Ousted WPDE-TV anchor says farewell

In a letter to the editor, an former local TV anchorman explains why he's off the air:

By Jim Heath

After six years of loyal service to WPDE television, including 5,000 plus newscasts, extensive political reporting and debates and numerous community appearances, the management of WPDE determined last Friday not to allow me to say goodbye to you on air. You should know the decision to leave WPDE was not mine, but determined for me during contract time.

If I had been given the opportunity, I would have taken a moment to thank my colleagues Allyson Floyd, Ed Piotrowski and Rich Chrampanis. My years at WPDE would not have been as meaningful and special without the pleasure of sitting beside such tremendous examples of leadership. Your friendship has come to mean the world to me. Thanks, guys.

There are also many folks through the years, both on and off air, who were not only co-workers, but really family. I am thinking of you today and will miss our time together. Every now and then I had the misfortune of mispronouncing some words or names on air. I am counting on you directors and producers to find and burn the tapes. (just kidding)

To the management of WPDE, Billy Huggins and Victoria Spechko, I did everything you ever asked. The final 48 hours at WPDE are among the most painful of my life. But in time, as it always seems to do, that pain will make way for the six years of wonderful memories. I harbor no bitterness and hope each of you and your wonderful families have much success and joy in the future.

So many community members have inspired me, and many have become good friends. I won't compile a list here, but you know who you are. Each day you make our area a better place to live, whether through government, tourism, activism, retirement or business. Thank you so much for your sacrifices and know what an honor it has been for me to know you.

To the viewers, we have spent some time together, you and I. It seems inadequate to simply say "thanks" for inviting me in your home each evening. There was not a day on air when I did not think about that amazing honor with gratitude. So from my heart, thank you.

In the end, the six years at WPDE gave me thousands of opportunities to say "good evening" and bring you the local news. It brought presidential candidates, nearly 30 political debates, hurricane and tropical storm coverage and even an Emmy nomination. Not bad. Not bad at all.

Most important, it gave me a chance to work with simply the best people. I leave humbled, and a better person, for having known you.

As for my plans, through the years this wonderful area has become my home, and I plan to be here a lot in the future. So, this is not goodbye, merely so long for now, and I hope our journey will allow us to cross paths again.

Thank you, my friends. Take care.

Comments?

If I had been given the opportunity, I would have taken a moment to thank my colleagues Allyson Floyd, Ed Piotrowski and Rich Chrampanis. My years at WPDE would not have been as meaningful and special without the pleasure of sitting beside such tremendous examples of leadership. Your friendship has come to mean the world to me. Thanks, guys.

There are also many folks through the years, both on and off air, who were not only co-workers, but really family. I am thinking of you today and will miss our time together. Every now and then I had the misfortune of mispronouncing some words or names on air. I am counting on you directors and producers to find and burn the tapes. (just kidding)

To the management of WPDE, Billy Huggins and Victoria Spechko, I did everything you ever asked. The final 48 hours at WPDE are among the most painful of my life. But in time, as it always seems to do, that pain will make way for the six years of wonderful memories. I harbor no bitterness and hope each of you and your wonderful families have much success and joy in the future.

So many community members have inspired me, and many have become good friends. I won't compile a list here, but you know who you are. Each day you make our area a better place to live, whether through government, tourism, activism, retirement or business. Thank you so much for your sacrifices and know what an honor it has been for me to know you.

To the viewers, we have spent some time together, you and I. It seems inadequate to simply say "thanks" for inviting me in your home each evening. There was not a day on air when I did not think about that amazing honor with gratitude. So from my heart, thank you.

In the end, the six years at WPDE gave me thousands of opportunities to say "good evening" and bring you the local news. It brought presidential candidates, nearly 30 political debates, hurricane and tropical storm coverage and even an Emmy nomination. Not bad. Not bad at all.

Most important, it gave me a chance to work with simply the best people. I leave humbled, and a better person, for having known you.

As for my plans, through the years this wonderful area has become my home, and I plan to be here a lot in the future. So, this is not goodbye, merely so long for now, and I hope our journey will allow us to cross paths again.

Thank you, my friends. Take care.

Comments?