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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?" WRAL News Anchor Bill Leslie attempts to answer those questions and others in his Carolina Conversations blog.

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Lucky guy

Published: 2009-01-23 09:02:47
Updated: 2009-01-23 09:02:47

There's an old song by The Cascades called "Lucky Guy." That's how I feel this week.
I am a very lucky guy to have worked at WRAL Television for 25 years.

Way back in 1984 I made the switch to television. It was pretty scary. For five years, I had been radio news director and morning news anchor at Mix 101.5 and the North Carolina News Network. I was invited to move to television as managing editor and eventually anchor, Tar Heel Traveler and environmental reporter. You might think that happens a lot - on-air people moving from radio to television in the same company. But it really doesn't.

This week, 25 years later, Lynda Loveland is making a similar journey but in the opposite direction. She is leaving a highly successful television career to co-host the popular morning radio show on our sister station Mix 101.5. Lynda will team up with veteran Bill Jordan in what will surely be a dynamic team.

I feel incredibly lucky to have worked with Lynda for the last five years. Upbeat, friendly, authentic and professional. Those are just a few of her many fine qualities. I will truly miss Lynda's playful spirit. You can't remain grumpy very long when you're around Lynda.

I'm also very excited to be working with Kelcey Carlson who's joining WRAL's Morning News on Monday. Kelcey is one of the best reporters I've ever known. She also has a delightful personality and incredible team spirit. You won't find a harder worker in televison.

Plus, I'm thrilled to be teaming with my buddy Valonda Calloway on WRAL's Noon News. Valonda is a terrific anchor and reporter who really cares about getting things right. I’ve thoroughly enjoyed getting to know Valonda and her family.

Yes, I am one lucky guy! Thank you WRAL!

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6 Comments


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Thanks for that inspiring story Bill it truly made my day.

Looking forward to Kelcey joining the morning news. We will miss Lynda as well, wish her luck on her new position. The Big 5 is the best, Bill you are right up there my friend. Go Heels!

A big change for sure...just not quite as large as the one Jesse Helms made after leaving WRAL.

Good luck LL!

I live in Tarboro, which is a whole lot closer to other TV channels, but I watch WRAL because they can combine being professional and having a good time. Other stations in my area just don't have it. We are lucky also Bill to have folks such as you coming into our living rooms daily.

I usually don't look forward to changes in the newsats I enjoy watching but I think that this one won't be so bad. I listen to WRAL-FM so I will still be listening to Lynda in the mornings and I think Kelsey is great too and will do a great job. I absolutely love Valonda Calloway and can see by the rapport everyone of WRAL's anchor teams has that it is a big deal when someone leaves. I wish everyone luck in their new endeavors and know all will work out well. The nest thing is that Lynda is still part of Capitol Broadcasting and so she'll still be among friends! Thanks to all of the WRAL news anchors and reporters for their professionalism and for making the public feel comfortable watching the news regardless of whether the news is good or bad! Love you all!

Bill, I'm sure that those you mention feel just as blessed to have worked with you. Glad for Lynda that her new job will give her more time with family. I'm sure Kelsey will do great -- we see her often on the Sunday morning news. Best wishes to all as the changes are made.

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