WABC - 7 Eyewitness News

[IceManNYR 249]

Brianna Ruffalo from KABC is doing the weather at 11pm.

[RealNews18 271]

Going through the program guide on optimum and abc7ny.com it seems that WABC is the only station not showing that they are covering 9-11 ceremonies on Thursday. I know they tried this a while back, being the only station to do so and there was quite a bit of backlash. Is this an oversight on the guide or are they actually not covering it? 

[Vlad 406]

7 hours ago, RealNews18 said:

Going through the program guide on optimum and abc7ny.com it seems that WABC is the only station not showing that they are covering 9-11 ceremonies on Thursday. I know they tried this a while back, being the only station to do so and there was quite a bit of backlash. Is this an oversight on the guide or are they actually not covering it? 

 

They always end up doing it, its probably an oversight in the guide or something.

[NYNewsCoverage 337]

8 hours ago, RealNews18 said:

Going through the program guide on optimum and abc7ny.com it seems that WABC is the only station not showing that they are covering 9-11 ceremonies on Thursday. I know they tried this a while back, being the only station to do so and there was quite a bit of backlash. Is this an oversight on the guide or are they actually not covering it? 

If you believe the TVGuide , only WPIX and WNYW are doing special coverage, which I seriously doubt is true.

[NowBergen 924]

59 minutes ago, NYNewsCoverage said:

If you believe the TVGuide , only WPIX and WNYW are doing special coverage, which I seriously doubt is true.

I didn’t know TVGuode was still around with local listings. Checking my programming guide in Optimum, and assuming WABC will as well, the only local commercial stations not broadcasting the ceremonies are wasteland WWOR (Fox owned) and WLNY (CBS owned). In reality they all show the same feed and insert their memorial list of names with their respective graphics. 

[wabceyewitness 855]

On 9/9/2025 at 3:10 AM, RealNews18 said:

Going through the program guide on optimum and abc7ny.com it seems that WABC is the only station not showing that they are covering 9-11 ceremonies on Thursday. I know they tried this a while back, being the only station to do so and there was quite a bit of backlash. Is this an oversight on the guide or are they actually not covering it? 

 

The ceremony will be broadcast on Channel 7 and streamed on ABC7NY. 

[GraphicsMan 345]

Eventually after the centennial anniversary next year which will mark a generation, I expect them to stop carrying these reading of the names ceremonies. I’ll be 25 next year of course that’ll be a big deal, but after that I expect them to stop carrying these readings. I’ve been watching some of the coverage today and some of the people reading these names are kids who grandparents aunt or uncles died in the attacks and they weren’t even a thought because they weren’t even born and there parents were kids when it happened. This tragedy it doesn’t get any easier with time but it a scar that healing and just like an injury you get on your arm over time it heals then it this black scar and you remember when you got injured but it isn’t as painful anymore it just a reminder. That what every 9/11 anniversary is gonna be after the 25th next year you think the Pearl Harbor folks still broadcast ceremonies 75+ years later no it just a scar in Hawaii history and 9/11 will be that for New York.

 

[Vlad 406]

 

4 hours ago, GraphicsMan said:

Eventually after the centennial anniversary next year which will mark a generation, I expect them to stop carrying these reading of the names ceremonies. I’ll be 25 next year of course that’ll be a big deal, but after that I expect them to stop carrying these readings. I’ve been watching some of the coverage today and some of the people reading these names are kids who grandparents aunt or uncles died in the attacks and they weren’t even a thought because they weren’t even born and there parents were kids when it happened. This tragedy it doesn’t get any easier with time but it a scar that healing and just like an injury you get on your arm over time it heals then it this black scar and you remember when you got injured but it isn’t as painful anymore it just a reminder. That what every 9/11 anniversary is gonna be after the 25th next year you think the Pearl Harbor folks still broadcast ceremonies 75+ years later no it just a scar in Hawaii history and 9/11 will be that for New York.

