Today marks one year since the popular Scott Clark completed his farewell tour at WABC/Channel 7. The sports anchor says the decision to leave was solely his—with a major assist from his wife Heather. 

“The station was fantastic about it,” Clark tells FishbowlNY from his Michigan lakefront house.

So instead of taking the proverbial gold watch at 25 years of service, Clark retired, a decision that he contemplated for several years. 

“In the beginning of my career, I had always thought of 50 [when] I’m going to retire,” Clark admits. 

But, once Clark hit the big 5-0, he was still under contract. By the time that deal expired, Clark was 52. However, the veteran sports anchor wasn’t mentally prepared to step away.

“There was another deal on the table, and it was a very good deal,” Clark says.

As the five-year pact was winding down, Clark didn’t have the cold feet. He was ready.

“I was getting pretty good thoughts…my mind, body, and soul were officially saying ‘I think this is it. We’re done,’” Clark recalls.

Read more

As we get ready to usher in 2012, let’s take one more look at the biggest broadcasting stories that FishbowlNY covered in 2011.

In January, Scott Clark closes out a brilliant career at WABC, retiring after nearly a quarter-century at Channel 7.

Maurice DuBois makes his debut as WCBS/Channel 2 lead anchor when he is promoted to nights opposite Kristine Johnson. Chris Wragge shifts his energy to The Early Show, but that wasn’t the last we would hear from him.

Also as 2011 began, veteran radio talk host Curtis Sliwa adds an afternoon shift to his Apple/WNYM duties.

In February, among the notable events, WNBC/Channel 4 welcomes home Shiba Russell from Boston. She was named weekend anchor with David Ushery. Russell fueled speculation that she was Sue Simmons’ “heir apparent,” as the main (if not exclusive) fill-in for the legendary anchor, who started at Channel 4 in 1980.

On the radio, Craig Allen, a veteran in his own right, agrees to a three-year extension as WCBS 880’s chief meteorologist. Two months later, Allen marked 30 years at the station.

Read more

Updating a story we reported last week: Sam Ryan is heading for MLB Network as a host/reporter.  She delivered her final sportscast on WCBS/Channel 2 last night.

Otis Livingston, a station spokesman has confirmed, will shift to the standard Monday to Friday evenings after Labor Day weekend.

He had been had showing his versatility for the past several months, co-anchoring the Sunday morning broadcast with Cindy Hsu.

Ryan had been with Channel 2 since June 2006.

Sam Ryan came close to exiting WCBS/Channel 2 in August 2009. At that time, the brunette sportscaster, citing her need to put family first, was ready to leave Channel 2 but remain at CBS Sports on weekends.

Instead, WCBS management cajoled the personable Ryan to stay.

They reworked Ryan’s schedule to just three days at WCBS, giving her weekends free for other on-air duties at CBS College Sports. Otis Livingston picked up the other days. 

Now, the Daily News reports, there will be no 11th hour reprieve. Sources with knowledge of the situation confirm to FishbowlNY that Ryan is headed for the MLB Network as a host and reporter.

Ryan joined Channel 2 and CBS Sports in June 2006. Prior to that, she did extensive sideline reporting for ESPN, and ABC Sports, on their college football coverage, and occasionally appearing on Monday Night Football.

Read more

As the New York Jets make their way to Pittsburgh for this weekend’s AFC Championship game, WCBS-TV is right there with them.

Sports anchor Otis Livingston, traveling with the team, hosts Jets Road to Glory Saturday night at 7.

The one-hour special gives fans a preview of the matchup between the Steelers and Jets.

“The Jets run means we as a sports department get to shine as well with extra programming,” Livingston tells FishbowlNY. “Working with my producers, Joe Benigno, Damien Woody, Wesley Walker, and all the editors gives us a chance to give extra insight and bonus coverage on one of the biggest stories in New York City in recent years.”

Read more

For New York Jets fans who can’t get enough playoff talk, WCBS-TV/Channel 2 offers a one-hour preview, Jets Road to Glory, tonight at 7 p.m.

Sports anchor Otis Livingston hosts the special and conducts a one-on-one interview with Jets star linebacker Jason Taylor.

WCBS’ Sam Ryan will also be on hand with other player interviews, while Hazel Sanchez has live reports from Boston.

Joe Benigno, midday host at sister station WFAN, provides his unique perspective on the game.

The Jets and Patriots meet Sunday afternoon at 4:30 p.m. in the divisional playoff round on WCBS.