Double Team Weather on Nightcast

It's now official. A promo stating that David Rogers and Janine D'Adamo will do "double team weather" began airing this evening. Ira Joe Fisher now does the weather for the morning and noon broadcasts, Janine solos at 4:30, and teams up with David at 5, 6, and 11 (David Rogers does the "No Nonsense Weather" in the 5:30 half hour). Just last week the weather lineup was changed to include the team weather, and it has been changed once again just nine days later.

Ira Joe Fisher At Noon

There have been rumors circulating in the past few days that Ira Joe Fisher would once again join CBS 2 News at Noon. The rumors also indicate that Janine D'Adamo would "double team" with David Rogers on Nightcast (she would keep her positions at 4:30, 5:00, and 6:00). Ira Joe Fisher did the weather today at noon, with no mention of "filling-in" for Janine. So far there is no confirmation that a change has taken place on CBS 2's highest rated newscast, but it appears that it may have started today. One last note: Just before 12:30 today, a short double team weather promo aired, and it only said 5:00 and 6:00 on it. Stay tuned!

Outdated Morning Promo Still On The Air

The CBS 2 weather team lineup was altered last week, with Ira Joe Fisher moving to the morning newscast. A promo for CBS 2 News This Morning, which includes Janine D'Adamo, aired a few times today. It would probably be best for CBS 2 if it was slightly updated to replace Janine with Ira. (When this promo first premiered in late September, the title of the newscast was originally stated as "The CBS 2 Morning News", but a few days after we reported that the name was inaccurate, the promo was updated and called it "CBS 2 News This Morning".)

CBS 2 "Storm Watch" Coverage

CBS 2 Weekend News had special storm coverage last night, beginning at 6:06 (delayed a few minutes by NCAA Basketball). Vince DeMentri and Alexis Christoforous (who was filling in for Kirstin Cole) anchored. Meteorologist Craig Allen was in the studio with the forecast, and Chief Meteorologist David Rogers was outside on the roof on the CBS Broadcast Center. Whitney Casey reported on driving safety from New Brunswick, New Jersey, and Scott Rapoport was in Chelsea following the city's preparedness. Craig Allen also appeared on the CBS Evening News, talking about the area's first major snowstorm of the season. Coverage continued this morning with a special hour of news at 7:00, and then again with a half-hour edition of CBS 2 News at 11:30, with Michael Pomeranz and Cindy Hsu. Aimee Nuzzo was in New Jersey, Paul Fleuranges was on Long Island, and Marcella Palmer was in the City. Ira Joe Fisher was in the studio with the forecast, and Meteorologist Janine D'Adamo was on their West Side roof reporting on the melting snow. Debbie DuHaine had the CBS 2 Road Watch report. More CBS 2 News coverage tonight at 6:30.

CBS 2 Coverage Of The Winter Weather

As winter weather threatened the tri-state area for the second time this season, CBS 2 News This Morning provided extensive coverage. Ira Joe Fisher handled the forecast, Scott Sumner was in the Weather Center with local information, and Rachel Lutzker updated the viewers on the traffic situation. Once again, a ticker kept viewers informed with school delays and cancellations. J.R. Whalen and the CBS 2 Information Center also reported on these delays. Viewers were able to reach the Information Center by calling 1-866-INFO-TWO. Whenever winter weather and icy roads can affect your day, stay with the CBS 2 Information Network and the CBS 2 Information Center.

CBS 2 "Double Team Weather"

Today marked the beginning of the changes in the weather lineup and coverage on CBS 2 News. Ira Joe Fisher is the new weatherman for CBS 2 News This Morning, trading positions with Janine D'Adamo, who is now the meteorologist for CBS 2 News at Noon and First News @ 4:30.

At 5:10, during the teases before the break, David Rogers mentioned, "We'll have your team weather..." Then seven minutes later, Dana Tyler explained that CBS 2 now has a "double team of meteorologists," which consists of David Rogers at the chroma key wall and Janine D'Adamo in the Weather Center. After about a minute, David tossed it over to Janine, who had the forecast temperatures and conditions for three areas: Northwest Jersey, the Hudson Valley, and Connecticut. Then Janine sent it back to David with the more general forecast for tonight, tomorrow, and the next five days. The weather report was about three minutes long, and a similar procedure was followed at 6:17. The 5:48 report was "No Nonsense Weather", the same way it has been for over a year. Janine D'Adamo's role in the 5:00 and 6:00 newscasts was similar to the "Zone Weather", which was briefly used last Monday during the snow storm. It is also similar to the way the forecast was done in May, 1997, when "SkyTrak2" first debuted.

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 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.

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.

