Glaros Does Weekend Morning Weather

Megan Glaros debuted on CBS 2 News at 5:00 on Wednesday, May 21st as an entertainment and features reporter but did not forecast the weather last weekend. Today was her meteorological debut.

At 6:15, anchors Steve Bartelstein and Mary Calvi both welcomed Glaros. "It's so good to have you here," said Calvi. Bartelstein, always the gift-giver, got his new colleague a coffee mug with an alligator on its floor, telling her, "I know you're from Miami... and there aren't as many gators around here." Glaros said of the present, "So I can scare myself when I get down to the bottom of my drink." Bartelstein explained that his mom always tells him to give gifts on first days because it is supposed to be good luck. "All I have for you guys is storms this afternoon," the meteorologist quipped.

When it was time for her next full weather hit at 6:42, Glaros found something to give to Bartelstein and Calvi. "I don't think Lonnie's going to mind," she said as she handed over the gifts. "Woowww, markers," said Bartelstein of the yellow highlighters.

CBS 2 News Covers Deadly Upper East Side Crane Collapse

CBS 2 News broke in at 8:25 during its regular cut-in during "The Early Show" to report news of a crane collapsing on a 20-story building on 354 East 91st Street by 1st Avenue at around 8:00 (watch the initial report here on wcbstv.com). Maurice DuBois and Kate Sullivan handled the breaking news coverage, which lasted for the rest of the morning into the noon news. Initial reports said that two people were dead but that was later revised at 9:27 to at least one dead with several others injured. WCBSTV.com's breaking news text message alert was sent at 8:20 while the website streamed the live coverage.

Most of the pictures came from Reggie Harrison (a former NYPD cop) and Chopper 2. Sean Hennessey began reporting from the ground via phone but was later seen on camera at around 9:13 interviewing many witnesses of the collapse. Jay Dow also reported via his phone at around that time and was first seen on camera at East 91st and 2nd at 9:53. At 9:37, the first video from the scene was fed in as DuBois explained to viewers that it was difficult to get a live truck any closer. Katie McGee came on several times to talk about the traffic conditions and the bus detours. At 10:14, Chris Wragge reported from the 92nd and 2nd began interviewing witnesses and later spoke with Manhattan Borough President Scott Stringer. Magee Hickey, who said it took her and her crew nearly an hour to get from another story in Brooklyn, joined the live coverage from the ground at 10:56. Additional reporting was sourced to Tony Aiello and John Slattery.

As is often the case during breaking news coverage, the anchors spoke with politicians, experts and witnesses via the phone. Among the phone interviews were: Councilman Tony Avella, Buildings Committe - NYC Council; Jessica Lappin, (D) NYC Council - Manhattan; Bo Dietl, retired NYPD detective; Ann Marie Kross, 60 Minutes producer/witness; James Pritchett, crane collapse expert in Mobile, AL; Phillip Shiffman, lives in building/witness; Erik Dilan, Chairman of Buildings Committee - NYC Council; Mary Jo Gillis, who lives nearby and was woken up by the sound of the crash; and Ira Goldman, Red Cross spokesperson. Audio and then video of Mayor Michael Bloomberg calling the accident "unacceptable" on his weekly WOR radio show ran a few times.

At 9:51, pictures that viewer Victoria Pericon e-mailed in to wcbstv.com came on the screen. The series of three shots showed the crane as it fell.

A new conference with Mayor Bloomberg, Governor David Paterson and Acting Buildings Commissioner Robert LiMandri began at 11:21. They provided some new information, including the fact that the one fatality and the two seriously injured were construction workers, and took questions from reporters.

Sullivan and DuBois signed off at the top of the hour as Don Dahler anchored CBS 2 News at Noon from the ground. He tossed to Hickey, Dow, Slattery, Wragge, Harrison in Chopper 2, and McGee in the studio with traffic updates. The station took its first break in almost four hours at 12:18. When Dahler returned 90 seconds later, he tossed to Sullivan in the studio with a brief look at the other stories making news before turning to John Elliott with the weather. Sullivan then tossed back to Dahler and then Harrison with some final comments before saying goodbye and closing just before 12:28.

Here are some snapshots of the coverage:


























Updated news on this story is available at wcbstv.com.

Update: CBS 2 News broke in again at 3:00. Don Dahler, reporting from the scene, reported the news that a second victim had passed away. He also provided the identities of the two fatalities. The special report lasted just over 90 seconds. Dahler returned at 4:00 with a quick update and said that one of the victims who had died was in the taxi cab that the crane fell onto.

"Women at the Top" Tomorrow Night

Kristine Johnson hosts "Women at the Top" tomorrow night at 7:00 on CBS 2. The hour-long special focuses on women who have found success in the areas of business, politics, finance and entertainment.

