Is it the two Super Bowl rings? The nine NFL seasons with at least 10 wins? The playoff consistency with eight divisional NFC East titles? Whatever the formula, Bill Parcells was officially recognized as one of the league’s all-time great coaches, selected for induction this summer in the Pro Football Hall of Fame.

Parcells had a 22-year career patrolling the sidelines, half of that was leading the New York Giants. Scott Clark was at WABC-TV for much the Parcells run in East Rutherford, New Jersey, including victories in Super Bowl XXI and XXV.

“[His] record speaks for itself, and to that end, I remember him many times saying, ‘It is what it is fellas. You are what you are.’”

Parcells will join a couple of his former Giants defensive players for enshrinement–Lawrence Taylor and Harry Carson.

Before coming to New York, Clark covered another eventual Hall of Fame coach, Joe Gibbs of the Washington Redskins.

“Gibbs and Parcells were vastly different personalities, but they shared similar traits,” Clark tells FishbowlNY. “They out worked everybody else, 24/7. [There were] cots in the office, living, eating, breathing their respective jobs.”

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Whether it was smacking a clutch hit down the line, throwing out a runner at second base, or simply that endearing smile, Gary Carter was a gift to baseball fans for more than two decades. But to New York Mets fans, his legendary career took on a heroic note. Carter died yesterday after a long battle with brain cancer. He was 57.

“I choose to celebrate a life that touched and brightened so many other lives through his works both on and off the field,” Longtime WABC sports anchor Scott Clark tells FishbowlNY. “Baseball players respected and admired his skills and his grit. Members of the media craved for more like him, always available, win or lose.”

A blockbuster trade after the 1984 season sent Carter to Shea Stadium, and the New York media. Less than two years later, Carter helped the Mets win one of the “amazing” comebacks in World Series history.

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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.

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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.

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It’s that time of the year—time for buying Christmas trees, and subsequently decorating them with all the trimmings. Our Jewish friends are digging out the menorahs, and making sure they have enough candles.

But it’s also the season for countless awards. FishbowlNY is no exception, as we present our 2^nd annual Barmash Awards, honoring the local TV news scene here in New York.

As the title indicates, there is no committee making these decisions—just one co-editor.

While our intention isn’t to specifically balance the award winners, it does show the enormous talent we have to choose from across the dial.

Best Newscast (morning)

The chemistry works perfectly between WABC/Channel 7 veterans Lori Stokes and Ken Rosato. Stokes, though, brings that special connection to morning viewers. Stokes has a warm and friendly demeanor as she virtually “wakes” up people each day. Bill Evans is one of the best TV meteorogists, only falling short in the overall category to a colleague.

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In case you missed any of our special feature 9/11: New York Remembers, today we’re observing the 10th anniversary of the tragic day linking back to the entire series.

• After an introduction, we began on August 19 with the memories of famed anchors Ernie Anastos, Bill Ritter, and Chuck Scarborough.
• On Monday, August 22, we returned with one-time WABC/Channel 7 reporter Jeff Rossen describing the horrific scene at ground zero.
• Longtime WINS reporter John Montone had his own struggles dealing with the disaster.
• On August 24, we offered the account of two veteran NY1 reporters.
• Tom Kaminski, well-known to WCBS-AM listeners for his chopper reporting, was in the air during 9/11.
• Another well-known radio personality is Harry Harrison who, with his familiar style, was an important part of the healing process.

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

1. Time Joins Tumblr, Sept. 6
2. Traffic Reporter Jill Nicolini Leaves WPIX, Heads for WNYW (left), Sept. 2
3. News 12 Long Island Meteorologist Rich Hoffman Curses On Air, Rips Station, Sept. 2
4. Simplistic Lady Gaga Featured on Harper’s Bazaar, Sept. 7
5. Covering 9/11 ‘Heart Wrenching’ and ’Nightmare’ for WPIX Morning Anchor Sukanya Krishnan, Sept. 6
6. Two WSJ Veterans Leave for New York Times, Sept. 6
7. Catching Up with Former Channel 9/WWOR Weatherman Lloyd Lindsay Young, Sept. 6
8. Former Governor David Paterson Gets a ‘Surprise’ as WOR Afternoon Host, Sept. 2
9. Back to WCBS, Chris Wragge Co-Anchors 6 p.m. Newscast, Sept. 7
10. Recently Retired WABC/Channel 7 Sports Anchor Scott Clark ‘Felt Very Strongly’ About Wearing Officers’ Badges After 9/11, Sept. 5

Keep up-to-date with the latest FishbowlNY news. Click here to sign-up for the FishbowlNY daily newsletter, bringing you our articles each afternoon directly to your inbox.

Scott Clark was the longtime sports anchor at WABC/Channel 7 until leaving the station in January.

He’s covered many Yankee championship runs, Giants Super Bowl wins, and the Rangers elusive Stanley Cup victory during his 25 years at the station. 

Today in our special series—9/11: New York Remembers— Clark recalls those first hours and days following the destruction. He also talks about the aftermath and how he became symbol of hope.

But even though he wasn’t on the air during 9/11, it’s the horrific event that was first to cross the former sportscaster’s mind as a standout memory.

“Like every other New Yorker, that’s atop the list,” Clark tells FishbowlNY.

Clark was in Denver as the Giants opened the 2001 NFL season for the Monday nighter at the Broncos brand new stadium. The Giants were defending NFC Champs.

“I was at the airport when I saw the second plane hit the building as I was headed to my gate,” Clark recalls. “I just turned around; I didn’t even go to the gate.”

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It’s been a month since Scott Clark walked away from his sports anchoring duties at WABC/Channel 7. Clark built a strong following with his personality, various features and standard highlights.

But now, for the first time in 25 years, the main sports presence at Channel 7 is different.

That face belongs to Rob Powers, who made the transition easy for viewers.

“Scott was Scott, and I’ll never be able to get up to that level, and the goal right now is to try. That’s all I can try to do right now,” Powers says.

Prior to passing the baton, Powers did get some advice from his mentor. 

“You will find your way and the viewers will find you. Take it slow. Don’t do anything right away,” Powers recalls Clark telling him.

So for now, Powers is keeping it simple as viewers gets familiarized with him.

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There are a zillion different year-end countdowns and awards. Well, before too many days go by, here’s one more.

These are the “Barmash Awards” given for the best talent and newscasts in New York TV news. This is by a committee of one—me.

Best Newscast (early morning)

Today in New York (WNBC): Darlene Rodriguez and Michael Gargiulo, Chris Cimino (weather), and Megan Meany (traffic)

Despite only being together for a couple of years, this is well-oiled machine. They have a terrific balance of good personality and good news sense. The Rodriguez and Gargiulo anchor team took some time to establish their chemistry—but by 2010 became the gold standard for dawn patrol. Another important plus is Cimino, doing that shift for more than a decade. He is one the best forecasters, not just at the station, but could easily hold is own among the “prime timers” as well.

Many more “awards” after the jump.

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