WDBJ's number 7 story of the year: Keith Humphry's retirement

Jean Jadhon WDBJ7

3:46 p.m. EST, December 21, 2011

We begin our countdown of the top news stories of 2011. Our number seven story seems quite appropriate for a man who spent three decades at News 7.

2011 saw a familiar face say goodbye to the anchor chair when Keith Humphry signed off for a final time in May.

Over three decades Keith's work took him from the anchor desk, to many places near and far.

Much of his time was spent covering court cases including the trial of Jens Soering in the 1980's

Keith Humphry wasn't afraid to ask the tough questions.

He was there at the opening of the Roanoke Regional Airport in 1989, and the re-opening of the Hotel Roanoke in 1995.

It was May 25 that Keith anchored his final newscast.

At last check Keith's doing well, relaxing and enjoying time with his family.

At a visit to the station we noticed he's even grown a beard.

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Comments (5)

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Uncle Ed at 2:32 PM December 29, 2011

Well, let's see.... Multiple Associated Press awards. At least one Edward R. Murrow award. A career honor from the Virginia Association of Broadcasters. He solved at least one crime before the cops (or at least before the cops announced a suspect). He blew the whistle on a car dealership selling wrecked cars as "new" -- and you can bet the station management did NOT want him to do that story! He exposed misuse of funds at the Virginia Museum of Transportation, leading to a management housecleaning. His professionalism in covering court cases helped convince judges that TV cameras should be allowed in Virginia courtrooms on a regular basis. The viewers actually benefited from having him around! He anchored WDBJ's 6PM newscast for many years, and during that entire time, the newscast NEVER dipped below #1 in the ratings. It was often the highest-rated newscast in the state.

Yeah, I think his retirement qualified as news.

cxxi121 at 5:37 PM December 28, 2011

Regardless of any thing else, just where does one get one of those watches that the Old Man had?

cxxi121 at 11:15 AM December 27, 2011

Until one sits or stands in front of that camera and has to speak right the "go" signal then comments are understood. The reporter has to be at full boar (bore?) every second the red light is on. There is no replay when it's live. We hardly have real live TV anymore. How many times have the anchors reshot the last scene? or story? For Keith to last 30 years at one station is almost unheard of these days. I appreciate his service and even though I did not see eye to eye on some of his approaches and stories he did what the station managment wanted. That counts more than our opinions. I still wish him smooth sailing in the future and further add that I hope that sailing is long and gainful.

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WDBJ's number 7 story of the year: Keith Humphry's retirement

Comments (5)