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Randy in at 5
By Michael Page | June 2, 2009
Just weeks after Randy Price was seen interviewing at WCVB, we can now confirm that Randy will be joining the station next Monday.
In Randy’s new role he will co-anchor the Eyeopener with Bianca de la Garza, replacing David Brown. David will now focus on reporting and filling in for meteorologists from time to time.
Remember that Randy suddenly parted ways with WHDH earlier this year. It certainly seems like WCVB is trying to make it known to Boston that it values seasoned talent, perhaps more than a station like WHDH that seems to go for the young blood.
Topics: WCVB (Channel 5) | 143 Comments »
June 2nd, 2009 at 11:01 am
Good to know someone appreciates experience, not just fluff!
June 2nd, 2009 at 12:01 pm
He Is The Best I Am So Happy He Is In
June 2nd, 2009 at 12:20 pm
I’m happy he’s there – wish he were evenings though. Ed Harding is nothing but an annoyance on the evening news.
June 2nd, 2009 at 12:27 pm
Great to here it is final!!
Where is David Brown going, now??
I think Bianca and Randy will be a better pair!
June 2nd, 2009 at 12:31 pm
I’m happy that Randy returns back on the air, David didn’t fit as a anchor. But I’m glad he will return back to his calling.
June 2nd, 2009 at 12:38 pm
As I said above, David will report/fill in for the weather.
June 2nd, 2009 at 1:10 pm
maybe this will be the right Fit I really Like Bianca she does a great job and im Glad that David Brown is still going to be with WCVB good luck to Randy Price im glad he has found a new home i have to disagree i Really do Like ED i think he does a great job and he has good personality i hope he is around for a while he fits in great with Both Heather and Liz
June 2nd, 2009 at 1:19 pm
That’s a nice fit for Randy…
June 2nd, 2009 at 1:33 pm
Glad to hear it. I’ve missed him. I’ll be switching to channel 5 in the mornings starting on Monday! Maybe eventually he’ll move to the evening news.
Welcome Back Randy!
June 2nd, 2009 at 2:30 pm
That is a great fit for Randy Price at Channel 5
June 2nd, 2009 at 2:54 pm
Glad to hear it also. I think Bianca does a great job a. Didn’t mind David but I think Randy will do a great job. Bianca and Randy will do well.
June 2nd, 2009 at 3:26 pm
I would like to see David Wade and Bianca together
any thoughts ?
June 2nd, 2009 at 3:46 pm
They were together every now and then when they were at fox.
June 2nd, 2009 at 3:58 pm
Boy, David Brown’s sense of job security just took a big hit. ‘Filling in’ on the weather side when he used to be top dog is not a fun evolution, and being called a ‘Reporter’ is akin to being told that ‘anyone can do it.’
June 2nd, 2009 at 4:08 pm
Love Bianca and David enjoy them immensely, I don’t like this. I thought all the stations were cutting back, now channel 5 goes out and pays big bucks for this guy. Sometimes I just don’t understand. By the way I like both David’s, Wade and Brown.
June 2nd, 2009 at 4:19 pm
Hey Chris i was thinking the same thing going frome Meterologist toe morning anchor then back to reporting and filling in for the weather must be tough i never understood why he wwent from forcasting the weather to anchoring that makes no sense that would be like Harvey or Dick anchoring the night news that was a bad move on WCVB but im glad he still has a job
June 2nd, 2009 at 4:29 pm
I like David – I know him a tiny bit personally, and he’s a very capable broadcaster. However, making your weather guy your news anchor was inevitably going to kill your credibility. The likes of former sports guys such as Messrs. Harding, Ockerbloom and Lavanchy can get away with it because viewers are more able to see them as journalists because they’ve seen them in the field covering stories (albeit of a different nature), whereas your weather guy is seen as the affable resident science geek who would look totally out-of-place reading copy about the latest overnight drive-by shooting in West Roxbury. As much as I really like David, it wasn’t the smartest strategic move.
June 2nd, 2009 at 4:38 pm
Big bucks it ain’t. I’m not getting into specifics, but I can say with certainty that you needn’t be as worried as you are, Lou.
June 2nd, 2009 at 6:19 pm
david was an ok anchor but he is better as a weather guy.
June 2nd, 2009 at 6:44 pm
I’m so happy Randy Price will be coming to Channel 5 Eyeopener. I think both Randy and Bianca will do a great job together.
Thank you. You’ve made one happy customer.
P.S. Regarding Ed. I think he’s is wonderful!!!
June 2nd, 2009 at 6:45 pm
One things just about guaranteed; You will hardly (if ever) see Joe Venuti on camera again although I realize his main job is as a producer. He hardly got one weekend morning per week the last 3 months. And what ever happen to the other David, AKA the gardening expert? Does any one see Randy being partnered with Susan on the mid day?
June 2nd, 2009 at 6:50 pm
By the way, this is a good move on 5′s part. I do hope David Brown stays and remains a key personallity at 5.
June 2nd, 2009 at 7:11 pm
i read in the globe a few weeks ago that david esptien who worked for channel 5 on the weekends is joining wgme channel 13 in portland maine as the weekend weather person
June 2nd, 2009 at 7:45 pm
The noon thing isn’t part of the plans, but I suppose that him occasionally filling in isn’t necessarily out of the question.
June 2nd, 2009 at 8:16 pm
Epstein has been freelance at WCVB for a long time, but they have not needed him lately…he will be working up in Maine for a bit this summer.
