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Back in the Saddle (sort of)
WE ALL KNOW it can be very hard to get back on the horse when you fall, especially when you're knocked off. Pardon the overused metaphors, but I was beginning to feel like I'd been rode hard and put away wet. I told you all about my rather untimely and unexpected departure from KLAS a few months ago, but now I'm happy to report I'm back in the news business, albeit not in the anchor chair just yet. KTNV, Channel 13 is my new home. The folks at Action News made me an offer I couldn't refuse: join some old friends and help play David to Las Vegas' two television Goliaths. Luckily, I've had my slingshot at the ready for months.
 There's a catch. (Isn't that always the case?) You won't be seeing my face or hearing my voice for a full year, thanks to a non-compete clause in my last contract. Actually, I'm OK with that. I am doing what I got into the business for in the first place: to get out on the streets and report the real stories. Luckily, it's just like riding a bike. As far as the eventual anchor opportunities, we're just playing that by ear for now.
Here's the best part. I'm now a part of a station and company that is having fun and going about their business like it's their passion, not just their job. There's a youthful vitality that's really catching at Channel 13, and it's all thanks to an old war horse. Channel 13 Action News has a leader as capable as any news manager this town has ever seen. Dick Tuininga has worked in Los Angeles, San Francisco, San Diego, Cleveland and best of all: Las Vegas. Dick was at KLAS for 4 or so years and believe me, everyone was said when he left. Dick was the Executive Producer (among other things) of Vegas Live! on Las Vegas One. Some of you may remember our little local talk show starring Sheena Easton, Clint Holmes, Kelly Clinton and yours truly. It was Sheena who gave Mr. Tuininga the props he deserved.
Never the shy one, the boisterous Ms. Easton used to scream "Everyone loves Dick!" every chance she got. Side note: We had something special brewing with Vegas Live!, and we're keeping the idea on the back burner…
But I digress. The point here is Dick Tuininga is riding herd on a very talented group of people you really need to check out. I know, old viewing habits die hard, but mark my words, Channel 13 is going to start surprising people in this valley of ours. There's already been a minor victory. The KTNV Morning Show beat the Channel 8 morning broadcast in the July sweeps period. That, to my knowledge, is the first time that's ever happened.
So, in closing, let me offer my last two metaphor/clichés: I'm baaaack, and I love this town!!! 
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