News anchor Vic Miles, WCBS/Ch. 2, dies

Vic Miles, the longtime anchor of WCBS/ Ch. 2, has died at age 79. The station confirmed his death after a short illness, while Fishbowl New York reported Friday morning that Vincent Levy, Miles' son, said "his father died last night. Miles, who had been in declining health, was hospitalized Saturday in New York."  

Miles -- many New Yorkers will recall -- was a solid newsman and absolute rock for that station as it went through great turmoil through the '80s and into the '90s, until he too finally departed in 1995.

The "Deuce," as it was known in the trade, had had a fine news operation for many years, then slipped behind WABC/ h. 7 and WNBC/Ch. 4 as the '80s progressed, then far behind those two. But what a roster of talent, including Miles -- Jim Jensen, Dave Marash, Carol Martin, Tony Guida, Rolland Smith, Marilyn Salenger, Michele Marsh, Randall Pinkston, Arnold Diaz, John Stossell, Chris Borgen . . . and of course Warner Wolf. Meredith Vieira, I believe, even started there before heading to the network. John Slattery, another CBS stalwart, is one of the few remaining from that long-ago era.

 Slattery, in a statement said: “Vic was a consummate professional, anchoring the weekend news broadcasts, and giving viewers an "up close" view of the city he loved through his "Our Block" features, which won many awards. But mostly, Vic won the hearts of those who knew him by offering friendship and sound advice. God bless my old buddy, Vic.”

Meanwhile, broadcaster Dana Tyler  had this to say: “When I started at Channel 2 News, 21 years ago, I was in awe of Vic. This veteran reporter and anchor welcomed me here; he was kind, smart and so real and we all learned from him. He could cover any story and he made it all seem effortless.

"I was most touched and inspired by Vic’s neighborhood reports called 'Our Block.' He connected with people with such ease taking us all over New York. He set the bar high giving us insight as his stories jumped through the screen and into our hearts and minds. Vic Miles was truly one of a kind.”

 Through all the change, some of it devastating to morale, Miles remained a steady and very much admired presence. Go to this solid piece in Fishbowl for a good look at the man and reporter.