Major Changes in the WCBS Sports Office

In a move that may very well be a "sign of the times," WCBS has laid off sportscasters Ducis Rogers and John Discepolo.

Rogers' final sportscast was the 6PM edition of CBS2 News on Thursday, January 29th, 2009. His final story was on Shea Stadium in which he said "all good things must come to an end" referring to Shea's demolition which is currently under way. Sam Ryan did the 11PM sportscast. She will do weekday evening sports and pre-tape morning sports the night before, while Steve Bartelstein will do weekend evening sports.

CBS2-HD's Literary Talent

WCBS anchor Don Dahler is set to release his book, entitled "A Tight Lie" in March. It has already gotten a rave review from none other than WABC meteorologist Bill Evans: "It's an exciting read! An absolute thriller! Once I started reading it, I could not and did not put it down!" This is Dahler's first novel, but it may not be his last if he keeps getting reviews like that. You can pre-order it at Amazon and Barnes and Noble if you are interested.

Dahler is not the only familiar face writing a book. Former political reporter Andrew Kirtzman is, according to the New York Post, writing a book on the Bernie Madoff scandal. He was apparently offered $250,000 by Harper Collins, the publisher of his last book "Rudy Giuliani: Emperor of the City." The book title has not yet been announced, but it is expected to be out sometime in 2010.

NewsByte2 Changes

You might have noticed that this blog hasn't been updating as much these days.  That's because I recently began working for another local television station and will be unable to continue working on NewsByte2 for obvious reasons.  So I'm going to have to give it up.  But the remaining members of the NewsByte2 team Brian, David and Eileen will try to keep you updated with the latest Channel 2 happenings.

Dr. Holly Phillips Joins "Early Show"

TVSPY.com reports that Dr. Holly Phillips recently joined CBS News as a medical contributor on the "Early Show". Dr. Phillips will also continue her duties on CBS2.

Finch Fills In

Elise Finch has been covering the weather center for Lonnie Quinn yesterday and today. He will return tomorrow.

David Diaz Remembers 9/11

There's an interesting article in today's Daily News about former CBS 2 reporter David Diaz.  He tells the paper that he developed a sinus problem and a cough shortly after his reporting from Ground Zero and still has a headache and a problem with his right ear.  He spoke of reporters' natural desire to go to where the danger is:

"It's what you do in the news business. You rush into a lot of situations.  There may be a hazardous material spill somewhere or whatever, and those people just go and don't think much about it."

Diaz left the station in 2005 and now teaches at the City College of New York.

9/11/08

CBS 2 News will again air special coverage of the September 11th memorial ceremonies tomorrow. A station spokeswoman tells us that Chris Wragge and Kristine Johnson will anchor the broadcast, which begins at 8:25 a.m. and runs commercial-free until noon. Nearly 3,000 names will be read during the services.

Rescheduled Tennis Preempts 5:00 and 6:00 News

Because of Tropical Storm Hanna on Saturday, U.S. Open tennis play in Flushing, Queens had to be pushed back, with the men's finals being played today at 5:00.  CBS Sports' coverage is scheduled to last until at least 8:00, meaning that CBS 2 News at 5:00 and at 6:00 will be preempted.  The season premieres in high definition of "The Insider" at 7:00 and "Entertainment Tonight" at 7:30 will not be seen.

Susan G. Komen "Race for the Cure" Special

Maurice DuBois and Kate Sullivan host an hour-long special about breast cancer this weekend.  "Race for the Cure" airs tomorrow night at 7:00.  For more information about Susan G. Komen, including next weekend's race, go to wcbstv.com.

Tennis Preempts CBS 2 News at 5:00

CBS 2 News at 5:00 will not air this evening as the network's Labor Day coverage of the U.S. Open tennis tournament is scheduled to run until 6:00. CBS Sports came on at 11:00 this morning, taking a 30-minute break at noon for local news. "Dr. Phil" and "Judge Judy" were moved to 9:00 and 10:00, respectively, to make room for the coverage.

As similar schedule will take over on Friday as the network's coverage of the women's semifinals and men's doubles final begins at 12:30 and is set to run until 6:00. "Phil" and "Judy" will be aired at 10:00 and 11:00, respectively.