Category: work

In case you missed the news

Yes, I’ve retired. This is what aired in the 5 pm and 6 pm news. I knew Emily Leonard was working on something, but I was blown away with what she did and what she found.

I shared my decision with my coworkers at the TV station a couple of weeks ago and wanted to share with you some of what I told them. This applies to those I’ve worked with past and present:

I will miss working with you. Always remember that I have appreciated your kindness, your smarts and your patience, especially when you’ve been forced to listen to my occasional rants as well as my attempts at humor. All of you have made me a better person and have made my life much richer. For that, I will be eternally grateful.

Not everyone gets to work in broadcasting and in journalism. God blessed me with the opportunity. It’s been a blast.

An outside observation

Los Angeles TV coverage of the recent fires

From Jefferson Graham:

A quick note about the supposed “death” of traditional TV because we’re all into streaming now, right? 

Where did you first turn to find out about the fires? Netflix? Amazon Prime? or KTLA?

I’m assuming if you’re in Los Angeles, it was local TV, KCBS, KNBC, KTLA, KABC, KCAL or KTTV. And if you’re out of town, you found a way to access one of the local channels on your streaming menu like my brother did from his home in Atlanta. Their coverage of their local area simply can’t be beat. 

Broadcast TV is not going away anytime soon.

One of the best

Alvin Ivy feature in the Northeast Mississippi Daily Journal July 6, 2024

Enjoyed the feature in this morning’s Northeast Mississippi Daily Journal about my colleague Alvin Ivy. It’s an honor personally and professionally to work with Chickasaw County’s best.

A newsroom surprise

So I returned to work today after being away for a few months following cancer surgery, and I found this in my office. (It was in the window. I put it in my office chair for the photo for my wife.) It just goes to show the sense of humor my coworkers have — just one of the many reasons I enjoy being at WTVA.

Seriously, I’m back even though I still have pain from the chemotherapy during surgery in December. That pain makes it difficult for me to sit for extended periods of time. At some point, I’ll return to the anchor desk. But for now, I’m just happy to return to the place on Beech Springs Road that has been a part of my working life for 25 years.

Where have you been?

Wanted to share why I have not appeared on television for more than two weeks. This time, it has nothing to do with vacation, a special project or managerial duties.

Following four nights at the hospital in Tupelo, I’ve been released after being diagnosed with a peach-sized mass that appears to be cancerous. I hope to know more tomorrow after seeing a specialist in Jackson. Thankfully, I’m in no pain, and I’m grateful for the healthcare workers I’ve encountered, who have been nothing but the best.

I haven’t a clue as to when I’ll return to work. Hopefully, it’ll be sooner rather than later. Thanks in advance for any prayers. They will be truly appreciated.