Carrie Lazarus (pictured left) is taking on a new role at Syracuse ABC affiliate WSYR, breaking up an anchor team that has been together for more than 31 years.
Starting Thursday, she’ll be replaced by Christie Casciano at 5 p.m. who continue to anchor at 11 with Rod Wood, while also adding the 4 p.m. newscast to her schedule.
“It was absolutely my idea,” Lazarus told Syracuse.com.
“I’m excited to join Rod and all of Central New York every weeknight at 5:00 p.m.,” said Christie Casciano. “NewsChannel 9 is my home and I look forward to the challenge of covering Central New York in an exciting new role.”
The station says Lazarus will focus on special events, major news coverage, and expanding her Extraordinary People and Places of Central New York franchise.
“I can say with 100 percent honesty and certainty — and my whole reputation lies on the truth — that money was not part of the conversation,” Lazarus said about contract talks that lead to the change. “The conversation was all about doing the best for the viewers, the station and I get to keep doing what I love.”
From syracuse.com:
Yes, she said she will make less money when her new contract takes effect Thursday. (She wouldn’t say how much she earns.) But Lazarus said that’s not why she’s stepping down as co-anchor from the 5 p.m., 5:30 p.m. and 6 p.m. broadcasts.
“I don’t know what it’s like to eat dinner at a normal time,” she said. “You cannot be a second late for the newscast. I’ve always watched the clock. I’m ready to take a breath.”
“I came to Central New York for school and never looked back,” said Lazarus who joined the station in “Now it’s time for me to give back to the community in a new way. I’m truly excited that NewsChannel 9 is giving me the opportunity to cover special local stories and dedicate more time to promoting young local talent and the arts in Central New York.”