Bill Leslie

Bill Leslie's Carolina Conversations

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We'll Miss You Mark Roberts!

Posted: Sep 27, 2007

For eight years now I have had the pleasure of working with Mark Roberts on WRAL’s Morning News. You’ve probably heard by now that Mark is leaving to run his own media and information company. Mark has a strong sense of independence and it will serve him well as CEO of Mark Roberts Enterprises, Inc.

Looking back on Mark’s 17 year career here at WRAL I am amazed at his versatility. Mark made us laugh through horrible traffic jams but he also did a terrific job covering serious stories. Mark is very good at sizing up a news story, quickly gathering all the facts and then relaying the information to the public in a clear and succinct manner.

I remember Mark’s outstanding work in Florida while covering the devastation of Hurricane Andrew in 1992. I recall his gripping reports from Haiti in 1994 during the police beatings. Probably Mark’s best work as a serious journalist came in Albania during the ethnic violence of 1999.

No one can cover the State Fair like Mark Roberts. And no one, not even Santa Claus, can match his personality in the Raleigh Christmas Parade.

I will miss Mark greatly on the Morning News – his personality, his boundless energy, his funny stories and his kind friendship. I wish him all the best. I am happy to hear that he will continue to help out during special events like the Christmas parade and the State Fair and also The Brain Game.

Our question of the day:

What greeting would you like to send to Mark Roberts?

I will pass along your warm words.

Copyright 2007 by Capitol Broadcasting Company. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

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As a fan of Mark Roberts as he "scans traffic cams for fans with travel plans", (say that 3x fast), we will miss you! Best wishes. See you around town, hopefully not stuck in traffic!

owlady
GOLO member since July 5, 2007
September 27, 2007 11:48 a.m.

Good Luck Mark!!! I have not been able to watch you for about a year now because I live in the eastern part of the state & have satellite for my local channels & we cannot get WRAL. I have already missed you for that year but I am sorry to hear you are leaving. I wish you the best of luck in your new business venture. Maybe we will see you at the fair!!!

hersheyspots
September 27, 2007 11:51 a.m.

Someone is gonna have might big shoes to fill to replace you, Mark! Best of luck with your new enterprise! Gonna be tough finding someone that gets as much fun out of the State Fair as you do! And who they gonna get to taste all those wonderful dishes from the contests??? With your new production company, I am sure we will get to see you again, soon! Hugs from Meadow! PS You never did get down here to eat at the Meadow Resturant did you???lol

fishnett5977
September 27, 2007 11:56 a.m.

Mark -- Everyone on the channels 5/50 newcasts have become part of our family and our lives. The comradrie that is shown amongst all of you is unique. You, however, are the starburst of energy that I, personally, have enjoyed tremendously. You mever cease to surprise me and make me smile! Your happiness and love of life is contagious. I had the privilege of meeting you at the vet's office in Wake Forest a few years ago. You shared with me how you came to have dogs in your life and in your marriage. You had me laughing so very hard! Thank you so much for the joy and laughter -- and accurate reporting -- that you have given me and all of your viewers. You definitely will be missed more than you know. Best of luck -- and God bless you and yours.

angel2747
September 27, 2007 11:56 a.m.

Mark won me over as soon as he came. He's done some great stories and always provided accurate information. Over the years, he has had a way of tweaking a mundane traffic report into a real source of entertainment. I'm looking forward to Brain Game more than ever, now. Good Luck, Mark and thanks for the "smooth ride".

2thebeach
GOLO member since July 3, 2007
September 27, 2007 12:02 p.m.

How will I ever managed to get to work on time without Mark? Good luck, and we'll miss you.

JustMyIdeas
September 27, 2007 12:06 p.m.

Good Luck Mark! No one can fill your shoes. We watch you every morning and we are always amazed at how active, happy and full of life you are at 6am. We can't imagine how in the world someone can always be that full of energy at that time of morning. But whatever it takes, you will be sorely missed by us. Good luck with your new adventure and hope you will grace us all with your presents time to time.

pwilliamson53
GOLO member since January 17, 2008
September 27, 2007 12:18 p.m.

"Don't let him go!!!" Tell him he can't go, cause all of the viewers can't function without their morning energy from Mark. He's better than a cup of coffee. Tie him up and hand cuff him to the set..."don't let him go!!"

pwilliamson53
GOLO member since January 17, 2008
September 27, 2007 12:25 p.m.

Boo_Hoo! Our main man marvelous magnificent most miraculous mighty mister mark roberts is vacating the studio premises! My morning routine will be wrecked beyond recognition! Rubble! WRAL, offer him a seven figure income to stay! HELP!!!!!!!!!!

Taxman44
September 27, 2007 12:27 p.m.

P.S. Mark, what is that 'special' beverage you have in the morning to enhance your 'perk' factor?

Taxman44
September 27, 2007 12:31 p.m.

