THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1996, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Wednesday, January 24, 1996 TAG: 9601240002
SECTION: FRONT PAGE: A10 EDITION: FINAL
TYPE: Letter
LENGTH: Long : 102 lines
Today one looks about and sees so much mediocrity. It was refreshing to have at least one place in the video media with class, taste and decency. But I guess mediocre people have no need or wish for these values, and this must be why the decision-makers at WTKR Channel 3 have let go Dr. Duane Harding. Well. my family and I are intending to vote with our remote as WTKR sends in the clowns!
JIM ALCORN
Virginia Beach, Jan. 20, 1996
The only good reason to watch WTKR-TV news was Dr. Duane. Now that he has been dismissed, I are switching to another local newscast.
The WTKR news-team image is one that I am finding hard to understand. Is it the old team - Ed and Jane - or the young team - Tom and LeAnne? Either way, the only real professional on the team was Dr. Duane. I think he would have fit with both teams, at least agewise.
I will gladly give up WTKR-TV news in protest of his dismissal, but I will miss John Castleberry: he may be the best local-news sportscaster.
I hope Dr. Duane finds another local weather job, as this household will be tuning in the first night he is on the air.
DANIEL L. REILLY
Virginia Beach, Jan. 20, 1996
Remember NEW COKE? Dr. Duane is a classic!
RAY and JEAN HOLLOWELL
Chesapeake, Jan. 21, 1996
The firing of Dr. Duane saddens me. My household will be switching channels. Perhaps (we hope) we will be able to watch him on another local channel.
Dr. Duane did not need the old way of broadcasting the weather (If you are wet, it is raining, etc.). He was reliable, accurate and knew what he was talking about. WTKR-TV can keep its jesters ``on the roof.'' We will be watching other channels for reliable, accurate, no-nonsense weather reports.
FRANCES KING
Suffolk, Jan. 21, 1996
I, like so many others, was appalled at the way WTKR-TV abruptly terminated Dr. Duane Harding's employment. He was one of the most articulate, and certainly one of the most credible, newscasters at that station. I will be watching WAVY-TV or WVEC-TV from now on!
RAY R. ROBINSON
Virginia Beach, Jan. 21, 1996
I asked my wife who they were trying to run away when WTKR-TV sent the weatherman to the roof. Now we all know: It was Dr. Duane Harding.
What a shame! He is the best man WTKR-TV has ever had. I have been watching since 1950.
When I arrived in Norfolk in December 1936, I listened to WTAR radio. Among my friends it was known as ``Will try another record.'' And the music was good.
Now WTKR stands for ``Will try kicking arse.'' That is bad. So we have taken our weather watching elsewhere.
WALTER E. ESTES
Portsmouth, Jan. 20, 1996
I wish Dr. Duane a much better job at a new station where his talents will be appreciated. I don't know Dr. Duane, but I believe from watching him since he has been in the area that he is a fine man and deserves better.
I hope WTKR-TV loses a lot of viewers.
MARYLYN K. PORTER
Chesapeake, Jan. 20, 1996
I will never watch Channel 3 WTKR-TV news again. My husband and I thought they looked like a bunch of idiots, all bundled up in winter clothing on the roof. When they weren't on the roof, they were still all bundled up in the studio.
I hope another local station hires Dr. Duane. Goodbye, Channel 3. Shame on you!
KAREN HETHERINGTON
Virginia Beach, Jan. 20, 1996
Already I miss Dr. Duane Harding's excellent weather reports.
I have one wish for the person responsible for the abrupt firing of Dr. Duane: May he/she be the next one fired from WTKR-TV - and in the same shabby manner as was Dr. Duane. And soon.
WILLIAM M. MORSE JR.
Norfolk, Jan. 20, 1996
Dr. Duane fans and supporters may choose to do as I have done and write to the New York Times Co. (the owner of WTKR, Channel 3) to voice their opinions on the firing of that respected weatherman. The address:
Frank Roberts
President
New York Times Co.
803 Channel 3 Drive
Memphis, Tenn. 38103
K. M. LAMB
Virginia Beach, Jan. 22, 1996 by CNB