Storytelling Promos Coming Monday

CBS 2 News will "launch a powerful series of on-air spots pitching its correspondents as storytellers" Monday, according to the Daily News. Jennifer McLogan, Pablo Guzman and Jennifer McLogan will be seen in the "first wave." In one, McLogan speaks of covering the 1996 crash of TWA Flight 800:

"I reported on the story, every day for two months. It was a very sad day, and it was hard to report, but that's my job, and it's a day I'll never forget."

Columnist Richard Huff says the promo "is poignant without being cheesy."

This might be the first time the station has given a newspaper a heads-up about a campaign before it began airing. It's also interesting that Jennifer McLogan, who has been with the station since 1993 and originally joined in 1982, is featured in her own promo as she is almost always left out of such spots.

(Photo from the Daily News.)

Guzman Returns With Gotti Exclusive

Two weeks after suffering a heart attack, Pablo Guzman returned to CBS 2's airwaves this evening. He obtained an exclusive interivew with Victoria Gotti, sister of John Gotti Jr., who was indicted today in Tampa. Guzman appeared live at the top of CBS 2 News at 6:00 from Plainview in Nassau County.

The video is available on wcbstv.com here.

Guzman: "I'm going to be OK"

Just as he did two months ago, Pablo Guzman made a blog entry to update viewers and visitors on his health. It's a must-read for everyone and serves as a good lesson for us all when it comes to our health. He says he started having chest pains Sunday morning and again on Monday but it wasn't until Tuesday morning that he decided to do something about it:

Wait: Angela, my daughter, would be forever haunted if I died at home. And my son, Daniel, my wife, Debbie...I don't want to die! I want more years with these people! I love them too much!

I made a promise to God, and to my dad in heaven, my grandparents, my aunts and uncles --- OK! This time I'll call the doctor, OK? Only, please give me the strength to take a shower first. I don't want these people thinking, boy, those TV guys sure smell.

And he made it just in time. He was falling asleep when his doctor yelled "Stay with me, Pablo! Come on, Pablo! I don't want to lose you!" The self-described not-exactly-an-exercise-freak had 99 percent blockage in one artery and was told, "We thought we might lose you."

It's comforting to see that Guzman still has his sense of humor. The Bronx Bombers notes in parentheses when talking about his doctor, Mark Applebaum, that he is "a Yankee fan, it turns out."

While he's recovering now at Columbia-Presbyterian, he does have 70 percent blockage in another artery.

He ended this post just as he did his first one -- by thanking the people who saved his life.

I'm going to be OK. Thanks, Lord. And all you medical pros who chipped in. Gracias.

Guzman Recovering After Heart Attack

Veteran CBS 2 News reporter Pablo Guzman is recovering after suffering a heart attack yesterday. Chris Wragge announced at 5:20pm that Guzman is on the road to recovery, and Wragge and Kristine Johnson encouraged viewers to send their well-wishes for Guzman to wcbstv.com. CBS 2 also reported the news with this article on wcbstv.com.

Regular CBS 2 viewers will remember that Guzman was injured in a car accident on his way home from work in May. Guzman was off the air for a month recovering from the accident, but fortunately he was not seriously injured.

Viewers can send their get well wishes to Pablo Guzman at wcbstv.com by clicking here.

Guzman Returns to Work

Pablo Guzman filed his first report today since being injured in a car accident early last month. His story, featured toward the top of CBS 2 News at 5:00, was about the families of Friday's crane collapse victims.

Update: Eileen writes in to report that Guzman actually returned to the air last week. He filed this report on Thursday and this one on Friday.

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."

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.

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.

CBS 2 News Covers Bell Verdict

CBS 2 News broke in at 9:14 to report the news of the verdict in the Sean Bell trial. Dana Tyler and Jim Rosenfield tossed it right away to John Slattery, who was standing outside the courthouse in Kew Gardens, Queens, with news of the verdict: The three officers were acquitted on all charged. The news was significant because there were concerns that there might be a violent reaction to such a decision. Pablo Guzman was inside the courtroom at the time the verdict was announced and reported via telephone before he was able to get on camera. Jay Dow, Dave Carlin and Jackie Hyland also provided live reports on the community reaction. Chopper 2 HD provided aerial footage of the area.

