Chris Balish lands on CW's entertainment show
In an odd twist of fate, Chris Balish is back on WKRC-TV.
The former Channel 12 morning news reporter co-hosts CW's new prime-time magazine, "CW Now," at 7 p.m. today on Channel 12's digital station, the CinCW. It premiered last Sunday.
The Sycamore High School graduate and Cincinnati native moved to Hollywood a year ago. He had spent five years (1997-2002) doing daredevil reporting on Channel 12 (bungee jumping, barefoot water-skiing and breaking his hip playing rugby live on TV) and three years co-hosting "Show Me St. Louis," a weekday TV magazine show in St. Louis. He also wrote a book, "How to Live Well Without Owning a Car," that was featured in Newsweek.
We caught up with Balish by phone before taping today's "CW Now" with co-host Tanika Ray.
Dream job: I left KSDK-TV in St. Louis and moved to Los Angeles one year ago to chase the dream. I had a lot of persistence and a good demo (demonstration) reel with some WKRC stuff on it. "CW Now" is my first steady gig. This is exactly the type of show I wanted to get. This is the CW version of "Extra," "Access Hollywood" or "Entertainment Tonight." It's the most fun I've ever had going to work.
To dye for: My first day on the job the executive producer said, "How do you feel about dyeing your hair?" My hair is black, so they lightened it up with blond streaks and highlights. It's all new to me. I was happy to do it for such a great opportunity. It is show business, after all.
Reporting now: We do stories about the hottest trends in fashion, technology, music and travel. My first week, they sent me to China for a story on the Venetian Macau, the world's largest casino. This week I'm doing a story about celebrity pet palaces, and the pet designer for Jessica Alba and Catherine Bell. I'm going to Detroit next for a story on the "smart car."
Close calls: I auditioned for tons of national shows, including the West Coast correspondent for "Entertainment Tonight" and an on-camera construction worker for "Extreme Makeover: Home Edition." I also auditioned for TV news reporter parts on tons of dramas like "Numb3rs," "CSI" and "Las Vegas." I've also hosted pilots (for possible series) for the Travel Channel, Fine Living Network and HD Net.
Going green: Yes, I live in L.A. without a car. I haven't owned a car since 2003, and I love it. Sometimes I ride the bus to work, sometimes I carpool. If I'm in the studio one or two days a week, I rent a car those days. Usually I'm commuting to the airport, and for that I take the bus.
Success formula: I tell people there are two ways to get a national TV show. You can get really lucky. Or you can spend 10 years honing your skills and learning your craft - and then get really lucky.
John Kiesewetter
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