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.
Join my Facebook fan page and Twitter.
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144 comments Add your comment
Clint Efird
July 22nd, 2010
12:04 pm
I am glad John is able to cut his schedule back and all the years of great work. I really like the new “kids” WSBTV has brought on, like Justin Farmer and John Bachman, etc. More reasons I will continue watching WSB.
Uncle Tom
July 22nd, 2010
12:19 pm
Justin, eh? What about the others who have been there longer?
Steve
July 22nd, 2010
12:21 pm
A life long Atlantan…John Pruit is THE trusted face and voice of Atlanta news. A class act! We will miss JP…congrats on a great career..
martha
July 22nd, 2010
12:29 pm
yes it’s good that john will be getting nights off — yes he’s at the age for retirement — as are all that have been with him from the beginning — but it’s still sad to know the new ones are younger than we are instead of the same age or older!!
anyway have always loved john and monica — it will be so different without them — but that’s the way it goes — i guess ——-
Kelly
July 22nd, 2010
12:29 pm
Personally, I would prefer John Bachman at 5pm. Jovita is ok but is still lacking something. After 41 years John should have the evenings off.
News Watch
July 22nd, 2010
12:30 pm
Why not John Bachman? I think he’s a much better anchor.
dreux
July 22nd, 2010
12:38 pm
John Bachman IS a stronger anchor than Justin “Scared Eyes” Farmer and Jovita Moore would be a welcome replacement for Monica’s increasingly childlike delivery of the news.
Big Jim
July 22nd, 2010
12:39 pm
I respected John Pruitt while I was an Atlantan. Good guy.
Wish Columbia had his talent here.
Never liked Monica “insert married name”.Just didn’t like
her.
Pryncess
July 22nd, 2010
12:42 pm
Not a big fan of Jovita. Too bad they let Jaquitta Williams go to CBS.
Pryncess
July 22nd, 2010
12:43 pm
And I agree that I like John Bachman better.
Realness
July 22nd, 2010
12:49 pm
Bring back WARREN SAVAGE!!!!
Mike
July 22nd, 2010
12:51 pm
Different anchors….same house fires.
Morse Diggs
July 22nd, 2010
12:53 pm
Warren Savage has absolutly nothing on me. FOX5 for LIFE!
jimmyd
July 22nd, 2010
12:53 pm
I’m guessing they’re looking ahead, and feel that, given Farmer’s history, he’s a better long term bet that Bachman, for whatever reason.
As for Monica leaving, I agree with the “childlike” comment. She seems to think that every single story she does is a fourth grade dramatic reading. Believe me Monica, nobody else is excited about most of the crap you have to read-you don’t have to pretend to be.
The ONE thing that WSB has GOT to work on is getting whoever is writing their teases to actually READ the stories before they do.
Over the last couple of weeks I’ve noticed well over a dozen (probably a lot more, but that’s how many I counted) instances where the tease leading to the commercial promised something that was simply not in the story. If the tease is “when we come back, we’ll tell you how a local woman fought off her attacker” then that NEEDS TO BE IN THE STORY. As I say, this is not once in a while, it’s happening a lot!
Savvy
July 22nd, 2010
12:55 pm
Lol’ing @Realness…STOPPIT
Kitster
July 22nd, 2010
12:57 pm
I have to agree with most on here -
John Pruitt – class act. Best in town.
John Bachman – should be the replacement. Justin Farmer is getting the
gig because his father was the anchor there as well? That is what I had
heard at least.
Monica? Time to go. Jovita is the future, and her time has come. 5 bucks
that come 2012 – Monica pushes it back another two years.
K
July 22nd, 2010
1:00 pm
The best anchor they’ve had in recent years was Amanda Rosseter. She read the news like a professional, unlike Monica and all the melodrama she adds. She and Bachman would make a great team, if they could just get her back.
Jim
July 22nd, 2010
1:08 pm
I think the guy with tenure (Bachman) should have been moved into that prime news slot. But, this is america and especially in conservative america it is all in who you know, not what you know. How bout daddy Don Farmer anchoring with Monica back in the day, that could have something to do with it for sure.
But anyhoo, just get the story straight.
C
July 22nd, 2010
1:12 pm
I just want more Dagmar. Don’t care what station it’s at. More Dagmar=awsome!
