New Year's Eve Preemption

Because of CBS Sports' coverage of the Sun Bowl this afternoon, which began at 2:00, CBS 2 News at 5:00 will not be seen. According to the schedule on wcbstv.com, the college football game is scheduled to end at 6:00.

Tomorrow, CBS Sports will air the Gator Bowl beginning at 1:00 and is expected to end by 5:00.

Wragge, Quinn Remain on Saturday Early Show

It looked like it might be temporary but now it looks like it'll last a bit longer. Chris Wragge has been co-anchoring The Saturday Early Show since at least the spring. He began at a time when TSES was auditioning male anchors but has been anchoring steady since the summer. Lonnie Quinn has been doing weather since at least the summer.

This morning, Wragge and Quinn said goodbye to Maggie Rodriguez, who will be joining the weekday version of The Early Show January 7th. Rodriguez mentioned that she will continue to watch them on TV on Saturday mornings. It appears those six-day work weeks aren't going away for these two anytime soon.

Merry Christmas from NewsByte2!

To celebrate, here's a look at some of the promos CBS 2 has aired this holiday season:

Behind the Scenes of a Promo Shoot

WCBSTV.com posted the four versions of the year-ender promos on the main page today. In addition to that, the website has a slideshow of 27 pictures giving a behind-the-scenes look at the shoot. Plus, there's this three-minute-plus timelapse video showing how it was all done.

"Historical Events" and "The Year's Events" Promos

CBS 2 News began airing a new set of promos this morning. One 60-second version, "Historical Events," looks back at some of the biggest stories that have been covered since the beginning of television. Another shows the memorable stories from 2007 with big shots of a smiling news team. The promos seem almost movie-like because of the lighting and the music. There are also new five-second IDs, showcasing the different teams with the phrase "News as it Happens."




Update: Here are the videos:

Kirtzman in Iowa

Andrew Kirtzman is covering the primary campaigns in Iowa for CBSNews.com. In his first post last night, he writes of how he keeps getting lost. Here's one particularly interesting passage from his campaign diary:

I have come to Iowa on a mental vacation. I'm a television reporter seeking refuge in the written word, unburdened by cameras, cameramen, sound bites or satellites. As the Iowa caucuses grew closer, I realized that this was the only place on earth where I truly belonged. And so I've run away to join the media circus.

CBSNews.com says that Kirtzman will be "writing regularly" for the website.

Berardelli Back on CBS 2

Meteorologist Jeff Berardelli returned to CBS 2 during the 5 and 6 PM newscasts today for the first time since his departure for WFOR, CBS 4 in Miami on Sunday, March 18, 2007. Berardelli was seen one other time since his move to Miami, during the Tunnel to Towers coverage in September. Berardelli was in for Lonnie Quinn who went on vacation late last week. It is unclear whether Beradelli is here to stay, or just helping out while CBS 2 is short-handed after the recent departure of John Bolaris back to Philadelphia. Stay tuned to NewsByte2 for more updates.

"Eye On The Storm" Graphics

For the first time in recent memory, CBS 2 News has ditched the "Storm Watch" brand for snow coverage. (There have been instances in which special titles, such as "Valentine's Day Storm" and "December Blast," have been used for specific storms, but this seems to be a broader change.) Here's a look at some of the new graphics:




Special "Eye On The Storm" lower-thirds were used during CBS 2 News at Noon but the regular look returned at 5:00...

Sullivan to Appear on "Guiding Light"

Michael Starr in the New York Post reports today that morning anchor Kate Sullivan will appear on "Guiding Light" today. She won't have to act too hard as she will be playing the part of a news anchor. The CBS soap airs at 10:00 this morning.

10:24 A.M. UPDATE: Sullivan was the first person seen and heard as the show opened, anchoring fictional station WSPR's election night coverage as the results trickled in.

Holiday Set Decorations

It's that time of year again. CBS 2 News added poinsettias to the set yesterday to give the studio a holiday feel.





UPDATE: Here are some more views of the holiday additions to Studio 46:

Bolaris Leaves CBS 2 News

Meteorologist John Bolaris has apparently left CBS 2 News as his online biography was removed from wcbstv.com sometime yesterday.

Bolaris was CBS 2's chief meteorologist from December 9, 2002 until weathercaster Lonnie Quinn replaced him on June 28, 2007. After being replaced by Quinn, Bolaris remained with CBS 2 News as the weekend evening meteorologist.

