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WFTS Hires 2 For Mornings, Shuffles Weather Crew

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By WALT BELCHER | The Tampa Tribune

Published: October 9, 2008

TAMPA - Changes are in the works for the morning news programs on ABC affiliate WFTS, Channel 28, where viewers will see a new weekday meteorologist and new traffic reporter beginning Monday.

Meteorologist Stephanie Roberts and traffic reporter Meredyth Censullo are joining the early editions of "ABC Action News" with anchors Deiah Riley and Dan Shaffer.

Roberts and Censullo previously worked at CBS affiliate WTSP, Channel 10.

Roberts replaces Wayne Shattuck, who has been with the station since 1994. Shattuck will be moved to weekend newscasts. His move displaces forecaster Linda Gialanella, who will have backup duty and appear on the station's digital weather channel.

Shattuck, 60, originally came to WFTS as chief meteorologist, a position now held by Denis Phillips.

Censullo, who was recently let go by WTSP, will be in the studio weekday mornings, and helicopter reports from pilot "Captain Al" (Taylor) will continue.

WFTS general manager Rich Pegram says the changes are being made to build up the morning news programs.

"Currently, we are in third place in the morning news ratings, but we see an opportunity to move up," he says. "We are adding people while others are making cutbacks."

Rival stations WFLA, Channel 8, and WTSP, Channel 10, have made staff reductions in the wake of the nation's economic downturn.

"Our research indicates that weather and traffic are important to morning viewers," Pegram says. "Stephanie's communication skills and weather knowledge will complement Deiah and Dan, making it the best way for folks to start their day."

Pegram says he is familiar with Roberts, who has done freelance work for WFTS and worked at other TV stations owned by WFTS' parent company, E.W. Scripps Co.

Roberts worked in Cleveland for seven years, including four at Scripps-owned WEWS-TV. She came to Tampa in February 2006 and has spent the last 2 1/2 years freelancing with Bay area TV stations, including WTSP.

"This is a dream job for me," Roberts says. "I immediately felt at home when I arrived in Tampa. The folks I have met have been very open. I look forward to becoming their main source for weather information in the morning."

Reporter Walt Belcher can be reached at (813) 259-7654.

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