Weather anchor s outlook is sunny

1/3/2005

Jay Berschback wants to be a chief meteorologist someday.

For now, though, he is content being the No. 2 weather anchor at WTVG-TV, Channel 13. He has handled the weather segments on WTVG s morning and noon newscasts for six years.

Because the schedule can be physically grueling, mornings typically have more turnover than any other weekday newscast. This piece of trivia gives some perspective to Berschback s length of service: He soon will replace weathercaster Dave Carlson of WTOL-TV, Channel 11, as the senior on-air member of Toledo TV s morning club. (Carlson, who has been doing mornings since 1988, will end his run on Jan. 14. Carlson and Scott Brown are switching shifts, with Carlson moving to weekend evenings.)

Suffice to say, Berschback wouldn t stay on the dawn patrol which includes waking up at 2:30 a.m. and arriving at work at 3:45 if he didn t like it. Last month he signed a four-year contract with the ABC-owned station.

It s more up my alley, he said. It s nice and quiet when I get to work. Plus, the morning show is more laid back. We have a lot more freedom, especially in the weather segment, to do some different things.

Berschback plays a prominent role on WTVG s top-rated morning newscast. There are 13 weather spots from 5 to 7, and then he has eight cut-ins during Good Morning America.

WTVG news director Brian Trauring said he is delighted that Berschback is staying put.

Jay could easily be the No. 1 meteorologist in a lot of larger markets, Trauring said. He s very credible, and he s very smooth and polished.

As far as his career path is concerned, Berschback, 30, is leaving all options open. That would include staying at WTVG to succeed chief meteorologist Stan Stachak, who has been at the station for a quarter-century.

Meantime, Berschback s schedule allows for him to do something he truly enjoys speaking engagements at elementary schools, which he does at least once a week.

It s fun to see their reactions, like when their eyes light up, he said, because I m talking to a camera all day.

LONG-TERM DEAL: Jerry Anderson has signed a five-year contract with WTOL, extending a relationship that began in 1994. Beginning Jan. 17, the news anchor will work an unusual split shift, serving as co-anchor of the station s 5 a.m. and 5 p.m. newscasts (with Melissa Voetsch and Chrys Peterson, respectively).

HELPING HAND: Former WTVG news anchor Gordon Boyd is working on a freelance basis for WNWO-TV, Channel 24, producing the 6 p.m. newscast. WNWO news director Jonathan Mitchell, who started on Dec. 13, is looking to hire three producers. According to Mitchell, Boyd is not interested in a full-time producer position.

RADIO RATINGS: Arbitron s 12-week winter survey begins Thursday and continues through March 30. The results of Arbitron s fall survey are expected to arrive at local stations on Jan. 24.