Speculation about the future of Bolaris at CBS 2 News grew over the summer when he was spotted in Philadelphia, where he was previously a chief meteorologist at WCAU-TV. In October, Dan Gross of the Philadelphia Daily News reported that Bolaris would be signing on with WTXF Fox 29 in Philadelphia as their chief meteorologist, beginning in January 2008.

Knapp on CBS 2 News

Samantha Knapp reported the last story on CBS 2 News at 5:00 tonight.

Knapp was most recently a reporter at WKMG-TV, the CBS affiliate in Orlando, Florida.

LI Bureau to Move Into New Newsroom

Last night at the end of the 11:00 newscast, Chris Wragge and Kristine Johnson talked about a "new addition to the CBS 2 News team."

Hofstra University President Stuart Rabinowitz and School of Communication Dean Cybil Delgaudio unveil the NewsHub sign.

It's Hofstra University's converged newsroom, which was unveiled last night. The purpose of the new room, dubbed "NewsHub," is to put print, broadcast and online journalism students in the same area allowing for better integration of information.

Students demonstrate the technology in the new newsroom.

CBS 2 announced that its Long Island Bureau will soon be based out of NewsHub. The bureau is currently housed inside Hofstra's radio station, WRHU 88.7FM.

Dozens of people were on hand to watch NewsHub in action.

(Photo credit: NewsByte2 ... Full disclosure: This blogger is a journalism student at Hofstra.)

New School Closings/Delays Ticker

We got our first look at this season's school closings and delays graphic:

November Sweeps Results

CBS 2 is once again proud of its showing in the latest sweeps period, which ended last night. The press release touts the fact that all of its newscasts finished in second place in both households and adults 25-54; the first time this has happened since at least 1988. It's the first time since 1991 that the 11:00 newscast has come in second. Overall, the station finished second sign-on to sign-off, a feat that's been pulled off in the major sweeps periods since November 2006.

A summary of CBS 2 News' highlights in the press release:
- 5:00 a.m.: The only station to see year-to-year growth in households (67%).
- 6:00 a.m.: Up 62% in households and 83% in the 25-54 demo.
- Noon: Added to its "The Price Is Right" lead-in in both households and the demo.
- 5:00 p.m.: The only station to see year-to-year growth (52% in households).
- 6:00 p.m.: The only station to see year-to-year growth.
- 11:00 p.m. Beat WNBC in all key demos for the first time in 15 years.
- 6:00 a.m. Saturdays: 167% year-to-year growth in the demo.
- 9:00 a.m. Saturdays: 50% year-to-year growth in the demo.
- 8:00 a.m. Sundays: 22% year-to-year growth in the demo.

As usual, WABC has released the households numbers, which can be viewed here.

Holiday in Bryant Park

CBS 2 will air the Bryant Park Christmas tree lighting live tomorrow night. Chris Wragge and Kristine Johnson host the hour long special, "Holiday in Bryant Park," at 7:00. Lonnie Quinn will join them.

Up to 10,000 people are expected The Pond at Bryant Park to watch the performers, including Ben Vereen and Bebe Neuwirth.

In the station's press release, Peter Dunn, President and General Manager of WCBS-TV, says, "We wanted to bring our viewers an entertaining holiday program during this time of year, and with Bryant Park's various activities, shops, and visually appealing holiday atmosphere, it's the perfect partnership for our first Christmas tree lighting ceremony."

Thanksgiving Holiday Preemptions

With the holiday comes special programming and newscast preemptions.

Due to the Jets/Cowboys game on CBS this afternoon, CBS 2 News at 5:00 and at 6:00 won't be on.

The 5:00 news will again take a break tomorrow as CBS Sports airs college football, which is scheduled to end at 6:00.

More on Bartelstein

The Daily News' David Hinckley chats with Steve Bartelstein in today's paper. Bartelstein talks about how he was diagnosed with cancer in September and how everything moved very quickly between diagnosis and surgery. His chemotherapy program is four rounds -- Monday through Friday with two weeks in between. He starts round two on Monday.

Bartelstein says he plans to run in next year's New York City Marathon and will go back to the gym once the treatments are over.

And he opens up about wanting things to be different at CBS 2: "One of the things I want to do here is get a little redemption for the way it ended at Channel 7. We did fine there, but I didn't go out the way I would have wanted to. This is another chance."