All this month, CBS 2 has been airing sponsored spots recognizing successful women for "Month of Women."

Guzman Thanks Viewers on Blog

Pablo Guzman made his first blog post on wcbstv.com this morning and wrote about his accident earlier this month. In it, he describes being rescued from his car by Good Samaritans and thanked everyone who helped him. He also thanked viewers for writing in with their well wishes (posted here and here):

Thank you. And thank all of you who gave me such good medicine as to take the time and write here at CBS, and wish me well. OK, I admit it: I cried. And savored every word like chicken soup.

He ended the entry by saying, "See you soon."

Dahler Debuts at Noon and 6:00

Don Dahler made his weekday debut today though his new co-anchor was still off. Kate Sullivan filled in for Dana Tyler at noon while Kristine Johnson filled in at 6:00. No mention was made that it was Dahler's first day as permanent anchor of those newscasts.

Dahler is also filling in for Chris Wragge at 11:00.

Dahler to Replace Rosenfield

The Daily News reports this morning that Don Dahler has been named to take over Jim Rosenfield's spot on CBS 2 News at Noon and at 6:00. He'll sit next to Dana Tyler. Dahler joined the station the day after Labor Day, filling in for Rosenfield at 6:00.

Meanwhile, the paper also reports that Steve Bartelstein "picks up Dahler's weekend assignments," presumably meaning that he will do both the morning and evening newscasts on weekends. This is the same assignment that Mary Calvi has had since November when Bartelstein joined.

Rosenfield Signs Off

Jim Rosenfield said goodbye to viewers at the end of CBS 2 News at 6:00 today. "A personal note: This is my last broadcast here on CBS 2," he said. "I just want to thank you for inviting me into your homes every evening." Kristine Johnson, who was filling in for Dana Tyler, added, "You have been so kind, so generous and someone that truly many of us in that newsroom admire. I know Dana is thinking of you at this very moment so, on behalf of her and everyone here at CBS 2, we're truly going to miss you. We wish you many more successes."

As the camera pulled back and the music played out, Lonnie Quinn and Ducis Rodgers were seen shaking Rosenfield's hand before Johnson leaned over for a kiss.

Here's video of the close:

WCBSTV.COM: An Award Winning Website

WCBSTV.com won the Edward R. Murrow Award for Best Local Broadcast Website. This accolade follows months of record hits on the webpage. The award was announced in March, and is now prominently featured on the wcbstv.com homepage.

May Sweeps Results

A press release this afternoon announces some highlights for CBS 2 during the May Sweeps period, which officially ended yesterday.

CBS 2 was #2 in households from sign-on to sign-off, and CBS 2 News at 5am, 5pm, 6pm, and 11pm all finished in second place in households. Here are some important victories:

- CBS 2 News This Morning at 5am with Maurice DuBois and Kate Sullivan was up 29% over last year

- CBS 2 News at 5pm with Chris Wragge and Kristine Johnson was up 21% compared to last year, and was the only newscast at 5pm to show growth

- CBS 2 News at 6pm with Dana Tyler and Jim Rosenfield also was the only 6pm newscast to show growth compared to last year

Update: Here's the ABC 7 press release with all the numbers

Glaros to Weekend Mornings

Meteorologist Megan Glaros debuted last night during CBS 2 News at 5:00, and we now know her assignment. According to her biography at wcbstv.com, Glaros will be the meteorologist for the weekend morning newscasts, as well as an entertainment reporter during the week.

Glaros replaces Elise Finch, who had been doing double-duty as the meteorologist for the weekend morning and evening newscasts since John Bolaris left CBS 2 News in December 2007. Finch will continue to appear on the weekend evening newscasts.

New Round of Still Photos Promos

CBS 2 is now airing what looks to be a second round of those still photos promos. Reporters Mary Calvi and Lou Young are featured as well as the morning team of Maurice DuBois and Kate Sullivan.

"Reporting What Matters"


"Knowledge and Experience"


"Start Your Day with a Smile"

Glaros Debuts on CBS 2 News

CBS 2's lead weather anchor Lonnie Quinn welcomed the newest member of the weather team today at 5:18 (watch this clip on wcbstv.com). "I've worked with you in different parts of the country before" he said. "I think you're fabulous." Glaros appeared on the right side of the split screen, reporting live from the USS Kearsarge for Fleet Week coverage. Quinn added, "I love that lady." Both Quinn and Glaros did morning weather in Miami at WTVJ and WPLG, respectively.

"This is the best first day I could possibly have imagined," Glaros said after Lonnie tossed to her. She spoke with a major in the U.S. Marines, who was with her on the deck of the USS Kearsarge. Glaros returned at 5:52 with a package that took viewers inside the Metoc office where the ship's crew makes its weather forecasts. She also appeared during the evening's third forecast at 6:18. "Welcome to the team," Quinn said. "I'm proud to have you on."

