The transition continues: Channel 2 Action News’ John Pruitt cedes 11 p.m. to Justin Farmer
In one of the most gradual transitions in local broadcast TV, the sturdy duo of John Pruitt and Monica Pearson on Channel 2 Action News has been shifting to the new generation of Justin Farmer and Jovita Moore.
The latter pair already handle the 5 p.m. hour. Earlier this month, Pruitt passed the 11 p.m. torch to Farmer. Pruitt and Pearson now only anchor together during the 6 p.m. newscast.
Both Pruitt and Pearson have said they plan to retire soon, though Pearson’s departure isn’t set until 2012. Pruitt has not given an exit date yet.
Pruitt and Pearson have anchored together for 16 years, with a combined 78 years in Atlanta local news. Pearson started in 1975; Pruitt, who has worked at WSB and NBC affiliate WXIA-TV, began his career in 1967.
Channel 2 Action News is the top-rated newscast at 5 p.m., 6 p.m. and 11 p.m.
News director Marian Pittman sent me this email about the shift.
After 41 years on a night shift, John wanted his evenings free. He is an extremely valuable part of our team and we were happy to make this request. He has certainly earned evenings off. John is anchoring the highly rated Channel 2 Action News at 6pm and very much a part of WSB’s fabric. For example, John anchored election night and will be back from time to time on the night shift. We are very happy with Justin Farmer’s performance at 5:00. Viewers have accepted him and this made his additional responsibilities on the Channel 2 Action News Nightbeat an easy decision. Justin is a great addition to the great night side team.
Year to year, our ratings are up at 11pm.
Pruitt himself in an email repeated much of what Pittman wrote:
Thanks for asking about my new schedule. Having worked nights for 41 years, it’s a welcome change to go home in the evenings after the 6 PM newscast and enjoy my family. It’s also a bit strange to have this freedom, but I am happily adapting.I’ve been discussing coming off the 11 with [General Manager] Bill [Hoffman] and Marian for some time, and after a strong May book, the timing seemed right. I’ll still anchor election coverage and perhaps other news events after dark from time to time.It’s pretty obvious as I step back from first the 5 and now the 11 that myretirement is on the horizon. But we haven’t announced a date.
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144 comments Add your comment
Tosh.No
July 22nd, 2010
3:01 pm
They still show the news at night? What for? Just go on the internet and you can find out what happened in like a minute each day.
Statham
July 22nd, 2010
3:08 pm
Thank- You for the many years of service. There’ nothing like Atlanta News and the Anchors of wonderful. John Pruitt and Monica will always be the anchors i cherished and have wonderful memories of them on being on the air. As a young African American person growing up the South and attending a integrated high school in the seventies there was great delight to see these two tell the news.
J.R.
July 22nd, 2010
3:13 pm
My favorites at WSB are John Bachman and Linda Stouffer. They do a great job as weekend anchors, and should have more air time.
rwk
July 22nd, 2010
3:14 pm
Jovita is excellent; but I agree, bring back Warren Savage! He rocks (when he’s not snorting rocks). Anyone remember the Russ Minchew scandal?
A FOX NEWs WATCHER
July 22nd, 2010
3:15 pm
ATLANTA NEWs is sooo….soooo…boring…….the least articulate folks are interviewed for quotes..Sound like to hicks that played on the DUKES OF HAZARD..really…who in their right mind watches 11 pm news..Certainly not working folks.
Rosita
July 22nd, 2010
3:20 pm
Give Warren another chance — he’s a great guy!
JW
July 22nd, 2010
3:21 pm
Local TV news is so irrelevant. Who watches it? Most people are either in traffic or out doing something fun. Yawn. The Internet has made local TV news obsolete.
Zoe
July 22nd, 2010
3:27 pm
Well, I know Justin Farmer personally, and he is a class guy who is always very down-to-earth when I run into him, without any ego whatsoever. Bachman is fine too, and I take great pains NOT to watch the Nightly Apt/House Fire Reports on any of the stations here at any of the hours. So, bottom-line: who cares? If JB is SO GREAT he will land at CNN or somewhere better.
Actually-Ted Hall is probably my favorite on-the-air…
bm2957
July 22nd, 2010
3:28 pm
I knew this post would turn into a bashing-fest on Monica, Jovita and Justin. The truth is they are just as professional as John Pruitt. BTW, I wish Mr. Pruitt all the best.
TRACI
July 22nd, 2010
3:33 pm
WOW – it’s gonna be kinda strange not seeing John Pruitt on at 11:00 PM. He is a ROCK SOLID anchor. I have grown to very comfortable with him. But after 41 years on the night shift – I guess you might want to hang out on a Wednesday night on a patio somewhere drinking an adult beverage.
How does one make that kind of adjustment – after 40 years? GOOD LUCK
Lewis Grizzard
July 22nd, 2010
3:33 pm
How about my dog Catfish?
LDuncan
July 22nd, 2010
3:34 pm
Mr. John Pruitt is very professional and a CLASS ACT to follow. Congrats to you sir, you will be miss….
John Pruitt's bad comb over.
