WCBS/2 sets 'good news' 9 a.m. newscast with Cindy Hsu

 WCBS/2 will launch a 9 a.m. news show this September with a twist: Most of it will be devoted exclusively to good news.

Veteran Ch. 2 news anchor/reporter Cindy Hsu — who was named anchor of the new broadcast — said in a phone interview Thursday, "I've always wanted to do the uplifting stories in this big world of so much bad news and this is basically a show that focuses on the good things in the community — and there are a lot of good things happening in the world."

Something of a good news specialist herself, Hsu has spent the bulk of her Emmy-winning career at Ch. 2 crafting so-called human interest stories — most memorably her own. In 2004, she anchored a two-part special on efforts to adopt her daughter, Rosie, from China, while last July she was featured in "Breaking the Stigma," a particularly powerful special about her own attempted suicide.

 Of that particular program, she recently told Newsday, "breaking the stigma about depression was the second time that I have felt I've seen the difference I can make."

 In a statement, Ch. 2 news director Sarah Burke said the newscast will go "beyond the headlines of the day [by] putting a spotlight on organizations and people who are effecting positive change in our communities. We will also address topics that are near and dear to Cindy, including mental health awareness, education, child care, adoption and seniors.”

 Hsu — currently Ch. 2's weekend anchor — joined the station in 1993 as a beat reporter in those areas.

 Upon launch on Sept. 12, the new program will replace "The Drew Barrymore Show," which moves to 9:30. It will also be simulcast on the "CBS News New York" streaming channel.

The opening segments of each edition will "be devoted to regular news," says Hsu, "and then we'll go into the more positive. If you don't watch news because it depresses you, this will be the show to watch."