June 2nd, 2009 at 9:00 pm
I think he should do the 5-7 am shift along with the 12-12:30 shift
June 2nd, 2009 at 9:12 pm
I say keep the noon alone for now…and let’s see how things unfold with the Eyeopener. Plus, Susan has quite the following at noon; in first place with second WBZ far behind (something 30,000+ viewers separate them at noon).
June 2nd, 2009 at 9:46 pm
David Brown has always been my favorite weatherman and local anchor. I’m really sad-I hope they’re going to keep him. If he’s not on often, I may have to switch stations after watching both channel 5 eyeopener and evening news for many years.
June 2nd, 2009 at 10:09 pm
I just cant picture him on the mornings. I just have a feeling that this is not going to do well. Two completely personalities.
But I guess Frances and Randy have different personalities too
June 3rd, 2009 at 12:21 am
Randy would be a huge improvement on the 6 PM news over Harding. Harding has become swarmy since getting the job. He talks down to the viewers as if we need him to translate each story. He forgets he came from the weekend sports desk.
June 3rd, 2009 at 5:23 am
ed is channel 5 star anchorman
June 3rd, 2009 at 7:30 am
I will miss David in the morning. I’ve been a faithful channel 5 watcher for 20 years, and David has been a favorite of mine. Anyone ever think of replacing Bianca–can’t get used to her? Oh well, I hope to still see a lot of David. Hope you’re not making a big mistake!!!!
June 3rd, 2009 at 9:38 am
I just do see how you think Ed talks down to the Viewers to me he is very down to earth he jokes around with both Heather and Liz i think he make people feel comfortable but if that is the feeling you get i respect that and im sorry he makes you feel that way
June 3rd, 2009 at 10:41 am
My interview with Randy is up at BTVN. Just click my name.
June 3rd, 2009 at 11:16 am
I know its tv – but Ive been thinking about David Brown – what goes on after a deal like this. I noticed he wasnt on this morning and Steve was there.
any comments
June 3rd, 2009 at 12:04 pm
He Was On Steve
David Just Is Gone Now From The Spot
June 3rd, 2009 at 12:15 pm
David Brown came to Boston from Milwaukee permanently the same weekend I did in July 1994. He was a Meterologist there as well. Maybe a seasoned Meterologist is on the way out and he is going to take over OR, maybe he’s just waiting until Mish is out at WBZ.
June 3rd, 2009 at 1:30 pm
Mister Price–A mature broadcast journalist finally bringing credibility and gravatas to the channel 5 morning news set. What the heck will David Brown be reporting on??? The next round of political indictments, or murder on the streets of Boston? Time to remove the former sports jock Ed Harding and replace him with Mister price.
June 3rd, 2009 at 2:52 pm
Max, you’re right on the money with your comments at #17. That’s the biggest difference between sportscasters and meterologists trying to make the switch to news. Sports guys are occasionally reporting out in the field, but the weather folks are always in front of the green screen.
To paraphrase a familar radio commercial around here, Ch. 5 hiring Price for the EyeOpener is the biggest no-brainer in the history of earth. Unless Brown becomes the Mish Michaels of CVB (producing weather specials and the like), I can’t envision he’ll be on the air much except for fill-in weather duties. Best-case scenario for him would be if JC decides to have more kids, that would at least give him a steady gig for three months or so at a time.
J36, you must be a younger viewer, otherwise you’d remember that Price got his start in the mornings at Ch. 4 with Linda Harris back in the 80′s.
June 3rd, 2009 at 3:33 pm
I remember those days when Randy and Linda would do the mornings with Paul Cousins, now cheef meteorologist at the previously mentioned WGME in Portland. Even as late as 1987, they used to be sandwiched around NBC’s news at Sunrise when five had been producing a full 90-minute morning news cast for many years and 7 under the prior ownership wasn’t even touching morning news. When both Randy and Mike Maclin went to 7 in about 1997, I was rather surprised. I remember wondering whether 7 was changing coarse and turning to more trusted/familiar journalists for credibility or whether Randy and Mike were given offers they couldn’t refuse. Obviously, 7 went further in the direction they persist in taking and Randy apparently couldn’t live with that any more.
June 3rd, 2009 at 4:47 pm
Channel 5 uses Harding as their #1 anchor. I just do not agree. I must be in the minority as their rstings are fine. His cutesy act just does not work for me. The smalltalk with Liz and Heather is forced at best.
I miss the days whne the news was just that, the news.
June 3rd, 2009 at 5:22 pm
As the niece of the late Bob Cottle “Captain Bob”, I’ve always had a special place in my heart for WCVB channel 5. I feel very let down by the replacement of David Brown. He’s one of the best anchors/meteorologists you’ve got. Please do right by him and keep him in front of the camera.
June 3rd, 2009 at 6:22 pm
I love David Brown…..Randy should be on the evening news……and who is the best newsperson on tv….none other than Susan Wornick….love her!!
June 3rd, 2009 at 6:24 pm
ed would probably quit if he got demoted back to mornings
June 3rd, 2009 at 8:53 pm
No one believes a move to mornings is a demotion. AM’s are just as important as PM. Lots of commercials between 5-7am. If Ch5 thinks Randy and Ed work where they are – that’s fine. If they have to swap… I’m sure both guys would think that’s fine too.
Not many six-figure jobs like that.. so I’m sure they’ll be happy to fit in anywhere. Plus 5 has the reputation of being a good place to work
June 4th, 2009 at 7:03 am
Jim, #40, Paul Cousins hasn’t been at WGME for over 10 years.