 

 

Even 24 years later, a generation later, the horror and the pain and the scope of 9/11 continues to endure. It actually feels worse now to watch the events unfold than it did years ago because of the scope of the disaster and how much we know now than we did at that time. So, I don't expect it to end anytime soon actually, and here's why:

 

The effects of this tragedy rocked the world as we know it, to some degree, every bit of modern society to this very moment has some recollection of the day. It changed how we do life. So for that reason alone, it's an event that will never be and never should be forgotten. It was arguably one of the darkest days in modern history. Until we collectively overcome this as a human race maybe in several hundred years, I don't see these ceremonies ending in my lifetime. The ceremonies will probably evolve when they feel right to, but I don't see it ending at least not in our lifetimes.

 

It's kinda like how COVID "ended" our relationship with the disease evolved its still very well around but we've learned how to live with it in our shadows. One would argue, why don't we do a COVID memorial every year?

 

The pain of 9/11 however is a different type of pain, though its a pain that was born through evil acts. And that kind of pain is far more greater in my opinion. Even though I don't personally know anyone affected. I feel the pain and the grief of those who were involved because these were ordinary people like us here, just having a normal day, who went to work and never came back home and that's why it's so painful and heartbreaking and why we continue to commemorate the lost every year. The victims families have to live with this day in and day out, the grief is with them forever so its a way to remind them that we are with them and we feel them as well.

 

But going back on topic here, it seems like all the stations aired the ceremonies as expected and the programs were pre-empted or aired on the digital sub channels as it has been for the last 24 years.

Edited September 11, 2025 by Vlad

[NowBergen 924]

10 minutes ago, Vlad said:

 

 

Even 24 years later, a generation later, the horror and the pain and the scope of 9/11 continues to endure. I don't expect it to end anytime soon actually, and here's why:

 

The effects of this tragedy rocked the world as we know it, to some degree, every bit of modern society to this very moment has some recollection of the day. It changed how we do life. So for that reason alone, it's an event that will never be and never should be forgotten. It was arguably one of the darkest days in modern history. Until we collectively overcome this as a human race maybe in several hundred years, I don't see these ceremonies ending in my lifetime. The ceremonies will probably evolve when they feel right to, but I don't see it ending at least not in our lifetimes.

 

It's kinda like how COVID "ended" our relationship with the disease evolved its still very well around but we've learned how to live with it in our shadows. One would argue, why don't we do a COVID memorial every year?

 

The pain of 9/11 however is a different type of pain, though its a pain that was born through evil acts. And that kind of pain is far more greater in my opinion. Even though I don't personally know anyone affected. I feel the pain and the grief of those who were involved because these were ordinary people like us here, just having a normal day, who went to work and never came back home and that's why it's so painful and heartbreaking and why we continue to commemorate the lost every year. The victims families have to live with this day in and day out, the grief is with them forever so its a way to remind them that we are with them and we feel them as well.

 

But going back on topic here, it seems like all the stations aired the ceremonies as expected and the programs were pre-empted or aired on the digital sub channels as it has been for the last 24 years.

 

9/11 Ceremonies in the NYC area aren't going away. It's part of the fabric.  It was real to us, whether we were in the City or not that day.  I'm in NJ, but also on LI and throughout the 5 boroughs, there isn't a community that didn't lose someone.  I remember it like it happened yesterday, as do most.  I remember the caravan of ambulances racing into NY thinking there would be people to save.  I remember the empty NJ turnpike, the black smoke off in the distance where the towers once stood, with no cell service until I got south of the airport.  I remember being lucky I had cable, over the air broadcasting was lost when the towers came down.  I remember the cars in the commuter lot up the street, left for months because their owners never came home.   All that rushes through us each year.  It is appropriate that each station honor the fallen (and the first responders and lower Manhattan residents still falling due to what they breathed in).  And each station carrying it allows each of us to feel comfort in watching it on our preferred station, even though it is mostly a pool feed.  Stations also go beyond the ground zero ceremonies, showing local ones held in most towns.  Will at some point it move to a rotating schedule among stations, maybe, but not anytime soon.  And we are fine with that.  Today is a solemn day, and as I describe it the most surreal day of my life.

[RealNews18 271]

It’s sad to say but 9/11 is a day… the only day.. for a few short hours Americans are one united nation. I was in 3rd grade and will never forget that morning or the days and years that followed. I hope the coverage from our stations do not change anytime soon. 

