Getting Out of the Business
Reporter Matt Blanchette has left WLNE in Providence, RI, and has announced he is leaving the television news business altogether.
Matt explained his decision to leave on his Facebook page:
"Today is my last day with ABC 6, and in the television industry. In many ways, it is a bittersweet day. I will actually miss the adrenaline of chasing down stories and local newsmakers. In my 3 years at ABC 6 I may be the only one to have anchored every single show (Morning, noon, 5, 6, 11 and weekend, plus sports). And I leave with quite a bit more gray hairs than when I started.
From the Nimrods to the Jayhawks, the Patriots to the Chiefs, Governors to Principals. Championships and scandals, awards and arrests. After a decade, I am leaving the television news industry.
I want to thank all the great people I have worked for and with in Marquette, MI, Wausau, WI, Topeka, KS and Providence, RI. I have met some unbelievable people and told some amazing stories. It’s been one hell of a ride.
After 10 years of long nights, early mornings and plenty of weekends, I have decided to make the move to a more stable career.
I started out as a kid in journalism school at Boston University, not knowing exactly what I wanted to do. The TV bug bit me, and I followed my dream. I wouldn’t trade any of it for the world. But as I get ready to marry to love of my life, I know the timing is right to make the move. I am very excited to start the next chapter in my life. I will remain in the Providence area, and look forward to seeing you all soon."
Matt joined WLNE in 2012 as the weekend sports anchor and reporter, and in 2014 was promoted to weekday morning news anchor. He was most recently a general assignment reporter, and while at WLNE has covered the sale of the Pawtucket Red Sox, the Aaron Hernandez trial, the Patriots run to the Super Bowl, and the Boston Marathon Bombing Trial.
His last day was Sunday and he hasn't yet said what he's going to do.
Even money says it's something in PR.
H/T New England One