It's Wragge's Turn

His co-anchor was profiled earlier in the week and now Chris Wragge is in the spotlight. Richard Huff's piece, titled "Chris Wragge scores in his news role on Channel 2," comes a year after Wragge and Kristine Johnson became CBS 2 News anchors.

In the article, Wragge talks about having to work hard to gain viewers' trust and that there is a lot more work to do. "There's so much more preparation," he said. "The last thing I ever want to do is get caught with my pants down. I always want to be prepared."

He also admits that he loved being a sports anchor but "I love this 10 times more than I loved that."

Peter Dunn told Huff of the changes he's made in the last two years: "We're trying to make our product better. We're putting a better station on the air."

Bartelstein Makes CBS 2 Debut

The newest addition to the CBS 2 News team made his debut at 6:22 this morning. After a Dr. Max Gomez "Health Watch" piece on testicular cancer, Steve Bartelstein joined Maurice DuBois and Kate Sullivan at the desk to talk about his experience in dealing with the disease. He looked noticeably different, having shaved his head so that he would not have to watch his hair fall out as a result of the chemotherapy.

When asked about his prognosis, Bartelstein said, "I think everybody thinks it's pretty good." The chemo, which he does Mondays through Fridays between two-week breaks, makes him feel tired. He said that he looks forward to the new job because "it gives me a place to go in the morning. Coming here gets my mind off -- I've been laughing all morning." He added "CBS has been great throughout all of this," saying that they understand if he needs to stay home on his bad days.

You can watch Bartelstein's appearance on wcbstv.com by clicking here.

Bartelstein Joins CBS 2 News

Steve Bartelstein will join CBS 2 News as a weekend morning anchor beginning this Saturday. He was most recently the co-anchor of ABC 7's "Eyewitness News This Morning." He will likely sit next to Deborah Garcia in the seat that was vacated by Brendan Keefe... It's been kept warm by Sean Hennessey and Magee Hickey.

Quotes from the press release:
- Peter Dunn, president and general manager: "Steve has proven to be a likeable, well recognized and successful news personality in the NY market. With his on-air experience and achievements within the industry and in the community, we are thrilled he is joining our thriving news team."
- David Friend, vice president and news director: "Steve is a smart, dedicated journalist as well as a terrific communicator. He will be another strong addition to our excellent on-air team."

Bartelstein recently spoke with the Post about his departure from ABC 7 and his cancer diagnosis and treatment.

9:36 P.M. UPDATE: Brian sends in this Richard Huff article that has some new information: While he was hired for weekend mornings, Bartelstein "will do more down the road." He will be on CBS 2 News This Morning and at 5:00 tomorrow to talk about his hiring and his cancer. And according to Peter Dunn, his co-anchor on weekend mornings will be Mary Calvi.

Johnson Profiled

The Record of Bergen, NJ ran a profile piece of Kristine Johnson yesterday as tomorrow marks one year since she and Chris Wragge became CBS 2 News anchors. Johnson discusses the faster pace of the 11:00 newscast, the station's new status as number two, and how she's able to balance work with raising her two young kids.

"Design Week" Airs Tomorrow

CBS 2 will air "Design Week," an hour long special produced with House and Garden Design Happening, tomorrow at 1 p.m. Chris Wragge and Kristine Johnson host the show and Mary Calvi, Kate McGee, Magee Hickey, Scott Rapoport and Alexis Christoforous will provide reports. For more information, click here for the press release.

Halloween at CBS 2

It's Halloween and CBS 2 is celebrating. There is a five-second ID that wishes viewers a happy and safe Halloween. (The name Bruce appears on one of the tombstones, seen below.)

The bug during this morning's news also got the spooky treatment with a pumpkin taking the place of the CBS eye.

Fadal in The New York Times

The Times has a writeup about Tamsen Fadal's wedding to "professional matchmaker and dating coach" Matt Titus. The two got married two weeks ago at Tavern on the Green.

The story talks about how the two first met back in October 2004 when Fadal was a reporter for KYW-TV in Philadelphia. Two months later, "Ms. Fadal was offered a freelance assignment at WCBS, and Mr. Titus volunteered to drive her from Philadelphia to her 3 a.m. shift. Five days a week. 'She’d get out of the car, and I’d drive back to Philly,' he said. He would return to New York to pick her up at 1 p.m."

It goes on to talk about how both lost their moms to cancer and even has a quote about Fadal from Magee Hickey. There's also a video of Fadal and Titus talking about how they met.

