THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1996, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Thursday, July 4, 1996 TAG: 9607050313
SECTION: LOCAL PAGE: B7 EDITION: FINAL
DATELINE: NORFOLK LENGTH: 25 lines
Jim Hale, who appeared to be on the fast track at WTKR when he was named host of ``Virginia Outdoors'' a few months ago, is out of a job today. His contract was not renewed, according to Channel 3 news director Barbara Hamm. Hale, 35, and a recent bridegroom, said he was given four weeks' severance pay.
Why was he let go? And so suddenly? ``I was told the station was taking its sports coverage in a different direction,'' said Hale, who has been with Channel 3 for eight years, including a two-year stretch as sports director.
Hale, who was also weekend sports anchor and backup to John Castleberry during the week, is the third WTKR on-air personality to be let go since The New York Times Co. bought the CBS affiliate last year. Hale follows morning anchor Carol Novotny and meteorologist Duane Harding out the door.
Hamm announced that Ted Alexander, who has been working at a station in Augusta, Ga., will replace Hale on the outdoors beat and on the weekend news shows. At his leaving, Hale said he wants to pass thanks to the viewers who connected with him through ``Virginia Outdoors.'' Said Hale, ``I put my heart and soul into the show and the viewers responded.'' by CNB