News 12 Long Island Hit “The East End” to be Hosted by News 12’s Erin Colton and Joe Arena

Cecilia Dowd Joins News 12 Long Island as Daytime Reporter
Doug Geed to Retire at Year End 

Long Island, New York (July 21, 2023) – News 12 Long Island today announces several updates to its marquee programming lineup, including new hosts for network hit “The East End” and highly watched nightly news program “The News at 10.” The changes come as Doug Geed, an anchor for both programs and a member of the original News 12 team when the network launched in 1986, prepares to retire at the end of 2023.

Specifically, “The East End,” a News 12 exclusive that provides viewers with an insider’s look into the happenings and must-visit destinations on Long Island’s north and south forks, will soon transition to be hosted by News 12’s Erin Colton and Joe Arena. In addition, Joe Arena will join the “The News at 10” team as anchor.

This month News 12 Long Island also welcomes back reporter Cecilia Dowd, who returns to the network as a reporter for all daytime programs. Cecilia, an award-winning journalist who spent nearly 10 years at News 12 Long Island earlier in her career, rejoins News 12 from Newsday.

Doug Geed will sign off from "The News at 10” on July 27 and will remain hosting “The East End” through the end of the year.

“Doug Geed has provided News 12 Long Island viewers with incredible reporting over his 36-year career at the network, and we thank him for his countless contributions to our rich history,” said Kristin Malaspina, Chief Content Officer at News 12. "Doug is synonymous with 'The East End,' and as any Long Islander knows, there is nothing more local and loved than planning a visit 'out east.' Doug also became a household name for bringing Long Islanders the best in hyperlocal breaking news, most recently during the 10 pm hour, and we know he will be greatly missed by our local viewers."

Kristin continued: “As we look to the future of “The East End” and “The News at 10,” we are excited that several familiar faces and excellent journalists are onboard to lead the programs. As Long Island residents and experts, Erin and Joe are uniquely prepared to take on “The East End” and showcase for viewers everything that eastern Long Island has to offer. We are thrilled for Joe to join the anchor desk at “The News at 10” and to have Cecilia back at News 12 to report during our daytime broadcasts, ensuring viewers have all the news and updates they need at any time of the day.”

Said Doug Geed: “I am immensely proud of my career at News 12 Long Island and am grateful that I had the opportunity to meet so many amazing people and tell impactful stories over the last three decades. While I will miss being on air, I look forward to spending more time with my family and know that “The East End” and “The News at Ten” are in good hands with my talented colleagues.”

More on “The East End” and “News at 10”

“The East End,” which premiered in 1997, provides an insider’s guide to the wineries, farms, baymen, artists and historical sites of eastern Long Island. “The East End” airs every Saturday and Sunday at 9:30 am and 6:30 pm both days, with new episodes every other week.

“The News at 10” shares the latest local news, top stories, events, community updates and more from across the region. “The News at 10” airs Monday through Friday starting at 10 pm.

Anchor / Reporter Bios

Erin Colton is a life-long Long Islander and current anchor of The Morning Show on News 12 Long Island. She joined the network in 2004 as a production assistant and worked her way up to the anchor desk, earning numerous accolades for her coverage on major events such as the Gilgo Beach Killings, Medford Massacre, Superstorm Sandy, and more. Erin is an Emmy, Press Club of New York, and Press Club of Long Island award winner, and four-time winner of the Best of Long Island Award.

A native New Yorker, Joe Arena joined News 12 in 2022 as an evening anchor and reporter. Joe started his career in New York City working for news organizations including MSNBC, CNN, and NBC Nightly News. When Joe's not researching and digging for stories, he's spending time with his wife and two children and watching his favorite local sports teams.

Cecilia Dowd is an award-winning reporter who’s spent years covering news on Long Island. She got her start as an intern at News 12 Long Island where she later was hired as an assignment editor. After nearly a decade working behind the scenes, she left for FiOS1 News where she reported as an MMJ/reporter before joining Newsday, from which she returned to News 12. Cecilia is also Vice President of the Press Club of Long Island. 

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About News 12

News 12 is the preeminent hyperlocal news service dedicated to bringing residents of the Bronx, Brooklyn, Connecticut, Hudson Valley, Long Island, New Jersey and Westchester the best hyperlocal news, traffic, weather, sports and more. News 12’s hyperlocal channels can be accessed on local cable TV lineup as well as on streaming apps including Roku TV, Amazon Fire TV, and Apple TV. News 12 also offers five News 12+ traffic and weather channels and News 12 New York, a digital network featuring the top stories, events and more from the tri-state area, available to stream on platforms including Amazon Fire TV, Tubi, Pluto TV, Local Now, VIZIO SmartCast, Plex, Samsung TV Plus, LG Channels, and News 12’s YouTube channel.