Ira Joe Fisher Returns to CBS 2

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

-Brian

Ira Joe Fisher Recovering from Ankle Injury

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

-Brian

CBS 2's July 2001 Ratings

While CBS 2 isn't doing very well in the evening or in the morning, they are still number one with their noon newscast. The New York Post reports that CBS 2 News at 5:00 averaged a 2.1 rating in July, or 146,000 households (last July 2000: 194,000 households). At 6:00, CBS 2 News's rating was a 2.2, or 153,000 households. CBS 2 News at Noon (with Michael Pomeranz, Cindy Hsu, and Ira Joe Fisher) is still winning at noon, with a 4.4 rating, or 305,000 households.

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.

Welcome Back Ira Joe!

Today on CBS 2's "The News at Noon", Ira Joe Fisher made his first appearance in over four weeks. He had to have knee surgery on January 30th after slipping on ice the night before. He has been on the phone twice for "New York Live!"; first on February 7th, and the second time on the 21st. At Noon, Ira Joe Fisher stayed at the news desk, rather than walking over to the chroma-key screen for the weather, and Michael Pomeranz gave Ira a "Welcome Back Home" cake. At 4:00, Ira didn't walk much because he said he need crutches. He was standing up quite a few times though. I'm sure everyone is hoping Ira Joe Fisher's knee heals completely very soon!

Ira Joe Fisher Returns Next Week

Ira Joe Fisher was live on the phone today at 4:00 during CBS 2's "New York Live!". He confirmed that he's coming back to CBS 2 Wednesday, February 28th as weatherman for the Noon and 4:00 broadcasts. On January 29th, Ira Joe slipped and fell on the ice while walking his dog, and had knee surgery the next day. This is the second time he joined anchors Dana Tyler and Todd McDermott on the phone, the first time was on February 7th.

One The Phone: Ira Joe Fisher

Today at 4:00 on "New York Live!", Dana Tyler and Todd McDermott talked live for a few minutes with Ira Joe Fisher, who was on the phone. Over a week ago, Ira Joe slipped on ice while walking his dog, requiring surgery on his knee cap. He said he was doing well, thanks to his wife and children. It may take weeks, even months, before Ira returns to CBS 2's "The News at Noon" and "New York Live!". I know that CBS 2 viewers and fans hope Ira quickly recovers and returns to his weather anchoring duties soon.

Ira Joe Fisher Hospitalized

Today near the beginning of "New York Live!", Dana Tyler and Todd McDermott said that Ira Joe Fisher, weatherman for the noon and 4:00 newscasts, is in the hospital. Last night, while walking his dog Theodore, he slipped on the ice and hurt his leg. He had surgery on his knee cap in the 4:00 hour, and word is that he's doing fine. It looks like he will not be on CBS 2 for a while, but the "CBS 2 New York" fansite wishes him a speedy recovery!

CBS 2 Storm Watch

Last night on CBS 2's special 7:30pm newscast, the two top stories were the Presidential Inauguration and the Winter Storm Warning. Vince DeMentri and Amanda Grove said that there would be a special CBS 2 Storm Watch report at 7:00 on Sunday morning. This morning, the two-hour special Storm Watch report began at 7:00, and the anchors were Michael Pomeranz and Cindy Hsu. David Rogers was on the roof of the Broadcast Center, and Ira Joe Fisher was live inside the studio with the forecast. Carrie Lee was live at the Metro Traffic Center, and the reporters were Jennifer McLogan (in Garden City), Aimee Nuzzo (in Paramus), and Sukanya Krishnan (at LaGuardia Airport). Another special report at 11:00am on CBS 2.

Emotional Goodbye To Stephen Clark

If you saw the special holiday edition of "New York Live!" today, you know what I mean by saying it was an emotional show. The last 15-20 minutes of the show were holiday memories with the anchors. Ira Joe Fisher read a poem to a bunch of kids in the studio, and then all of the 4:00 anchors were at a table talking about their Christmas memories. Tony Tantillo ("The Fresh Grocer"), Robyn Carter (entertainment reporter), Todd McDermott (news anchor), Ira Joe Fisher (weather man), Dana Tyler (4, 6, and 11:00 anchor), and Stephen Clark (4, 6, and 11:00 anchor) were all there.

At the end, they mentioned it was Stephen's last day at CBS 2. Dana couldn't finish talking, so Ira Joe quickly helped out. Stephen was obviously very sad about this too, as his eyes became very red, and he didn't say much at all, only smiled. Then at the very end, he played his guitar and sang a song to end the show.

Tonight is Stephen Clark's last newscast, at 11:00. It will also be Dana Tyler's last newscast at 11:00 as she has next week off, and Angela Rae takes her place the week of January 1st.