JamelVVanderburg

There's some forgotten context about what brought Shirleen to WABC TV on June 8, 2015. Back in 2014, when the morning show moved to a 4:30am start, both Ken and Lori asked for a lighter schedule to just the morning newscasts and occasional fill-ins because they were looking at what could be 10-12 hour workdays based on schedule, which would be taxing. Anchors don't just walk into the chair a few minutes before the start of a newscast and don't immediate leave in most instances. I also think Lisa Colagrassi's sudden passing expedited their request for a lighter schedule. Also, remember that Lori's father was sick and subsequently passed during that summer, so Shirleen filling in was not very surprising, especially because it helped viewers become more familiar with her. I've watched Channel 7 since I was in diapers, and consider myself a news nerd growing up watching Bill Beutel, Diana Williams, Ernie Anastos, Kaity Tong, Doug Johnson, John Johnson, Roz Abrams, Greg Hurst, Bill Evans, Sam Champion (1st stint), Scott Clark and even remember Edye Tarbox, Harry Martin and the experiment of the noon newscast more than 30 years ago. I have always respected the way the anchors and reporters do just that- anchor and report the stories that are important and give the facts, no matter where they fall. I've also had the pleasure of meeting many of the team members at WABC due to my line of work over the years. While I don't know what happens behind the scenes, I can say that I've had pleasant experiences with everyone at WABC, from the news team to security. In addition, there is absolutely no justified reason for a person being called out of their name or any pejorative. As a person who has worked in Corporate America, Higher Education and other industries, that language and behavior are not tolerated anywhere. Media is no different. In fact, it might be scrutinized even more.

That's not the first time she's filled in for the 5PM. Sade was off, Liz was off, Sandra was off, Lauren was off. The amazing thing about WABC is when fill-ins happen, it doesn't hurt the flow of the newscast and it moves smoothly.

Shirleen Allicott posted earlier today that she decided to finally get vaccinated. She had to be extremely careful because she's due to give birth any day now, but got the OK from her doctor to do so. We are far from out of the woods. COVID is still a real thing and I'm glad WABC is continuing to take precautions to remain safe. In no way am I knocking any other station, but I hope nobody was premature in easing social distancing and precautions

Shirleen being off the 12 isn't that weird. She had a very similar schedule during her previous pregnancies, especially as she came closer to giving birth. Sam is likely just getting ready for the Pride March on Sunday. With all of the promos they've been putting out lately, I find it highly unlikely that anyone is leaving. It's the summer, and most anchors take more vacation time, especially those with kids. Mind you, Candace McCowan will be going on maternity leave around the same time as Shirleen. I can see Michelle Charlesworth handling the newscasts during the week while Shirleen is on leave with Toni Yates or Lauren Glassberg doing weekends

I know for close to a year back in 2018, Sade only worked the 11 for a period of time due to recovering from a concussion. It could be something related to that. In regards to the comment on the ABC O&Os having strong anchor lineups, I'm amazed at how even when someone fills in, there's no chemistry lost and the flow of news (and occasional humor when necessary) stays consistent. I've had a chance to meet several of the WABC anchors, and they are just as authentic in person as they are over the TV airwaves.

I thought it was because Amy is still on vacation, Jeff is coming off doing all of the weekend newscasts, Lee is still on vacation, and there would be nobody to do the news briefs. I don't know if it was entirely because of social distancing, although that's likely a part of it

I doubt that will happen since Rob and Michelle do very well on the weekends, although I wonder if Shirleen will go back to strictly noon at some point now that she's had her second child. To be honest, I was surprised she even picked up the morning newscasts since that happened right after she came back from having her first child. WABC does have a chance to groom some new anchors, as they've been doing with Mike Marza and Candace McCowan, and longtime fill-in stalwarts like Toni Yates and Lauren Glassberg. I do know WABC is doing new promos for all of the newscasts in the coming weeks, so I doubt any major changes are happening. It doesn't seem like they'll be hiring any other anchors to fill any gaps anytime soon.

I've had a chance to visit the station on several occasions. The screen goes black after newscasts and teasers are done.

She worked 4th of July, and she and Sam shared a nostalgic moment