Asheville News

Frank Fraboni joins WLOS

Jason Sandford August 25, 2007

Jason Sandford

Jason Sandford is a reporter, writer, blogger and photographer interested in all things Asheville.

Anchorman Frank Fraboni has joined the WLOS family to co-anchor the new 10 p.m. news over at sister-station WMYA, channel 9 on local cable.

Fraboni went to UPN affiliate WUPN after he was fired from his lead anchor position at WFMY in Greensboro a few years back. Fraboni sued, according to the Greensboro News & Record. Here’s more:

Fraboni claimed a violation of the Americans with Disabilites Act since he was deaf in one ear, but station officials reportedly attributed the firing to awkwardness on the air and low ratings in viewer surveys.

The News & Record reports Ch. 2 officials didn’t think he and co-anchor Sandra Hughes made a good fit and also didn’t like how Fraboni flustered reporters by questioning them on the air without prior notice.

Fraboni was hired by Sinclair-owned Ch. 48 for a News Central start-up, but at a pay cut – the paper says he’s making $80,000 now from $133,000 at Ch. 2. In addition to a 10 p.m. broadcast, the new operation has since expanded to the 11 p.m. hour at ABC affiliate WXLV/Ch. 45, which had shut down its news operation in 2002.

So it will be interesting to see how Frank fits in here. Will he fluster Kassandra Pride by asking her a surprise question? Will he get along with the other WLOSers? We’ll be watching…

Jason Sandford

Jason Sandford is a reporter, writer, blogger and photographer interested in all things Asheville.

Young parties with the Dems, but when will he announce?

In some leftover news

12 Comments

Imari Adams July 14, 2008

Enough about the Franks….Western North Carolina is crying for The Return of the King…Morgan King…
the greatest Weatherman of all time who was unjustly ousted due to his side still life photography career supposedly interfering with the workplace….

Reply
Tyler October 11, 2007

Frank is a good guy. He’s not one to be a "diva" in the newsroom.

Reply
Tarheel Hal September 2, 2007

When Frank arrived at WLOS, I liked him. When he left, it was a different story. If you’re talking positive energy, you’re talking Tammy Watford. She’s been the bright spot at 13 for years.

Here’s the bottom line, you like Frank. I don’t.
You think he’s a good anchor. I don’t. I worked with him. I know what I know. I’m not sure you even know the man. Nothing will change my opinion or yours. That’s the beauty of America. We can express our opinions in an open forum without government agents kicking down the door.

BTW, he’s got his new spot in NY and I seriously doubt he would ever consider heading back to Asheville. So I guess that makes this a mute point.

The End…..

Reply
realityczech September 1, 2007

Hal: My "catchy" offering about Frank Kracher was not a "comeback", because your pointless comment lacked any substance in the first place. I notice you didn’t challenge Evander’s more "on-topic" synopsis of what he truly had & has to offer the station and this community.

Heather: Even an "OK" newsman who is a "great guy" would beat the heck out of what WLOS is stuck with now. I don’t think there’s any argument there. Our local television station needs help!

Reply
Tarheel Hal August 31, 2007

OK, I’ve got to respond to realityczech.

WHAT!?!?!?!?!?!?!?

"Paraphrasing a line from the `88 Lloyd Bentsen/Dan Quayle debate, Tarheel Hal: "I knew Frank Kracher and you’re no Frank Kracher"."

Number 1-I didn’t claim to be like FK.
Number 2-I don’t want to be like FK.

If you’re going to write a "catchy" comeback, pick one that makes sense and is a little more on-topic.

Now, if you want to bring back the best male news anchor that WLOS ever had, give Ken Owen a call.

End of discussion. Or is it?

PS I think "Tarheel" looks cool spelled this way.

Reply
Heather August 31, 2007

Frank was OK! That’s it. A great guy but just OK as a newsman.

Reply
realityczech August 30, 2007

Paraphrasing a line from the `88 Lloyd Bentsen/Dan Quayle debate, Tarheel Hal: "I knew Frank Kracher and you’re no Frank Kracher". Plus, Tar Heel is two words. You must not be from around here!

Reply
Evander in Asheville August 30, 2007

Did you really know him Hal? Were you there "personally" when Frank delivered positive energy and professional experience to a newsroom and broadcast that desperately needs it now? Were you there to witness his involvement in and commitment to many local organizations and causes? Or do you just enjoy sitting back and firing off uninformed, negative missives about a solid newsman and good person who’s sorely missed both on the air and in this community? I WAS there and I say WLOS and WNC would benefit greatly from the return of "Mr. Kracher".

Reply
Tarheel Hal August 29, 2007

It’s clear you guys did not know Mr. Kracher personally.

Reply
daniel nevins August 28, 2007

I don’t know who this new Frank guy is, but it reminds me how
much the whole community misses Frank Kracher. He really
understood what the Asheville vibe is all about. Hey WLOS! Any
chance of bringing Frank Kracher back? He was the best!

Reply
Evander in Asheville August 27, 2007

That’s the wrong Frank!!! We want Frank KRACHER back on WLOS, not this bone head.

Reply
hail to the Chef August 25, 2007

I remember him from my time in winston-salem. He was a little weird on air…but who knows. maybe being fired changed him, and maybe not.

Reply