CBS News and Stations has announced a significant expansion of its weather reporting network. The initiative includes incorporating a rotating team of forecasters into “CBS Mornings,” starting with CBS News national weather correspondent Rob Marciano. Marciano made his debut on January 6th, 2024, reporting from Washington, D.C. during a major winter storm.
The network will also feature Jessica Burch from KPIX in San Francisco and Kate Bilo from KYW in Philadelphia. These segments will utilize the network's existing mixed reality technology where appropriate. Burch and Bilo will report from their respective stations, both equipped with AR green screen studios. Marciano will remain based in New York, and all three will contribute field reports as news warrants.
This approach contrasts with the 2015 launch of “CBS This Morning,” the predecessor to “CBS Mornings,” which opted against a dedicated full-time weather forecaster. While “CBS Mornings” won’t have a daily dedicated forecaster, the network is leveraging its weather unit launched in April 2024. The previous strategy prioritized local station forecasts for regional weather, with the network focusing on major national weather events. In contrast, both “Today” (NBC) and “Good Morning America” (ABC) feature dedicated full-time on-air forecasters.
Beyond “CBS Mornings,” the enhanced weather coverage will extend across other broadcasts and platforms. WCBS forecaster Lonnie Quinn and KYW forecaster Andrew Kozak have already contributed to “CBS Evening News” and “CBS Weekend News,” with plans for WCBS’s John Elliot to regularly appear on “CBS Saturday Morning.” Forecasters from various owned stations are also providing reports for the CBS News 24/7 streamer.
This national integration of local forecasters mirrors CBS's upcoming plan to have WCBS anchor Maurice DuBois co-anchor “CBS Evening News” in January 2025. While utilizing local talent is common practice, CBS's combined management of its network news division and TV station group strengthens this synergistic approach.