A shocking loss of institutional knowledge and a pretty shitty thing to do to a decent, talented guy.

is almost complete. What next? Do we need a protection team for Mike D.?

crap.

Gene Patterson is the entire reason I watch WATE news. What the heck am I gonna do now?

Not that I expect it will make any difference, but almost all the comments I'm seeing on Facebook are negative ones directed at WATE.

Gene Patterson has always been fair on the issues I've been involved in and willing to listen. Another sad day for Knoxville.

he's probably costing them too much money.

Gene is a total class act. Smart, thoughtful, just a really good guy and good journalist. We've been on the same side of the fence and opposite sides in both directions, and I have always respected him and enjoyed his company. All the best to him.

I'll bet his ratings are down since Ted Hall came back. I know it's not fair, but WVLT has been doing a lot more to become a better news station. I looked for the latest ratings but I am having hard time finding them. If someone can find them let us know.

He has always treated me fairly and always seemed genuinely interested in both sides of an issue.

Gene Patterson is the best TV journalist in town. He's extremely fair and respectful. I've always been amazed and impressed with how he works a story. He treats everybody the same, and he seeks to get the opinion from all sides. He also seeks to add depth to his stories, something the is frequently lacking from television reports.

It's truly a sad day for journalism in Knoxville and East Tennessee. This after what has already been an incredibly horrible month.

All hail the almighty dollar.

In my opinion, the other contacts at the WATE anchor desk won't be renewed when they come up for renewal either.

At least these types of employees have a contractual arrangement to cover their 3, 4, and 5 year tenures, while the other guys in the media are at will and can get tossed on a bad day.

From all indications, WATE is banking on a "younger look" on their broadcast (like younger people really watch local television news)but the hidden demon is the younger people actually cost less and if they don't have a lot of outside commitments, they might actually be able to work the longer swing shifts.

Gene's local political show had become irrelevant, his show guests and commentators were derailed has beens and were taking advantage of his show to rehab their political relevance.

Hate it, hate it, hate it, but 2015 will be the end of a number of journalistic careers in the local Knoxville media.

Gene Patterson is not only the best TV journalist in town, extremely fair, and respectful, he is the most professional. His professionalism also showed when he moderated discussions or hosted meetings separate from WATE. I'm thinking some organization that needs a media consultant should jump at the chance to hire him. That is only if he doesn't get grabbed up by another station here or in another market.

The one bad thing I have to say about Gene is that he shaved his mustache. That was a mistake. Other than that, here was exactly where Gene needed to be. I kinda doubt that this change will positively affect WATE's ratings/image but, it is a changing world out there and I have no idea what would have been the "right" thing for them to do.

Gene Patterson has always been professional, informed, fair, and hard working. He knows local history and all of the actors and interests. Gene mastered the difficult art of asking really tough questions and pushing hard without ever getting trapped in an inflexible narrative. I know we all wish him the best.

Five years experience required but must not be over age 30. It's not in the ad but I'm pretty sure they want a photo with your application. Blondes preferred.

News Anchor
Reference ID#: 14-23
Posted on: October 30, 2014
Job Type: Full Time
apply online for this job
WATE-TV, Knoxville’s ABC affiliate, is looking for a News Anchor/Reporter. The successful candidate must be an engaging personality with the ability to deliver a compelling newscast. This position requires someone who not only thrives in the fast pace of live news coverage, but is also a leader in the newsroom for major breaking news events. Outstanding reporting skills and impeccable journalistic standards are necessary. Professional on-air presentation and delivery a must. This position is primarily responsible for anchoring the evening newscasts, but applicants should also have superior writing skills and willingness to enterprise news content fitting the station’s On Your Side brand. Previous anchor experience is required; a minimum of 5 years preferred. Candidates must also demonstrate knowledge of and willingness to engage with digital media platforms.

Ad sounds like Gene.

I remember once in the '80s the ABC affiliate in Little Rick got new anchors for the evening newscast, a man and a woman. They were both young and blond. We called them Ken and Barbie. And they reported about like you would have expected K & B to have handled the job.

It seems to me that, especially in journalism/news reporting, experience would be an asset. WBIR or WVLT should snap Gene up in a heartbeat. Or maybe he will choose to go elsewhere to something bigger and better.

for a few months along with a non renewal fee paid by WATE to the employee. Geno will have an opportunity down the road, it may/may not be in this market.

In my opinion, I would think that Lori Tucker's contract won't be renewed either.

Given the few opportunities for on camera anchor talent, don't look for Geno to do anything except heap the praise on WATE, making the station look good, such that future/prospective employers will see you ability to pull the company line even in the most difficult circumstances imaginable.

The social media thing is primarily twitter and linkedin, to enhance your street cred as a journalist, anchor, weather babe, or sport score reader, you have to have a social media presence such that you (or your station's social media managers) can generate followers and throw tidbits out there for the masses to pick up so they will tune in.

Rest assured the new WATE anchors will be younger, fresher, and much, much cheaper than 10 and 20 year veterans at the station.

And they won't know how to pronounce LaFollette or who Victor Ashe is.

I wonder if anyone else was 'fired' at the same time. Was there a 'pairing' with a woman or minority the station wanted to fire as a cover against a lawsuit? That's a common corporate tactic ...

I don't like it. My whole family likes Gene we enjoy him and Lori very much Its a shame
Don't know if we will continue watching.

Gene is the best at investigation and seeing a story through.

Remember the UT President who spent and wasted all that money?
If Gene had not been tenacious and followed up on that, the guy
would probably still be President. It was not a one time story,
he came up with new wastes every day until it became obvious the
guy had to go.

He was on the same path recently with the waste at the Morristown
Utilities district, but I have to believe the station told him to
stop very abruptly.

I agree about Lori, she will be gone soon. It would look too weird
for her to be paired with a 25 year old.

Hope someone local hires Gene.

My grandmother had an expression - "they bit off their nose to spite their face". I think the powers that be at WATE will regret this decision. My husband and I look forward to "Tennessee this Week". It, among other things, won't be the same. It appears it is time to broaden my horizons as far as news goes.

Could this be what WATE is looking for?