June 4th, 2009 at 8:07 am
So, Brown is a ‘fill-in’ weather guy and also a ‘reporter.’ Quite a come-down. Does he rationalize it that he’s ‘lucky to have a job’ or does he get bitter and angry? Stay Tuned!
June 4th, 2009 at 9:36 am
Congratulations Randy! I am looking forward to seeing him return to Boston news on Monday! Hopefully David Brown will stick around!
June 4th, 2009 at 10:54 am
Well, apparently its been a while since I watched WGME. I guess my ABC loyalties always lead me to WMTW when ever I’m there. thank you for that update, BZ00. Any idea ware Cousins is now?
June 4th, 2009 at 1:14 pm
I’m sorry to see David Brown leave the morning news. I found him to be an intelligent man of integrity. I agree with previous messages regarding Ed Harding. I feel demeaned by his tone and silly lead-in questions. David communicated with the viewers on a very different level.
After more than 30 years of watching Channel 5, I think the time has ome to explore new options. Best wishes, David.
June 4th, 2009 at 3:10 pm
Jim,
I know he has his own forecasting company… http://www.atmosforecast.com... and I know that at least last summer he was on the Fox 23/WPFO morning show (which was a video broadcast of one of the Portland radio shows) providing weather updates.
June 4th, 2009 at 6:22 pm
I just saw the commercial and had to check out the dirt on the Anchors. I stopped watching Ed Harding when he still did sports. It was the spelling schtick he did that was the final straw. “The streak is O-V-A ova!” Hasn’t improved as lead as far as I can tell. I love David Brown but had to stop watching because of Bianca. I respect Randy and wish him well but won’t be watching.
June 4th, 2009 at 6:58 pm
And the new Ch 5 morning anchor is….just another same old face in the market. Yawn. CVB had the chance to hire someone dynamic and energetic, but God forbid anyone new works in Boston. It’s always the same old faces.
What do I have against this same old face? A couple of things:
*When he worked at 7 he was condescending to other newsroom workers – if he spoke to them at all. Great sense of teamwork.
*He hasn’t reported in the field for years and years – all of a sudden he’s a reporter again? He hasn’t produced journalism in forever – contrast him with someone like Jonathan Elias, who busts his butt in the field every night.
*And my biggest gripe – when he was at 7 he spouted the company line. Responding to criticism of the station, he said that their newscast was different because it was more “energetic”.
Then he pulls this holier-than-thou crap when he’s let go, giving all of these interviews about how he despised 7′s tabloid format.
I can’t stand a hypocrite.
June 4th, 2009 at 11:46 pm
The only thing I’ve really enjoyed David Brown doing since he left the weather team is the Going Green Boston reports. I think he does a great job on them, which shows that he should be focusing on sciencey weatherish stuff.
June 5th, 2009 at 7:46 am
Lee, how little you know.
Have you ever met Randy? Have you ever spent time with him in a newsroom? Are you friends with dozens of his colleagues?
Are you aware, for example, that he led most of the editorial meetings before management got too stubborn? That he wrote hundreds of letters of recommendation for his younger co-workers every year and spent his off-time giving them as much advice as he could? That he would personally give his credit card to interns and PAs so they could go across the street and get dinner? THAT HE WAS THE SINGLE MOST POPULAR MEMBER OF THE ENTIRE TEAM?!
No… no, you’re not… because you’re just pulling this stuff out of your backside.
And another thing… he won’t be doing any reporting. I asked him about that – “anchor/reporter” is the job title for pure legal/union purposes, but he’ll only be anchoring. Yet again, you’ve got it wrong.
Finally, go back and look at my interviews with him – I actually DID say to him: “Hang on, you defended this crap!” and his defence was that 7′s scattershot approach to news (alligator attacks in Florida, etc) worked in the pre-YouTube/Web 2.0 age, but not so much now. I will concede that that defence may not be to everyone’s taste, but there it is. It is remarkably short-sighted of you to expect that he could trash the format and keep his job, but having known him for six years, I can tell you he became gradually less and less satisfied up to the point where THEY got rid of HIM because he was still willing to demonstrate some principle.
Get a clue, my friend!
June 5th, 2009 at 11:59 am
I was surprised at the news re: Randy Price but look forward to seeing him. However, I will miss David Brown as i have always thought he is a wonderful anchor. And contrary to a lot that has been said otherwise, I think the world of Ed Harding, I love Heather and i love Bianca in the morning, she does a great job. And Liz as well, a top-notch group of women. Let’s just hope we see more of David.
June 5th, 2009 at 12:10 pm
Hi iit’s David from New Bedford MA I happy to hear the Randy will be joinging WCVB 5 . I thik he is going to do a fine job. and look forward to watching him in the mornings. I think this will help WCVB 5 move up in the ratings in the mornings again. Just my opinion.
June 5th, 2009 at 1:16 pm
Thank you Max for your comments on Randy! I don’t even know him but he is the best of the best. I look forward to Monday morning.
June 5th, 2009 at 1:23 pm
Quinn,
Take it from someone who knows, my friend.
June 5th, 2009 at 5:11 pm
i think 7 will be biting their lips for parting ways with Randy when their only 1st-placed TINE is behind wcvb eyeopener next sweeps period
June 5th, 2009 at 10:49 pm
The globe had a followup article on Randy
http://www.boston.com/business/articles/2009/06/04/with_randy_price_wcvb_aims_to_dominate_morning_news_ratings/
June 5th, 2009 at 11:36 pm
well, after seeing Bianca in HD…. I think I would have prefered David and Randy as morning anchors…. can’t watch the morning news on my HD TV. sorry, but I just can’t.
