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Monday, February 03, 2014

Michelle Merhar behind anchor desk, plus other Fox 26 news

Michelle Merhar new Fox 26 KRIV 4am and 5am news anchor

Michelle Merhar
Michelle Merhar
Fox 26 KRIV Traffic Authority Michelle Merhar has lots of new things in her professional life. First, a new traffic system with improved on air maps. Then the other thing...I've confirmed she is the new 4am and 5am newscast anchor alongside another new addition to the show, Rita Garcia.

This follows my new T.O.T.T.S. way of finding out things - Turn On The Television Stupid. Merhar will anchor/cover traffic for the early shows and continue in the traffic role in the later morning blocks.

I've never met Merhar, but I feel like a proud, creepy uncle or something watching her career move up. Remember back in July of 2010 when I wrote about her joining Fox 26 from 740 KTRH? Back then I wrote:

"Just think, this video could be history in the making. If Merhar is still on the traffic post 10 years from now, or maybe even a TV anchor, we can all return to this post and say, "I was there for her first day!" It's almost akin to when The Wall fell. Cue David Hasselhoff."

Then I captured her first time behind the anchor desk just a few months ago.

Merhar has replaced the spot Chris Stipes left cold when he moved to the station's weekend newscasts.

Zizka back on morning news desk

In other Fox 26 morning news, readers have happily let me now that Fox 26 business reporter Tom Zizka has returned to the anchor desk in the later part of the morning news block. I hear he is filling in for Jose Grinan during the next few weeks.

Bye, Bye Fox 26 Investigates

After Arnold Diaz and his investigative unit was cut from Fox owned New York station WNYW, I wondered what was happening to Fox 26 Investigates and award winning reporter Randy Wallace. A Fox Television Stations rep tells me Wallace is now doing general assignments reporting. After my question, Wallace's web bio was changed from "investigative reporter" to "reporter." Now when all of this officially happened is still unclear.

Where's that Ford parked?

Then I'm still getting questions about Fox 26 reporter Ford Atkinson who hasn't been on the air since mid-December 2013. Both his Twitter and Facebook accounts stalled at that time too. A Fox spokesperson told me in December he was on vacation.




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