NYNewsCoverage

I think* this marks the first time WPIX ever simulcasted News Nation, but I think it was definitely the right move (why scramble for local coverage when the national team is doing it fine?). They also did well at 10pm by having Dan not as co-anchor but as contributor to handle live interviews.

There can be an argument made for both cases. The argument in favor of bringing in the A team is that more people will be tuning into the news than usual on a Sunday, so the station wishes to highlight the main team (in this case Kristine/Maurice and Bill/Sade) as opposed to its weekend team. On the other hand, it can be a bit dramatic and unnecessary for stations to go out of their way to bring in a main anchor (like having Mike Marza come in when Joe and Tonya could've handled it just fine, same with bringing in Kristine and Maurice as opposed to Jessica Moore). I think WPIX handled it well at 10pm, Kaity anchored solo as usual but Dan was brought in not as coanchor, but as contributor to handle live interviews.

David Novarro and Sandra Bookman anchored the 11pm tonight. Bill Ritter was brought in for the 11pm last night, and Shirleen joined Pedro this morning.

Kristine Johnson joined Jessica Moore for the 11pm tonight

With WCBS, it has becoming increasingly frequent for an O&O meteorologist to step in during summer vacation time. Also for WCBS, the fact that this even happened was pretty remarkable but so was all of March 2020. If not for KCBS or another O&O helping out, there likely would've been no WCBS news in an urgent time. I remember they even had to use the Yes network studios in Stamford,CT as a homebase for a bit.

One of those rare days where Mary Calvi appeared at 5pm, alongside Jessica Moore (in for Maurice and Kristine).

He was in person

Similar to WABC, Ashton Altieri from CBS Denver is filling in for Lonnie tonight.

Believe it or not it has almost been a year since Elise's sudden passing. With that in mind, it does seem like John is permanent on weekday mornings (with Tony) since there are promos with them; and just within the last week, Craig Allen was officially added as a bio on the website so I would say he is a permanent member of the weather team. His bio hasn't been officially added but there is a placeholder for him: https://www.cbsnews.com/newyork/cbs2/ There's still no bio for Elaine Quijano and Andrea Grymes is still listed, although she hasn't been seen on-air since her demotion in February.

Just tuned into the 5pm news and was surprised to see Cindy Hsu- she did the early morning in for Mary today in addition to her usual 9am. Long day for her; I know on rare occassions Mary Calvi will also fill in on the 5pm.

Definitely seems part of their attempt to integrate the network talent to WCBS (and why Elaine Quijano is now on WCBS). Kristine and Vlad anchored both 5 and 11 (usually 11pm is almost always anchored solo when the other is off). Dick Brennan did the 8pm, so he was likely available...

Due to a mets game airing in San Francisco from 9:30-12:30, there is no late edition of news scheduled for after the game. I think this has happened before on WNYW where they didn't air news after very late games ending after midnight?

To my knowledge she has not been on air since then. I noticed on the website Dana Tyler's bio was scrapped, so it has undergone some updates. Notably, Elaine Quijano and Craig Allen are not listed on the website.

Tuned into the new 6pm broadcast. The intro is interesting (it uses a different music cue). Kristine is the anchor again, so I'd argue she's the new (solo) anchor. I noticed Maurice anchored yesterday at 8pm, so perhaps he will do the 8pm while Kristine does the 6pm each night. The closest thing this format reminds me of in NYC is when Ernie Anastos (and for a while Lori Stokes) did the 6pm on FOX5 with interviews from the other side of the studio.

I didn't get to watch the new broadcast, but I found a screengrab from a website video. I must say that backdrop is beautiful.

Speaking of Jennifer McLogan, she recently also celebrated 35 years at WCBS, and I'd say they gave her a pretty nice tribute here (alongside her daughter who is also now a reporter there): Also note at the end all of her colleagues and production crew (Dana front and center) came out and clapped at the end. It's possible Dana really didn't want that (Dick mentioned she didn't want a big send off), but it's still surprising (as noted above) more of her longtime colleagues were not involved.

Just watched the video- she noted her goodbye at the end was pre-taped which is understandable because she seemed quite emotional and this is clearly not what she wants- but it is the super harsh reality of the business. I do think Channel 2 could have done a better job saluting her and not a rushed piece for 8 minutes at the end of one newscast. She deserves better, but I think the reason she didn't get a longer send off is because she's being forced out and likely made this decision more last minute than expected. It also seems like she is not staying with the station in any capacity (unlike previous reports) which I really respect. She will go out with dignity and on a high note. I'm still in shock about all of this, though (as I'm sure Dana is too); and it is all quite unfortunate. I really wish Dana happiness in whatever she choses to do next.

It's too bad Sue is not there with him to celebrate, but that is the nature of the business. We'll see if Chuck makes the record for 57 years! Also here is a recent interview with Sue from Newsday: https://www.newsday.com/entertainment/tv/sue-simmons-chuck-scarborough-wnbc-ppsgedjt

If the reports are correct, this is (sadly) the last week of Dana and Dick anchoring the 6pm. We'll see if they mention anything on air this week.. Tonight Dick is solo.

Haha FTVlive also made this point

A recent interview in Newsday featured Katiy Tong: https://www.newsday.com/entertainment/tv/kaity-tong-wpix-qhg4zhj3 She reflected on her time at WABC (where there were protests in 1991 when she was dropped as anchor) and WPIX (where she reminisced about her time with Jim Watkins). She also mentioned that her recovery has not been easy. Hoping for the best for her.

I was almost ready to think Jennifer Bisram was the new anchor (she's been covering a lot recently); but we'll see if WCBS makes any additional announcement about Elaine.

I think we can all agree that Mary, Chris, and now Kristine and Maurice are too overworked. Most decisions happening at WCBS are not making sense these days... have they undergone a recent management change? I'm also thinking of how they have Tony as field meteorologist in the morning (even on sunny days); it seems quite unnecessary- they should give him the noon or rotate with John for in-studio weather or something..

So this must be part of the 'big changes' Andrea teased the bosses were making. Such a shame to move Dana (and Dick too) off that desk, these bosses ought to be ashamed of themeselves. This seems reminiscent of when Bill Carey re-assigned Kaity and Jim, or when Sue Simmons was forced out at WNBC. Terrible moves this week overall. I think these changes will alienate lots of WCBS viewers. But I would think if they are making these changes, ratings must not be good.