A few weeks ago, our weekend meteorologist Blake Smith announced he was leaving KAKE TV to become a high school science teacher. It's bitter sweet news for most of us because Blake is a great guy who does a wonderful job, but we also know he will make a tremendous teacher! Lucky for us, Blake is staying in town to teach. Most of the time, 'TV people' move far, far away. Working in local television, getting to know co-workers over a period of time only to watch them leave is common. The 'going away party' is just part of the business. Working at KAKE on and off now for 13 years, I have attended my share of going away parties. The reality of local TV in a market this size is that most journalist stay for 2 or 3 years and then bolt for a bigger, more lucrative opportunity in a larger market. I often find myself trying to recall the people who have come and gone over past 13 years. Sometimes I can't remember everyone. It's not easy watching your co-workers and friends move away, but there is a silver lining. Most people in local television have friends scattered across the county, coast to coast. Talking to former co-workers in other markets can give you insight into what other stations are doing and how they operate. As for Blake, he doesn't want a 'going away party.' He contends that he is not really going away. I tend to agree. A party is closure for friends who are coming to terms that they most likely will never ever see that person again. Since we will all see Blake again, no need for closure. Maybe he will let some of us take his class?
