Hello from Monsoonburgh…err…Pittsburgh. I can’t believe the amount of rain falling at this moment. I sort of wish it was snow because that would almost guarantee a white Christmas, but if this rain were snow there would be about 2 feet of it all ready and I would just complain about that.
So I was reading the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette off my iPhone, since their website crashes my computer for some reason, but anyway I was reading the A&E section because I am a follower of local TV and Radio.
There are nice stories in today’s PG about Andy Gastmeyer and Marilyn Brooks both whom are retiring. So make sure you read those stories, because it’s always sad when someone you see on TV almost everyday is gone.
Which leads me to something that was buried in yesterdays TV notes. Jon Burton is leaving WTAE after 8 years on December 31st.

This is sad to me. WTAE is one of my favorite stations and JB, as he was known, was one of the best sports reporters in Pittsburgh. There was something in his delivery of sports that didn’t feel fake. Also, if you ever hear him on the DVE Morning Show, he was a funny guy.
In a statement from General Manager Rick Henry said the JB’s position was eliminated “due to economic condition.” It’s sad that was the reason they gave, but Burton seemed to be in good spirits about it and was very classy, as expected, in his statement saying, “I am excited to move on to the next phase of my career. I enjoyed my time here. This is a class organization through and through.”
See, a classy guy.
No replacement has been announced, but WTAE has one of the smallest sports departments, so I’m kinda surprised he got the boot. Who are they left with now Guy Junker who usually does weekends and Tim Benz, a fill in who, honestly, I don’t care for.
I have met Tim Benz in person several times, each was more off putting then the next, and someone needs a dose of humble pie. Once again, my opinion.
Maybe Jake Ploeger can fill in for a bit as he started as a sports reporter on WTAE before moving to weekend anchor, doubtful though.
I’ll have to write about local TV news at some point, just because I have opinions on the styles of the three local newscasts. Here’s my ranking just to show you WTAE, KDKA, then WPXI.
I’ll blame one person for all of this!

Yes, Sid Bream, this is your entire fault still!
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