If you don’t watch FOX or even TV in the mornings, you may occasionally see her on the cable clip show “The Soup” as the woman who puts up with co-anchor Greg Kelly‘s antics.

New York native Rosanna Scotto, morning anchor for FOX owned station WNYW, sat down with the mediabistroTV crew to talk about how St. Patrick’s Day and the antics of world-famous director Woody Allen are what lead to her first big break.

For more videos, check out our YouTube channel and follow us on Twitter: @mediabistroTV

New Career Opportunities Daily: The best jobs in media.

In keeping with the usual head-spinning weekly scene that is Wednesdays at Michael’s, the joint was jumping today. It was SRO in the front dining room and at the bar where producer Beverly Camhe was holding court with fellow producer Marc Altshuler and writer/directors Derek Anderson and Victor Kubicek in celebration of their upcoming documentary In God We Trust Who Pays for His Crime on the Bernie Madoff scandal. The film will debut in the highly coveted Friday night slot at the Tribeca Film Festival next week.

Bev tells me the tickets for the highly anticipated film sold out in ten minutes when they went on sale at with American Express last night, and they are currently looking for a theater to handle the overflow. For those of you who missed the boat entirely, there’s always pay per view. Bev says anyone who sees the film should prepare to be shocked. “Don’t believe what you’ve heard. You’ll be surprised to know who knew what and when they knew it.” For the record, Bev believes that both Madoff sons, the late Mark Madoff and Andrew Madoff, didn’t know anything. I would have loved to have explored that very topic myself when I spotted Mark at Michael’s last spring, but he bolted before I could ask him anything about their father’s massive Ponzi scheme. “Bernie was a bi-polar sociopath, so it’s entirely possible he was able to keep it from them,” says Bev.  I asked Marc if they’d heard from any of the Madoffs or insiders since they began production, and he told me, “They’ve been oddly quiet. I’m surprised they even stayed in New York.” Some people have no shame.

Mickey Ateyeh and Angela Cummings

Not all the action was in the main dining room. I was invited to the swanky lunch held in the Garden Room for Angela Cummings today celebrating the launch of her new collection with Assael. Mickey Ateyeh, Angela’s long time BFF and business partner gathered 24 New York power gals – the ladies who never eat lunch who actually lunched today – for an intimate gathering.  The first to arrive was Liz Smith followed by a veritable who’s who in New York social and business circles, including Paula Zahn, Linda Fairstein, Jackie Leo,  Barbara Taylor Bradford, Christy Ferer, who is in hot pursuit for her company’s next CEO (Anyone?), Fern Mallis, DuJour‘s Cindy Lewis and Judy Licht. 

continued…

New Career Opportunities Daily: The best jobs in media.

That’s not the case on East 42nd Street.

WPIX was handed a gift last summer when WNYW made abrupt changes. With Greg Kelly off the mornings, WPIX had a chance to make headway against its rival.

However, Channel 5 hit the “re-do” button last month putting Kelly back on Good Day New York. Not only did the show put a dent in any Channel 11 traction, it clipped NBC’s Today show for the February sweeps.

• Related: TVSpy, Good Day for WNYW: Morning Newscast Beats Today

So with that backdrop, we explore WPIX’s efforts in the period.

continued…

New Career Opportunities Daily: The best jobs in media.

She eventually was fired for falsifying a sexual assault. We spoke to Callan yesterday, hours before Morrison announced his resignation.

• Related: FishbowlNY, Morrison Resigns From WCBS Amid Wife Choking Allegations

Morrison was arrested Sunday on a felonious charge of choking his wife, Ashley Morrison during a fight at their home early Sunday morning. A judge ordered Morrison to stay 100 yards away from his wife.

“There have been indications that his wife wants to drop the charges, so ultimately this will be a decision by the Connecticut prosecutor as to whether to try to informally resolve the case with a dismissal,” Callan tells FishbowlNY.

That doesn’t automatically mean Morrison will be cleared.

“Prosecutors can serve a subpoena on her. They can force her to testify under oath,” Callan says. “Sometimes the wife is placed in a difficult position as she tries to deny the charge.”

continued…

New Career Opportunities Daily: The best jobs in media.

That would be Dari Alexander, who remains on set at 5 and 10 p.m., no matter if it’s with Ernie Anastos, Greg Kelly, or Steve Lacy. Readers of FishbowlNY have been leaving comments since the summertime anchor debacle about her ability.

Related: FishbowlNY, Major Anchor Changes Come to Fox 5

For example, last week, Alexander was caught inadvertently calling “sitting shiva” for Mayor Ed Koch as “shitting” shiva.

That led to these remarks on the posting:

Dari seems like a nice person, but speaking strictly on her work, she is easily the worst anchor in NYC. Completely [miscast].

Sad to say, she is horrible!

The sentiment about Alexander extends well beyond a handful of disgruntled viewers.

A former colleague who worked with Alexander tells FishbowlNY that her work ethic was non-existent.