CBS 2 News to Cover Joe Torre Press Conference Live

It was the top story yesterday at 5, 6 and 11: Joe Torre rejected the Yankees' one-year, five-million-dollar contract to return to manage the team next year. And now, after 12 years, the Torre era comes to an end.

CBS 2 News will break in to take Torre's press conference live at 2 p.m., which will be the first time Torre is seen and heard publicly since the news broke late yesterday afternoon.

Bolaris to Join WTXF

This won't come as a surprise to anyone but John Bolaris is expected to join WTXF Fox 29 in Philadelphia as chief meteorologist. That's according to the Philadelphia Daily News's Dan Gross, who says that the station could make the announcement as early as Monday. Gross also reports that Bolaris is undergoing surgery today for a sports hernia at Columbia Presbyterian Hospital.

Fadal to Wed, Write a Book

This morning's Starr Report has some interesting tidbits about reporter Tamsen Fadal: This Saturday, she's getting married to "dating coach" Matt Titus at Tavern on the Green. In January, he'll star in his own reality show on Lifetime: "Matt Titus: Matchmaker." Then in February, "Why Hasn't He Called?", a book the two authored together, comes out.

Keefe Says Goodbye

CBS 2's weekend morning anchor Brendan Keefe signed off today.

In the last two minutes of the 8:00 hour this morning, Deborah Garcia said, "We have some sad news to report: Today is Brendan's last day here at WCBS. He is off to Cincinatti with his family... we're going to miss you."

Keefe then said his goodbye: "This is my last morning at WCBS and I wanted to say 'thank you,' for you have invited me into your home these last five years. New York is my home and I am leaving it, literally, for greener pastures with the blessings and support of the good people here at Channel 2. This is the greatest television station in the greatest city in the world and that is because of the people here. You are simply the best. Just know that, wherever I go, I will take you and New York with me in my heart because that's where you will always be. Thank you."

Elise Finch seemed disappointed because his statement was missing something. "He didn't end with a joke!" she said.


Garcia added a few more words. "We're going to miss you so much," she said. "You make three hours fly by... Cincinatti is a very lucky city and your station is very lucky to get you."

Keefe provided some insight into why he decided to make the move. "When you have a baby, it changes everything in the world, and I've got that little six-month-old boy at home. When you look into those eyes, suddenly you decide that maybe going to Iraq every other year isn't necessarily the assignment. So that's why the decision was made."

Keefe To Leave For Cincinnati Anchor Chair

According to the Cincinnati Enquirier, Brendan Keefe is moving to WCPO-TV, where he will be the co-anchor of the station's 5:30 p.m. newscast. He begins next Monday, October 8th.

Keefe joined CBS 2 as a reporter on February 1, 2003, the day the Space Shuttle Columbia exploded upon re-entry. He joined the station from KPRC-TV in Houston, where he often covered NASA and its missions. He has since been to Iraq and Kuwait three times and most recently co-anchored the weekend morning newscasts for the past few months.

In CBS 2 bio, Keefe says that his dream job is to be a "street reporter for life" and that he's a journalist "for the thrill of the hunt - - the hunt for the truth."

(Thanks to David G. for sending in this article!)

CBS 2 Sponsors Two Charity Events This Weekend

It's going to be a busy morning for CBS 2 as the station is sponsoring a couple of walks/runs tomorrow.

Cindy Hsu and Jim Rosenfield will be at Battery Park for the JDRF Walk to Cure Diabetes while Lonnie Quinn will take part in the walk at the Bronx Zoo.

Beginning at 10:00 tomorrow morning, Chris Wragge and Kristine Johnson will anchor live from the Tunnel to Towers Run. The press release says that Brendan Keefe and Lou Young will contribute reports while Dana Tyler has an interview with the widow of Stephen Siller, the heroic firefighter who inspired the walk. The hour-long broadcast will also be streamed live at wcbstv.com.

Both events will be covered during CBS 2 News Sunday Morning from 6:00 to 9:00. Elise Finch will provide weather reports from the site of the Tunnel to Towers Run, which begins at the Brooklyn Battery Tunnel.

Bolaris Hints He's Returning To Philadelphia

According to The Philadelphia Inquirer, John Bolaris says he misses that city "in a big way." He told a radio show that his CBS 2 contract ends at the end of the year and that "I should be hanging with you guys soon." Bolaris told the Philadelphia Daily News, "It's destiny."

There is speculation that he could go to either WTXF or WCAU. Bolaris joined CBS 2 from WCAU in 2002.