July 22nd, 2010
3:34 pm
Hey……We need time off to improve this really bad comb over.
Russ Minshew
July 22nd, 2010
3:41 pm
You know what my last weather forecast was?
Plunging in to the teens!
HAHAHAHAHAA
James
July 22nd, 2010
3:51 pm
Didn’t Ms. Pearson say she was retiring 3 years ago? I mean really, that woman is way past needing to retire. I have always liked John Pruitt but just couldn’t watch with Ms. Pearson’s constant emoting, squealing and giggling. I really do like John Bachman and Jovita Moore. I think Jovita is the best female anchor in Atlanta. Until Ms. Pearson retires, I’ll stick with Fox 5. I fully expect to see her in 3 years, still trying to read the news, with an oxygen tank next to her.
1baddman
July 22nd, 2010
3:51 pm
Hey Mr Pruitt;enjoy your nights off you deserve it,and whenever you retire just travel and enjoy your family and Monica hopefully in 2yrs(yeah right) we’ll say the same thing to you,since we talking about replacements is a shame Sandra Bookman or Shaunya Chavis are not in Atlanta anymore.
Anne
July 22nd, 2010
3:55 pm
John Pruitt is a class act. I always thought he was the best anchor in Atlanta. It’s nice to see someone retiring at the appropriate time, and not trying to hang on for the attention. Love John Bachman, Jovita Moore, Linda Stouffer. Now if they could just get Keith Whitney from 11Alive, they’d have all the top anchors.
GEORGIA97
July 22nd, 2010
3:55 pm
Anyone else remember that John Pruitt played the role of the television reporter in the movie “Delta Force”? Just a bit of trivia for you.
Kapoonka
July 22nd, 2010
3:57 pm
What ever happened to Bruce “got away wit murder” Erion on channel 5? How did he saunter off into the sunset with blood on his hands..I digress.
Monica is fine…no matter how much longer she decides to stay it is fine. She and John have both paid their dues. I do think Erin Coleman is good…makes few mistake and has the news face down. Justin got special treatment cause of his Mom and Dad..everyone knows that. It’s not the news anymore..it’s “Who killed who”.
Terry Miller
July 22nd, 2010
3:58 pm
I’m a native Atlantatn. John Pruitt is head and shoulders about all the other news people in Atlanta. He knows where all the bodies are buried and can explain political stuff better than anybody. Have been watching Channel 11 because of him. Have a great semi-retirement, Jon. You really deserve it! As some others have said — Class Act!!!
kkong
July 22nd, 2010
4:02 pm
Now come on, Glen’s not THAT bad…..
Scott
July 22nd, 2010
4:05 pm
John Pruitt, you sir are a class act and true professional. I’ve traveled extensively throughout the U.S. and have seen my share of local newscasts. Quite frankly you are one of the best anchors out there!
Shana
July 22nd, 2010
4:07 pm
My husband and I used to watch Ms. Kaufman’s “Monica’s Closeups”, which should be renamed “Closeups of Monica”. We used to get so tickled at how the camera would catch her doing her “What you talkin bout Willis” looks and her exaggerated facial expressions. We could never figure out why she even had guests, because the camera always stayed on her. It was funnier than any MAD TV skit I’ve ever seen.
Russ Minshew
July 22nd, 2010
4:09 pm
I like Amanda Davis to replace Monica
Wayne
July 22nd, 2010
4:11 pm
I will just be glad when Monica leaves … I get oh so tired of her every-changing hair and bright distracting suits. Oh, put me on the Bachman team too! I couldn’t put my finger on it until I read some of the posts about that Farmer guy. Seems nice … just a bit … off.
Myrio
July 22nd, 2010
4:14 pm
BRING BACK WARREN SAVAGE!!! Loved him. He was our anchor in eastern North Carolina.
Lamekia
July 22nd, 2010
4:18 pm
Who needs an hour of local news? I watch the first 5 minute to see whos been murdered in southwest ATL and then turn it to the weather chanel for local weather on the 8s. I get all I need in 10 mintues.
Greg Rodgers
July 22nd, 2010
4:18 pm
The reason to watch WSB at 11pm: John Pruitt..
The reason not to watch WSB at 11pm: Monica Pearson
With Monica…I feel I am watching cartoon news with all the various hair changes…(Mostly that god awful blonde hair!!) Totally unprofessional…(and I am black)
Jovita and Justin are cool…I still cannot watch with all the reporting of fires, shootings and muggings.
That’s why I watch WXIA.
Good luck Mr. Pruitt. Soon you will no longer have to share the screen with Big Bird Pearson anymore.
1baddman
July 22nd, 2010
4:19 pm
Dang i forgot Amanda Davis used to work at wsb tv yrs ago
Guy Sharpe
July 22nd, 2010
4:20 pm
I remember back in the day when local news was run by crazy white guys like me. We would make stuff up because we could…..I remember one time, we told everyone a tornado was coming, knowing they would hide in their basements. We then broke in and stole their stuff. It was great. It was amazing how many people would believe me. Remember when I told everyone Proctor & Gamble were devil worshipers? I got in trouble for that, but it was worth it to see all these all people doing what I said…I miss being alive.
