Adding CBS Local Duty A Good Move for Chris Wragge
Good move by CBS/WCBS anchor Chris Wragge adding 6 p.m. on WCBS to his continuing Early Show duties, a move announced August 18. It’s no secret CBS is looking at reworking its morning show again - and while there is no guarantee Wragge wouldn’t be part of a new team on that show - the WCBS move makes sense for the well-liked anchor.
Wragge used to host the 5 and 11 p.m. newscasts at the local New York affiliate (while also subbing on Early). He was then given a full-time shot at the morning show by Sean McManus, who at the time ran both sports and news for CBS (Wragge is a long time sports guy, and still does work for CBS Sports).
But McManus now is out of the news side and just concentrating on sports, and CBS News exec David Rhodes recently said making The Early Show more competitive is a big focus for the next year. That means changes of some sort are coming at some point.
The favorite speculation of course is CBS will eventually make a big play for MSNBC’s Joe Scarborough and perhaps Mika Brzezinski. While it’s still fantasy football at this point, CBS’s hiring of their executive producer Chris Licht kept it humming. MSNBC president Phil Griffin recently told me that his morning team is “going to be here for a while,” but also acknowledged about CBS, “Regardless, when his contract comes up, maybe he goes over there.”
So it makes sense for everyone to have Wragge - known internally as a great team player and hard worker - back on WCBS as well. And as a McManus guy, he’ll also continue to work in the sports division. He recently told TVNewser when asked about doing football on CBS from time to time: “Sean McManus hired me for this job and I feel loyalty to him as well. So if he calls, I’m there.”
Liliam commented:
It was dark when I woke. This is a ray of snuhsine.
james commented:
chris will do well where ever he lands. i like him on my tv early in the a.m. if his bosses dont like him in the morning that is up to them. if he is not on in the a.m. i will miss him, i live in the mountain time zone.
KC commented:
I don't know. The only way this move makes any sense for anyone is if they really are dumping Chris and gave him something else so he can work out the remainder of his contract. Why would he want to do double duty, unless his ego is so out of control he can't stand not being on TV? From what I've read WCBS at six has been doing well.
Jerry commented:
Back off Phishfan...Chris Wragge is a consummate professional and all-around nice guy. You have no idea what you are talking about. T.E.S. is so much more watchable with Wragge and the new crew. His fans know that where ever he ends up, he will always do a great job.
Phishfan887 commented:
Yes, Chris plays in a lot of golf events for charity. Thanks for letting us know that, Chris. Funny that you don't deny the truth of my statements. And what does attending charity events have to do with being fired from the Early Show?
Stephanie commented:
Chris Wragge is a great broadcaster and a great man. I wonder is Phishfan887 has ever lifted a finger to give the time and exposure that Chris does to a variety of different charities for children and the disabled? When I see haters post such rude comments, it reminds me that they must have a pretty miserable life.
Phishfan887 commented:
It's been widely reported that Wragge was told months ago he would be off the Early Show. This is the network's way of helping him save face while he works out his contract. Channel two gets an extra body for free. Don't make it out like he's all that - the guy was basically fired from his big job after only a few months. The Early Show is unwatchable. I hope they bring in some real news people.