June 6th, 2009 at 6:33 am
I’m sorry to see David leave the Eye Opener and I can’t stand Bianca’s voice. I thought I would get used to it over time but it’s not happening. I’m a lifetime Eye watcher and I miss the good old days with Liz and Ed. I wish David lots of happiness in his new position. I’ll be riding my bike in the mornings, thus bypassomg the news.
June 6th, 2009 at 10:31 pm
Just responding to the comment 43 that said how great Susan Wornick is — Honestly, she is one of the worst. Many times she is not prepared, stumbles over her words, and her hair is always sticking up in the air!
June 7th, 2009 at 2:56 pm
J C was on GMA again this weekend as fill in for the weather. I think this is the third or the fourth time since Marisol went out on maternity leave. It hit me this morning but could they, ABC GMA, be looking at J C for a full time position. One would think that there are enough local ABC affiliates in the NYC metro area to pull from for a substitute. I will miss her here if this happends.
June 7th, 2009 at 8:58 pm
Julie, what is wrong with Bianca on HD? She is very attractive??
June 8th, 2009 at 5:44 am
I already miss David Brown – always liked him. I would be very happy to see him back as meteorologist on Channel 5 – as long as he is still on camera. I also really like Ed Harding although sometimes he can act a little too “cutesy” I think someone said..
June 8th, 2009 at 6:33 am
i think randy is a bit long in the tooth for an anchor job! after all he left abruptly on chanel seven!!! david brown was the best, he was young and a breath of fresh air to the morning show! shame on the exucutives of channel five! i,ll never watch again!!!
June 8th, 2009 at 11:10 am
I was pleasantly surprised this morning to see Randy on 5 doing the news! I stopped watching 7 after he left. Channel 5 does give more local news in stead of odd things happening elsewhere!
June 8th, 2009 at 2:36 pm
I felt awkward/tired while watching him. I think he should alternate with Ed every other half hour or something…
June 9th, 2009 at 8:32 am
Just curious as to what the average age is of this group. Long in the tooth!! Randy Price has experience and confidence. Ed Harding is short and obnoxious and David Brown liked to steal J.C.’s thunder by butting in when she was talking about the weather. I think Randy and Bianca make a great team and I will probably change from Fox 25 since I am really tired of V.B. By the way I am long in the tooth too since I am 58.
June 9th, 2009 at 10:01 am
Bianca does have a very annoying voice. Do not like Ed H.,–he is annoying.
Can someone do something with the weather women’s eyebrows and wardrobe…the poor woman. Hate to say, but her 2-5 minutes on air could well save the company lots of money–goodbye, Cindy.
Love Heather, love all the David’s—not liking the old guy anymore–he really screwed up the Boston Marathon–narrating like he either had too much muffler back-draft or too many shots at the local pub.
June 9th, 2009 at 11:18 am
They messed up the whole morning lineup when they hired that Steve Lacey to replace Ed. Lacey is a dullard and has zero personality. Then they brought in Bianca and I felt she was always trying to upstage David Brown whom I love. I do like the fact that they keep the Boston newscasters, even if they go from station to station. Randy should do fine on chan 5. CVB also has Harvey and he fits in nicely. I loved Heather and Ed in the morning cuz I don’t get to watch nightly news too often and they are great together. Ed has a certain charm, even with his smarminess and Heather is a treasure. Liz is cool too. Susan is nice but really needs a makeover. People on tv should try to look their best and she is tired looking. I believe GMA is grooming JC for Marisol’s job and hopefully to take over for “blondie” aka Sam who is way too jolly for my taste.
June 9th, 2009 at 2:25 pm
Responding to Comment 63 (deb2828) re Bianca’s voice: I agree completely. But Bianca’s voice is just like all the other current female anchors/newsreaders’ voices. I honestly don’t know what has happened to them. Listen to any of the females on 4,5,7. Lisa Hughes is about the only one who has a normal, non-nasal voice. And unfortunately I can’t watch her any longer because she moves and gestures constantly to let you know when she is emphasizing her point. Even if you look at the national female anchors/reporter, they all have these horrible, nasal voices and drop the last syllable of every word, like Valley Girls! It’s awful and makes the females seem so stupid and lacking in credibility. And I include the female weather people too! At least JC has a great voice and great presence.
June 9th, 2009 at 4:50 pm
WOW some of you are really ticked i guess im the Bad guy here i think Bianca sounds great she is very attractive she has a little Zing to her that i really like she does not annoy me at all and Patricia # 72 posting Cindy does the Traffic and JC does the weather so whos “eyebrows are you talking about?
June 10th, 2009 at 6:15 am
I miss David Brown. I thought he and Bianca were great together, Something about Randy Price makes me think evening news- he has that ‘world news’ voice. I just loved David’s personality- he was fun. It’s hard enugh to get up every morning, it was nice waking up to David. I wish channel 5 would leave well enough alone or poll their viewers before making switches like this
June 10th, 2009 at 9:13 am
Don’t like Bianca at all in the mornings. Didn’t like her on fox either. Wade is great though. Loved David B doing weather — not so much as an anchor…he really had a difficult time piecing together a sentence without making a mistake. Love Randy though and hopefully he will make the morning news easier to bear. I totally miss Heather and Ed in the morning. It is not the same in the evening at all – they don’t have that same rapport they had in the morning…too stuffy.
June 10th, 2009 at 10:26 am
*Engaging irony mode* Yeah, cuz stations in the seventh largest market in the country poll their viewers when it comes to business decisions all the time!