Hindu Elvis Pimp
July 22nd, 2010
4:21 pm
The News Hour
Please reconsider!!!
July 22nd, 2010
4:23 pm
Pass that torch to John Bachman! He comes across as a down to earth guy with a great delivery style. Justin Farmer comes across aloof, stiff, agitated, and his delivery is quite flat. Makes me think he didn’t really want to go into broadcasting! Or maybe he didn’t want to come to WSB, but it was the only place hiring so he hates the pressure of trying to live up to his daddy (who was an excellent broadcaster, by the way).
(And by the way I read that Chris Curle is NOT Justin’s mom– this note is in reference to an earlier poster that said that both of Justin’s parents once worked at WSB.)
John Bachman and Amanda Rosseter— a winning combo!!!
Devildog
July 22nd, 2010
4:26 pm
Uncle Tom, TV is about talent not seniority. Well, maybe in Monica’s case . . . .
Toren Anderson
July 22nd, 2010
4:29 pm
John Pruitt is truly a class act and so is Monica Pearson. They have graced our airwaves with a level of excellence in broadcasting that will be a hard act to follow. I feel blessed to have grown up with them since grade school. Kudos to WSB on the choice of Justin Farmer and Jovita Moore, they will do well with those big shoes to fill.
The best story I have heard about John and Monica is straight from her lips during a conversation back in the 90’s. When she came to the station, John was the most gracious and wonderful to her from day one. What a great foundation for a dynasty: kindness and consideration. This pair deserves all good things for doing their job so well. It will be a sad day when they are not on the air, their constant presence through good times and bad has been a comforting anchor for our market (no pun intended). So we wish them so very well, job well done and thanks to them for giving of themselves to us all. See Atlanta, nice guys can finish first. Have fun with your family John! I am sure you will adjust quite well.
Harry Callahan
July 22nd, 2010
4:30 pm
Jim @ 1:08…
“But, this is america and especially in conservative america it is all in who you know, not what you know.”
Dude…seriously…I think your ADHD meds are seriously impairing your brain function. Maybe you should schedule a visit with your physician.
Jody
July 22nd, 2010
4:33 pm
Congratulations John, you deserve to step back and enjoy your evenings after all these years. I’ve missed your broadcasts since I moved to the DFW area. I’d take the majority of ATL broadcasters over these people. Can’t stand them.
Anonymous
July 22nd, 2010
4:34 pm
” . . every single story she does is a fourth grade dramatic reading.”
I laughed my ( ! ) off!
BTW: Is Justin Farmer any realtion to the former anchor Don Farmer?
Greg Rodgers
July 22nd, 2010
4:38 pm
Don Farmer is Justins father…
Anonymous
July 22nd, 2010
4:42 pm
And therefore, Jill Becker is Momma?
Allison
July 22nd, 2010
4:42 pm
Congratulations to Justin! I think he’s an amazing anchor. He’s also always out in the community and reports on some of the most difficult topics. I’m looking forward to the future at WSB. They are always the leader in the market, so they must be doing something right! And don’t John and Justin basically have the same hair cut?
Vikki Locke
July 22nd, 2010
4:42 pm
I’m happy for them both, but let’s not make more out of this than it is. They just read the news, that’s it!
Motocross Survivor
July 22nd, 2010
4:43 pm
“I remember back in the day when local news was run by crazy white guys like me.”
Now it’s riddled with stupid black guys & immigrants with ugly faces who mispronounce words.
Oh No He Di Ent
July 22nd, 2010
4:45 pm
The nicest pair in the Atlanta market are on CBS channel 46. And they belong to Dagmar Midcap!
jack
July 22nd, 2010
4:54 pm
Instead of a one hour program go to two thirty minute segments One starting at 6:00 with Justin Farmer. Move the ABC News at 6:30 instead of 7:00. Let John Bachmann anchor the segment at 7:00. Problem solved!
Sparkl011
July 22nd, 2010
4:55 pm
John is all class and a wonderful citizen and member of the community. Very accesible and charitable. All the best to him for much deserved graceful way of winding down an admirable career in Atlanta!
Realness
July 22nd, 2010
4:57 pm
John Pruitt has a great TOUPEE
jerry gardner
July 22nd, 2010
5:00 pm
Justin Farmer’s father is Don Farmer who worked here in the 80’s. I knew Don Farmer slightly, and he was a pluperfect jerk to just about everybody.
Anonymous
July 22nd, 2010
5:01 pm
Moto, Dude, crawl back down into the basement and rant on your Arian Nation blog!
Tori
July 22nd, 2010
5:01 pm
I think Justin does a great job! WSB is my definitely my local news choice
JBOO
July 22nd, 2010
5:02 pm
I want to add my vote for John Bachman. He and Linda Stouffer are the classiest anchors that Channel 2 has had, for as long as I can remember. And if I’m voting, I’d like to vote to have Glenn Burns eliminated from the weather reporting. He is the drama king when it comes to reporting a rain storm. If you just want an honest weather report, turn to Ken Cook on Fox5.