Flash Flooding Hits WCBD

As scheduled on every Tuesday morning, the WCBD station Department Heads were meeting in the upstairs conference room when we were interrupted by a loud banging.  Engineering confirmed that just outside the conference room on the outside of the building lays a 5 inch drainage pipe responsible for roof runoff. 

Our viewing area is currently in a Flash Flood Warning.  As you can see in the video, water gushed from the drainage areas and flooded our parking garage.  I’m selling water floats in my office at half-price.


Fishburne Street flooding in downtown Charleston

 Counton2.com Flooding Pics and Videos
August 28 NWS Flash Flood Warning

Blood Drive honors injured "Fowler's Mustache" band member

News 2 hosts at least one blood drive each quarter with the American Red Cross and our radio partners, Clear Channel.  In fact, we have been recognized as the area's Top Blood Drive Sponsor for the past two years.  Our drives have a significant impact on local hospitals and this time we have the opportunity to localize the efforts even further.

Next week is our Blood Drive Blitz “Be a Hero Blood Drive”.  As noted in a previous post, a member of the Charleston band, "Fowler's Mustache" was critically injured in a vehicle incident.  He remains in recovery and the Red Cross hosted an additional honorary Blood Drive just yesterday.  While the support was strong, the need is still great.

The "Be a Hero Blood Drive" on Thursday, August 23, will be held in honor of Nick Collins.  This event will be held from 7am to7pm at three convenient locations.  All donors will receive a Red Cross travel mug and 1 ticket to the USS Yorktown.  The three donation locations are: Omar Shrine Center on 176 Patriots Point Street, Mt Pleasant, in Summerville at Summerville Baptist Church on 417 Central Avenue and West Ashley at the Red Cross Donor Center on 2000 Sam Rittenberg Blvd.

Donors can sign up at www.redcrossblood.org, sponsor code "BloodBlitz".  Complimentary food will be donated by Raising Cane’s, Moe’s Southwest Grill, Domino’s Pizza, Dunkin Donuts and Starbucks.

Blood donations through the American Red Cross are at the lowest they have been in 15 years; there is an emergency need for donors this summer. News 2 appreciates the loyal Blood Drive Blitz Donors and urges those who have never donated to try and donate. There is a critical need for all blood types.

Director Danny Leff retires after 41+ years with WCBD

 Congratulations to Daniel Leff on his retirement after over 40 years with WCBD News 2.  The Crew is throwing Danny a retirement party on Saturday, August 18 at the Isle of Palms VFW starting at 1pm (dinner at 5pm).  All co-workers, friends and family are invited to attend; we are expecting quite the crowd after all that Danny has done for our station!  Please smatthews@wcbd.com if you would like to attend.

Danny started working at the competition part-time at the age of 14. When he was 16, he came over to WCBD in search of a position that offered more hours.  Over the years, he has been everything from Production Manager to Commercial Director and Producer of Special Projects.  Most recently, Danny directed the 6p and 11p news.

Hurricane Hugo in 1989 is one of Danny's most memorable times on the job.  "I’ll never forget when we signed off the station during,” Danny said.  “We’ve also covered some amazing events like the opening ceremonies for the Charleston Air­port and a memorial service for the Civil War soldiers of the Hunley submarine.” 

Danny has been the Senior Director and Producer for our yearly telethon, benefiting the Carolina Children’s Charity, for the past 25 years.  We will most miss his professionalism, expertise, positive attitude and amazing trouble shooting skills.  He has kept us clean on the air for 41 years and we are sad to see him go but wish the best for his retirement.



Show Director Danny Leff has been with WCBD for 41 years.



Who's watching the 2012 London Olympics?

NBC released today that more than 200 million viewers across the US have tuned in for the first 11 days of the Olympics.  That’s seven out of 10 Americans that have watched the games so far.  Through 11 days, 202.6 million people have watched the Olympics on the networks of NBCUniversal, 2.8 million more than Beijing (199.8) through the same time period.

That begs the question- where in the US are all of these viewers?  You may not be surpirsed to discover that the Olympic viewing trends also follow the trends of the US's healthiest regions:

HIGHEST RATED BY TIME ZONE (THROUGH 11 DAYS):

Mountain 21.8/38 Pacific 20.1/38 Central 20.0/34 Eastern 19.0/32

11-NIGHT METERED MARKET AVERAGE:

1. Salt Lake City			26.6/47
2. Milwaukee			24.4/41
3. Kansas City			24.2/40
4. Denver			23.8/45
5. Columbus, OH			23.3/39
6. Norfolk			23.1/36
7. Indianapolis			22.7/38
8. San Diego			22.5/40
9. Richmond			22.1/35
10. West Palm Beach			21.9/36
11. Albuquerque-Santa Fe			21.5/36
12. Minneapolis-St. Paul			21.4/41
13. Austin, TX			21.3/39
14. Portland, OR			21.1/38
T15. Oklahoma City			21.0/43
T15. Sacramento			21.0/34
17. Nashville			20.9/39
18. Ft. Myers-Naples			20.8/32
19 Atlanta			20.8/37
20. St. Louis			20.6/34

NBCUniversal, presenting its 13^th Olympics, the most by any U.S. media company, will make an unprecedented 5,535 hours of the 2012 London Olympics coverage available across NBC, NBC Sports Network, MSNBC, CNBC, Bravo, Telemundo, NBCOlympics.com, two specialty channels, and the first-ever 3D platform, an unprecedented level that surpasses the coverage of the 2008 Beijing Olympics by nearly 2,000 hours.

"Fowler's Mustache" band member critically injured

26-year-old Nick Collins may not work at News 2, but as a member of the band, "Fowler's Mustache" he is considered part of the family.  Collins was struck by an 18-Wheeler, after being ejected from the back of a vehicle is after it crashed on I-526 Friday.

Reporter Haley Hernandez spoke with Collins' attorney, Jack Sinclaire, who is calling his survival "nothing short of a miracle."  Collins' attorney told News 2 that Collins is now stable, but not out of the woods yet.

Police are looking for information about the driver who hit Collins after he was on the road.  The driver of the 18-wheeler traveling east in I-526 about 2:30 Friday morning did not stop after striking Collins, who was laying in the road after a single car collision. The driver ran over Collins' legs.

Anyone with information regarding this collision can contact Officer Matt Wojslawowicz at (843) 965-4084.

http://www2.counton2.com/news/2012/aug/06/7/police-looking-information-crash-involving-fowlers-ar-4286644/

Adventure Kayaking for the News 2 Crew

It may appear to our viewers as through we are always working but even with demanding jobs, the News 2 Crew finds a way to live the Lowcountry lifestyle. 

In a special 2 Your Health Report- oh, wait, we were off the clock... the Crew paddled from the Folly Beach boat ramp.





Chief Meteorologist Rob Fowler and his wife, Cara




Digital Journalist Andy Wontor and Sales Assistant Lindsay Weber




Show Director Tiffany Thornhill and Web Content Producer Rob Price



Rob Fowler learns how to wrangle Mother Nature.

Anchor Carolyn Murray (C), her daughter, Reece (L), and Reporter Haley Hernandez (R).

Digital Journalist Raymond Owens listens intently to the instructor.

Teamwork Torch passes to Quincy Greene

The Teamwork Torch is an internal award at News 2 presented amongst employees to recognize individuals who have made a positive impact with their peers.

This week, Photojournalist Quincy Greene was named the recipient of the Teamwork Torch, nominated by Senior Producer Heather Olinger.  Quincy's videography and editing skills can be seen daily in various News 2 broadcasts.  One of his most recent assignments including the shooting and editing of our 2 Your Health Report: FAST Surgery (link below).

In Heather's words:

"After deliberation, I've decided to give it to one of our newer News 2 team members. Even though he's only been with us for a short time, he's a valuable team player. On his 1st day, he was shooting video and running a live shot!  This person is ready, willing and happy to head out to an interview/shoot at anytime, and always comes back with amazing footage. He's also looking for new ways to improve the look of our final product!  Quincy Greene, congrats, and it's an honor to work with you!"



Photojournalist Quincy Greene receives the Teamwork Torch

http://video.counton2.com/v/59987112/2-your-health-local-surgeon-first-to-perform-fast-surgery.htm?q=FAST+SURGERY

A sense of pride: US leading 2012 Olympic Medal Count

As the local NBC affiliate, News 2 has inside information on coverage and headlines of the 2012 London Olympics.  I have the honor of being deemed as "The Lowcountry's Olympic Expert" thanks to our friends and partners at Clear Channel radio. 

This morning marked the third time this week that Clear Channel has invited me into their studios to recap the Olympic excitement and talk about headlines you may not otherwise hear about.  It's a thrill for me to be behind the microphone once again having come from a background in radio. 

This week included live hits on both 943WSC-FM and Y1025-FM.  "Mornings with Kelly Golden" on 943WSC are a lighthearted exchange where we discuss more of the dirty details behind the games, such as the boxing referee who was expelled and the Austrailain rower whose supposed celebrations included excess alcohol, two storefront windows being smashed and the rower himself passing out in police custody (links below).

The "Y Morning Wakeup with Brian" on Y1025-FM is all about the athletic headlines.  From Michael Phelps becoming the most decorated Olympian of all time to Gabby Douglas becoming Team USA's third consecutive Olympic all-around Gymnastics champ, the Y1025 listeners are all about results.

