Bill Leslie

Bill Leslie's Carolina Conversations

People are always asking me where to take vacation. What's a cool place? What's the most scenic drive? Carolina Conversations attempts to answer those questions and others.

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 This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Read More Posts from this Blog

Holiday Preparations Posted: Nov. 23 9:56 a.m.
Gift Basket Deadline Posted: Nov. 20, 2009
Charles Kuralt & the Magic Elevator Posted: Nov. 19, 2009

Share:

Share

121 Comments

Welcome to GOLO, where WRAL.com visitors can comment on stories and create profile pages, blogs and photo galleries.

You must be a registered WRAL.com user to use these tools. Click here to register or log in.

page 1 \| 2 \| 3 \| 4
<prev	next>

sort order: oldest first | newest first

Bill, I am not sure where Mark is from, but from the moment he came to WRAL, he has seemed like a NC "native son". (minus the accent, of course) He has the gentle humor, warmth, and love for our state that made him a pleasure to hear every day on the broadcasts. While we wish him well, we also hope he joins WRAL again soon. Thanks for the smiles!

mcmags
GOLO member since August 10, 2007
September 27, 2007 8:12 p.m.

Mark! You're a really cool guy.... Good Luck!

Tawny
GOLO member since October 6, 2007
September 27, 2007 10:07 p.m.

Mornings will never be the same. Mark always made us smile even though it was morning. God Bless in future endeavors. Rocky Mount, NC

shortrowmotorsports
September 27, 2007 10:32 p.m.

Mark, I live at Carolina Beach and am alway up early. There have been mornings that I have may cup of coffee, the Wilmington Star News and Channel 5 morning news at 5 am. It is always a treat to see y'all wide awake and ready to greet the day. By the way, I prefer to watch WRAL News instead of the local news on WECT and WWAY. I grew up with WRAL in Sanford. I used to watch Nick Pond, Cousin Jesse, Bob Debardelaben, and many others.

Enough of the past. You will be missed with your quick wit and great traffic reports and the reports you did from various restaurants in the area and from the State Fair.

Good Luck.

Rob Pomeranz Carolina Beach, NC

robpom
September 27, 2007 10:39 p.m.

What a great job you have done! Where do you get all that energy at 5am and can you leave some for us? Best of luck to you.

Duke1977
September 27, 2007 10:54 p.m.

I remember when Mark started at WRAL. I must be getting old :-)

A few years back he really made me laugh during one of the ice storms. Someone had built a snowman outside of the station named "Tony Snowprano". Someone off-camera pelted it with snowballs. Mark was on next and he said "If that were really Tony Snowprano there would be serious payback for that!". What a way to cheer up bored people stuck in their houses.

Best of luck with your new venture!

Chuck U Farley
September 27, 2007 10:57 p.m.

When I heard he was leaving WRAL, I thought maybe he had taken a position as professor of trafficology at some big university. Mark, we will miss your antics and infectious personality a lot. Good luck with your new endeavor. I am glad at least you will be back for the Christmas Parade.

brant58
GOLO member since July 9, 2007
September 27, 2007 11:46 p.m.

What a blast it has been waking up to Mark Roberts for the last eight years on The Morning Show. If we could bottle up his love of life and care free antics the world would be a much kinder place. The chemistry on the team is awesome. It is obivious you guys not only enjoy what you do but truly care for one another. Mark, I wish you and Tresa much luck and success in your new endeavors and hope that maybe you can pop in from time to time on your old buddies at The Morning Show just to bring a smile to many old friends. Take care. Whoooah-ya

Booster
September 28, 2007 12:06 a.m.

I AM GOING TO MISS YOU MARK! LOVE SEEING YOU IN THE MORNINGS WHEN I AM GETTING OFF OF WORK, YOU MAKE A HARD NIGHT AT WORK GO AWAY! GOOD LUCK TO YOU IN YOUR NEW ADVENTURE!

manda
September 28, 2007 3:38 a.m.

When I read you were leaving, Mark, I cried. I really, really cried. It will not be the same without you. You are such an important part of WRAL and you are really going to be missed. My grandmother and I had a day where we just kind of did nothing after we found out that you were leaving. You are so important to the people who watch WRAL and it will not seem right that you are going. You will leave your traffic legacy behind for us to remember and NO ONE will EVER come close to bringing stories and traffic news like you do. You are one in a MILLION! Good luck on your new journey and I hope it takes you where you would like to go!

jamib
September 28, 2007 5:10 a.m.

Mark, You will be missed so much!!! Best of luck to you in all that you do.Thank you for all the times you made me laugh.

crzyncmama
GOLO member since July 11, 2007
September 28, 2007 6:27 a.m.

Good Luck and May God Bless You!!! We will miss you!!

wolfpack_girl1976
GOLO member since July 27, 2007
September 28, 2007 6:38 a.m.

Mark you are like one of the family wishing you well

garnertoy
September 28, 2007 7:45 a.m.

Good Luck. I'll probably bump into you and Sloan around Wake Forest. :)

Is it Friday yet
GOLO member since August 30, 2007
September 28, 2007 7:51 a.m.