Kelly
July 22nd, 2010
1:13 pm
@ Dreux…I thought that it was just me..Justin does look a bit scared at times. I loved Amanda too, she was great.
Lucy
July 22nd, 2010
1:18 pm
Maybe they should put Jovita in, now that John’s gone.
Sad to see John go – he’s always so cool and collected and smooth, not like ‘choppy’ Monica Pearson. It’s hard to believe that John and Monica read from the same script!
Can’t believe how she’s stayed on for so long, considering the way she butchers a sentence with her awkward phrasing. And that over-enunciating.. so hard to understand what she’s saying.
Kat
July 22nd, 2010
1:18 pm
Jay Leno said he was retiring and look what happened to Conan. If WSB starts airing Monica’s Closeups 5 nights a week at 10pm, Jovita is toast.
kelly&carriefan
July 22nd, 2010
1:18 pm
Well, it’s only a matter of time…but add me to the John Bachman team.
Wallyrob
July 22nd, 2010
1:31 pm
I, too, miss the good old days of Warran Savage before his crack rock binge…….I say bring him back!!!!!!
triggerman357
July 22nd, 2010
1:38 pm
I believe Justin Farmer is gonna go the way of Collins Spencer. Time for Jovita to get some of Monica’s space suits and a new ‘do’.
Josh
July 22nd, 2010
1:39 pm
I, too, think John Bachman is a much stronger personality and news deliverer in the evening. Justin sometimes get flustered too easily, and always seems to be shouting. Bachman is a trusted guy who I would much more prefer seeing during the week – maybe put HIM on the 11, and keep Justin at 5.
Lee
July 22nd, 2010
1:41 pm
Absolutely. I’m Team Bachman as well. Farmer is good but Bachman is better. Hate the politics of the profession.
Really?
July 22nd, 2010
1:42 pm
People still watch the local news? Next thing you’ll say is that people pay money to buy a newspaper!
S
July 22nd, 2010
1:50 pm
Monica, it’s time to pass the torch.
Keith
July 22nd, 2010
1:51 pm
Please stop using Fred Blankenship for promo voiceovers. He has an annoying lisp on certain words that just drives me crazy!
Kenneth
July 22nd, 2010
1:53 pm
I just want to say thank you. You have came into my house for so many years. Good Job!
LSUTiger
July 22nd, 2010
1:58 pm
John Backman is a much better anchor than Justin. Justin has those outdated sideburns and just does not come across as real. John Bachman should have been chosen hands down.
AtlMike
July 22nd, 2010
2:01 pm
I have to agree that John Bachman is much more of a professional anchor than Justin Farmer. I think it’s ok if Justin does the 5pm and John Bachman should do the 6pm and 11pm. John comes across that he really likes his job. Justin seems to be just going through the motions of reading the teleprompter.
jimmymack
July 22nd, 2010
2:04 pm
john is class . but think what you could been if you monica’s hair dresser ?
Andrew
July 22nd, 2010
2:04 pm
I agree with the above that Amanda Rosseter and John Bachman make the perfect co-anchors. Place me in the Team Bachman corner too. John has a much better personality and delivery style than Justin.
J-J
July 22nd, 2010
2:09 pm
John Bachman is much better than Justin. Jovita needs more grooming she will stumble on her words. But I love Karen Minton and David Chandley
Andrew
July 22nd, 2010
2:12 pm
Speaking of the weather, isn’t it funny the Glen Burns does not seem to have a clue what the weather is going to do? It has become a joke in Atlanta that whatever Glen says, the weather will do the opposite. All of my neighbors just laugh at Glen. I thought David Chandley was his boss. If he is, he should get rid of Glen.
DW
July 22nd, 2010
2:15 pm
Enjoy your evenings, Mr. Pruitt!
Michelle
July 22nd, 2010
2:22 pm
I agree about the weather person. I think that David Chandley is the best weather person on TV. I like Karen Minton, but don’t get to see her much during the week since I work. I thouht it was funny that we also make fun of Glen Burns. If he says it is going to be clear, watch out! A thunderstorm with show up! I also think John Bachman should be the lead anchor. Besides being the best looking (don’t tell my husband), his delivery is the best!
Lichele
July 22nd, 2010
2:24 pm
I think Erin Coleman is doing a better job than all of them.
