-INFO-TWO, was open until 6:30pm.

CBS 2 News's Coverage of Campaign 2001

This evening, CBS 2 News has comprehensive coverage of Campaign 2001. Covering the New York City Mayoral race are David Diaz at Bloomberg headquarters on the West Side, and Marcia Kramer in Midtown reporting on Green. In New Jersey covering the campaign for Governor are Aimee Nuzzo with McGreevey's team in East Brunswick, and Vince DeMentri at Schundler headquarters in Plainsboro. Jennifer McLogan reported on the vote for Nassau County Executive from Carle Place, Long Island. For up to the minute election information, log on to cbsnewyork.com.

YES Network and CBS 2 Agree to Broadcast Yankees Games

A CBS 2 Press Release:

CBS 2 and YES Network have reached a three-year, exclusive, over-the-air agreement to broadcast New York Yankees games beginning in 2002, it was announced today by Tony Petitti, Vice President and General Manager, WCBS-TV and Leo Hindery, Jr., Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of YES Network. The agreement begins with the 26-time World Series Champion New York Yankees home opener in April 2002. CBS 2 will broadcast a minimum of 20 contests each season, including the team’s match-ups on Memorial Day and the Fourth of July. The station’s complete New York Yankees broadcast schedule to be announced at a later date features games with the New York Mets, Boston Red Sox, Seattle Mariners, Cleveland Indians, Baltimore Orioles and San Francisco Giants, among other top teams. Financial terms of the agreement were not disclosed.

“This announcement marks an important day in the history of WCBS-TV,” said Petitti. “It is a privilege to be associated with the New York Yankees, professional sports most famous tradition and team. At the same time, we are excited to be partnering with YES as they launch their newly created network. We look forward to working with YES, and the New York Yankees, well into the 21st century." "YES Network is committed to having an over-the-air broadcast partner for some of its New York Yankees games, and we are thrilled that that partner will be WCBS-TV and its wonderful parent, Viacom,” said Hindery. “We are confident that WCBS-TV will uphold the tradition and legacy of the New York Yankees.”

Added Petitti, “CBS 2 has taken major steps towards its goal of being the leader in the local marketplace. We’ve acquired the most sought-after syndicated programs “Weakest Link,” “Who Wants to be a Millionaire,” and “Dr. Phil,” and now we’ve added the New York Yankees. With our primetime growth, a regenerated news division, and the most comprehensive lineup of sports programming, CBS 2 is well on its way to developing vast new audiences and unique sources of revenue for the station.”

New York Yankees games broadcast on CBS 2 will be produced by YES’s executive vice president, production and programming, John Filippelli. The YES Network (Yankees Entertainment and Sports Network, LLC), beginning in March 2002, will offer New York, New Jersey, Connecticut and Pennsylvania viewers New York Yankees baseball, sports news and information, entertainment programming and other collegiate and local event coverage to fill out its 24 hour/7 day per week schedule.

CBS 2 News Sunday Morning

This morning was CBS 2's eighth edition of their Sunday morning newscast. At the anchor desk were Michael O'Looney and Hazel Sanchez. Craig Allen had the weather forecast, and Don Piccin reported on the traffic. There will be at least three more of these one-hour Sunday morning newscasts at 8:00 as CBS 2 tries to increase its weekend presence. Starting tomorrow, Lou Young reports from the Middle East on CBS 2 News at 6:00 and on Nightcast at 11:00 in his reports, "Assignment Mideast."

Ask The Doctors on CBS 2

CBS 2 once again invited doctors into the Information Center in Studio 43 to take phone calls from viewers. At 4:00, Cindy Hsu asked the team of doctors (Dr. Eric Braverman from PATH Medical and Dr. Robert Crupi from Flushing Hospital) about what kinds of questions they were getting. Todd McDermott talked with the two doctors on CBS 2 News at 5:00. As always, the number to call was 1-866-INFO-TWO, and the phone lines were open until 6:30pm.

CBS 2's Lou Young To Report From Middle East

A CBS 2 Press Release:

Who are our fiercest enemies and are our newest allies really our friends are some of the questions CBS 2’s Lou Young will attempt to uncover when he travels to the heart of the Middle East on a search for answers to the growing number of questions of the American people. Young’s schedule includes visits to Egypt, Jordan, Dubai, Kuwait and Israel, where he will interview intelligence officials, heads of state, religious moderates and extremists, among others. His reports will be broadcast during CBS 2’s 6PM and NIGHTCAST newscasts beginning on Monday, Nov. 5. As Young follows the terror trail of the world’s most wanted men, he will bring to life the stories of those people living everyday with the threat of terrorism, and gauge their reaction to the United States’ retaliatory strikes to one of the nation’s darkest days in history.

A four-time Emmy Award-winner, Young joined WCBS-TV in June 1994. He has served as a reporter in the New York market since 1981. His credits at CBS 2 include reports on the 2000 presidential election, the inauguration of George W. Bush, the recovery efforts of Swissair Flight 111, school shootings in Littleton, Colo. and Conyers, Ga., and investigative reports on the abuse of prescription drugs, and food safety as part of CBS-2’s “Eat at Your Own Risk” series. Additionally, Young also reported from New York and Miami on the international struggle between the U.S. and Cuba involving Elian Gonzalez.

Cliff Cohen serves as Executive Producer, ASSIGNMENT MIDEAST. Joel Cheatwood is Executive Vice President for News, Viacom Television Stations and WCBS-TV News Director.