The Nach Attack: Bolaris vs. Guarino
Today we introduce a weekly broadcast media column by Laura Nachman, who’s been chronicling the off- and on-camera doings of the local radio and TV world since 2000. (Read more about Laura in “The TV Guide,” from our September 2006 issue.) You can see more of her work and sign up for her e-mail alerts at lauranachman.net.
Tale of the Tape: Bolaris vs. Guarino
With industry speculation rampant that John Bolaris is set to replace Rob Guarino as chief meteorologist at Fox 29, it’s time to compare the two weather forecasters:
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Name
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John Bolaris
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Rob Guarino
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Station
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WCBS 2, New York
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Fox 29, Philadelphia
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Age
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50 (but known to try to shave off years)
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43
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Height (est.)
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5’7”
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5’8”
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Hair
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Brown
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Brown
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Estimated Salary
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Mid- to upper six figures
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Low to mid-six figures
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Marital Status
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Divorced; also has daughter with former NBC10 anchor Tiffany McElroy
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Divorced, two children
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Experience
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12 years at Channel 10, last four years at WCBS 2
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At Fox 29 since 1996
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Dirt
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Many high profile romances, including Lauren Hart, Jane Robelot and Tiffany McElroy
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Allegedly dated a former station intern
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Education
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Suffolk Community College
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University of Delaware
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Military Link
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Joined the Air National Guard and also studied meteorology at the U.S. Air Force Weather Technical School in Chanute, Ill. Assigned to New Jersey’s McGuire Air Force Base in the early 1980s as weather specialist.
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Provided weather consulting to Dan Rather and the CBS Evening News during the Persian Gulf War.
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Career Snafu |
Storm of the Century | Fox 29 dubbing itself, "Your Official Winter Weather Station" |
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Embarrasing Internet Link
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Pros
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Great hair, nice glasses
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Great hair, good softball player
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Cons
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Watch out, women of Fox29.
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None
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Weather Geek Cred
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In 1989, he reported live for CBS-2 when he followed a group of Hurricane Hunters and flew into the eye of devastating category 4 Hurricane Hugo.
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President of Four Seasons Weather Company, which forecasts for more than 200 clients worldwide and provides technical forecasts for most of the Poconos ski areas and hotel resorts across North America.
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Awards
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4 Emmys
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New York State Broadcaster’s Association Award, National Weather Association’s “National Broadcaster of the year,” winner of Inquirer’s snowfall accuracy contest, Emmy Award, Associated Press Award |
In Other News …
NBC 10 reporter Luann Cahn garners a mention in Edward Klein’s recent unauthorized biography of CBS Evening News anchor Katie Couric, Katie: The Real Story. Cahn and Couric became friends when they worked for a television station in Miami 20 years ago.
Glenside native Jillian Mele is getting part-time work on NBC 10. She arrives from WIVT/WBGH-TV in Binghamton, New York.
October 24th, 2007 at 11:38 am
Laura’s column is EXCELLENT! I hope to see it in print soon in the magazine. She gives the local TV scene the best coverage out there….
October 24th, 2007 at 11:41 am
Good for you, Philly Mag, to have Laura’s material on your website! She is very informative and so much fun to read. It will be an asset for PhillyMag.com. I tell everyone in our PR world to read her. She’s “in the know!”
October 24th, 2007 at 12:14 pm
Kudos to Philly Mag for keeping an awesome TV critic alive! Laura puts the “fun” in the dysfunctional TV world! I will make sure all of my PR buddies know about her new column!
October 24th, 2007 at 1:17 pm
Nachman & Philly Mag: perfect together! Great move!
October 24th, 2007 at 1:40 pm
I’m prejudiced because Laura is a friend, but I’m glad she is with you. Particularly with the demise of Gail Shister’s column, there needs to be something to keep the local scene honest. The papers’ TV critics have to deal with national shows and issues. I’m happy you see the need for someone like Laura.
October 24th, 2007 at 2:55 pm
congrats on keeping a good thing going…
and don’t even mention gail shisters stuff in the same breath. shisters column was either a press release re-write…or a fluff piece. laura actually talks to people and digs for stuff….
October 24th, 2007 at 8:01 pm
I hope you are paying Laura well so that she stays. Laura really digs and her comments are great!
October 24th, 2007 at 8:23 pm
Congratulations, Philly Mag on a wonderful new addition to your website! I’ve known and worked with Laura for years, and I’m delighted she’s found a new home on phillymag.com. It’s a tribute to her talent and skill as well as your recognition of her column’s value.
October 25th, 2007 at 7:33 am
From your comparison it looks like Rob is a clear winner. Fox29 would be crazy to let him go! Bolaris left philly with his tail between his legs.
October 25th, 2007 at 9:23 am
Great! My favorite TV columnist is now involved with my favorite magazine! This is awesome.
Way to go, Philadelphia Mag!
October 26th, 2007 at 4:44 pm
Laura
Great to see you found a home. If you want to know what’s happening in the “media”, Laura’s columns are a must read.
We’re proud to have her as a member of the Press Club serving Bucks, Chester, Delaware, Montgomery Counties!
Best of Luck Laura!
Barbara Zippi