Don Dahler, the WCBS weekend anchor, is leaving the station. FishbowlNY has learned that the veteran newsman will be a correspondent for CBS News.

Although Dahler’s time at WCBS was productive, it can also be described as dizzying. He joined WCBS in September 2007, initially as weekend evening anchor. By May 2008, Dahler was named weekday noon and 6 p.m. co-anchor.

That lasted until September 2011 when Dahler was shifted back to weekends to make way for Chris Wragge following his stint on The Early Show.

• Related: FishbowlNY, WCBS Shuffles Don Dahler to Weekends 

Upon Dahler’s return to weekends, he was given the tiring split shift, early morning anchor with Cindy Hsu and solo at 11 p.m. (usually delayed on Sundays due to sports coverage). During the week, Dahler files reports for WCBS and sister site WLNY. Since Wragge has been filling in mornings on Channel 2, Dahler has been the co-anchor at 6 and 9 p.m  (on WLNY) with Dana Tyler.

Sources say Dahler will be based in New York as a reporter for the CBS Evening News and CBS This Morning. CBS News declined a comment to FishbowlNY.

It’s a homecoming of sorts for Dahler, who got his start in network news as a 48 Hours producer.

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There is a void in local news, but that is quickly and effortlessly being filled by Chris Wragge. In the wake of Rob Morrison‘s abrupt departure following the wife-beating allegations, Wragge shifted from evenings to mornings. The ugliness didn’t just rock the Morrisons, his former ”family” was hit hard too.

Related: FishbowlNY, Rob Morrison Faces ‘Very Serious Blow to His Career’: Legal Expert

We recall the 1994 Robert Redford film, Quiz Show, about the 1950s quiz show scandal. Congress was set to hold subcommittee hearings with former 21 contestant Herb Stempel as the star witness. But the more famous (on and off the show) Charles Van Doren, played by Ralph Fiennes, was not going to participate. Therefore, the young government lawyer (Rob Morrow) cautions Van Doren not to say anything.

A short time later as the committee convenes in DC, NBC president Robert Kintner (Allan Rich) speaks to Van Doren, who since took a self-imposed dive and was hired by the network’s Today show.

Kintner encourages Van Doren to hold a press conference. But the former game show contestant was reluctant because he hadn’t received a subpoena.

Kintner’s line echoed since Morrison’s alleged incident like someone reading a letter to themselves on a soap opera.

“Television is a public trust.”

It’s a main reason for Morrison’s resignation, although indications are high that WCBS management had an influence on his decision. It’s also the reason that following the scandal in the 1950s or today, viewers always want someone they can feel comfortable with. Wragge is that familiar, calming presence.

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We asked you to take part in our poll to decide who should be named WCBS/Channel 2 new morning co-anchor.

This was becoming a landslide win for Chris Wragge. Readers were in agreement with this reporter’s assessment that the evening anchor should set his alarm clock for pre-dawn. At the time of this writing, Wragge secured 28 percent of the vote. However, that’s down from more than 40 percent.

• Related: FishbowlNY, Lining Up the Possible WCBS Morning Candidates

Former WPIX anchor Jim Watkins has caught fire as a write-in, putting him second on viewers’ wish list. Watkins, now at RNN’s FiOS1, previously worked for PIX GM Betty Ellen Barlamino, who runs WCBS sister site WLNY.

Also getting some write-in support, the legendary WNBC anchor Sue Simmons, and current Channel 4 anchor David Ushery.

Alice Gainer, who made her WCBS anchoring debut yesterday, got someone’s write-in vote. Gainer did weekend anchoring at News 12 New Jersey. She joined Channel 2 as a reporter in January.

Don Dahler picked up 17 percent of the vote. Cindy Hsu settled for less than 9 percent of the vote.

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It’s been 10 days since Rob Morrison was arrested for allegedly choking his wife, CBS Money Watch anchor Ashley Morrison. One week ago, Rob resigned from WCBS as the scandal grew.

Ashley returned to her post yesterday on CBS 2 This Morning, formerly opposite her husband. Now occupied by Chris Wragge on a fill-in basis alongside Mary Calvi.

Last week, Rob took to social media and spoke to other outlets, including FishbowlNY, professing his innocence. Morrison’s attorney, Robert Skovgaard says the couple won’t be granting interviews for the foreseeable future.

• Related: FishbowlNY, Rob Morrison Resigns Amid Wife Choking Allegations

“We have no further comment to make regarding Mr. Morrison.  The media need to let the Morrisons handle this personal, family matter privately.”

Rob Morrison faces a felony charge of strangulation. His next appearance in Stamford Superior Court is due on March 26.

It’s only a week since the turmoil and scandal that led to the abrupt resignation of Rob Morrison at WCBS.

But now that Morrison is no longer part of Channel 2, management must start the process of deciding who will sit next to Mary Calvi.

Related: FishbowlNY, Rob Morrison Resigns From WCBS-TV Amid Wife Choking Allegations

FishbowlNY explores a handful of possibles, and a few less likely, morning anchor candidates. Then you can weigh-in with our poll to select your choice after the jump.

Starting with internal choices: Chris Wragge, the 6 p.m. and WLNY 9 p.m. anchor has already shown his muscle in the morning as a main fill-in. Wragge told FishbowlNY upon his full-time return to WCBS in late 2011 that “I’m just going to do whatever the hell they want me to do.”  If the stint on CBS’ Early Show weekdays and weekdays didn’t solidify your position, just watch him on WLNY at 9 p.m. He strikes that perfect balance between hard news and personality-driven features. His “You Have to See This” is a great example of an anchor blowing off some steam in a good way. Mornings play well into another of Wragge’s strengths–quick banter with on-air talent.

