The New Newscasts

Today as CBS 2 aired "The Weakest Link" at 4:00, the debut of "CBS 2 First News @ 4:30" followed. Angela Rae and Todd McDermott anchored this shortened version of the old "First News @ 4:00". Top stories in the beginning, as always, followed by more news, and Robyn Carter's entertainment report at 4:53. Then Angela and Todd ended the newscast, and went to Dana Tyler and Ernie Anastos with a preview of CBS 2 News at 5:00. Brett Haber had the sports report at 5:14, and David Rogers had the forecast at 5:17. Dana Tyler previewed CBS 2 News at 6:00 at 5:19. Tony Tantillo came on at 5:22 with his "Top 5 @ 5:00" (originally "Top 4 at 4:00" since April, and "Top 5 at 5:00" previous to that). This newscast ended at 5:24, with Todd and Angela previewing the next half hour of the news. After a two-and-a-half-minute break, CBS 2 News at 5:30 opened. "No Nonsense Weather" with David Rogers came on shortly after the half-way point, as it has for over a year now. And CBS 2 News at 6:00 stayed relatively unchanged.

CBS 2 Announces More Lineup Changes

According to a CBS 2 Press Release, there will be some changes to the lineups starting Monday. The changes that we've been reporting for a few weeks have been confirmed by the station: Angela Rae and Todd McDermott at 4:30 and 5:30, and Dana Tyler and Ernie Anastos at 5:00 and 6:00. But additional changes are also coming in the weather department. Janine D'Adamo and Ira Joe Fisher will "swap" positions, once again placing Ira in the mornings. The information does not make it clear as to who exactly will do the 5:00, 5:30, and 6:00 weather reports. The release also promised "increased weather coverage", with News Director Joel Cheatwood quoted as saying, "Accurate and timely weather information plays a vital role in our everyday lives. These changes will afford WCBS’s talented weather team the opportunity to deliver the most extensive and complete coverage."

As for the change to "First News @ 4:30", the website has changed most mentions of "First News @ 4:00" to the new title, including an updated image here.
(Thanks to Brian for informing me of the press release!)

CBS 2 New Year's Eve and Inauguration of Mayor Bloomberg Coverage

Last night's Nightcast, the final CBS 2 newscast of 2001, provided CBS 2 viewers of full coverage of the incoming year, 2002, and the inauguration of New York City's 108th mayor, Michael Bloomberg. Vince DeMentri and Hazel Sanchez were live in Times Square with reports and an interview with former NYC mayor Rudolph Giuliani. Lou Young was live at the mayoral residence, Gracie Mansion. Also, Todd McDermott was in-studio with more coverage of the new year and new mayor. Nightcast ended at its regular time, after showing highlights of New Year's festivities all around the world. At 11:55, Ernie Anastos and Angela Rae re-welcomed viewers to CBS 2 News coverage. They provided live coverage from Times Square as 2001 ended and 2002 began. One minute after midnight, CBS 2 News showed the inauguartion of NYC Mayor Michael Bloomberg, also in Times Square. The live Times Square coverage was followed by brief commentaries from Ernie and Angela reflecting on the past year and the new mayor. CBS 2 News coverage ended after a final report from Lou Young at approximately 12:10.

-Michael

NY Post Article Confirms Anchor Switch Effective on January 7th, 2002

In today's NY Post, an article confirmed the new afternoon/evening anchor lineup since the day-time version of Weakest Link premieres a week from today reducing the amount of airtime for First News. The article reads:

In other local TV news, Ch. 2 is making some timeslot changes with its anchor teams, since it's slicing its 4 p.m. newscast in half to accommodate the 4 p.m. syndicated, half-hour version of "Weakest Link" hosted by George Gray.

Beginning Jan. 7, Angela Rae and Todd McDermott will now anchor from 4:30 to 5 p.m., with Ernie Anastos and Dana Tyler moving from 5 to 5:30 p.m. It will be Rae and McDermott again from 5:30 to 6 p.m., with Anastos and Tyler remaining at 6 p.m.

(Thanks to David for sending me this article!)

-Michael

More Changes Coming To CBS 2 News?

David has informed me of new information that there may be an anchor change on January 7th. Rumors are circulating that Todd McDermott and Angela Rae will anchor the 4:30 and 5:30 newscasts, while Dana Tyler and Ernie Anastos will anchor at 5:00 and 6:00. This is the first time in nearly four years that a different team will anchor the 5:30pm newscast.

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.

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.

Coverage Of The Terrorist Attacks On The World Trade Center

Tuesday, September 11th started out as a beautiful day throughout much of the northeast. That all changed when a hijacked airplane crashed into the north tower of the World Trade Center at 8:45am. Eighteen minutes later, another plane hijacked by terrorists crashed into the south tower. A half hour later, all air traffic nationwide was halted, the first time in U.S. history that has happened. But that wasn't enough to halt the attacks. At 9:43, another hijacked plane crashed into the Pentagon in Washington, D.C. Just before 10, the south tower of the World Trade Center collapsed. At 10:10, a fourth hijacked airliner crashed near Pittsburg, missing its probable target: The White House. Less than twenty minutes later, the north tower fell in ruins. Over 6,000 people are reported missing, including hundreds of police officers, firefighters, and other rescue workers.