June 10th, 2009 at 10:39 am
Hey Max-Do us a favor-stay on your own blog. The reason we come here is because your not!
June 10th, 2009 at 11:29 am
Was that really necessary, Max?
June 10th, 2009 at 11:39 am
Well, I could have accused her of amusingly breathtaking naiveté, but that might not have been as civil. (Whoops!)
Proof that irony is dead.
June 10th, 2009 at 11:40 am
I agree Mary ann he is an evening person and it will be a matter of time when he takes Ed Harling slot.
June 10th, 2009 at 11:45 am
I won’t disagree that the perception of him may be that way, but he did mornings at both 4 and 7 for donkey’s years, so it’s not entirely new.
June 10th, 2009 at 4:39 pm
Max-we understand you’re great friends with Randy! Good for you! Have met Randy myself-great guy! We dont need you to shove it in our face and make a mockery out of everything we say. Mary ann shared her opinion-which I agree with. And to say 7th market stations dont poll their viewers on decisions blah blah blah FALSE BUDDY! Look what WBZ did when going HD. Polled their viewers on what they wanted to see reguarding HD.
June 10th, 2009 at 5:49 pm
I thought it was just me…..I cannot stand Bianca!
Not only is her voice like nails on a chalk board, but she’s just not intelligent. Not one morning goes by that I don’t wince over some mangled mispronunciation or other twisted syntax error that she makes. David Brown and JC made the news worth watching. As a long time WCVB fan, I have lasted through many AM combinations: Liz and Jim Boyd, Liz and Ed, Ed and Heather, Heather and David, and all of the fill in combinations in between. As for now…..thankfully, I’m a teacher and my early morning news habit is about to go on hiatus until September….maybe by then it will be time to try a new channel…..
June 10th, 2009 at 6:34 pm
In response tp #84, fair point.
BUT they wouldn’t do that for a personnel move in a million years.
June 11th, 2009 at 1:31 am
Okay,
Read many of the comments, as a early morning cafe girl, I watch early news daily on 5. I was surprised when David Brown switched to anchoring, but after a few nervous starts, I quite liked him. He wasn’t sappy like Heather, and Ed, who I initially liked became so redundant that I was relieved when they moved him to evening, so I wouldn’t need to watch him. Ed and Heather, though they seemed like great pals were not genuine enough for me. That said, who could be genuine repeating the same thing every ten minutes. Bianca was a little shocking to me when she first aired…her hair was so huge that I’m embarrassed that it bothered me. It reminds me of that film with Robert Redford when he teaches Michelle Pheiffer how to be a reporter. It seems someone very smart bent the air of Bianca and she fluffed down and polished up, I like her a great deal now and think her off hand remarks are much better then Ed’s ever where, though last week when Steve called her an apologist…there was an odd silence, then agreement, then a laugh. Hmm. Anyhoo, David may have been a Meteorologist, but I thought he was really growing into the gig and wasn’t full of fluff, but a genuine attempt to do the job right, even if it is repetishish because of how WCVB and all of them structure it. I’ve watched Randy for a few days now, never had any loyalty to him before as I have always been a five girl but my thoughts are this; he seems a bit serious to pull off happy at 5AM, previous experience or not. I think it’s a little forced currently, but who know the stress he’s under and working for all three stations has GOT to be odd, being they were former competitors. We’ll see, he may have the chops, Ed had a perfect personality for sports, and he loved it. He now overdoes the Boston accent thing WAY too often and he lacks sincerity now…he had a more jovial spirit for early morning…and I never realized how much I count on that and how it’s taught me to be cheery in the AM with customers. Steve did come in my cafe about a year ago while doing a story in town. He seemed nice enough, a local boy and intelligent. He made a comment about having “seventeen meteorologists” when I asked what happent to David Epstein because his plant info was spot on. It’s amazing to me how the station didn’t change for so many years and now changes so often the players are getting blurry. Thats my unsolicted take on Channel five…I hope David finds a roles he likes and they value his time spent at the station, but you can’t help but feel bad for the guy.
June 11th, 2009 at 9:49 am
I used to watch Bianca on Fox 25 and you are correct, she did have big hair. She even dresses differently now. I used to like Heather but something is missing but I don’t know what. I did not feel any chemistry between she and Ed. I really liked David Epstein and enjoyed his segments on plants on the weekends. I work the midnight shift so I have seen all the early morning shows and prefer NECN with Mike Nikitas. WCVB does repeat the news a lot during their two hours. I stopped watching WBZ when Scott Wahle was let go. I am not a fan of Paula Ebben and don’t know why they use her so much in their ads. David Wade was great on Fox but I don’t care for him with Paula. Steve Lacey is good too. If I get tired of one channel, I can always change to another.
June 11th, 2009 at 3:35 pm
I say bring back Bob Clinkscale, Anne McGrath, Bob Copeland and the Ann McIntyre/Derm Keohane duo. Now there was a great EyeOpener team if there ever was one, with a kick-ass theme to boot!
BTW anyone with thoughts about which local TV news station currently has the best theme music?
June 11th, 2009 at 4:43 pm
All I have to say is that I LOVE MY FRIDAYS and SATURDAYs b/c of Bob Halloran as anchor. I also love him as a Sports anchor also. So if either Mike L. and or Bob never leave then I’m done with Channel 5. They are the only two I enjoy watching.