"Good Luck. I'll probably bump into you and Sloan around Wake Forest. "

Or maybe you *or* Sloan. doh!

Is it Friday yet
GOLO member since August 30, 2007
September 28, 2007 7:52 a.m.

I just watched all the slideshows.. they made me sad and made me laugh.. the Christmas Parade footage always makes me laugh. Bill, I especially see the sadness on your face.. I know you will miss your friend.

We will all miss you Mark. Take care.

packandcanesfan
GOLO member since August 14, 2007
September 28, 2007 8:38 a.m.

I'll miss you, Mark. I really will. You've cheered me up countless times. A few highlights of you for me are when you tried out different rides at the fair(hilarious), when you hosted the American Idol Season 2 finale at the RBC Center and watching you dance during the Christmas Parade(loved it!).

Your dog is cute.

Best of luck. Hope we'll hear from you soon. Take care.

Wifeandkids
GOLO member since March 18, 2008
September 28, 2007 10:13 a.m.

Mark-I am truly going to miss you. I remember when you started the traffic reports and the look of horror and redness on Mike Maze's face when you would, it seemed to me, trip him up. Intentional? I do not know or care, I just thought it was great. You really lightened up the morning news cast, made them all smile and I have loved you for that. I will miss you and hope that the future is a bright one for you. I look forward to seeing you at the parade!

mstone27
September 28, 2007 10:28 a.m.

Does anyone know what he is going to do or where he is going? It sounded like he was just leaving the morning show. Is he leaving WRAL completely?

I met him for the first time shortly after he took the traffic position. He was riding all the Park-n-Ride buses at the airport with a watch, timing them for one of his first stories for traffic.

Wife and I always called him "The Impending Doom" reporter. If he was there something bad was happening... or was going to.

You were a goofy riot and I think we ALL will miss you.

Goodbye funny-man!

Harvey
GOLO member since July 8, 2007
September 28, 2007 12:33 p.m.

I'll miss your sometimes frequent calls to us here at DOT and visits during inclimate weather! Good luck, Mark!

SweetLittlePeekapooPup
GOLO member since July 24, 2007
September 28, 2007 1:12 p.m.

All I can say is "THANKS MARK!" What a guy. You bring joy to the fans at home watching.

lboy
September 28, 2007 1:19 p.m.

Mark is one of the best! Good luck and we will miss you.

koolady
September 28, 2007 1:48 p.m.

Mark, of all your viewers, I'll miss you the most! I would always stop what I was doing when I heard your voice. I enjoyed meeting you those couple of times. I'm glad we'll get to see you from time to time. You'll be truly missed during the morning news. Best of luck to you! Signed, a faithful crewie.

mapela
September 28, 2007 1:50 p.m.

God Bless and best wishes to you in your next pursuit, Mark, and you will be truly missed!

Skywatch_NC
GOLO member since January 18, 2008
September 28, 2007 2:27 p.m.

Mark, you made every morning just a little bit brighter, the morning news a little bit more bearable, the first cup of coffee a bit easier to go down. You've become a friend in our household, and as such, it's very sad to see you go.

We'll miss you a lot. Best of luck and success to you in your new ventures

RKBA
GOLO member since July 12, 2007
September 28, 2007 2:41 p.m.

Mark, I too stop what I am doing when the traffic comes on just to see what you will say next! I will MISS YOU on WRAL. A couple of years ago, a friend gave me one of your pictures from the fair. She framed it as a joke, but it still sits on my counter in the kitchen!!! Best wishes and the best of luck with your new business. Mornings will never be the same! We will miss you!

scarborough44
September 28, 2007 3:32 p.m.

Aww, I'm sad that Mark is leaving WRAL and the traffic reports! He was the speaker at my high school graduation in 2002, and captivated the whole audience with his traffic metaphors relating to life after high school--what a personality! We'll miss you and good luck with your company!

tarheelpoet
September 28, 2007 3:37 p.m.

I love watching you in the mornings Mark. Noone will be able to fill YOUR SHOES! You are the BEST! Good Luck with your new company. I wish you much success. I'll miss you terribly.

beachgirl
September 28, 2007 4:10 p.m.

I work for the NCDOT, and believe it or not, I will miss Mark! He was always so polite, and usually comical when he would call in. Always made you laugh. Good luck on your new journey Mark, we'll cross paths again I hope!

just my2cents
GOLO member since July 3, 2007
September 28, 2007 4:13 p.m.

Mark, I will miss you very much. You were the highlight of my mornings. I watch WRAL news every morning. I watched you dance at the Christmas parades & watched you cover road construction etc. You have had a captivated audience. Best wishes.

HP
September 28, 2007 4:24 p.m.

From Oxford, N.C., Mark, we wish you nothing but the best in your new business adventure. I know you will do great and succeed in anything you do. Good Luck!

Retired nurse
September 28, 2007 4:30 p.m.

Mark you are one of the best, we will miss you.

listening
GOLO member since July 3, 2007
September 28, 2007 4:46 p.m.

