In January of 1989, having thought about it for some time and after some differences in philosophy with the new owners of WTVT, I announced my own resignation as News Director. I had long planned to move from secular news coverage to other pursuits involving my seminary training and ministerial ordination. My capable assistant, Bob Franklin, was promoted.  

FOND FARWELLS

After twelve years in the newsroom and five as News Director, I remain proud over the growth and accomplishments during that time.  In those dozen years, we went from film to satellites, from one-man bands to a complex staff of photographers, producers and editors. We gained recognition as “the most-watched” newscast in Florida and continued to pioneer many of the technological advances used to enhance our ability to cover the news. We received many awards in that time period including several coveted RTNDA Edward R. Murrow awards.

Finally, I feel I left the business at just the right time before the lines between entertainment and news became increasingly blurred and daily overnight ratings began setting much of the agenda.

I remain proud of the people I worked with, many of whom I hired, many of them still at WTVT; while others have moved on to equally challenging positions at the major networks. As a manager, your greatest satisfaction comes in seeing the success of those in whose lives you’ve played a role, even a minor one. For me, that remains my fondest memory of Big13.

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BIG 13 thanks Jim West for this comprehensive look at WTVT news in the 1980s.

To read Jim West's story about first WTVT Co-Anchors, CLICK HERE

To read Jim West's story about a spy in the newsroom, CLICK HERE

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