Happy Holidays December 21, 2006

Rob Morrison, Anchor

There are conflicting memories about how our little TINY “Holiday Greeting” came together. Considering the hour at which we rise and shine, that isn’t surprising. I recall that our Talent Coordinator, Carole Owens, asked me, Darlene, Otis and Chris if we would individually record a short Christmas memory or holiday greeting to be posted online.

Anyway, someone (we’re still not sure who) suggested we do it together, which in the end was a better idea anyway. The result was unscripted, spontaneous and fun… a lot like our show each morning.

Click here to watch the greeting from our family to yours.

See you next year.

Christmas Card from Iraq December 19, 2006

Cat Greenleaf, Lifestyle Reporter

Note: Cat continues her correspondence with a local soldier serving in Iraq.

As you might’ve read in November, I’m in touch with a soldier in Iraq who we met on a story earlier this year. He reached out to us this week with his impressions on the holiday season where he is.

Hey Cat,

Hows everything. Enjoying the holidays I hope. I’m doing okay over here. Calling home and hearing from wifey can be emotional though. I am going to try and make this the last time I am not home for Christmas.

I am not much of a holiday guy but when someone really wants you there it makes that part of the year important.

I have to say that all of us over here realize our families aren’t with us so we adjust appropriately. Plus we can talk to each other since we’re all going through the same thing. With loved ones back home it’s difficult. Everyone doesn’t have a husband or wife or son or daughter that’s stuck in Iraq for the holidays, so it’s hard to find someone else to identify with. I am lucky to have her, especially putting up with this.

Well, take care as always.

Peace.

From the Top December 13, 2006

Dan Forman, Senior VP News and Station Manager

NOTE: This is in response to a comment posted recently by a reader “Norman 24.” We take seriously the concerns/questions of our audience. We appreciate and encourage all serious discussion in this forum.

Norman:

I am the Vice President of News at WNBC. Our newscasts always strive to represent a complete palette of life in the tri-state area. Sometimes the news is pretty tough stuff. We balance that with coverage of human interest events. The tree lighting ceremony is part of tradition in New York, and WNBC has historically been involved. The character of Rockefeller Center– in the heart of the city– changes at this time of year, and on this special night the energy climaxes. It is worthy of inclusion in the newscast. We are proud of our coverage mix and hope you consider our news programming IN TOTAL when evaluating our station. Thank you for caring enough to write in. It helps us to constantly review what we put on the air.

Original Comment:
Norman24 said…
I’m still waiting for a response from a WNBC executive as to why four full minutes (out of a 22-minute broadcast) was given over to the tree lighting ceremony in a recent broadcast of News Channel 4 At Six. I think we already know the answer–it was done as a promo to get us to watch the hour-long tree lighting ceremony later that evening. The more people that watch, the higher your ad rates are and the more money you make. But I’d still like to hear this from a WNBC executive. I think your viewers are entitled to an explanation. After all, allowing advertising to influence the news is serious business.
December 11, 2006 4:31 AM

Sweetness December 7, 2006

Rob Morrison, Anchor

Christmas in Rockefeller Center means many things to many different people. Thousands gather in person and millions watch on TV the annual tree lighting. Over the course of the Holiday Season, building managers estimate the number of visitors to our busy plaza quadruples. It’s a bustling place most anytime of day.

I’ve worked here at 30 Rock now for about seven years. I’ve faced the festive crowds who pack the sidewalks and plaza, most of them tourists. As visions of sugarplums dance in their heads, my mind annually turns to one man. No, not Santa Claus. The late, great Walter Payton.

That’s right, #34, “Sweetness,” arguably the best running back to ever play in the NFL. To watch Payton run was to watch Ali fight and Baryshnikov dance all at once. During his 13 year career, he ran around, through and over some of the most formidable defenses ever. Defenses as stifling as the Rock Center holiday crowds.

I keep his running style in mind as I make my way to the subway. When I see a hole open up between families walking five abreast, I hit it fast and hard knowing it will soon close the same way a gap between offensive linemen will open and close quickly. Payton was known for staying on the balls of his feet, keeping his heels elevated, giving him the ability to change direction on a dime…something that comes in handy when confused pedestrians stop short for no apparent reason. Payton was aggressive and never shied away from contact. This smashmouth style can be the difference between making or missing your train. And finally, Walter Payton was the consummate blocking back, taking pride in protecting his quarterback. This mindset is helpful while navigating the crowds with a loved one or smaller co-worker.

Also, like Payton, I don’t celebrate after a successful run. No dancing in the end zone or subway platform. I just get ready to do it all over again.

Action, Camera, Lights! November 30, 2006

Meredith Menz, Segment Producer

From the 6th Floor balcony at WNBC, we peered down at the festive crowds of New Yorkers gathering under the famous Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree. Rob, Darlene and the WNBC crew were going live to cover the 74th Annual Tree Lighting, while thousands poured in along 50th Street to get a glimpse of the 88-foot tall tree, sparkling with 30,000 lights and topped with a Sworovski star. If you missed the action on WNBC last night, check out Darlene play Santa to a lucky mother and daughter by clicking here

Fa-La-Lotsa Christmas Music November 22, 2006

Dan Rice, Chopper 4

At the risk of sounding like a Scrooge, I am already sick and tired of Christmas music and it is only Nov. 21.

I was surprised when I walked into the airport yesterday and heard a Christmas song. Then another holiday song played, followed by another and yet another. It turns out the radio station WLTW began playing their all Christmas music schedule yesterday. It’ll be holiday music all day, everyday, from now until Christmas day.

To make matters worse, I was listening to my XM radio driving into to work today and heard an advertisement for not one all-holiday music channel, but for four of them!

Do you understand where I’m coming from? I love holiday music as much as the next person. Really I do. My favorite song is “Little Drummer Boy/Peace on Earth” by David Bowie and Bing Crosby. However, do we really need to hear “White Christmas” every hour, sung by Bing Crosby, Elvis Presley, or Martina McBride in November?

I remember when I was a little kid that the Christmas push didn’t begin until Thanksgiving Day when Santa Claus arrived in Herald Square. Only then would you hear Christmas songs creeping into the play lists of the city’s radio stations. Gradually more songs would be added into the rotation as Christmas drew closer.

When I got a little older, Z-100’s Scott Shannon came up with “The 24 Hours of Christmas” idea. It would start on Christmas Eve and play commercial free through Christmas Day. On Christmas morning, my younger brother John and I would listen to all the holiday songs as we opened our presents. Nowadays, I’m sick of holiday music by the time I open my first gift.

I want to celebrate Thanksgiving before I have to hear John Lennon singing “Happy X-mas (War Is Over).” Really, that’s all I’m asking. Lennon is already singing “another year over and a new one just begun” on the radio and I haven’t had a single piece of turkey yet!

Bah Humbug!