Every day, millions of people face frustrating and often financially devastating consumer disputes—from utility billing nightmares and contractor scams to battling insurance companies. The phrase "2 On Your Side" is more than just a catchy local news tagline; as of December 2025, it represents a network of dedicated investigative journalists across the United States whose sole mission is to cut through bureaucratic red tape and hold powerful entities accountable. This deep-dive article reveals the latest operations, the key players, and the massive impact these consumer advocacy segments have on local communities, often resulting in thousands of dollars being returned to viewers.
The core intention behind the "On Your Side" brand is to provide a voice for the powerless, transforming individual complaints into high-impact investigative reports that force corporations, government agencies, and fraudulent businesses to resolve long-standing issues. The success of these teams, whether branded as "2 On Your Side," "5 On Your Side," or another channel number, relies on fresh, unique, and persistent reporting that keeps the public informed and protected from financial harm.
The Key Players: Profiles of Leading "On Your Side" Investigative Reporters
While the "On Your Side" segment appears on various local channels, the investigative reporter is the engine of the operation. These journalists are responsible for sifting through hundreds of viewer complaints, identifying patterns of fraud, and confronting the individuals and companies responsible. Here are some of the most prominent names currently leading the charge at their respective stations:
- Charlie Specht (WGRZ Channel 2, Buffalo, NY): Specht is a highly decorated investigative reporter for the WGRZ "2 On Your Side" team, focusing on high-impact stories that affect the Western New York community. His work often involves deep-dive investigations into government accountability, public safety, and complex consumer fraud cases. He is a primary force behind the station’s most significant recent reports.
- Sean Mickey (WGRZ Channel 2, Buffalo, NY): As an Investigative Multi-Skilled Journalist, Sean Mickey works alongside Specht to break down complex issues for the "2 On Your Side" segment. His recent work includes scrutinizing local crime trends, such as the rise in car thefts in areas like Amherst, and examining operations at major travel hubs like the Buffalo Niagara International Airport.
- Brittany Weiss (WBRZ News 2, Baton Rouge, LA): Brittany Weiss serves as the dedicated "2 On Your Side" anchor and reporter for WBRZ. Her focus is on resolving consumer complaints in the Baton Rouge and Louisiana area. Her recent success stories include securing resolutions for customers facing issues with tow truck services and body shops, as well as intervening in utility disputes with companies like Entergy.
- Kelly Jackson and Megan Kernan (KSDK Channel 5, St. Louis, MO): Kelly Jackson co-anchors the "5 On Your Side" reports, working with reporter Megan Kernan to serve the St. Louis community. Their team tackles local consumer issues, political reporting, and investigative pieces that impact the Missouri-Illinois region.
- Josh Alburtus (WZZM Channel 13, Grand Rapids, MI): Alburtus serves as the resident political reporter for the "13 On Your Side" team, demonstrating how the "On Your Side" brand often extends beyond pure consumer complaints into broader issues of public interest and accountability.
Latest Victories: How "2 On Your Side" Is Getting Money Back in December 2025
The true measure of an "On Your Side" team's impact is its ability to deliver tangible results for viewers. The most recent reporting from late 2024 and throughout 2025 shows a continued focus on common, high-cost consumer problems. These are not isolated incidents but systemic issues that require journalistic pressure to resolve.
Resolving Utility and Insurance Disputes: One of the most common and critical areas of intervention involves utilities and insurance. The WBRZ "2 On Your Side" team, led by Brittany Weiss, recently highlighted a case where a customer received immediate resolution from Entergy after contacting the station. Another significant intervention involved an EMS paramedic who was denied coverage, a complex case that the team pursued to ensure fair treatment. These victories demonstrate the power of media attention in compelling large corporations to honor their commitments.
Combating Contractor and Service Scams: Across the country, "On Your Side" teams frequently tackle disputes with contractors and service providers. These often involve homeowners who have paid thousands of dollars for unfinished or shoddy work. While specific recent dollar amounts are often private, one report highlighted how a "3 On Your Side" team managed to get back over $253,000 for viewers in a single year, often by "cornering" contractors and demanding answers on camera. This persistent, public exposure is the key to forcing restitution and preventing future fraud.
Investigating Public Safety and Accountability: The scope of "2 On Your Side" also extends to major public interest stories. The WGRZ team in Buffalo, for example, has been instrumental in revealing documents related to the Tops mass shooting, showing that college employees had flagged concerns about the shooter, Payton Gendron, days before the tragedy. This type of deep investigative work holds institutions accountable and drives public policy changes far beyond a simple consumer refund.
The Expanding Network: More "On Your Side" Teams Across the US
The success of the "2 On Your Side" brand has led to its proliferation across numerous markets, with different channel numbers adopting the same consumer-focused mission. This widespread adoption has significantly increased the overall topical authority of the "On Your Side" concept, making it a nationwide force in consumer advocacy and investigative journalism. Key entities in this expanding network include:
- KUSA (9NEWS) - "Steve On Your Side" (Denver, CO): This segment focuses on consumer investigations in the Rocky Mountain region.
- ABC10 - "10 On Your Side" (Sacramento, CA): Serving Central California with reports on consumer news and government accountability.
- WTVF NewsChannel 5 - "5 On Your Side" (Nashville, TN): A major CBS affiliate in the Southeast with a dedicated consumer team.
- CBS Los Angeles - "On Your Side": The CBS affiliate in the massive Los Angeles market runs a general "On Your Side" segment to help resolve disputes.
This network of investigative teams provides a crucial public service, often recovering millions of dollars collectively for consumers who have exhausted all other avenues. The brand is synonymous with truth, transparency, and financial justice in local news.
How to Get "2 On Your Side" to Take Your Case
If you are struggling with a persistent consumer issue, contacting a local "On Your Side" team can be a powerful last resort. While they cannot investigate every complaint, they look for cases that demonstrate a pattern of fraud, a systemic failure, or a significant public safety concern. To maximize your chances of getting help, follow these steps:
- Gather Comprehensive Documentation: The first step is to compile all relevant information. This includes copies of contracts, receipts, email correspondence, canceled checks, and any other proof of your financial transaction and the resulting dispute. They need concrete evidence of the company’s failure to deliver.
- Attempt to Resolve It Yourself First: Most teams require proof that you have made a good-faith effort to resolve the issue directly with the company. Keep a log of all phone calls, including dates, times, and the names of the representatives you spoke with.
- Use the Official Submission Method: Do not just send a random email to the news desk. Most stations, including WGRZ, have a dedicated email address or an online form specifically for "2 On Your Side" complaints. For example, WGRZ lists its contact information, and WBRZ provides a general news tip form that can be used for consumer issues. Submitting through the correct channel ensures your complaint is routed to the investigative unit.
- Be Clear and Concise: Summarize your problem in a few short paragraphs, stating the amount of money lost or disputed, the company involved, and the resolution you are seeking. Investigative reporters are looking for a compelling, clear-cut story they can pursue quickly.
By providing a clear, documented case, you increase the likelihood that the "2 On Your Side" team will take up your cause, transforming your individual grievance into a public call for accountability and often resulting in a swift resolution and the recovery of your funds.
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