I’ve been remiss in keeping up to date with the changes over at WLOS. So here’s the rundown:
Kracher comes back
WLOS today announced the return of beloved anchor Frank Kracher. Kracher will anchor on the weekend, and work as a reporter during the week.
Kracher left Asheville five years ago to go to work for an ABC affiliate in Syracuse. While there, Kracher suffered a severe head injury that just about killed him. He returned to Asheville about two years ago, and has been hanging out since.
I watched Kracher work while he was here, and he did a great job of reporting and building community. I’ve gotten to know Frank and his wife upon his return, and can’t say enough good things about Frank and Barbara. They’re great people, and WLOS is lucky to have Frank back in the fold on its news staff. Good luck, Frank!
Long’s gone
Leigh Ann Long has left the station. That’s about all I know. She’s no longer listed on the WLOS website, and Holly Headrick has taken her spot as the early morning anchor.
It was only two short years ago that Long and her smart-girl glasses showed up on the scene. I thought she did a good job. Anybody know where Leigh Ann went?
Loyal readers, including Suzanne, offer the update for me:
So glad to hear about Frank. LOS is finally admitting that Leigh Ann is gone. “She had her baby two weeks ago and is moving back to WV to take care of her little boy.” It’s on their Facebook page.
14 Comments
Frank Kracher sucks. He has trouble delivering the news, stumbles all over the place, and has trouble with his diction. The first time I saw him upon his return I knew that something was wrong with him as his delivery was way off. Did not know about the head injury but I guess that he sucked so badly back at his home station that they must have let him go. Just speculation here but I stand by my assertion the he SUCKS!!!
Maybe someone can take over in the a.m. for Siltzer- who in my opinion is the fictional incarnate Les Nesman from WKRP in Cinn. Seriously, am I the only one??? I expect anyday to hear his squeeky voice relay the warning that turkeys are dropping from the sky over Asheville. Sometimes his voice annoys me to the point that I feel compelled to change the channel to the real news station- WYFF Greenville! At least they have revelent news with what appears to be an intelligent news crew!
OMG so happy to have Frank back
So glad to hear Frank is back. I guess I am in the minority because I really like Larry Blunt, but have missed Frank. Welcome home!
I thought that Leigh-Ann did a very good job with the news and hate to see that she is gone.However,I am really excited to have Frank Kracher coming back and would love to have him back at the anchor desk beside Darcel doing the weeknight news.Welcome home Frank.
RadioLongAgo,
WLOS’ Facebook page reported a power failure issue that caused the delay in broadcasting the noon news… they were able to fix everything by 12:30.
What happened to the noon news Tuesday? At noon Dr. Oz aired and Siltzer and Wunder started a newscast at 12;30PM…
I guess Leigh Ann didn’t buy into the "Best Place in the World" BS. I always knew she was smart – and didn’t drink the Kool-Aid! She probably made enough money off the over-inflated housing prices in Asheville to not have to go back to work until the baby is in high school.
It is about time! Now the station should get Frank off the weekend shift as soon as possible and back into the weekday anchor chair. Enough with Larry Blunt. To borrow a term from you, Ash, what a WLOSer.
realityczech
Yay Frank! Congrats!
Leigh Ann announced her intention to stay home with her baby on the air before she left and WLOS posted it on their Facebook page at that time. No secret to any of it.
i always catch the am news while i get ready for work.i remember LAL said she’s leaving to stay at home with her baby. she was uber-preggo on air.
Leigh Ann and her husband moved back to West Virginia to raise their child.
Yes indeed, Kratcher is far better than both Larry Blunt and Russ Bowen. Too bad they are wasting his anchor talents by giving him weekends. It would be good to have Darcell Grimes and Frank reunited at the anchor desk weeknights. Larry Blunt is very weak and I’m guessing he won’t have his contract renewed.