9/11/07 Coverage Plans

CBS 2 News will air the September 11th memorial service tomorrow morning with coverage beginning at 8:25. The service will include the reading of nearly 3,000 names.

Cindy Hsu Anchors From "Race For The Cure"

From 6:oo to 9:00 this morning, Cindy Hsu provided live reports from the Susan G. Komen Race For The Cure. Brendan Keefe anchored the rest of CBS 2 News Sunday Morning from the studio. Hsu was joined by breast cancer survivors and their families, some of whom were featured on last night's special.




At the end of the newscast, Hsu was joined by the rest of CBS 2's team participating in the event: Maurice DuBois, Kate Sullivan, Dana Tyler, Chris Wragge, Kristine Johnson, Lonnie Quinn, Tamsen Fadal and Dr. Holly Phillips.

"Sunday Blitz" Returns Today

CBS 2's football pre-game show, "Sunday Blitz," returns this morning for a second season at 11:00. Chris Wragge hostedthe show for its first few months last fall until he was named as a news anchor. Ducis Rodgers and Sam Ryan then shared the responsibilities. It is not yet clear who will host the show this time. The show's graphics this year appear to be based on the CBS Sports package.

"Sunday Blitz" is followed by "Jets 24/7" at 11:30, "The NFL Today" at noon and Jets vs. Patriots at 1:00.

CBS 2 Presents "Race For The Cure"

On the eve of this weekend's Susan G. Komen New York City Race for the Cure, CBS 2 News will air an hour-long special on breast cancer. "Race For The Cure" is hosted by morning anchors Maurice DuBois and Kate Sullivan and airs Saturday night at 7:00. According to the press release, the "inspirational hour" "highlights the Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure in New York City and takes a positive and encouraging look at breast cancer survivors and new advances in fighting the disease." Dr. Holly Phillips, Dr. Max Gomez, Dana Tyler, Cindy Hsu, Kristine Johnson, Tamsen Fadal and Katie McGee will also provide reports.

For the third year in a row, CBS 2 is the media sponsor of the 5K race, which takes place Sunday morning at 9:00. Check out two of the spots the station has been running for the cause here.

Don Dahler's Debut

Don Dahler has just appeared on CBS 2 News for the first time. He's filling in for Jim Rosenfield on the 6 p.m. newscast right now with Dana Tyler.

6:29PM Update: Before tossing to Lonnie Quinn with weather, Dana Tyler took note of Dahler's debut. "This is Don Dahler and we welcome him to CBS 2," she said. "So nice to see you here. You probably recognize him as a network correspondent, which you have done for years. And joining us as an anchor here on the weekends and subbing for Jim and Chris."

When asked how he felt halfway through his first CBS 2 newscast, Dahler said: "This must be what Joba Chamberlain felt like when he was called up to the Yankees, except I don't have a hundred-mile-an-hour fastball and I haven't seen 21 in a long time. That's where the resemblance ends." Then he added, "I'm very happy to be here, thank you."

It's Official: Dahler Joins CBS 2

CBS 2 News announced yesterday that Don Dahler will join CBS 2 News as a weekend evening anchor. He will begin on September 8th and will co-anchor with Mary Calvi, according to Broadcasting & Cable. The announcement comes nearly two weeks after the Daily News first reported the story with the news that he could soon move to weekdays.

Bolaris' Long Island House On The Market

John Bolaris is selling his Wainscott home, according to Newsday. $2.695 million is the asking price for the five-bedroom, 4 ½-bath in Suffolk County. The paper has this description of it: "cedar-shingled, post-modern dwelling, located at the end of a cul-de-sac, has cathedral ceilings, formal living and dining rooms, media a room and a heated Gunite pool."

"It's my dream home," Bolaris told Newsday. "Growing up as a kid, I always wanted a home on the East End. We didn't have much when I was a kid. It was a goal to have a house like this. I worked really hard to get it."

"The weatherman said he will eventually buy another house south of Montauk Highway," says the paper, which mentioned that Bolaris would not comment on speculation that he will soon leave New York for Philadelphia.

Bolaris is currently CBS 2's weekend evening weatherman and also does forecasts for WCBSTV.com's "@ Your Desk" webcasts during the week.

Interns Report The News

The interns at CBS 2 News have just wrapped up production of their own newscast. It focuses on their experiences over the course of the summer and shows what interns in each department work on. You can check out the video on wcbstv.com by clicking here.

