O-Town News Director Says He's Just About Done

WFTV (Orlando) News Director Matt Parcell says you can stick a fork in him….he’s done.

“Things just came together on a number of levels. It was a good time to step back after a 35-year career,” Parcell said in an interview. “I don’t have to do it anymore.”

Parcell made his announcement at a station meeting. The Cox station will seek a replacement by posting the job, and Parcell will stay until the new ND arrives. Parcell estimated that he could leave in mid-January.

“I’ve worked with Matt Parcell for 21 years when he was executive producer special projects, then as news director,” consumer reporter Todd Ulrich said. “For Matt, journalism was a passion, and he was a key driving force in the station’s success. When our investigations were challenged from outside, I could count on his judgment and support so we did the right thing. And that meant a fair story aired to make a difference for our community. His retirement is our great loss.”

Parcell said he has no idea what he’ll do next. “I don’t live to work,” he said. “I hope to do some good in the community if there’s an opportunity to give back.”

Parcell has been with the station since the Summer of 2012.

H/T Orlando Sentinel 

Note and earlier version of this story had the wrong call letters. Not enough sleep last night and thanks to the 137 of you that emailed me to point it out.

---