“I’ve never worked with anybody who does less preparation before she gets on the air.” [She] seems to not really care where the show is going next or what’s really happening. [Alexander] just seems to be absolutely unaffected and oblivious to the consequences of that,” the former colleague says. “It was so strange. I had never worked with anybody like that.”

continued…

New Career Opportunities Daily: The best jobs in media.

Related: FishbowlNY, Memories of Longtime Media Favorite, Mayor Ed Koch

Instead, the sacred and solemn ritual of Judaism was reduced to ridicule.

Alexander said the family will be “shitting” shiva. Like speaking a foreign language, which it probably was, Alexander slowly corrected to “sitting.” Another deep pause brought “shiva,” a phrase, even said correctly, appeared to be coming from her lips for the first time.

Alexander has been criticized at times with her different on-air partners. With previous night time co-anchor Greg Kelly, Alexander’s cell phone went off during the broadcast. It caused an awkward, embarrassing moment for her and viewers.

continued…

New Career Opportunities Daily: The best jobs in media.

But, WCBS/Channel 2 went one step further. Channel 2 brought in its main anchor team of Maurice DuBois and Kristine Johnson to lead the 11 a.m. coverage.

At WABC/Channel 7, Bill Ritter joined morning anchor Lori Stokes for its special reporting.

Related: FishbowlNY, Memories of Longtime Media Favorite, Mayor Ed Koch

Otherwise, it was the morning talent that handled the coverage. Good Day New York anchors Rosanna Scotto and Greg Kelly hosting the programming that took WNYW viewers to Temple Emanu-El. Sister station WWOR stayed with it regular lineup.

WPIX/Channel 11 opted fot its usual “must see” daytime TV, starting with Jerry Springer.

Michael Gargiulo and Darlene Rodriguez anchored for WNBC.

In addition, WLNY was used as the way station for WCBS shows pre-empted by the special coverage.

New Career Opportunities Daily: The best jobs in media.

Last week’s meandering from city to city for auditions took the top spot for the week and number two.

The Wednesday night, two-hour Idol had an estimated 1.2 million WNYW viewers, according to Nielsen, with a 6.5 rating. The Thursday installment tied for second best with 1 million fans and a 5.4 rating.

It was deadlocked with 60 Minutes on WCBS and Modern Family on WABC.

A pair of CBS Monday night comedies were next. How I Met Your Mother was fifth (898,000/4.6), while 2 Broke Girls was number six (869,000/4.4).

There’s more from the Top 10 after the jump.

continued…

New Career Opportunities Daily: The best jobs in media.

The duo was reunited this morning after yesterday’s stunning announcement, which FishbowlNY had first, removing the NYPD commissioner’s son from the high-profile evening newscasts. Steve Lacy, former Early Call (4:30 a.m.) host began as 10 p.m. co-anchor last night. He’ll start soloing the 6 pm. tonight.  It was an apparent ugly second stint for Dave Price at Channel 5. We’re told that Price, who was bumped to the early morning slot, was “livid” about management’s decision. He was let out of his contract several months early.

• Related, FishbowlNY: Price leaves WNYW, Kelly Returns Home to GDNY

However, this morning Scotto pointed out that Price “wanted to do other things.” She said twice in the opening of the 9 a.m. hour that it was his choice.

“We look forward to what he decides to do next,” Scotto says.

The spotlight then shifted to the positive: Lacy’s ascension at WNYW.

“Big things in his future,” Kelly declared.

In officially telling the audience about Lacy’s new gig, Scotto questioned her partner.

“Do you have any advice for him?”

“Steve is an outstanding broadcaster and a very smart guy,” Kelly admits. “Two of the reasons I was intimidated by him, when I first met him.”

continued…

New Career Opportunities Daily: The best jobs in media.

New face of Fox 5 News at night

Fox executives are apparently wiping egg from their faces. FishbowlNY has learned that Greg Kelly is being yanked as 6 and 10 p.m. anchor. It’s an embarrassing move for management to be sure. We’re told that Kelly will return to his Good Day New York anchor duties alongside Rosanna Scotto. In turn, Dave Price, who succeeded Kelly on Good Day, has been shifted to the early morning broadcast starting at 4:30will be leaving the station.

The anchor carousel doesn’t stop there.

Steve Lacy (left), the current Good Day Early Call anchor, is next to get his shot at the high-profile nighttime newscasts. Like Kelly, Lacy will solo the 6 p.m. and then join Dari Alexander for the late evening broadcast. Lacy joined Channel 5 in August 2011.

Update: TVSpy has more details on the changes. Price, (right) who asked to be let out of his contract early, says, “I had a great experience returning to FOX 5 but it is time to look for opportunities outside WNYW. I love Rosanna and the gang and wish them all the best.”

Kelly was lambasted for bringing his morning show attitude to the more serious nighttime setting. Weeks after Kelly went from sunrise to sunset, FishbowlNY readers made their case in a pair of polls pushing for his return to mornings, while Price would be axed.