Of course this isn't Glaros' first sighting on CBS 2. Since last Saturday, she's been appearing in updated weather factoid promos for the summer. The station also began airing a five-second ID saying, "CBS 2 HD welcomes Megan Glaros."

Rosenfield Will Miss Tyler

The story in today's Daily News has a few more nuggets of information, including this:

"I will miss everybody I worked with in the newsroom, and especially Dana Tyler," Rosenfield said when reached Tuesday. "I've really enjoyed sitting next to Dana Tyler, it has been a pleasure and a privilege."

He said Tyler was "professional" and "giving."

There's also this about his contract:

The move is not completely unexpected. When Ch. 2 moved him to the noon and 6 p.m. shows last June, the station was technically in breach of his contract, meaning he could leave at any time for a better offer.

The paper also notes: "Rosenfield grew up in a CBS household. His father, Jim Sr., was a veteran TV executive and former president of the CBS TV network." That would explain why he said "I grew up watching Channel 2 News... I feel truly privileged to have this responsibility because this is what I grew up watching" in this promo (1:00 - 1:15).

Meanwhile, NewsByte2 visitors are making their picks for who should fill Rosenfield's chair. It looks like most of you think it will be either weekend evening anchor Don Dahler or weekend morning anchor Steve Bartelstein. Someone mentioned that morning anchor Maurice DuBois might move back to afternoons. Two people also mentioned that they would like to see Cindy Hsu back at the anchor desk.

Rosenfield to Leave CBS 2 News

Jim Rosenfield is leaving CBS 2 News after Thursday, according to the Daily News. The paper says it is part of the recent budget cuts. So far, there is no official word as to who will replace him. Post your guesses here.

Rosenfield has been with CBS 2 since June 1, 2005 when he replaced Ernie Anastos as Roz Abrams' co-anchor at 5 p.m. and 11 p.m. He had previously served as Sue Simmons' co-anchor on "Live at Five" until March 4, 2005. His hiring came as Dennis Swanson, who headed what was then known as the Viacom Television Stations Group, and news director Dianne Doctor were in the process of bringing many people, both on-air and off, with them from NBC 4. When every newscast lineup was shuffled on April 10, 2006, Rosenfield became anchor of the 6 p.m. and 11 p.m. newscasts with Dana Tyler. Since June 25th, he and Tyler have anchored the noon and 6 p.m. newscasts.

His first stint at CBS 2 began in October 1998 when he joined to anchor the noon news with Cindy Hsu and at 6:00 with Lisa Cooley. On January 24, 2000, he and Lisa Hill moved to 5:00 as the station launched "News 2 at 4:00." He anchored his last newscast on April 11th of that year, leaving the station after being let out of his contract when he and new news director Joel Cheatwood were unable to reach a deal about a new assignment.

Video of New Weather Factoid Promos

Here are videos of some of the new weather factoid promos that have been airing on CBS 2 since yesterday. Megan Glaros is unnamed in the spots but she is featured prominently in them. She is set to join the CBS 2 weather team soon (the Daily News reported last month that she would be joining in May) on either weekend mornings or evenings and also expected to take on entertainment reporting during the week.

Lightning:


Thunder:


Raindrops:


NewsByte2 visitor Eileen adds that she has seen another one with Glaros and Elise Finch talking about butterflies.

Glaros Debuts in Promo

CBS 2's newest addition made her debut this morning. Just before 10:00, a new weather facts promo about raindrops aired with meteorologist Megan Glaros delivering the first line. She appears in the promo along with her colleagues Lonnie Quinn, John Elliott and Elise Finch.

Thunder During the Weather

A strange noise was heard during the 11 p.m. weathercast tonight. After a puzzled look from Lonnie Quinn, Chris Wragge joked that it was thunder. Quinn laughed and agreed, saying, "Possibly thunder. This is why I love that Chris and Kristine." He then continued on with the forecast, making it clear there was no thunder expected tonight. It takes place about 1 minute, 50 seconds into this video.

"Eye on New York" to Re-Air at Noon

Beginning this Sunday, "Eye on New York" will air at both 6:30 a.m. and 12 noon. That's based on an announcement made during newscasts today. The program will focus on the 60th anniversary of Israel.

The show has been airing at 6:30 since it debuted on March 16th and we reported two weeks ago that it would add a rebroadcast at 11:30, though it never did air then.

Guzman Out of Hospital

Pablo Guzman is resting at home after being released from a Westchester hospital yesterday evening. He was there being treated for injuries, including two broken ribs, sustained in a serious car accident Monday evening. "I shouldn't be here now," he told Lou Young, whose interview with Guzman aired last night at 11:00. The accident was so bad that the police who responded to the scene expected to find a fatality.