And for more details on the internship itself and how to apply, click here.

Don Dahler to CBS 2 News?

CBS 2 News is "in the final stages" of hiring Don Dahler as anchor, Richard Huff reports today in the Daily News. The paper says that he is likely to be a weekend evening anchor, at least in the beginning, and could eventually move to weekdays. Huff adds: "As for the weekday part of the deal, a few contracts of weekday players are up soon, so Dahler's weekend run could be short."

Dahler joined ABC News as a correspondent in February 1999. He has also spent time at NBC News/CNBC and Fox News Channel and, before becoming an on-air reporter, he was a producer for CBS's 48 Hours. According to his ABC News bio, "Dahler has covered many of the biggest stories of the day, including the war in Kosovo, the school shootings at Columbine, the Oklahoma City tornadoes, and the presidential electoral recounts."

Petterson Named 11pm EP

Starting September 3rd, Lauren Petterson will be the executive producer of CBS 2 News at 11:00. She comes to CBS 2 from Fox News Channel, where she was senior producer of "Fox & Friends." Before that, she worked as senior broadcast producer and then executive producer of WPIX's "WB11 Morning News." She even has experience at WCBS-TV, where she was a producer.

According to Vice President and News Director David Friend: "Lauren has the newsroom experience and leadership skills we look for here at CBS 2. We are thrilled to welcome her to our production staff and look forward to what her creativity and editorial input will bring to our 11PM newscast."

For more information, check out the press release.

"Sunburned" Tomorrow Morning

Tomorrow morning at 11:00, CBS 2 will air a half-hour special called "Sunburned: Skin Cancer Exposed." It's hosted by Dr. Holly Phillips and Dr. Max Gomez and will feature a report by Kirstin Cole. For more information, click here for the press release.

CBS 2 News Covers Steam Pipe Explosion

Jim Rosenfield broke the news on CBS 2 News at 6:08: Police were being called to 42nd Street between Lexington and 3rd Avenues after reports of underground explosions. They then returned to the regular newscast until 6:15 when the story was again reported and updated. At 6:19, Rosenfield and Dana Tyler conducted a phone interview with a spokesman for the Transit Authority. A live metrocam shot showing the steam billowing up into the skyline. That there was no reason to suspect terrorism was a point that was frequently made. This coverage remained sustained until 6:30, when the station aired the "CBS Evening News with Katie Couric."

CBS 2 News returned at 7 with two more hours of live coverage, anchored by Chris Wragge and Kristine Johnson. Reporters on the scene included Dave Carlin (via phone), Scott Weinberger (via phone), Sean Hennessey (via phone), Brendan Keefe and Pablo Guzman (on the phone at first but on camera later in the evening). Casualty numbers came in: One dead and at least 20 injured. At 8:21, CBS 2 went live to Mayor Michael Bloomberg's press conference, at which the mayor declared that the incident was the result of "a failure of our infrastructure" and not related to terrorism.

Sharon Persaud Named Public Affairs Manager

Sharon Persaud will be the new public affairs manager at CBS 2, the station announced today. The appointment is effective Monday. She previously worked as an associate producer in Creative Services.

President and General Manager Peter Dunn: "Sharon has already done a fantastic job in the Creative Services arena for the station. With her people skills and vast knowledge of what this position already entails, she will be able to efficiently address the needs and concerns of our viewers while attending to important community issues."

Persaud fills the position that was previously held by Vanessa Kenon-Hunt.

Tanya Rivero Leaves CBS 2 News

It appears that reporter Tanya Rivero has left CBS 2 News as her bio on wcbstv.com was removed today. Rivero joined CBS 2 News in July 2005 and served as a general assignment reporter during her two years with the station.

Health Watch Team

Dr. Max Gomez debuted on CBS 2 News This Morning last Wednesday. He was with WCBS from 1994 until 1997. He was previously with WNBC from July 1997 until last December.

Gomez joins Dr. Holly Phillips to form CBS 2 News' Health Watch team. A promo for the team is on the air now:



Phillips was live in the studio today at 5:00 with tips on dealing with this week's hot weather. She then tossed to a Gomez package on the heat.

Weather @ Bryant Park

CBS 2 has been airing this promo for Bryant Park for several weeks. Now we're starting to see more signs of this partnership.

Today at noon, John Elliott gave the forecast for the Bryant Park Film Festival tonight. He then tossed to Scott Rapoport, who reported live from the park and talked about how parkgoers were trying to beat the heat.