Andy in Blairsville
July 22nd, 2010
2:25 pm
Channel 2 is apparently where washed up field reporters and anchors go to die. It’s like the “Florida” of news stations in Atlanta.
Mark43
July 22nd, 2010
2:31 pm
Well deserved! John Pruitt has been great and deserves this. Congrats John!
As for Justin Farmer, I’ll still take him anyday over that idiot with the spiked hair on Fox 5 News Edge.
Eraserhead
July 22nd, 2010
2:37 pm
Monica has been on WSB since I was in high school.She was certainly not washed up when she arrived. John Pruitt has been on WSB and WXIA for the last 30 years as well and is the consumate professional. The new anchors seem like they will do a good job also.
Michael
July 22nd, 2010
2:39 pm
I’m an old codger who was just a kid when Monica first started threatening to retire. How can we miss her if she won’t go away?
Motocross Survivor
July 22nd, 2010
2:39 pm
Unfortunately, Monica never got past the college radio delivery, which illustrates that it doesn’t necessarily take talent to succeed in TV news. Pruitt’s a bit of a PC punk, even at his age. Justin Farmer is kind of a cute little fellow. He could be my son or little bro.
Sportsmommy74
July 22nd, 2010
2:39 pm
Give me Zach Klein… he’s dreamy for sure…
LS
July 22nd, 2010
2:45 pm
John Bachman instead of Justin Farmer……..much better anchor and has been there longer.
HawkeyeState
July 22nd, 2010
2:47 pm
Booo!! John Bachman wins that slot hands down. Much more professional, better delivery, and a great all around guy both on and off the camera.
CEO
July 22nd, 2010
2:47 pm
Yes, WSB made a mistake. John Bachman should have gotten the nod over Justin Farmer. Justin does look like a 1950’s guy with the sideburns.
Acworth
July 22nd, 2010
2:59 pm
John Bachman is several times better than Justin Farmer. We can look forward to seeing him land a much larger gig somewhere else .. WSB made the same mistake with Bachman that CNN made with Bill Hemmer .. Now Hemmer is killing CNN on a regular basis from his perch at FOX News .. WSB will regret the day it made this decision .. As for John Pruitt, maybe the best this city ever had .. It is nice to see someone like John conclude his career on an upswing in what is a cutthroat industry.
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.
sue
July 22nd, 2010
5:02 pm
I love John and will miss him at 11:00 pm
Anna
July 22nd, 2010
5:02 pm
Congrats to Justin! He’s a great fit for the job.
Anonymous
July 22nd, 2010
5:05 pm
Just show me some more Linda Stouffer & I’ll be happy.
She’s so fine, I don’t finish sentences when she comes on the screen!
Monet
July 22nd, 2010
5:05 pm
This is a neat change, Justin and Jovita are both awesome. Both of them are very professional, and easy to watch. Wish you the best, John!
pb
July 22nd, 2010
5:07 pm
I am glad John gets to start retiring. He has been on air in Atlanta since I moved her back in mid 70’s. He deserves a break. Seems like a class act and professional. Bet the guy is right who says Monica will push back her retirement. She doesn’t know what else to do? I know people that have worked at Channel 2 that say she is not as nice as appears on air. Just my opinion.
Wayne
July 22nd, 2010
5:07 pm
@Realness … HA! The toupee … good one!
@Anonymous … I second that!!!
darb
July 22nd, 2010
5:13 pm
I’ll miss John, but cant wait for Monica to retire. 2012 is too long, Monica, call it a night soon.
Anonymous
July 22nd, 2010
5:18 pm
Dream Team:
Anchors – Linda Stouffer & Stephany Fisher
Weather – Dagmar Midcap & Joanne Feldman
Sports – hire Erin Andrews!!!
Michael
July 22nd, 2010
5:20 pm
I’m excited about the new team–Justin and Jovita are excellent. Justin’s reporting on the Immigration issue was the best I’ve seen anywhere. It’s good to see that real reporting still exists on local news.
BeeGee
July 22nd, 2010
5:22 pm
Is Warren out of jail?
Lamekia
July 22nd, 2010
5:38 pm
Does anyone else think Dagmar Midcap sounds like Glenda the good witch?