[MediaZone4K 2664]

17 hours ago, GraphicsMan said:

Eventually after the centennial anniversary next year which will mark a generation, I expect them to stop carrying these reading of the names ceremonies. I’ll be 25 next year of course that’ll be a big deal, but after that I expect them to stop carrying these readings. I’ve been watching some of the coverage today and some of the people reading these names are kids who grandparents aunt or uncles died in the attacks and they weren’t even a thought because they weren’t even born and there parents were kids when it happened. This tragedy it doesn’t get any easier with time but it a scar that healing and just like an injury you get on your arm over time it heals then it this black scar and you remember when you got injured but it isn’t as painful anymore it just a reminder. That what every 9/11 anniversary is gonna be after the 25th next year you think the Pearl Harbor folks still broadcast ceremonies 75+ years later no it just a scar in Hawaii history and 9/11 will be that for New York.

 

While observations of 9/11 aren't as big as years past outside of major anniversaries like the 20th, 9/11 is still very relevant.

 

I think It's stuck around more than other historic tragedies like Pearl Harbor because it was caught on "modern" video from hundreds of angles and it played out on live tv.

 

Moreover, much of the last 20 years and today have been shaped by 911 such as the Afghan and Iraq wars, and having airport security. 

 

It's pretty telling that no one really talks about the events like 2017 Las Vegas massacre much anymore but 9/11 which happened 24 years ago is still talked about on a daily basis. Unlike the onslaught of similar style mass shootings in the last 15 years,  9/11 was unique. We've never saw foreign terrorists fly passenger jets kamikaze style into major skyscrapers and military structures before. Lower Manhattan turned into nuclear winter was a unique site that will always have staying power.

Edited September 12, 2025 by MediaZone4K

[MorningNews 1711]

There’s also just no valid or reasonable excuse not to cover the ceremony. At the very most you’re missing 20 minutes of shitty low-effort morning television.

[NowBergen 924]

5 hours ago, MorningNews said:

There’s also just no valid or reasonable excuse not to cover the ceremony. At the very most you’re missing 20 minutes of shitty low-effort morning television.

 

20 minutes?  I'm assuming you don't live in the NY area.  

 

It starts at 8:30 and ends after noon.  All names of everyone who died in both WTC bombings, as well as first responders who have died since due to health problems as a result of being at ground zero are read.  The names are read by relatives - spouses, siblings, children and now children who add their own thoughts of the lost family member and how they are with them and shaped their lives, now 24 years later.  Some of these are heartbreaking.  It is not a 20 minute recognition.  And for us locals, still mesmerizing and heartbreaking to watch.  

 

All morning programming (and commercials) are pre-empted which is why the question should every TV station continue to cover it from start to finish still is being asked.  When 9/11 happened, local stations went on the air 24/7 for weeks, not carrying the network feeds and continuing past when regular programming was started elsewhere.  In a word, this is uniquely New York.

[MorningNews 1711]

40 minutes ago, NowBergen said:

 

20 minutes?  I'm assuming you don't live in the NY area.  

 

It starts at 8:30 and ends after noon.  All names of everyone who died in both WTC bombings, as well as first responders who have died since due to health problems as a result of being at ground zero are read.  The names are read by relatives - spouses, siblings, children and now children who add their own thoughts of the lost family member and how they are with them and shaped their lives, now 24 years later.  Some of these are heartbreaking.  It is not a 20 minute recognition.  And for us locals, still mesmerizing and heartbreaking to watch.  

 

All morning programming (and commercials) are pre-empted which is why the question should every TV station continue to cover it from start to finish still is being asked.  When 9/11 happened, local stations went on the air 24/7 for weeks, not carrying the network feeds and continuing past when regular programming was started elsewhere.  In a word, this is uniquely New York.

I live in Manhattan actually but I’m not watching 9/11 coverage every year and haven’t in years, personally. Or any morning television these days for that matter. You’re (as I’m noticing you typically do) trying to make an argument of me saying there’s no valid reason to NOT air the 9/11 memorials because it’s not preempting anything of particular consequence. Air the ceremonies if it’s 20 minutes or 4 hours because the time of day it’s being aired is not preventing any meaningful programming like prime time shows or a big game. That’s my point. No contrarian or argumentative point of view required.