Guzman says he's still sore and his dreams keep going back to the accident. "I see the car spinning and I'm just wondering if I could have done anything different" he says. He thanks the paramedics and the police and says "God must want something else for you to do."

Young gave viewers a tour of the wrecked Honda CR-V at the junk yard, showing just how lucky Guzman was to get out alive. According to witnesses, someone cut Guzman off and that's when his car lost control, slamming into the rock wall and flipping over. "Am I going to get out alive?" was one of the thoughts Guzman says went through his head.

Young reported that Guzman could be out for a couple of weeks.

Click here for video of the interview of one veteran reporter interviewing another.

(Snapshots from the video on wcbstv.com)

Guzman Credits Seatbelt For Saving His Life

CBS 2 News anchors Dana Tyler and Jim Rosenfield updated viewers on the status of Pablo Guzman at 6:08, almost exactly 24 hours after the reporter was involved in a car accident:

Now to a story that hits close to home... the call that everyone dreads: a loved one who's been hurt in an accident. And this time, we got the call about a member of our family. CBS 2's own reporter Pablo Guzman was in a car accident on his way home from work last night. He's okay, but look at the photograph of what's left of his car. It is hard to believe Pablo got away with just one broken rib and a lot of bruises. He wants everyone to know the only reason he is alive is because he was wearing his seatbelt. Pablo is resting comfortably in a hospital tonight. Our hearts are with him for a speedy recovery.

Tyler added, "We know he's the kind who wants to get right up and come back to work." Rosenfield said that he's been "on the phone with the bosses already today." They both said they hope he rests up and that they look forward to his return.

Update: wcbstv.com has a page up for visitors to send their "get well" wishes, in text and/or video format, to Guzman here.

Rodgers Joins Blogosphere

CBS 2 sports director Ducis Rodgers wrote his first blog post today. In it, he talks about his birthday last Saturday and how he tried to get his wife to watch sports with him by talking up the Kentucky Derby and Eight Belles. Rodgers joins Lou Young in CBS 2's blogosphere.

Speaking of Rodgers, he and Sam Ryan have apparently readjusted their schedules. Rodgers, who had done sports Sunday through Thursday, is now back on Friday nights, and Ryan now does Saturday and Sunday. While their bios have yet to be updated, this is apparently in response to "Sports Sunday" being dropped.

Guzman Injured in Car Accident

The Journal News is reporting that CBS 2 reporter Pablo Guzman is in stable condition after being involved in a one-car accident in Yonkers last night. Westchester County Police say that Guzman lost control of his Honda on the Cross County Parkway and hit a rock wall. He was taken to Westchester Medical Center and remained overnight for observation but did not appear to have suffered life-threatening injuries.

Video of New Still Photos Promos

As promised, here's video of the five new promos CBS 2 launched on Tuesday:

"Honest And Consistent"


"Truth and Politics"


"Sharing Your Stories"


"Working For You"


"Health And Compassion"

Veteran Photographer Retires

Veteran photographer Barry Weiss retired from CBS 2 today. He joined CBS in 1966, sometimes working with "60 Minutes" and the "CBS Evening News with Walter Cronkite," before joining WCBS-TV, where he's been since 1980.

Check out the following clip from this evening's CBS 2 News at 6:00, including Dana Tyler remembering working with Weiss shortly after she joined Channel 2 years ago, as well as shots of Cindy Hsu and Kirstin Cole taking part in the celebrations:

Brendan Keefe Returns to CBS 2

...Well, sort of.

In tonight's top story at 6:00, Marcia Kramer reported on Mayor Michael Bloomberg's taking away of free parking permits from 25,000 city employees. The move, representing a 32% reduction, was done in an effort to unclog city streets. Kramer showed video from CBS 2 stories that aired in 2006:

For years, CBS 2 has crusaded against city workers abusing their parking privileges. Parking at expired meters, fire hydrants, even blocking delivery trucks. Brendan Keefe, a former CBS 2 reporter, did many of the stories.

What followed next was an eighteen-second bite from Keefe in the WCPO-TV Cincinatti newsroom:

This was indefensible. To hand out half a billion dollars worth in parking tickets ever year, 8 million parking tickets a year – one for every man, woman, and child in the five boroughs with one hand, and then on the other hand, to get city employees a free ride, we saw that as hypocrisy and that's why we kept chasing the story.

On the lower third, he was identified as a "former CBS2 News reporter." Keefe left CBS 2 back in October to become an anchor of WCPO's 6 p.m. newscast.

You can read or watch the story on wcbstv.com here.

(Snapshot from wcbstv.com video.)