Dacula KG
July 22nd, 2010
5:45 pm
Lifelong Atlantan here.I like John Bachman too, Why can we all see this and the news director cant. Jovita is lacking And like JOhn B a lot better than Justin
ATLcindy
July 22nd, 2010
5:53 pm
where’s Pam and Forrest when you need them!
broseph
July 22nd, 2010
6:20 pm
Yes, Jovita and Jacquitta be good; but there be’s a few new fresh ladies comin’ up in tha news game, particulaly, Shandaviaqua Jenkins and Dontravieouselle Nash…be on tha lookout for they swag in the fyoocha…
Ron
July 22nd, 2010
6:27 pm
There was a short period some years back where John wasn’t on the news. Once he returned, my mother and I were discussing how much we had missed him. She called the newsroom just after the broadcast and had the best conversation with John. I was impressed that after the long day and what, I’m sure, was a lot of contact from viewers, he took the time to talk to mom (and she can make a short conversation take FOREVER). He is a classy, professional, traditional newscaster, and a wonderfully nice human being. I don’t look forward to seeing him go, but wish him a joyous time in retirement.
Valtool
July 22nd, 2010
6:42 pm
Can they dump Fred Blankenschlip and his lisp for someone who can speak clearly in broadcast media?
Tubby
July 22nd, 2010
6:42 pm
CBS-46 has the best weather team.
Paula
July 22nd, 2010
6:45 pm
Justin Farmer is horrible!!! He is certainly not the calibre of anchor one would expect from WSB. John Bachman is so much better.
Lisa
July 22nd, 2010
6:58 pm
I agree with Steve. I too am an Atlanta native and John Pruitt is the face of Channel 2 news. I remember watching him from my teen years until present day. I wish him well and I hope he enjoys the extra time with his family, he deserves it!
Keep John, take Monica and Jovita
July 22nd, 2010
6:59 pm
I Love John Pruitt; hate to see him leave that newscast. I SO wish Monica would retire; she said she was leaving 2-3 years ago!! And take Jovita, too. I like Justin Farmer, John Bachman and L. Stouffer. but enough of Monica–PLEASE GO!!! Her histrionics, ad libs and ghetto hairstyles are why I rarely watch WSB now. I watch channel 11 mostly.
And no, keep ABC News at 7 PM; that way I can get NBC’s news at 6:30 and Diane Sawyer at 7 PM.
Hooray for Jaquitta Williams, but I still say VICKIE NEWTON–the Black female anchor who went to St Louis was the best!! SHE was a CLASS ACT every time!!!!!!!!!!!!
Deb
July 22nd, 2010
7:21 pm
Justin Farmer’s mother is Chris Curle. Her and Don Farmer have been married for years.
Boycott BP
July 22nd, 2010
7:45 pm
If John Pruitt retired a few years ago, I’d probably have stayed with WSB; but, he stayed too long and I opted for something better, CBS Atlanta. Keeping it fresh is good. I am a Democrat and can’t believe we have Roy Barnes to look to leadership. Isn’t there fresh visionary leadership availble? I am in my late 50’s and believe in passing the torch to those younger, hungrier, and those with good ideas. John Pruitt should have retired years ago and take Roy Barnes with you.
George M.
July 22nd, 2010
7:58 pm
Amanda Rosseter, excellent journalist ability. Glad I’m not the only one to notice.
George M.
July 22nd, 2010
7:59 pm
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newsWatcher
July 22nd, 2010
8:31 pm
mm, farmer is kind of a light-weight in my opinion. i think they should have groomed john bachman to be lead anchor
Los Loros Softball
July 22nd, 2010
9:06 pm
Justin Farmer is EXACTLY what we need. I grew up with John and Monica when I moved here in 1984, but Justin’s skills are already evident in his reporting style as well as his acumen during special assignments. Well done Ch 2 for having the foresight to do this!
Maxy
July 22nd, 2010
9:15 pm
I don’t understand all the Justin Farmer bashing towards the beginning of these posts. Personally, i like both Farmer and Bachman. I think they’re both good at their delivery of the news and they both are very physically attractive too. Whichever one got the gig is fine with me. Stop bashing Justin.
Beau Bock
July 22nd, 2010
10:31 pm
The Farmer kid could not HOLD MY JOCK! I would bring much more to the anchor desk.
jljlkj
July 22nd, 2010
10:38 pm
Both of them are very good. I wish them well whatever they do. When Glenn Burns finally retires, make sure he passes the ‘Eatonton’ torch (he mentions that city in every single forecast) so that my wife and I will have something to watch for — ‘he’s gonna mention Eatonton in this next segment.’