[HanSolo 469]

Wait…it’s ok if in the judgement of a given individual the programming is of no value? If the programming was “high value,” then what?

[MediaZone4K 2664]

4 hours ago, NowBergen said:

 

20 minutes?  I'm assuming you don't live in the NY area.  

 

It starts at 8:30 and ends after noon.  All names of everyone who died in both WTC bombings, as well as first responders who have died since due to health problems as a result of being at ground zero are read.  The names are read by relatives - spouses, siblings, children and now children who add their own thoughts of the lost family member and how they are with them and shaped their lives, now 24 years later.  Some of these are heartbreaking.  It is not a 20 minute recognition.  And for us locals, still mesmerizing and heartbreaking to watch.  

 

All morning programming (and commercials) are pre-empted which is why the question should every TV station continue to cover it from start to finish still is being asked.  When 9/11 happened, local stations went on the air 24/7 for weeks, not carrying the network feeds and continuing past when regular programming was started elsewhere.  In a word, this is uniquely New York.

I've also wondered wether the ceremonies are too long and need to be amended from the reading of the names. Not because it's preempting daytime programming but because I question if it's a lot for the families every year. If they're not complaining then it's fine.

Edited September 12, 2025 by MediaZone4K

[MorningNews 1711]

4 hours ago, HanSolo said:

Wait…it’s ok if in the judgement of a given individual the programming is of no value? If the programming was “high value,” then what?

We see people get pissed at least once or twice a season when a station interrupts a live sporting event for coverage on life threatening weather updates. When have we ever seen outcry from people that GMA or Today’s pop news segments are being interrupted for…more news coverage? 

 

Air the ceremonies in their entirety. It’s not preempting anything of particular consequence that would result in viewers being as outraged or angry as we’ve seen when sports or The Bachelor have been interrupted. Genuinely curious why you and Bergen are seemingly trying to find a reason to be offended by this?

[NowBergen 924]

6 hours ago, MediaZone4K said:

I've also wondered wether the ceremonies are too long and need to be amended from the reading of the names. Not because it's preempting daytime programming but because I question if it's a lot for the families every year. If they're not complaining then it's fine.

I think you hit a key consideration.  What do the families want?  It may be what it is in its present form, or some other approach.  I would assume any major change would wait until after next year's 25th anniversary (still seems like yesterday).  I look forward to it every year, the memories flood in and in the end, the families will drive the future.   The networks don't mind giving up their morning program on the NY O&Os once a year.  

[civic110 20]

The only programming that was really pre-empted was the Today show, which did not air after 8:30. WNBC rarely uses Cozi 4.2 as an overlow.

 

Otherwise, WCBS aired the network programs on WLNY (from CBS Mornings at 8am through the soaps), and WABC aired their programming (beginning with GMA at 8:30) on Localish 7.2. Both WLNY and Localish 7.2 also took the various network special reports that aired during the morning.

Edited September 12, 2025 by civic110

[WABC7NYFan 26]

I can't be the only one who thinks the new group photo they've been using during broadcasts is nice, but the dress colors for Shirleen and Brittany are too light?

Compare to the current image used on the newscast page:

[ATLNewsExpert 508]

37 minutes ago, WABC7NYFan said:

I can't be the only one who thinks the new group photo they've been using during broadcasts is nice, but the dress colors for Shirleen and Brittany are too light?

Compare to the current image used on the newscast page:

Could be wrong but the bottom image looks like they just took the headshots and put them together.

[HanSolo 469]

7 hours ago, WABC7NYFan said:

I can't be the only one who thinks the new group photo they've been using during broadcasts is nice, but the dress colors for Shirleen and Brittany are too light?

Compare to the current image used on the newscast page:

The dresses look great. 

[Vlad 406]

Yeah, the bottom photo is definitely a composite image with the headshots put together, whereas the top one is a group photo. Which is why the lighting is also different. I prefer the outfits in the group photo and the group photo in general.

[WABC7NYFan 26]

Anyone else getting a echo with the 11pm newscast?

[WABC7NYFan 26]

So have they settled on who co-anchors the weekend mornings with Michelle yet? They've been switching between Toni Yates and Chanteé Lans.