Monday, August 13, 2007

Another Chapter for WAKR's Kennard


Pat Kennard has taken another opportunity and will be leaving the Rubber City Radio Group; her last day broadcasting on WAKR will be Friday, August 24th, 2007. At this point I’ll leave it to Pat’s discretion on discussing her next career step, but will note this is an excellent opportunity for Pat and we are very happy for her. We will certainly miss Pat’s commitment to our community and her professionalism as a broadcast journalist; I will miss Pat’s contributions to our news department and seeing her daily as a friend.

During Pat’s tenure on WAKR (both radio and television) dating back more than a generation she has been on the cusp of some truly great reporting and community service. A highlight was this past June’s Ohio Associated Press award for “Best Anchor”, I’m glad we were all able to take part in the support of Pat’s work as anchor and reporter leading to this year’s AP award.

Other highlights certainly include Pat’s Cleveland Press Club “Ohio Excellence in Journalism” first place award in 2001 for “Voices From South Africa”, a documentary drawn from Pat’s travels across South Africa. Her work was a critical part of our overall news, community affairs and public service programs that earned our news department significant acclaim over the past years, including Outstanding News Operation for two straight years.

Pat’s work in the community both on and off the air is well documented, and certainly played a role in her long-overdue recognition by her peers. As a one of the first panelists on NewsNight Akron, as a panelist on President Clinton’s Town Hall Meeting on Race, as a mentor to hundreds of students in local schools, as a tireless worker for programs benefiting people, and as an advocate for education Pat has brought our radio operation dignity and a strong presence in the local community. She will be missed on the air but will still be a vital part of our community -- stay tuned for more!

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