CBS 2 had continuous coverage of these tragic and horrific events all week long. Dana Tyler, Ernie Anastos, Angela Rae, and Todd McDermott anchored the coverage, called "Attack On America", throughout the afternoon and evening. CBS 2's full team of reporters provided every angle of the story; from the disaster, the local, national, and international reaction, the search, the rescue, the recovery, the investigation, and the healing. Whitney Casey joined CBS 2's reporting team on the day of the attack. CBS News and Dan Rather had special reports for many days as well, but CBS 2 chose to stay local most of the time, providing more local coverage than any other station. At 5:25, Seven World Trade Center collapsed, live on CBS 2.

On Tuesday, CBS 2 announced, "It is with deep regret that WCBS-TV announces that two of our transmission engineers were located on the 110th floor of One World Trade Center when it was attacked. Isaias Rivera, an employee of the station for more than 30 years, and Bob Pattison, who joined CBS 2 in 2000, are both still missing. Channel 2 and all of its employees regard Isaias and Bob as tremendous professionals. We are saddened by these tragic events and offer our prayers to the families of our colleagues." CBS 2 was the only New York station to have a back-up transmitter located on the top of the Empire State Building. All other stations were knocked off-the-air for viewers without cable or satellite.

Saturday morning, September 15th, CBS 2 and CBS News renamed the coverage to "America Rising", focusing on the aftermath of Tuesday's deadly terrorist attack. CBS 2 continued to use their regular weekday anchors. The week after, CBS 2 began to lessen the amount of coverage slightly and resumed some normal network programming. Most local shows during the day (Martha Stewart Living, Crossing Over, Entertainment Tonight, and Hollywood Squares) were preempted for local coverage beginning at 9:00am, 3:00pm, and 7:00pm (the CBS Evening News sometimes went on for one hour until 7:30pm).

On Thursday, "America Rising" became "America Fights Back", changing the focus slightly to the nation's response and military retaliation. The same day, Dr. Mike Rosen joined CBS 2 as medical reporter. Yesterday, CBS 2 started out yesterday morning at 7:00 with a two-hour newscast anchored by Michael Pomeranz and Cindy Hsu. CBS 2 had more hour-long newscasts at 11:00am and 2:00pm. Vince DeMentri and Kirstin Cole (who has probably replaced Amanda Grove as weekend anchor) were on at 7:00pm. Then they were back at 11:00 with more coverage. This morning, "Sunday Edition" with Marcia Kramer was live for one hour starting at 6:30 interviewing the six mayoral candidates running in Tuesday's primary elections (they were originally scheduled to take place September 11th, but were postponed due to the attack). At 7:30, Lisa Hill and Cindy Hsu had more news until 9:00. Dana Tyler and Ernie Anastos had coverage of the "A Prayer For America" memorial service at Yankee Stadium from 2:00 to 4:00. More news tonight at 11:00. And this week ahead, CBS 2 will have special coverage at 9-10am, and more coverage beginning at 3:00pm.

CBS 2 Offers Comprehensive Coverage of 2001 Primary Election

A CBS 2 Press Release:

Ernie Anastos and Dana Tyler host CBS 2’s coverage of the 2001 Primary Election on Tuesday, Sept. 11 along with first-rate reporters Marcia Kramer, Pablo Guzman, Michael O’Looney, Vince DeMentri, Lou Young, John Slattery, David Diaz, Kristin Cole and Jennifer McLogan.

CBS 2 will follow the activities at the polls throughout the day and feature special reports on the NEWS AT NOON, FIRST NEWS @ 4, the NEWS AT 5 and the NEWS AT 6. In addition, beginning at 7:00 PM, ET, CBS 2 will provide election result updates at the top of every hour, concluding with extensive coverage on NIGHTCAST (11:00-11:30 PM, ET).

Additionally, CBS 2 reporters Marcella Palmer, Aimee Nuzzo, Hazel Sanchez, Whitney Casey and Rose Walia will contribute reports throughout the day’s coverage. Viewers also will be able to log onto CBS 2’s website, www.cbsnewyork.com, for the most up-to-date results of the Primary Election.

Following are the scheduled assignments for CBS 2’s Primary Election coverage:

Kramer, CBS 2’s Chief Political/Investigative reporter, will cover the Mark Green campaign from the Sheraton Hotel and also take an extensive look into voting term limits.

O’Looney will report from democratic mayoral candidate Fernando Ferrer’s campaign headquarters.

DeMentri reports from Alan Hevesi’s headquarters, the Regent Hotel.

Guzman and Cole share reporting responsibilities from the Peter Vallone campaign site.

Young and Diaz report from Republican candidate’s Michael Bloomberg and Herman Badillo headquarters, respectively.

Long Island reporter, McLogan, provides updates on the Nassau County executive race featuring Thomas Suozzi and Thomas DiNapoli.

