Bob Black's last day on the 21 News desk
After more than 40 years covering news in the Mahoning and Shenango Valleys, 21 News anchor Bob Black has signed off the 6:00 and 11:00 p.m. broadcasts for the last time tonight.
1/3
After more than 40 years covering news in the Mahoning and Shenango Valleys, 21 News anchor Bob Black signed off the 6:00 and 11:00 p.m. broadcasts for the last time Monday evening.
On Monday, employees of 21 WFMJ had the chance to spend time with Bob, reminisce and wish him the best of luck in his retirement at a station luncheon held in his honor.
“Bob is a guy who I will always admire with a career I will always respect. He's an anchor who reached legendary status and he did something that's rare nowadays. He kept that status through all these years,” said 21 WFMJ General Manager Jack Grdic.
Those of us who have worked with Bob at 21 WFMJ will miss his advice, sense of humor and his leadership in the newsroom, Grdic added.
21 News Director Mona Alexander said Bob was always there to lend a helping hand. “He has helped to create a new generation of journalists. Some of whom are here now and some who have moved on. He did that by always offering direction and by always being there to answer tough questions. He did that by pushing them, pushing them to think in a little different way, ask a deeper question. It wasn't always easy, but they always learned.”
From the demise of the steel industry to the rise of organized crime, Bob has covered the valley's biggest stories as the Valley's most trusted new anchor.
“I produced with Bob for a long time and I can't even think of one time where he would ad lib saying that's tragic, that's sad. You just knew the nature of the story, the way he wrote it and the way he read it,” said Mike Gauntner, 21 News Web Content Manager.
Bob was also presented with a special book that details all of the special good luck wishes that 21 News viewers have posted on the WFMJ facebook and website.
Along with his WFMJ family, Bob's family also shared in the celebration. His wife, Colleen, and two daughters, Lindsay and Molly, along with their husbands attended today’s luncheon.
During the 6:00 p.m. broadcast, Bob acknowledged 21 WFMJ News viewers with his thanks. “Your well wishes, and congratulations have quite simply overwhelmed me. Your kind thoughts and cards of congratulations have truly touched me and my family and I will be forever grateful. Did I ever tell you how lucky I am? And so it has come to this, that moment when those of us who are lucky enough to get to this point in their career, which has flashed by like the blink of an eye, get to say thank you,” said Bob.
Bob added, “it has been my honor and privilege to be invited into your homes and that you have placed your trust in this friend to pass along the days events - night after night, week after week, year after year. That faith, that trust and that friendship give me such a warm feeling that I will keep in my heart the rest of my life.”
Fortunately, it is not a goodbye to Bob, but more of a see you later.
Bob's retirement is only from the anchor desk. He will be having a recurring role for big stories, including the 2016 presidential election.
Bob will be replaced on the anchor desk by WFMJ Weekend Today anchor Derek Steyer starting Tuesday.
From all of us at 21 WFMJ, it has been an honor, a privilege, and a joy to work with you. Thank you. We will miss you, good luck and we’ll see you soon.
