Bob Woodruff, a class act

Nearly a decade ago a startup TV news organization owned by Scripps Howard began in Phoenix, AZ. The plan was to create the best possible broadcasts to quickly grab a respectable market share. A very talented producer, Mary Cox was named news director. Cox had a full year to locate and hire the best of the best to crew what was planned as the new FOX affiliate.

That was also the year that station brands were traded like baseball cards. Instead of FOX the new station obtained the ABC label. Mary Cox soon created the 800-pound news gorilla of that market.

Among the Energizer News Bunnies Cox hired was a young lawyer who opted to be a reporter, Bob “Woody” Woodruff. Woody was a pleasure to work with as he absorbed all he could about his reporting craft. His news packages were top shelf and you could tell he’d be going places.

Despite great ratings, management changes were made with rapid rotation of three news directors. The result was a disaster; KNXV-TV began its suicide plunge. Nearly all of the great talent including Woodruff left for other markets. News at KNXV-TV was scaled back to the bare minimum.

I lost touch with Woody but cheered when he and another talented Phoenix alumni, Liz Vargas were sent to the bridge of the ABC World News Tonight ship.

ABC news reported that Woody and his photographer were hurt in Iraq while imbedded with the 4th Infantry Division. I’m saddened by that development and concerned. I’m anxiously awaiting word on their condition. Woody is in my prayers this morning.

Comments

Anonymous said…

Woody is a class act. I miss him. I hope he gets back to work soon.

January 29, 2006 8:59 AM

Anonymous said…

Ther're at least able to talk to their field producer. That's good.

January 29, 2006 5:37 PM

Anonymous said…

KNXV-TV was mismanaged beyond repair. They were off to a great start and gave everything up. It made no sense.

I hope Woodruff and the photog get well soon and milk this event for all its worth.

January 30, 2006 8:17 AM

A 40 Caliber Nightmare Is Caught On Tape.

So you’re confident that that .40 caliber S&W service round will keep you safe. Maybe you’ll have second thoughts after you see this video. One hot summer night in 1994 Tempe and Mesa Arizona police were involved in a pursuit with this suspect who ran into a stranger’s apartment to hide after being shot TWICE in the chest. He was shirtless and you can see the blood pumping out of those two wounds. What’s really frightening is just how agile this fellow is as he struts to the ambulance. If he was not handcuffed and had a knife or a gun, ask yourself if he could still hurt you, your partner or a hostage? If your jurisdiction demands that officers carry either the 9MM or the .40 Caliber S&W it’s time to show this video to your bosses and lobby to have the .45 ACP round authorized. The switch may well reduce the screaming by self-appointed community activists about how many rounds police had to use on a suspect. The really talented and courageous video journalist, Karen Ke...

The origin of the feature film, COME FRIDAY…

CLick On the pictures to see full size versions. Long ago there was a young lady I had the hots for in a big way (Yes, I know that hots is not a word). She was pretty, incredibly bright, and had some real elegance about her. She had a love for children and basic kindness that you don’t often see in someone her age. I met her parents and could understand she came from a much more stable home than mine. I was raised by a single, welfare mom and suddenly found myself way out-classed. For whatever reasons things did not workout they way I had hoped. Sadly for me, we went on our separate ways. From time to time I’d run into this lady in various places where our job had taken us. Whenever this happened my heart would skip a beat or two. I left my hometown Chicago, and moved to Arizona where I founded my detective agency. As a private eye and soon a TV news producer too, my career took me to the highest profile criminal events in Arizona and throughout the country. There’s no question that ...

Fired LAPD Officer, Obama Lover and Committed Gun Control Advocate is Being Sought In Revenge Killings!

Christopher Dorner Fugitive Killer 6 feet, 270 lbs Los Angeles, CA —A bitter former cop, Chris Dorner has vowed more revenge killings of cops and their family members. Dorner was a Naval reserve officer and has all of the latest greatest weapons and explosives training. Doner is the object of a desperate manhunt at this hour. Dorner was fired for allegedly making a false report against a training officer alleging brutality during an arrest. Donor sought help at a police board of rights hearing from former LAPD Captain Randy Quan . Quan was unable to save Dorner’s job. Dorner now blames Quan for the failed outcome. Apparently in an act of revenge Dorner stalked and murdered Quan’s daughter, Monica , 28 and her fiancée Keith Lawrence , 28 in Irving, CA Sunday night. They were both shot multiple times. Doner has also vowed to exact revenge on numerous additional officers and their children. ...

Search This Blog