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Monthly Archive for August, 2011


More News from 7: TINE Takeover, Frances Finished


7 News Today in New England will be expanding to the 9am hour beginning on August 22nd.  According to a recent promo and various rumblings throughout the Boston TV News community, the morning newscast will expand from its current timeslot of 5-7 a.m. to the 9-10 a.m. hour.  This move comes after the departure of Live! with Regis and Kelly and the subsequent move to WCVB.

Also, Thursday night will be Frances Rivera’s last day at 7 Bulfinch Place.  As we reported earlier, the popular lead anchor at channel 7 will make the move to New York City where she will serve as the morning anchor at WPIX, NYC’s affiliate of The CW.


Tappen and McCarthy Saying Goodbye to NESN

NESN is saying goodbye to two popular personalities.  A few weeks ago, NESN host Kathryn Tappen decided to leave the regional sports network, but now Jade McCarthy has also decided to call it quits.

Tappen has decided to exit in order to pursue an opportunity over at the NHL Network.  This echoes the move made by former NESN reporter Hazel Mae, who left the net in 2008 to become a host and reporter at the MLB Network.  McCarthy, however, will be returning to Philadelphia, where she worked at NBC O&O WCAU until 2009.  Her husband was recently hired in the City of Brotherly Love and the decision was made to make the move before the birth of their child later this year.

NESN Daily weekender Randy Scott will replace Jade in the interim until a permanent replacement can be found.  No word yet on who will replace Kathryn Tappen.


Details, Details: Relerford to WMAQ, Auditions at 7

As we reported earlier, 7 News reporter Michelle Relerford is heading to Chicago.  However, the identity of her new station has been a mystery until now.  Effective September 6th, Relerford will begin reporting at the NBC O&O WMAQ in Chicago.  Previously, Relerford had been freelancing at crosstown-rival WFLD, sister station to Fox25.

Also, check out this article in last week’s Globe regarding the hunt for a new primary and secondary evening anchor team.  Also, see if you can spot the reference to btvn hidden towards the end.


McPhee In at 5

Michelle McPhee, the popular ex-WTKK radio host and Herald contributor, has joined NewsCenter5.  According to TheBostonChannel.com, McPhee has been hired as a general assignment reporter with a focus on law enforcement, crime, and exclusive stories.

McPhee’s arrival has been heralded by ‘CVB brass.  “Michele McPhee is an aggressive and well-connected journalist who has some of the best sources in Boston and the proven ability to break stories,” 5-er News Director Andrew Vrees says, adding, “We have been interested in McPhee’s work for sometime. Her track record speaks for itself.”  In addition, General Manager Bill Fine calls McPhee a “consummate journalist” and a “great fit for WCVB.”

The afternoon drive talk-show host has been a floater in the Boston media landscape since her public divorce from Boston talker WTKK.  The Greater Media-owned outlet also parted ways with Jay Severin not too long after McPhee’s departure.  Following her removal from 96.9′s airwaves, McPhee arrived at AM talker WRKO where she hosted a radio program from 1-3p.m.

Michelle McPhee’s first day at 5 TV Place will be on September 6th.  No word yet if her “Outrage of the Day” segment will continue at the Hearst-owned affil.