Mark,

Way back in the 90s I dated a photojournalist from a TV station that no longer exists. I remember him telling me how all the TV folks LOVED to go to a story where you were going to be. He said you made everyone laugh!! I have enjoyed your stories and traffic reports. You will be missed! Best wishes!

njc3128
GOLO member since September 12, 2007
September 28, 2007 4:53 p.m.

bye mark..good luck in whatever you are doing..why the big secret?

dogeatdog
GOLO member since January 11, 2009
September 28, 2007 5:04 p.m.

Good luck, Mark! You'll be very missed.

Shirt and shrink r 1 in the same
September 28, 2007 5:24 p.m.

Mark was (is) a very good journalist, however when I lived in Goldsboro I used to watch the traffic portion of the broadcast, but found it was of no benefit to anyone living outside of the triangle. By the time you got to that area, the broadcast was of no value. Too bad there were not more cameras in more areas south of the triangle area.

Good luck Mark in your new Media Company

mrtwinturbo
GOLO member since July 7, 2007
September 28, 2007 6:06 p.m.

Best Wishes Mark - the morning show will NEVER be the same. Hope to see you soon on TV continuing to crack us all up!

Snoopy Gal
September 28, 2007 7:47 p.m.

Mark, I have always enjoyed watching you in the mornings. You make traffic more interesting. Good luck!

PJ
September 28, 2007 7:50 p.m.

Good Luck Mark. 17 years well done.

momofthreeinFV
GOLO member since July 2, 2007
September 28, 2007 9:06 p.m.

Blaaaah..boo hoo..say it ain't so!! Don't go! It won't be the same without you!!

houndie
September 28, 2007 9:07 p.m.

I have fond memories of Mark getting Mike Maze so tickled on the morning weather report that Mike could not even talk he was laughing so hard.

houndie
September 28, 2007 9:16 p.m.

Mark, I worked with Round Man at the Maintenace Yard. Even he like you! I loved to watch you and Mike Maze in the mornings. I will never understand why they seperated you two. Ya'll should have your own comedy show. The Trafficologist and the Weather Man! You will be a success at whatever you do! God Bless!

waytogo
September 28, 2007 9:20 p.m.

MARK!!!...we faithful watching fans so early in the morning will miss you TERRIBLY!!!... Your sense of humor has always made my boys laugh and you have always made me look at annoying traffic that I knew I would have to drive into with a different perspective... Hope you are a great success in all your endeavors... If you hear a suv blow as it drives by while you have your dogs out you will know its us!!!... Good Luck..we will miss you!!

TinkNurse
GOLO member since September 6, 2007
September 28, 2007 10:00 p.m.

Mark,I will miss your bright & shining personality. Your morning wake up is like a good cup of coffee. Good luck with your next adventure. Our loss is the communication/media worlds gain.

MAX
September 28, 2007 11:03 p.m.

Gonna miss you Mark, I hope you great success though.

LittleSister
September 28, 2007 11:18 p.m.

Mark I knew the first time I saw you on the big "5" that they picked a winner ! You have always been so funny and I will miss seeing you daily. I thought it was so nice a few years back I met you in a store and you took the time to talk you are just as funny and cool in real life as on the air. I saw you a few times out and about you always stopped to talk. I am so glad to learn that you will do things with the fair and the X-mas parade. You crack me up when you get in that dancing mood.I can see you laying in the street right now shaking your legs in the air.....LOL I wish you lots of luck with the next move in your career..... One of your biggest fans :-) Tiff

thescentofmusk
September 28, 2007 11:40 p.m.

I got to meet Mark once in the grocery store I shop at. I pointed to him and remarked to my kid, hey there's the 'trafficologist'! Of course my kid's face lit up, and we got to exchange pleasantries with Mark. Great guy! Driving "The Cappy" (Capital Blvd) will never be the same. All the best to you and yours, Mark!!!!!!!

IfByWhiskey still loves Da Bears
GOLO member since February 23, 2009
September 29, 2007 1:42 a.m.

Three words. A great man!

My_Opinion
September 29, 2007 2:09 a.m.

We will miss him! (Pssst. Can I have his orange safety vest?)

WABRS
September 29, 2007 4:31 a.m.

I think Mark should be REQUIRED to come back annually & be a part of the Christmas parade coverage!! What a birthday surprise for me yesterday AM! That was the story on WRAL when I woke up Friday AM.

pedsRN
September 29, 2007 11:36 a.m.

page 1 \| 2 \| 3 \| 4
<prev	next>

sort order: oldest first | newest first

This blog post is closed for comments.

Featured Blogposts

FANkind
Player survey mixed on Coach K
FANkind
Dick Sheridan returns to save Wolfpack
WRAL WeatherCenter Blog
Edward's impossible sun in "New Moon"

Other Recent Blogposts

WRAL WeatherCenter Blog: Dropping the Drought
Bill Leslie's Carolina Conversations: Holiday Preparations
Brian Shrader's Siteseeing Blog: Tillman the Skateboarding Dog
Bill Leslie's Carolina Conversations: Gift Basket Deadline
Brian Shrader's Siteseeing Blog: In the eye of the beholder