Slattery, a 16-year veteran of WCBS-TV, examines the race for New York City public advocate and comptroller.

(Thanks to Brian for sending this press release to me!)

CBS 2's Fall 2001 Promos

Yesterday, CBS 2 began to use new graphics for their syndicated shows's promos, such as "Crossing Over with John Edward". They were designed to match CBS's new Fall 2001 graphics. After the promo, they show a screen with the shows before and after it (for example, the "Crossing Over" promo shows "As The World Turns" at 2:00 before and "First News at 4:00" after). And today, CBS 2 began to air a new one-minute-long Fall 2001 promo for their newscasts and shows. The promos show the anchors in the new studio, the Information Center, Chopper 2, the reporters, the weather team, and clips from primetime shows. The wording went something like this (but not exactly): "It's the place you go to find out... (Lisa Hill: "Good morning everybody and welcome to CBS 2 News.") and the tri-state wants to know about. It's the people you can count on... C B S 2. It's the Information Network. All our sources work together in the Information Center. It's the place for laughter... every drama sends a shiver down your spine. It's all here, on CBS. It's all here, on CBS 2. News, sports, and weather, and entertainment all together... On CBS 2, New York! It's all here. (Angela Rae and Ernie Anastos: "It's all here!")" This promo appears to be a localized version of the CBS Fall 2001 campaign.

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.

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!)

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

CBS 2 First News @ 4:00 Talent Opening

Today at 4:09, the new "CBS 2 First News @ 4:00" had a talent opening! It's pretty much the same as the one used in the morning, at noon, at 5:00, and at 6:00, except it begins with the CBS 2 logo. The male announcer says, "You're watching CBS 2 First News at 4, with Ernie Anastos and Dana Tyler." The other talent openings start with the CBS 2 Information Network logo and the female announcer says, "You're watching the CBS 2 Information Network, with..." It's important to point out that Ira Joe Fisher is not in the opening.

CBS 2 First News @ 4:00

Wednesday, 4/25/01, 7:15pm CBS 2 First News @ 4:00
"CBS 2 First News @ 4:00" premiered this afternoon. The opening was the usual type of opening: "You're watching the CBS 2 Information Network... Live from Fifth Avenue, this is CBS 2 First News at Four." There were some "Information Network noises" (I don't know how else to describe them) in the beginning, and the "Now" was once again gone (just like it was at noon).

After the opening, Dana Tyler and Ernie Anastos checked the top stories for a minute or two (similar to The News This Morning), and then Ira Joe Fisher did the weather. The new outcue for the show is "I'm (reporter's name), First News at Four." There were a few interviews with newsmakers and celebrities. At 4:15 and 4:42, Cindy Hsu did a news update (about one to one and a half minutes long), using the CBS 2 Information Network partners (today: The Daily News, VH1, CourtTV, CBS HealthWatch, and CBS MarketWatch). Dr. Emily Senay from CBS News was on the show today and will be a regular guest on CBS 2 First News @ 4:00. Robyn Carter did her CBS 2/Hollywood.com Entertainment Report at 4:24, and at 4:30 CBS 2 rejoined First News @ 4:00 with the opening again. Tony Tantillo had his Fresh Grocer report at 4:37, then Ira Joe Fisher did the "Tomorrow's Daily News Today In New York" segment. At 4:51 Angela Rae previewed "The News at 5:00". At the end of the show, Ernie Anastos and Dana Tyler recapped the show, and then the show ended at 4:57. Other than Todd McDermott, one person was missing from today's show. It was Heather O'Rourke, who did the Metro Traffic report at 5:33. It looks as if she will no longer do traffic reports at 4:00.

More on "First News at Four"

At the end of the last "New York Live!" today, Dana Tyler called the new program starting tomorrow "CBS 2 First News at Four". This is slightly different than what we reported earlier, "First at Four". Once again, the anchors will be Dana Tyler and Ernie Anastos. Currently, we don't know who will do the weather (It was Ira Joe Fisher, but it's possible that David Rogers will replace him at 4:00). This appears to be the only change taking place tomorrow, as promos are still running for Todd McDermott and Angela Rae tomorrow at 5:00.

Here's a look "Behind The Headlines" of the 4:00pm newscast on CBS 2:
-Monday, January 24, 2000: "NEWS 2 at 4:00" launched with Dana Tyler and Stephen Clark. It used old "2 News This Morning" music from 1996 and 1997.
-Thursday, April 27, 2000: All "NEWS 2" newscasts get new openings, graphics, and music. "NEWS 2 at 4:00" uses a slight variation of the new CBS 2 theme.
-Monday, October 30, 2000: As the "CBS 2 Information Network" is launched, "NEWS 2 at 4:00" is renamed "New York Live!" and gets a new opening, theme, and slightly modified graphics.
-Friday, December 22, 2000: Stephen Clark's last day at CBS 2.
-Tuesday, January 2, 2001: Todd McDermott officially joins "New York Live!" to anchor along with Dana Tyler.
-Tuesday, April 24, 2001: "New York Live" is canceled and will be replaced with "First News at Four" tomorrow.