As of this posting, CBS 2 News is still on the air.

5:04 P.M. UPDATE: The initial special report lasted until 10:29 and included the Bell family's march to the cemetery and press conferences from NYPD Commissioner Ray Kelly and the PBA. CBS 2 broke in again at 11:53 to cover Mayor Michael Bloomberg's statement live from Jamaica, then transitioned at 11:59 to CBS 2 News at Noon. The newscast led with reports from Guzman, Carlin and Dow, but did eventually get to the rest of the day's news. Dana Tyler anchored another special report at 1:17, which covered a press conference by the Detectives' Endowment Association, including comments from the three officers who were found not guilty this morning. At the end of the special report, a brief statement from the Rev. Al Sharpton was played, before returning to regular programming at 1:43.

Special "Eye on the Storm" Coverage

CBS 2 News is on the air right now with a special "Eye on the Storm," with live coverage of the biggest snow storm to hit the tri-state all season. Maurice DuBois and Kate Sullivan are anchoring the broadcast, which opened at 8:55 and will continue until 10:00. John Elliott and Lonnie Quinn are providing team weather, forecasting six-to-nine inches for the city, while Katie McGee is updating viewers on the traffic and transit. A team of reporters are out in the snow, including Magee Hickey in Woodside, Queens; Jay Dow in Paramus; Deborah Garcia in Yonkers; Pablo Guzman at LaGuardia Airport; Tamsen Fadal at Penn Station; and Steve Bartelstein in Jericho, Long Island.

February Sweeps Begins

Nielsen's four-week February Sweeps ratings period begins today. CBS 2 News at 11:00 will feature an exclusive interview Pablo Guzman got with convicted murderer Danny Pelosi in a report titled "Murder in the Hamptons: The Next Chapter."

Two big news events happen to fall within the next few days. Sunday is the Giants' first appearance in the Super Bowl since 2001 and, while the game won't air on CBS 2 this year, CBS 2 News has been covering the Giants extensively. Ducis Rodgers' sportscasts have been originating from outside the University of Phoenix Stadium in Glendale, AZ, where John Discepolo has also been reporting. Hazel Sanchez has provided reports from around the region as well.

And Tuesday is the largest Super Tuesday primary election in U.S. history with more than 20 states, including New York, New Jersey and Connecticut, holding presidential primaries and caucuses. Political reporters Marcia Kramer and Andrew Kirtzman have been reporting on the latest campaign news and the station will undoubtedly provide extensive coverage on Tuesday. As for network coverage, CBS News will break in with updates during the 8:00 p.m. hour and air a two-hour special report beginning at 9:00 p.m.

"Tragedy in the Bronx" Special Report

CBS 2 News is broadcasting a special report right now on this morning's top story: A fire in the Bronx that killed eight children, one adult and injured at least ten. "Tragedy in the Bronx" is being anchored by Maurice DuBois and Kate Sullivan.

Magee Hickey reported live from the scene in Highbridge, Jay Dow from Lincoln Hospital in Melrose and Pablo Guzman is at Jacobi Medical Center in Pelham.

Mayor Michael Bloomberg is holding a press conference that is being carried live on channels 2, 4, 5, 7 and 11.

Like most of its broadcasts, CBS 2 is streaming this one live on wcbstv.com.

Pablo Guzman to Report on "Latino Power"

CBS 2 News at 6:00 will air a special two-part series next week called "Latino Power." "Pablo Guzman reports on how far the Latino community has come in establishing itself in Corporate America and how Latino business is the fastest growing sector in New York," the press release says. "Both parts examine how numerous Latinos have emerged into extremely successful entrepreneurs and business owners, yet there are numerous realms including politics, where the Latino community still does not have as much visibility as they would like." The pieces will air next Thursday and Friday.

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!)