| Topic Name: |
Chattanooga Anchor |
| Message Name: |
Co-Worker |
| Date Posted: |
06/09/2005 |
| In Reply To: |
MEL was always willing to help us "newbies". I worked with her in the mid 90s at WTVC. She always had a smile on her face and was a gracious southern belle. |
| Message: |
I worked with Mel for many years. While I enjoyed the experience, I didn't realize what she offered all of us until it was too late.
You see, Mel made me realize that life is what matters. The people you are with is what matters. While I can only call Mel a co-worker, I now can look at her as a teacher. She taught me to enjoy today. It took me a long time to understand what that meant. I am still working on practicing it.
Was she without flaw? No. She was an anchor and darned proud of it. I think that is what we want from our anchors. At the same time she did her best to be more than just a face. She cared about medical reporting. She cared about her friends and family.
Now a word about family. Mel was an adopted southern belle. She is actually from a small town in PA. However if you know anything about WTVC, you know about the family at the station. Many people stayed for decades. There are many news people there with 20 & 30 years seniority. I am fortunate to know many of them.
The comment about Kim Chapman is not needed. Kim has been around WTVC for a long time. She has made two stops in the newsroom...first doing a FOX newscast. She has never been anything except a supporter of Mel.
I know this is long for this site, but let me leave you with a thought. Some people enjoy middle and small markets. There are few places were TV people are still respected for what they do. Chattanooga is still one. Mel helped me realize that. It is not about where you are it is about who you are. Mel was a special person and will be missed....but not forgotten.
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