All of the changes take effect tomorrow.

New Career Opportunities Daily: The best jobs in media.

ESPN took the lead in April by moving (after simulcasting) WEPN/1050 to 98.7. The 1050 position has since become New York’s only 24-hour Spanish sports talk outlet.

It was a surprise to no one, that CBS Radio expedited its quest for an FM station, when Merlin’s ill-fated news operation, turned Alternative Rocker, became available in October. WFAN is now simulcast on 660 and 101.9.

As for Merlin, it yanked the 24-hour FM news attempt (WEMP) in July–less than a year after it started. Merlin returned to its previous format held by Emmis, and continuing the “Bobby Ewing shower scene” theme, management even resurrected the WRXP call letters.

Other radio doings during 2012, include Geraldo Rivera turning to the medium early in 2012 at WABC. By summertime, the veteran TV host was syndicated to Cumulus stations nationwide.

In August, Clear Channel acquired WOR. As the FCC signed off on the deal, two shows were canceled last week, Dr Joy Browne and Governor David Paterson. This remains a fluid story heading into 2013.

TV also had its share of shakeups. In certain instances you could say this was management’s version of “Out with old and in the new.”

continued…

New Career Opportunities Daily: The best jobs in media.

You probably woke up this morning to stations locked in ”wall-to-wall” mode, but that was not the case last night. Unlike last year’s Hurricane Irene (when I was holed up in a hotel), Sandy did not lead to an all-nighter by the area stations.

Here is how they took to the air this time.

Kaity Tong was a calming presence, anchoring a two-hour edition of the News at Ten on WPIX.  As was the case with Irene, WPIX’s coverage did not include Jodi Applegate.

Tong, as a solo anchor, was given an assist by reporter Dan Mannarino, who handled some phone interviews and other information for viewers. WPIX double-teamed the audience with veteran experience from Mr. G and Craig Allen.  WPIX was the only game in town until 11 p.m., as WNYW/Channel 5 was televising the final game of the World Series.

While the storm moved closer to New York, the other channels opted for prime-time network scheduling. At 11 p.m., WCBS/Channel 2 anchors Maurice DuBois and Kristine Johnson, first appearing at halftime of the New York Jets game, led the station’s one-hour special Sandy newscast. Thereafter, WCBS kept a crawl on the screen until the morning team resumed coverage at 4 a.m.

continued…

New Career Opportunities Daily: The best jobs in media.

That part is known since the major anchor shifts in July. But more subtle is where Alexander places herself, and why.

Viewers of the 5 p.m. see no changes–Alexander in her familiar spot next to Anastos on her (TV) right. However, take a look at the 10 p.m., where Kelly replaced Anastos. Instead of seeing Kelly taking Anastos’ seat, it’s Alexander who’s jumping into her on-air partner’s spot.

Two factors could be at play here. First, it would appear that Fox management is trying in subliminal fashion to take “pressure” off Kelly. Grabbing Anastos’ seat, still used at 5 p.m., could be viewed as “stealing” his job.

But now we’re faced with an TV news anomaly. When was the last time an anchor sat in different positions for multiple newscasts? It’s a rare occurrence, if it happens at all.

Another point to note: on all of the major newscasts the male anchor is sitting on the left, whether it be Maurice DuBois, Chuck Scarborough, or Bill Ritter. (One exception: WNBC’s Today in New York has Darlene Rodriguez on the left, alongside Michael Gargiulo.)

A WNYW spokesperson had no comment to FishbowlNY on the record.

New Career Opportunities Daily: The best jobs in media.

It was Fox News’ Clayton Morris who grabbed the top prize in the 7th annual event. He edged In Touch Weekly‘s Marianne Garvey. Kelly settled for third place.

“We offer many congratulations, praise, and thanks not only to Clayton Morris but, to all participants in the show who were brave enough to go on stage and help out a great cause,” co-producers Mark Goldman and Ryan McCormick said.

The proceeds will be donated to the Humane Society of New York.

New Career Opportunities Daily: The best jobs in media.

Kelly joins five others who will compete for the title of New York’s Funniest Reporter. You can decide if a high profile news presence should be doing stand-up for the prize. But this much is known, Kelly becomes the first night time anchor to be involved in the competition, now in its seventh year.

Others vying for the title include Dr. Manny Alvarez, the Fox News medical correspondent and frequent WNYW contributor, and Clayton Morris, co-host of Fox News Channel’s Fox and Friends Weekend.

The Fox triumvirate face Marianne Garvey, a former New York Post reporter and writer. She is currently news editor at In Touch Weekly magazine, and Michelle Steele, an ESPN anchor/reporter. Also competing is Lauren Lyster, an anchor and reporter at Russia Today.

Each reporter performs five minutes of stand-up comedy and at the end of the show, a winner is declared. The participants are offered the help of a professional comedy mentor.

Comic Strip Live hosts the event on Thursday, September 27 at 8:00 p.m.

New Career Opportunities Daily: The best jobs in media.