Pushed Out in O-Town

Hearst owned WESH and longtime Orlando Sports Anchor Pat Clarke are parting ways, but there seems to be some confusion as to why?

Clarke said he learned two weeks ago he is being replaced. He guesses he’ll be at the NBC affiliate through the end of June.

But WESH GM John Soapes says “It’s a personnel matter,” adding, “Pat hasn’t told me he’s leaving the station."

Soapes did confirm that WESH is hiring a new sports director and says Clarke is a sports anchor.

So, it sounds like the station was planning on demoting Clarke and Clarke plans of leaving.

Clarke said his departure from WESH is accelerating the next stage of his life.

“I love telling stories. I hope to continue,” he said. “I have other passions I’ve been thinking about, and this affords me the chance to explore them. I just know it’s going to be great and different.” “If you believe in your abilities, you have to think everything will work out OK,” he said. “In this transient business, I stayed here 33 years, and I’m so fortunate. I love Orlando.”

H/T Orlando Sentinel

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