With a huge surge coming down the Mississippi from last week's floods up north, it reminds me of a song from Showboat, the musical. "Old Man River, he keeps on rolling along." Which brings me to an anniversary of mine coming up next week. I joined WVUE-TV on April 3rd, 1978 as their Chief Meteorologist. Who did I replace? None other than the local weather legend Nash Roberts. My boss at that time told me he was hiring me NOT to replace The Legend, but rather to create a new one. From the picture here, it was obvious from the start I was totally different from Nash. So much so, that the station's consultant's recommended I would never catch on here and should be fired (1980). My boss stuck by me and over time the people of New Orleans came to like my form of storytelling.
In my 30 years with Ch. 8, I've seen over 10 General Managers, 12+ News Directors, so many different anchor combinations that I lost track long ago. I've worked with 2 of the market legends (Alec Gifford & Buddy D) and many of the "near Legends" (Mel Leavitt, Al Duckworth, Ed Marten, Richard Angelico) . I hired the first woman meteorologist (Nancy Russo) in 1980 and endured the major affiliate switch (ABC to FOX) in 1995. We have had over 6 different owners in those 30 years and are still for sale again. John Cameron Swayze was known for his line about Timex watches..." They take a licking, but keep on ticking." That's kinda how I feel now that I've reached my 6th decade in life. Like Old Man River...hopefully I'll keep on rolling along...at least for a few more years. Thank all of you who have supported me through the years.
In my 30 years with Ch. 8, I've seen over 10 General Managers, 12+ News Directors, so many different anchor combinations that I lost track long ago. I've worked with 2 of the market legends (Alec Gifford & Buddy D) and many of the "near Legends" (Mel Leavitt, Al Duckworth, Ed Marten, Richard Angelico) . I hired the first woman meteorologist (Nancy Russo) in 1980 and endured the major affiliate switch (ABC to FOX) in 1995. We have had over 6 different owners in those 30 years and are still for sale again. John Cameron Swayze was known for his line about Timex watches..." They take a licking, but keep on ticking." That's kinda how I feel now that I've reached my 6th decade in life. Like Old Man River...hopefully I'll keep on rolling along...at least for a few more years. Thank all of you who have supported me through the years.
8 comments:
Good thing hair piece technology has advanced so much in 30 yrs... you can barely tell now.
Great career, Bob.
Thanks, Bob for all the great forecasting...i hope retirement is a long time away..that's if you are still having a good time...we need ya, Bob..or maybe if you do retire...they will drag you out each year during the season of need..for sanity's sake for all of us:)
THANKS BOB FOR 30 YEAR'S OF THE BEST WEATHER COVERAGE ON CHANNEL 8AND IT BEEN AND I LOOK FORWARD FOR ANOTHER 30 YEAR'S TO BE WITH WVUE TV CHANNEL 8 HAPPY 30TH ANNIVERSARRY BOB BRECK.
Happy anniversary Bob...I know the feeling (keeps on tickin')!
You're the best...here's to 30 more!
Thanks also for the many years of keeping us informed - a human service if there ever was one!
I have a xerox of a local TV Guide ad heralding your debut @ WVUE-TV's Newscene 8 in 1978! You looked so much like Burt "Robin" Ward back then! Happy 30th, Bob!
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