Bermudian Anchor’s Departure Confirmed
A television fixture in Ohio for more than 20 years, anchorman Dave Burchell’s departure from the Cincinnati station where he worked after vacating the ZBM newsdesk in Bermuda has now been confirmed.
Bermudian Mr. Burchell abruptly vanished from the Ohio airwaves two weeks ago and now CBS affiliate WKRC-TV has confirmed he won’t be resuming his anchorman duties.
“Technically, it’s a non-renewal of his contract, but essentially its a firing …,” said Ohio media blogger John Kieswetter. “Burchell didn’t want to go … Two weeks ago he stormed out of the office and refused to anchor at 5:30 p.m. and 10 p.m. and immediately took vacation days when told his contract would not be renewed.”
The management of WKRC-TV issued a memorandum to staff on Friday [Jan.28] saying he was longer a part of the news team line-up.
“I wanted to let all of you know that Dave Burchell is no longer an employee …” said the memo. “I would like to thank Dave for his service and contributions to Local 12 and the community. We are beginning an immediate search for his replacement. In the interim we will utilise a number of staff members to cover open assignments.”
Mr. Kieswetter’s blog has been deluged with messages from supporters and well-wishers decrying the decision by WKRC-TV not to renew the popular Bermudian on-air personality’s contract.
“Dave is the man!!! ANCHORMAN that is!!! Loved the delivery, the voice and personality,” said one comment. “Dave was fun to watch and such a professional.”
Another poster said the station is riding high in Ohio ratings ”because they had great people like Dave for 20 years. He was my favourite anchor. He the best voice at that station and had a level of professionalism that will be hard to replace.”
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I had wondered where he was
Of course the reasons for the non renewal of his contract are not known but I do remember him having a great broadcast voice & good command of the English language.
He is good…. but I used to find it odd that he pronounced his name differently from how we typically would say it.