Yeah, we are boring.
TommyJack
July 23rd, 2010
1:06 am
Bring in Cheryl Jones for weather. Course she blocked out half of the U.S. map.
Anonymous Newsman
July 23rd, 2010
2:21 am
I find 11ALive with their new format and all is a BETTER news station to watch!
Beau Bock
July 23rd, 2010
4:00 am
I’m tired of all these pusscatores!
Big Steve
July 23rd, 2010
4:25 am
I prefer CBS 46’s news. Dagmar is the best. On cold days she can point to things on the weather map without even lifting a finger. It’s awesome.
exnuyawker
July 23rd, 2010
8:24 am
I won an in-house contest 9 years ago when I worked at Cox Communications and had lunch with John Pruitt. He is an amazing man and I wish him all the best! Enjoy those nights off with your grandkids!
StaninRoswell
July 23rd, 2010
8:49 am
@Tommyjack- LOL!!!!
JJ
July 23rd, 2010
9:27 am
i wish Monica would go. She gets so excited reading the news she screws up most of the time. Time for new anchors. Justin and Jovita are great together. Most times when I turn from channel 2 it is because of Monica screwing up her reading. At least John knows when it is time to go. Take a lesson Monica.
kj
July 23rd, 2010
10:53 am
My choice for the new anchor team would be John Bachman and Amanda Rosseter.
Susan
July 23rd, 2010
11:28 am
Justin and Jovita seem like a great team! Fun to watch.
Silent Jay
July 26th, 2010
11:22 am
They’ve had more good byes than The Who.
“I prefer CBS 46’s news. Dagmar is the best. On cold days she can point to things on the weather map without even lifting a finger. It’s awesome.”–@Big Steve
What a scream, man. My Bic is raised in tribute.
Robin Huud
July 27th, 2010
9:46 am
Really liked John Pruitt when I lived in Atlanta; he is steady and stable; never misses a beat, but WSB is so boring. As for Monica, she should have been fired a long time ago; heard first hand from a former anchor there how ” difficult” she was to work with, he really called her a b,,,,,,. Saw her in person once at a Christmas event and she came off as being extremely silly and immature, lots of plastic and fake personality. She once said she had had plenty of offers to go other places but always wanted to stay in Atlnata; I doubt that; she is really not professional at all; she should be glad she is on the top rated station there; she would have been gone long ago with other stations. Why cant someone give WSB some competition.
Michael
July 27th, 2010
11:23 am
Wait, what will we do without anticipating monica’s hair every night?
Book man Mark E
July 28th, 2010
9:42 am
In fact I heard that the reason why Vickie Newton (I remember her, too) left was that her popularity was so high, she was better received than Kaufman. Monnie K wasn’t havin’ that, so Newton shipped out and is the BOMB–i.e., kickin butt in St Louie.
It is past time for Monica (Maiden name)-Kaufman-Deveaux?-Lott-Pearson to go. What a bunch of “men”. I heard she’s slightly calmed down her histrionics of late (probably after reading this blog). LOL.
Channel 11 is better nowadays, tho ch 2 does give more info/longer segments. But the best anchors are anywhere but here in ATL; other stations don’t do all that histrionic/drama/BS, aren’t as celeb driven(NeNe on 11 was a BAD move), etc. Just read the news and otherwise, save your schmoozy jokes for the break room. Gotta go- work calls. Ciao!
Tammy C.
August 9th, 2010
11:33 pm
I still like Monica because she spoke at my high school graduation in 1976 but I agree sometime its time to move on. I LOVE John Bachman, also don’t tell my husband! I think he and Linda Stouffer would be a great team for the weeknights as well. @ATLcindy, Im so glad that someone remembers Forrest Sawyer and Pam Martin.
John W. Baughman
September 6th, 2010
11:27 pm
I missed the transition and wondered why Justin wasn’t announced as in for John Pruitt. When you look up male anchor in the dictonary, there must be a photo of John Pruitt. Well done, John. It looks like Justin can fill your shoes. John Bachman in the wings. Some other great on site reporters. But, it will be a while before I feel absolutely confident without John and Monica. WSB-TV is the best.