WLOS: Where are they now?

Jason Sandford

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

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You can tell it’s sweeps when every newscast begins with “HUGE, GIGANTIC BREAKING NEWS!”

We get it people.

The other day, I was reminiscing about some of the old WLOS-TV personalities. Some of you probably think I’m shallow for harping on how news readers look and move and sound, but the fact is that TV news is a personality driven medium. (That’s why Wickersham Googles his own name every day.)

There is no content to judge. So I’m all about the personalities.

The Ohio connection

Some of you may remember Mark Pompilio. Slightly pompous, Pompilio was short of stature but tall on community involvement. He was a good reporter and anchor. But he overstayed his welcome, and like several male news readers at WLOS over the years, he got the heave-ho because one day management looked at the declining ratings and decided the guy “lacked glitz” or something like that.

The move truly burned Pompilio. It always surprises me when TV news people act hurt by such a decision. Reminder – it’s all about look and personality, people. Keep it fresh, or you’re on the street. He’s now keeping it fresh at a Fox station in Dayton – another Sinclair property like WLOS.

Only true Ashvegas natives will remember Hagit Limor. What a great name. She was a reporter for WLOS way back when. She was way too good for the station. She’s now an investigative reporter for Cincinnati station.

In our next WLOS installment: How Reuben became Ruby.