BTW- Bob is soooo much better with out Liz B. I just don’t like her w/him on Fridays!!! Grr…Grr…
June 11th, 2009 at 4:51 pm
To the comment from #73- What are you talking about I enjoy watching Steve Lacey. He is really great as an Morning anchor w/ Sheba also as an field reporter. So I don’t know who you are watching but Steve isn’t dull and I think he has great personality on 5.
June 12th, 2009 at 9:03 pm
Okay, I’ve read all the comments now here is mine. As far as Dave Brown goes, I think they have made a bad, bad mistake doing away with him, as a meterologist or co-anchor or anything for that matter. He had a nice smile and way about him in the morning that made u feel “the day might not be that bad”…. Randy seems waaaaaaaaaaay too serious for morning news; too dull and his voice doesn’t fit…Doesn’t seem to have much of a personality either. I think David Brown and Biannca made a good pair; added a little “zip” to the dull, dragging morning feeling one has (hating to get up and get started). I don’t think Biannca has an annoying voice at all; I like her personality…Even though she did try to over-shower David a little, one couldn’t help to see that Dave really had it over her. But she’s good for morning news…..Channel 5 better think twice about what to do with Dave B…He seems like a genuine, intelligent, nice guy with no “airs” about him at all. Now, Ed Harding on the otherhand, does over do it, but I tend to like him…Liked him better on the Eye Opener….Is he really the “head anchor” at 5? If so, the people who run the show better watch out…..Or they need new blood in there. Their decision making seems to be going downhill at a rapid pace. As far as Heather, she is a little annoying to me. And her hair; that bleached-blonde look; it always looks like she has let it go too long and she needs a bleach job……Liz is a sweetheart….She should be head anchor….Ed is too “silly” aside her..She is totally professional and is very good. Ed fits better with Heather. Her I could take or leave. Steve Lacey, he’s okay….Seems to be trying to do a good job….Time will tell about him. Back to Randy, he just does not seem to fit in where they have put him. Especially with Biannca’s type personality. He’d be good teamed up with somebody like Liz, although, she would shine over him. I think Dave B and Biannca made a good Eye Opener team…..JC, she seems good; but I think she could be on the “cocky” side. She does make a good meterologist, though. Quite confident acting….Susan W, forget it…She should be hitting the road; not Dave Brown…She’s been around waaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaay tooooooooooooo long…Years ago she was fine, but she’s seen her day….Give it up Susan…..Walk away like Natalie did….It’s time to say goodbye….
June 12th, 2009 at 10:26 pm
Hey Mike I have a question is kate Merrill mornings on Wbz because i saw her on today and on the morning commercials
Thanks
June 12th, 2009 at 10:29 pm
No, likely just filling in. When you say commercials, do you mean the daily conversation nation ones?
June 12th, 2009 at 11:17 pm
Yeah the conversation nations one
June 12th, 2009 at 11:25 pm
OK then I’m sure she is just filling in for a bit.
June 13th, 2009 at 9:34 am
ok… my reason for not being able to watch Bianca on HD tv… I can only assume that none of you have a HD tv… cuz…. the day I saw her on HD…. she had so many wart-like bumps and acne all around her mouth it was gross – like atleast 10. Now don’t get me wrong, I totally understand we are not in control of everything about our bodies, but… my husband turned on the TV and then shrieked for me to come downstairs quick. I could see the acne/warts from 20 feet away, but still was in such shock, cuz I had just watched her on the regular tv upstairs and couldn’t see the nastiness, so i walked right up to the tv to really check. If it was a one time thing – I myserlf, would have called in sick. It takes a lot to turn my stomach – I’m a dental hygienist – and my stomach turned. I’m really sorry to Bianca, but OMG!!!!!!!!!
I previously didn’t get graphic becuz, well like I said before, sometimes we can’t control our bodies, but since some of you are complaining about Bianca’s and Randy’s voices… well..there you go. I might try tuning in on monday on the HD tv to see if it was a one time thing. am I the only one who say it “all”???
June 13th, 2009 at 10:17 am
Julie,
It is people like you who dissuade the next great generation of journalists from pursuing their vocation. I hope you’re proud of yourself.
That is all I have to say.
June 13th, 2009 at 1:01 pm
I saw her the day that she had a little acne. It wasn’t bad at all, they covered it up with makeup, all you could see were a few bumps. Do you really think someone should call in sick because they have acne? And writing things like OMG, becuz, cuz etc. makes you seem like a twelve year old, and does not make me want to take you seriously.
June 13th, 2009 at 1:15 pm
It’s OK, Steve; to be fair, as a dental hygienist, Julie is used to being party to painful procedures – reading her posts is nothing in comparison!
June 13th, 2009 at 2:31 pm
OK things are getting a bit personal for my liking, both towards the on air personalities and towards each other. Let’s play nice, please.
I allow most things to be posted on this blog, since I feel everyone is entitled to their own opinion. That being said, I try to avoid personal attacks on anyone…I would appreciate similar respect amongst everyone else.
June 13th, 2009 at 3:06 pm
I’m glad, Mike, that you’re able to see both sides of the coin.
June 13th, 2009 at 3:14 pm
Julie’s post is completely tasteless. I’m not one to cry moderator, but if there’s one comment worth deleting it’s that one.
June 13th, 2009 at 3:39 pm
I know I get criticized a lot for taking the side of talent, and that it might be perceived as some desire to be all buddy-buddy with them, and while I do know some of them on quite a personal basis (although NOT Bianca), my defense of them (where appropriate) stems from a desire for people to recognize that they – like us – are also human beings, who, as imperfect and open-to-criticism as their on-air performance may be, are utterly undeserving of some of the – to borrow a phrase – “stomach-turning” vitriol that is directed at them.