Mark, you will be missed! No one will ever take your place. You seem to always put a bright spot in the midst of so much depressing news. My family watches channel 5 news every morning before heading off to work. I live in Henderson, but work in Wake Forest and my husband works everywhere! It's just not going to be the same. We miss you even on your days off. I cannot imagine every day without your humor. May God bless you with much success in your new venture. We will miss you!

GodBless
September 27, 2007 12:37 p.m.

My mornings won't be the same. Before i even get out of bed, I turn on WRAL and usually Mark's cheery voice is the first thing i hear. Matter-of-fact, the channel stays on WRAL. Good Luck Mr. Wonderful!

Groovy
GOLO member since August 23, 2007
September 27, 2007 12:54 p.m.

I have had the chance to meet Mark a few times and he is warm and friendly and makes you feel like you have known him for years. I enjoy his enthusiasm and I really enjoy his "trafficology".. some of his words crack me up. I particularly enjoyed it when Mike Maze (I love Elizabeth too) did the early show and the way they bantered back and forth with one another.

Mark you will be missed. I wish you all the best in your new endeavors! Take care.

packandcanesfan
GOLO member since August 14, 2007
September 27, 2007 1:06 p.m.

I'll miss him too, but hope to see him around Wake Forest. He brought a lot to the morning newscast!!!

davidgnews
September 27, 2007 1:10 p.m.

Good Luck Mark! We'll miss your happy voice in the mornings:)

luvcanes
GOLO member since September 27, 2007
September 27, 2007 1:14 p.m.

Thank you for making us laugh and providing the valuable travel information, Mark. You'll be missed. The morning family just won't be the same. Best wishes in your new ventures. Question for WRAL - does he get any kind return clause if he wants to come back?

Michie
September 27, 2007 1:22 p.m.

Mark, I have met you several times. You are truly wonderful and my family enjoys you on the morning news. It will not be the same listening to traffic reports when you leave. Good luck with your new adventure. I am glad you will still be helping with WRAL functions.

lnelms84
September 27, 2007 1:26 p.m.

I will see and hear him hopefully at the Canes games from time to time... and if he doesn't get to dance in the Christmas Parade with the Helping Hands Mission, I will protest.. lol

packandcanesfan
GOLO member since August 14, 2007
September 27, 2007 1:28 p.m.

My husband and I enjoy seeing Mark ever morning like so many others of you. Your shoes will be tremendously hard to fill! Best of luck with your new company. I can't wait to see your ads for Crossroads Ford :-).

kabr
September 27, 2007 1:29 p.m.

Mark you will definitely be missed. Good luck to you and hope to see you at the fair!

chargerforpack
September 27, 2007 1:31 p.m.

I had not heard the news that Mark was leaving until just now when I saw it in the BLOG listing. How very disappointing this is to hear--almost devastating. I truly love and enjoy Mark Roberts and the character that he is. He brings such fun to the news and everything that he does. He was the first anchor at WRAL that I ever sent an email to, and I've not mailed anyone since. Mark has done WRAL proud and I really hate to see him go.

skellywms
September 27, 2007 1:33 p.m.

Best of Luck to you Mark! You will be missed!

DLG
GOLO member since July 10, 2007
September 27, 2007 1:34 p.m.

I know there are good people out there who can do the job, but the morning news program will never be the same without Mark. His love of words and the English language will stand him in good stead, as will his good disposition and sense of humor. I have enjoyed hearing his serious side as well as his crazy side, and he has the mix just about right! I love the morning news team, and hope nothing else changes for a long time.

PAINFREE
September 27, 2007 1:38 p.m.

No! How can I be expected to venture out into the north Raleigh traffic nightmare without Mark's voice in my head?! That's it. I'm never leaving home again. (Best, best, best of luck to you, Mark!)

SSN
September 27, 2007 1:39 p.m.

I have really enjoyed watching Mark on the morning news and his dance in the Christmas Parade is the best part of the parade!! Best of luck to you, Mark!!! The WRAL family won't be the same without you!

traceybarnes
September 27, 2007 1:46 p.m.

I do believe WRAL better have a "Mark Roberts" cardboard cutout to help us all with our morning withdrawal. As you can see by all the postings ~ you will be sorely missed! Good luck, Mark ljdenni

ljdenni
September 27, 2007 1:47 p.m.

best of luck to you in all your adventures.

trvlmom3
GOLO member since December 20, 2007
September 27, 2007 1:59 p.m.

I AM SO SAD! WE LOVE MARK ROBERTS. His personality is what make him and the news program. We hope to see him back again soon with different events. best of luck!

toocutefb
GOLO member since April 14, 2008
September 27, 2007 2:36 p.m.

Mark, you gave us something very valuable every day--LAUGHTER! I remember when you coined the term "trafficologist". I said "A WHAT???" But you gave us much more than traffic information. Sometimes I would catch morning TV for only a few minutes, but I could always count on you, Mark, to give me my laugh for the day, and frequently that was the only one I got! You will be missed terribly, but I am confident you will be successful in all you endeavors. I'm going to start watching Brain Game to get at least a weekly chuckle. Good Luck, and God bless you and your loved ones.

wrkmnjnc
September 27, 2007 3:00 p.m.

