Life After TV News
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Larry Blunt was an Anchor at WLOS in Asheville, before he was kicked him to the curb.
Blunt was told his position had been eliminated, part of a cost-costing move across all stations by the parent company of WLOS, Sinclair Broadcasting.
Sinclair cut more than 50 similar positions nationwide.
Blunt wanted to stay in the Asheville area, so he had to find a life after TV news.
"The outpouring of community support was both overwhelming and humbling, and caused me to rethink leaving the area for another TV job," Blunt said. "So now, instead of coming into viewers’ homes via the TV, beginning in July, my wife, Jan, and I will be coming to homes as real estate brokers with Carolina Mountain Sales, a smaller 'boutique' agency affiliated with ERA."
Jan Blunt formerly was the spokeswoman for Buncombe County Schools.
Blunt had to take and pass the North Carolina real estate agents course, which was a bit daunting, he said.
"Going back to school after 30-plus years in journalism was a real challenge, but fascinating, too," Blunt told me. "Passing the state and national real estate licensing exams was an accomplishment that ranks right up there with my eighth Emmy, which I received this past Saturday for a story I did last year — presumably the last of my journalism career. Not a bad way to go out!"
After the layoff, Blunt considered moving to Oklahoma to be closer to friends and family, but ultimately, Western North Carolina's people and mountains exerted their famous pull on him.
"I do want to thank the thousands of people in Western North Carolina who have encouraged me over the past six months since my position was eliminated at WLOS, including my co-workers," Blunt said. "They make Jan and I grateful to call Western North Carolina home. We look forward to helping others sell or find a home here, too."
Now, the former Anchor has found that there is life after TV news and it is likely that the hours are a lot better.
H/T Citizen Times