Julie, if you’re going to post again, answer me one question:
If Bianca came up to you in the street and introduced herself, would you have the gumption to repeat everything you just posted to her allegedly repulsive face?
I very strongly doubt it, because under any other circumstances, such behavior would violate every tenet of human decency. I hope that getting you to recognize that fact won’t be like – how shall I say this? – pulling teeth.
June 13th, 2009 at 6:04 pm
Honestly, that to those who have steered the conversation back to meaningful. With at least a little recognition to that fact that voice quality and yes, even complexion, can be a factor, I really think that most of us are watching for content at that hour of the morning. In that sense, I really do like what 5 is doing. Their newscast seems to be more concentrated on news than others. It is not about colorful personalities nor is it about feedback from viewers. I can enjoy all of that other stuff as much as anyone, but not in the morning.
I see Channel 5 doing very well with their format for morning news(and even with their voices and complexions).
June 15th, 2009 at 9:14 pm
my sincere apologies to all those I either upset, outraged or offended with my comments. I will admit to, regret, apologize for, and not duplicate my mistakes. Posting on this site was one. Again, my sincere apologies.
June 15th, 2009 at 9:40 pm
I’m sure everyone will appreciate that. Please feel welcome to post comments in the future that are constructive.
June 16th, 2009 at 12:31 am
Yeah, I agree, no need to read pointless comments. Love Randy and Bianca on the air in the early morning; it was painful with David Brown; his demeanor was so stiff and the lack of chemistry with Bianca made it hard to watch. My only criticism is that there is way way way too much emphasis on Smartroutes; plus they don’t need an on air personality pointing to traffic congestion in the morning…I get it, I live in Boston and there is always traffic in the morning…Don’t get me wrong, I think traffic updates are important; but you don’t need someone in front of a green screen pointing to backup on 93 every morning within two minute intervals…
June 16th, 2009 at 12:32 am
One other question; has anyone seen David Brown pop up anywhere during the day on Channel 5. My thoughts are that they are going to let him ride out his contract and then let him go….Has anyone heard anything concrete?
June 16th, 2009 at 7:53 am
Just what the station said, that he will be fill in weather/reporting. He may just have some time off before the transition.
June 16th, 2009 at 11:01 am
David was reprting last night on the 5- 6 pm news his Contract is through Either Aug or sept he of course is unsure of what will happen if he will or will not be offered a new contract
June 16th, 2009 at 12:02 pm
Bianca looks better since her channel 5 makeover, she came across as a big haired fashion victim on Fox 25.
I like David Brown, I hope he doesnt leave Boston.
June 22nd, 2009 at 5:51 am
David Brown was fine as an anchor……don’t know R Price as I have always been a loyal WCVB a.m. news watcher. Don’t like Bianca….annoying, Susan Wornick is a train wreck, LOVE Ed and Heather (miss them in the morning), Lynchie is the best, and Cindy Campbell is GREAT. My biggest gripe is that people just disappear with no explanation!
June 23rd, 2009 at 9:44 am
Where is Gail Huff these days? She hasn’t been on the morning news since the change.
June 23rd, 2009 at 10:28 am
Not sure…maybe some time off?
June 23rd, 2009 at 11:40 am
Gail will be on during the evenings/nights…not mornings any more. IDK where she’s been though.
June 23rd, 2009 at 9:31 pm
Bianca is great. I think she does a great job and tells the news with a smile. love her in the morings. She seems to work well with Randy.
June 24th, 2009 at 8:37 am
does anybody know why Gail has been reporting on the later news and not in the morning. They also have Todd and somebody else in the morning
June 24th, 2009 at 6:40 pm
Regarding Gail Huff:
I interned at her husband MA Senator Scott P. Brown’s office and am also good friends with the both of them. She has moved up to working evenings and nights. It was something that she wanted to do.
June 24th, 2009 at 8:46 pm
I think I already said she moved up to evenings/nights….?
hahaa jk Jeremy
June 24th, 2009 at 9:16 pm
Woops. Sorry about that.
June 26th, 2009 at 3:41 am
Have been watching and somewhat intrigued by Susan
Wornick since she started on the news (is it 20 Years or
more?) She has gotten to be quite heavy, lost any sense
of fashion she had with large, bulky jackets (to conceal
the blubber), and huge necklaces covering her over-tanned neck. Hair has always been her biggest problem,
however. I remember one summer she was wearing it
in a pigtail. Dislike her silly chatter with J.C., hugs and
attempted funny remarks about “Cape 2″ weather reports. Susan, you’ve been around a long time. How
bout slowing down the pace. BTW, where is your wedding
ring? Haven’t seen it lately. Divorce #3 around the
corner, huh?
June 26th, 2009 at 3:52 am
David Brown did develop into a fair news anchor over
time. A little stiff at time, not very humorous, his forte is
his weather reporting and “going Green” stories. Randy
Price is a good replacement for David with his experience, fan base and gentle humor with Bianca. I
predict Randy will bump Eddie Harding eventually and move to the Evening News–although I read someplace he
prefers the a.m. shift due to his long commute from Maine. Harding is an obnoxious, condescending, know-it-
all. He hogs the conversation, talks over and interrupts
others, and his kiddish hair cut is a joke. Not a style a
serious anchor should be wearing. I didn’t like him in the
a.m., I don’t like him in the evenings! Todd Kazkevich
is developing into an excellent reporter and I enjoy his
reports. He is easy on the eyes, very good looking. New
talent periodically is good. Cheryl Fiandaca, a most
attractive woman, is poised and professional and handles
interviews well. I belive she is an attorney, also. Great
addition to WCVB. They seem to get the good ones, like
Harvey Leonard who came from Channel 7. In my opinion, he’s the best weather person in Boston…always
has been. Better than goofy Dick Albert. Glad he’s out of
there! An I have to say I like Bianca a lot: attractive
enthusiastic and nicely dressed. A good catch for WCVB
to get her from Fox.