As a member of the Army Reserves, I have always carried pride for my country but I have to say- doing these hits actually lifts my spirits up and starts my day with a renewed perspective.  Of all the reasons to watch and enjoy the Olympics, the greatest for me is the renewed sense of collective American pride and belief in the human spirit.  As of today, the US is leading the Medal Count for the 2012 London Olympics and it felt so good to say that over public airwaves.  If just one listener this morning was able to get a pick-me-up by sharing in the excitement of an "Olymporiffic Friday", then the hits are worth it.  Thanks, Kelly and Brian.

http://www.mlive.com/newsflash/index.ssf/story/boxing-body-expels-referee-from-london-olympics/881c514d4f3f56f3630097c07bbe861d

http://sports.nationalpost.com/2012/08/02/ioc-to-olympic-athletes-try-not-to-get-too-drunk/

Teamwork Torch passes to Heather Olinger

The Teamwork Torch is an internal award at News 2 presented amongst employees to recognize individuals who have made a positive impact with their peers.

This week, Senior News Producer Heather Olinger was named the recipient of the Teamwork Torch, nominated by Reporter Rebecca Ryan.  Heather's hard work can be seen daily in News 2 at Noon and News 2 at 6pm.  In Rebecca's words:

"I was honored to recieve the Team Work Torch, and now it's my turn to pass it along.  I'm passing the torch to a person who can do any job in the newsroom. LITERALLY.  This person can edit a newcast, produce a show, hop in on graphics, run a camera, answers the phones, and keeps us all on track. This person is always a step ahead and always keeps cool and calm in any situation.  This person is not only a person I admire, but a great friend.  Congrats, Heather O- you are this week's Team Work Torch Winner!!!"

Senior News Producer Heather Olinger receives the Teamwork Torch

Alex Trebek medically cleared to host new season

“Jeopardy!” Host Alex Trebek, 72, has returned to the set at Sony Pictures Studios to tape the first episode of the new season.  Trebek was admitted to Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles last month as the result of a mild heart attack.  He is in good health and already planning home improvement projects. “Jeopardy!,” the winner of 30 Emmy awards, including the 2012 Emmy for Outstanding Game/Audience Participation Program, will begin its 29^th season on Monday, September 17.  Jeopardy! airs at 7:30pm EST on WCBD News 2.

Technical Advances: A Sign of the Times

Our Studio has changed a lot over the years-



Studio Control, 2001-2012




 

Studio Control, 2012



WCBD Newsroom- 2000

WCBD Newsroom- 2012

WCBD Tape Room- 2000

WCBD Satellite Center- 2012

WCBD News 2 Launches HD Broadcasting

CHARLESTON, S.C. (WCBD) – A new era dawns at WCBD on Sunday, July 29.  At 6pm, WCBD is scheduled to debut its new high-definition (HD) look and studio revisions.

 

This historical installation of high definition cameras provides News 2 viewers with sharper, clearer and more detailed images.  General Manager Rick Lipps said, “For the average viewers it’s going to be unparalleled quality, unlike anything they’ve seen from any Lowcountry station.”

Whether viewers are watching on a high-definition or standard-definition television, all will see a drastic enhancement of the overall News 2 picture clarity.  As of Sunday’s 6pm, all WCBD newscasts are now being produced and transmitted in HD.  The signal can be received for free through an antenna, or by subscribing to cable, fiber or satellite service.

“From the station logo to the on-air graphics, years of preparation have been put into making this transition,” said Brand Manager Shelly Matthews.  “Finally, viewers won’t have to choose between a great local news product or an HD product- News 2 is the only local broadcast station delivering both in the Lowcountry.”

WCBD is committed to excellence in broadcasting and being on the cutting edge of technology.  The digital cameras used for live shots and remotes will be replaced with high definition cameras in the next few years. 

News 2 Chief Engineer Art Smith reminds viewers that their picture may appear distorted if their television presets are on zoom or a different aspect ratio.  For the best picture, set your television settings to size 16x9, resolution 1080i.

For any questions about the transition, contact the WCBD News 2 Engineering Department at 843-884-2222 or news@wcbd.com

http://video.counton2.com/v/60029143/wcbd-news-2-now-in-hd.htm?q=news+2+in+hd

Show Director Preps for the First HD News 2 Broadcast

Senior Director Craig Domingue preps for the first News 2 local broadcast in high definition on 29 July, 2012.  A historical moment that can be compared to the station going from black-and-white to color broadcasting.

Face Off: Robotic Camera VS Engineer

Watch as the first robotic camera to be installed in the WCBD News 2 studio takes stock of Engineer Mike Mangano.  I don't think it likes what it sees...