Archive for May, 2011

WWMT bids farewell to Judy Markee

Posted 27 May 2011 — by Michigan Media
Category Grand Rapids-Kalamazoo-Battle Creek

Judy MarkeeToday is Judy Markee’s last day on the air at Freedom-owned WWMT (Channel 3) in Kalamazoo.

Today is a tough day for us here at Newschannel 3. After 22 years, Friday is Judy Markee’s last day on the air.

Today has been named Judy Markee Day in the City of Kalamazoo, that honor came earlier in the week from the city commission, which cited her reliable and consistent voice on the air, her numerous awards and her contributions to the community.

When big events happened, West Michigan heard about it from Judy, who told the stories in a way that made them relevant.

Whether it was big news for West Michigan, the nation or the world, Judy delivered the news with perspective and professionalism.

WWMT

Hally Vogel to join WXYZ in Detroit

Posted 26 May 2011 — by Michigan Media
Category Detroit, Grand Rapids-Kalamazoo-Battle Creek

Hally VogelMeteorologist Hally Vogel is leaving Gannett’s WZZM (Channel 13) in Grand Rapids for E.W. Scripps’ WXYZ (Channel 7) in Detroit.

WZZM-TV (Channel 13) meteorologist Hally Vogel is leaving the Grand Rapids-based ABC-TV affiliate to join the staff at WXYZ-TV (Channel 7) the ABC-TV affiliate in Detroit.

Vogel leaves West Michigan for the Motor City, the 11th largest broadcast market in the United States and the station where Detroit’s legendary meteorologist Jerry Hodak spent most of his 45 years of broadcasting before retiring last September.

Tuesday will be Vogel’s final day at WZZM-TV.

“I am thrilled about the opportunity to move closer to my family in the Detroit area, but sad to leave so many friends and great people that I’ve gotten to know during my time here in Grand Rapids,” Vogel said. “I would like to thank everyone for their kindness and overwhelming support.”

Jeffrey Kaczmarczyk | The Grand Rapids Press

Suzanne Geha receives standing ovation at GVSU

Posted 03 May 2011 — by Michigan Media
Category Grand Rapids-Kalamazoo-Battle Creek

Suzanne GehaSuzanne Geha received a standing ovation after introducing Anne Doyle at Grand Valley State University’s Eberhardt Center. This is Geha’s first public appearance following her departure from WOOD-TV.

There have been a number of recent shake-ups at local television news stations in West Michigan, and for the first time since her controversial departure, one of those news anchors is making a public appearance.Suzanne Geha and her former employer, WOOD-TV parted ways last month. WOOD-TV confirmed Geha was no longer an employee with a terse statement, but offered no explanation as to why.

Tuesday morning, Geha introduced Anne Doyle at Grand Valley State University’s Eberhardt Center, where she received a standing ovation.

Doyle was the first woman ever to anchor news in Grand Rapids, working at WZZM-TV 13 in the early 1970s. Her book is titled, Powering Up! How America’s Women Achievers Become Leaders. Doyle says it’s about skills women need to master to become leaders. Something she says her friend will be dealing with soon.

WZZM

Bill Harris returns to WJRT

Posted 03 May 2011 — by Michigan Media
Category Flint-Saginaw-Bay City

Bill HarrisBill Harris will return to the air today on SJL Broadcasting’s WJRT in Flint. Harris will report from a homeland security training conference in Grand Rapids during the newscasts at 4:00, 5:00 and 6:00 p.m. It is not clear what role he will take with the station.

Nearly a month after being let go from his anchor position at WJRT (Channel 12), Bill Harris will return to the air today, according to the station’s website.

Harris will report from a homeland security training conference in Grand Rapids at the 4, 5 and 6 p.m. shows.

“Harris will use his more than 30 years experience with local, state and federal agencies to explain what the training entails and why it’s important to Mid-Michigan residents,” an article on the website says.

It is unclear what role Harris will take with the station.

David Harris | Flint Journal