June 27th, 2009 at 9:52 am
Wow. Very harsh words for Susan, Natick Gal. I think a good rule of thumb is never to post anything you wouldn’t say to a person’s face. Remember these are human beings, and they do read these posts from time to time…
Susan is a doll. She is a thoughtful person who gives more of her time to the community than any other anchor in Boston… Period… and no other anchor would dispute this.
Critique her cross-talk or performance… that’s fine. But be civil.
June 27th, 2009 at 10:16 am
Yeah Natick Gal, that was a bit harsh. I think Susan is great. And I love the chemistry between her and JC. Do you care about her marriage? I don’t know why you would…
June 27th, 2009 at 5:54 pm
Natick Gal, just change the channel if you have so many complaints about WCVB.
June 27th, 2009 at 7:23 pm
Well I was very, very content with David Brown. I have no idea why they would try to fix something that wasn’t broken in the first place (in my opinion, anyways…)
Nothing against Randy at all, but to me I feel he would fit in nicely on NECN for some reason. I just can’t get used to him no matter how long I watch.
Again… a sincere comment; nothing against Randy.
July 7th, 2009 at 1:35 am
I’ve been watching them a lot lately and I think they have really settled into a nice comfortable team. It is just totally different than it was before. I personally like David Brown a lot. But, Randy is just a more established person as a news anchor and Bianca works much better with him.
July 10th, 2009 at 6:47 am
Bianca: seriously, what’s up with the chin?
Randy: excellent all around.
Ed Harding: Smarmy, condescending twit
J.C.Monahan: good weather forecaster, weird congested speech pattern. (Try Sudafed or something)
David Brown: better than Dickie (TTTC -”too tough to call”) Albert ever was, but still way too stiff, and vanilla. The hair – YIKES.
July 10th, 2009 at 11:27 am
@David: It must be hard being as perfect as you.
July 11th, 2009 at 7:42 am
I have not watched channel 5 since Randy Price started in the morning program. I liked David Brown’s easy manner. I think that channel 5 has missed what most people like about a morning news program, and that would be the ability to come into someone’s home withiut being entrusive.
July 11th, 2009 at 8:58 pm
@Steve: Why, yes, Steve. Yes, it is.
July 16th, 2009 at 1:05 pm
I was home for lunch today, and caught Randy on the noon news. I had to smile at the irony: he left dumbed down channel 7 news for a better ‘news’ station. Today he was reporting on JFK Jr.s death anniversary and plugged a report from Harding on whether JFK Jr. could have been president. Maybe he brought the channel 7 writers along with him…..
July 22nd, 2009 at 6:24 pm
So unlike the other site I visited, everyone here apparently thinks Randy Price is a good choice? I miss David Brown, and I enjoyed watching him progress from telling me the weather to serving as anchor.
July 22nd, 2009 at 6:29 pm
I just have to ask — my husband and I have a Cindy vs. JC thing going on. He likes Cindy and thinks that she frequently stuffs JC into a basement (or trunk) periodically (because JC wears pink and Cindy only EVER wears black) — Does anyone else have a preference?
August 13th, 2009 at 6:17 pm
Well, I never ever thought I’d leave the morning news on WCVB, but Randy is not my cup of tea. I think they chose name recognition rather than performance.
Randy desperately needs to learn how to end his last few words of his presentation without running a musical scale like (tone).
Not sure if I’m wording that correctly, but I hope folks know what I’m trying to refer to. His last words are usually either “high or low”, and not proper. Seems he doesn’t quite know how to end a story; a wrong monotone, so to say…
Shiba is absolutely perfect; a joy to watch.
Bring back David Brown…
November 1st, 2009 at 9:07 pm
I was in Starbucks and ran into Bianca. Bianca is rude and cold hearted. I told her I was a big fan and she replied “Can I just get my damm beverage and not be bothered”. I now watch WBZ.
January 6th, 2010 at 4:57 pm
I’m curious Suzie, did that REALLY happen? Why does that sounds really unlikely? I’ve seen where she has posed for pictures with other watchers in coffee shops, so this seems a little out of character, but the forum is yours…
January 6th, 2010 at 8:55 pm
Suzie, the forum is yours, but I also find your story to be questionable. I have met Bianca several times and talked to her through email and she is one of the sweetest people. She gave me a tour of the station and offered me any help she could. I dont know…
March 31st, 2010 at 9:32 am
Is Gail Huff still on Ch 5? She is so sexy! What a lady!!!
March 31st, 2010 at 9:56 am
Gail is still with Ch 5 i saw her on very recently what about Cheryl cannot spell her last name she has not been on 5 for a while or im just missing her ! she does a great job! and where is randy? its been almost 3 weeks ! seems like a lot of time off for someone so new to 5
March 31st, 2010 at 11:33 am
nice to see a news leader start their news at 4:30 this morning. Talk about coverage you can count on
good job channel 5 !
March 31st, 2010 at 2:26 pm
As I figured, Randy has been on vacation.