I will never forget Mark Roberts at the Raleigh Christmas Parade. The first time I saw him "in" the parade I laughed so hard I almost cried.

His personality will be forever remembered by me and my family. I pray for him huge success (which I'm sure he'll have) in his future endeavors.

Raleighnative58
September 27, 2007 3:02 p.m.

Mark, I have never met you in person, but I feel I have known you from watching you on TV. I didn't know you had been around for so many years. You have been so friendly and approachable on TV. Your reports have brought a smile to me even on my bad days and on those days where it has been gloomy and rainy outside (not lately). You will be missed by so many and I hope you and your family will be blessed in everything you do. Make sure you stay in touch with Bill so he can give us the scoop on your latest adventures. Cheers to the best trafficologist ever! - Rocky Mount, NC

murdock
GOLO member since February 14, 2008
September 27, 2007 3:06 p.m.

Mark was 'the' WRAL personallity. Things won't be the same without him..

US VET
September 27, 2007 3:19 p.m.

I'm a big G105 fan.

dont-be-a-hater
September 27, 2007 3:26 p.m.

Mark, you are one funny man. You actually made traffic fun! Thank you for starting out mornings for so many, on a happy note.

lovemygod
September 27, 2007 3:56 p.m.

when is he leaving?

fiestysp
GOLO member since July 31, 2007
September 27, 2007 4:08 p.m.

Good Luck and Best Wishes and we will miss you

justfortheheckofit
September 27, 2007 4:16 p.m.

Love ya man...who knew reporting stackups and backups could be so much fun?!! We are all going to suffer from withdrawal when you are gone. Thanks for not taking yourself too seriously... In my opinion this quality is what makes you so popular and endearing. Your infectious and intelligent sense of humor is injected into otherwise mundane stories without demeaning the subject or the topic. Whenever I am stuck in a jam, I imagine what words you will use (or invent) to describe the incident and humor my way through it. I am so glad you will still be involved with wral events and I hope (with alot of others) that you will not retire your dancing shoes and abandon your unique dancing abilities. You have become an icon for wral and you will be missed. Good luck and much success in your new adventure!

Gneiss One
September 27, 2007 4:35 p.m.

My wife and I will sure miss our favorite Trafficologist. Best of luck in the future, Mark.

Huey
GOLO member since October 4, 2007
September 27, 2007 4:50 p.m.

Hi, Mark - Are you still going to be the drummer for Transmit This? I've never gotten out to hear you play, but the clips I've seen on the news are great. You will be missed!

outlawtaxi
GOLO member since August 28, 2007
September 27, 2007 4:50 p.m.

Mark you are a trip! I'm not a morning person at all but you always bring some smiles! I wish you the very best! Will miss you!

tmakemytime
September 27, 2007 5:07 p.m.

Hey Mark, I'm a huge fan of your work and I really hate to see you go. I can see I40 from my desk at the moment and it's "stacked and backed". That makes me laugh. Thanks for the memories and take care!

DontBelieveTheHype
GOLO member since July 4, 2007
September 27, 2007 5:09 p.m.

Hey Pike - take a hike. Hey that rhymes.

DontBelieveTheHype
GOLO member since July 4, 2007
September 27, 2007 5:12 p.m.

Oh no!!! This is just gonna be unbearable, no Mark Roberts! What will my mornings be like without him? I wish you well Mark and you will be sorely missed. I told Mark one time at the State Fair "My brother says if you could bottle your enthusiasm, energy and pizzaz and sell it you would never have to work a day in your life!!!" This is so true!! He is so full of life and I talk about his latest comment everyday at work. He is just a joy to watch and listen to every morning. I wish you all the luck in the world. I hope to see you in the Raleigh Christmas Parade each year.

lahougie
September 27, 2007 5:15 p.m.

Bill, Please tell Mark that we'll face our mornings with fear and trepidation without him.

tspoon
September 27, 2007 5:31 p.m.

Good Luck . Wish you well.

carolinamissy
September 27, 2007 5:59 p.m.

best of luck..my wife and I live in Greenville NC and still watch WRAL. the morning traffic reports from Mark always made us laugh! again, good luck and best wishes!

ellyn
September 27, 2007 7:17 p.m.

Mark - Best of luck on your new ventures and we'll miss you.

scooperhsd
September 27, 2007 7:26 p.m.

Mark, I will miss you. You have been my favorite for many years. The news in the morning will not be the same without you. Good luck and I wish you the best.

bronzegoddess40
GOLO member since June 25, 2008
September 27, 2007 7:27 p.m.

Love your personality, enjoy your sense of humor. Best wishes on your new endeavor. Glad we will continue to enjoy your parade dance, look forward to it every year!! You will be missed!!

VoiceOfReason
September 27, 2007 7:54 p.m.

I love that Mark enjoys his work and I will miss him horribly in the mornings. Best of everything to you and yours. Remember "There's No Business Like Show Business"

God Bless

caesarrodney1980
GOLO member since September 27, 2007
September 27, 2007 8:01 p.m.

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