Don Dahler has also been used in mornings since Morrison’s departure. Dahler, who regularly anchors weekends, seems at his best when he solos an evening newscast. He is even more in his element when on the reporter beat. Still, his weekend morning experience and overall talent could be enough to give him the nod, especially if they want Wragge to remain at night.

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Chris Wragge trudging through unplowed roads.

Chris Wragge earlier this week was nominated for several more New York Emmy Awards. But the WCBS/WLNY anchor should win a trophy for his snow reporting this morning.

Wragge, who anchored this TV 10/55 newscast last night with Dana Tyler, was on the road for the extensive Channel 2 blizzard coverage starting at 6 a.m. Reporters joined Maurice DuBois and Kristine Johnson who guided viewers throughout the tri-state, especially hard-hit Long Island. Hazel Sanchez and Carolyn Gusoff were stationed in Suffolk and reported on the lack of street and highway plowing. Gusoff spoke to a stranded hitchhiker, complete with sign and thumbs up.

As for Wragge, he took to Mobile 2. He was seen driving on the desolate Long Island Expressway with nothing but abandoned cars to greet him.. Since his full-time return to WCBS in 2011, Wragge has been a regular in Mobile 2 when weather conditions deteriorate, and the worse it gets, the more Wragge shines.

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Looking to add to their totals: WCBS colleagues Lonnie Quinn and Chris Wragge show off Emmy gold at 2012 event

Award season is in full swing! It culminates with the Oscars later this month. But not so fast. The New York Emmy Awards announced its nominations today.

MSG Network leads the pack with 67 nominations. WNBC has the most among over-the-air outlets with 58 nominations.

There are dozens of award categories and here’s a brief rundown…

WCBS’ Chris Wragge, a multiple winner, has been nominated for Best Evening Newscast (under 35 minutes). He was tapped for anchoring the East River helicopter crash in October, 2011. He also received three other nominations, including coverage of a sportscast/series for the Giants Road to Super Bowl 46. He is also a nominee for the prestigious Best Anchor.

Among those joining Wragge in that category are WABC weekend morning anchor Phil Lipof, Tom Llamas of WNBC, and Sukanya Krishnan from WPIX.

Veteran WNBC anchor Chuck Scarborough is in the running for the News Special category, hosting a 9/11 10th anniversary broadcast.

• Related: FishbowlNY, Scarborough, Ritter, and Anastos Relive Memories of 9/11

Scarborough’s new nighttime partner, Shiba Russell got a couple of nominations for her 5 p.m. and 11 p.m. anchoring.

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The chestnuts are roasting, the yule log is burning, and it’s another shot at those weighty new year’s resolutions. It’s also the season for the Barmash Awards. The third annual examination of the best TV news personalities in New York.

We begin with the Best Morning Newscast.

Everyone is chasing WABC. The veteran team of Lori Stokes and Ken Rosato, the epitome of morning anchors, along with senior meteorologist Bill Evans are a great combination of talent and chemistry.

Best Sports Anchor—The local Emmy Awards can’t be wrong year after year. Bruce Beck is the most popular sports anchor in New York. Although entertaining, like his predecessor Len Berman, Beck is more nuts and bolts. And it works effortlessly.

Best Weather Anchor–Although Evans and Lee Goldberg at WABC hold their own, this is Lonnie Quinn‘s year. The weatherman shined with his, seemingly, non-stop Sandy coverage. Quinn finds a way to entertain and inform, and especially with severe storms, He understands his role perfectly, never causing a panic.

Special Superstorm Sandy Achievement: WPIX

Everyone worked hard to provide Sandy coverage. But Channel 11 took it further. The PIX Morning News did three remotes from areas devastated by the storm. Sukanya Krishnan, Frances Rivera, and Tamsen Fadel took viewers to parts of the Jersey Shore, Staten Island, and Nassau County.

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Christmas is drawing near, and so is the holiday staple, the Yule Log.

WPIX/Channel 11 resumes the famed fireplace with the Christmas soundtrack. WPIX first aired Yule Log in 1966. The 2012 edition will be shown on December 25 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Not to be outdone, WLNY/TV 10 55 is offering its own version of Yule Log Christmas Eve.

WLNY will bring the updated look to the holiday standard with John Elliott, Carolina Bermudez, and Lisa Kerney, hosts of Live from the Couch, and WLNY News at 9 anchors Chris Wragge and Dana Tyler.  The WLNY talent will be flanked by Jim Douglas and Kim Berk, the Fresh 102.7/WWFS morning team.

WLNY’s Yule Log will be accompanied by a simulcast of music on Fresh.

It airs December 24 from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m., then after the news it returns from 10 p.m. until midnight. Viewers can get another helping of ‘LNY’s Yule Log from 7 to 9 Christmas morning.

Here’s a look at what FishbowlNY stories made the most buzz this week.

1. Dave Price Turns Dancing With The Stars Interview into Awkward Good Day New York Segment, August 18
2. WPIX Blacked Out ‘Without Warning’ in Cablevision Homes, August 17
3. Politico Removes Idiot Reporter from Covering Idiot Todd Akin, August 21
4. FishbowlNY Poll: Readers Emphatically Want Greg Kelly Back on Good Day New York, August 16
5. Tina Brown Defends Niall Ferguson, August 22
6. Pat Kiernan (left), Best TV Person Ever, Rumored to Miss Out on Live! Co-Anchor Gig, August 21
7. Chris Wragge ‘Flattered’ To Be Part of CBS Sports’ U.S. Open Tennis Coverage, August 16

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