Neill McNeill's Blog

This week marks an end of an era for me and the rest of the FOX 8 family. Friday (April 18th) will be Rich Brenner’s last day on the air at WGHP-TV FOX 8. Rich is retiring after 30+ years in broadcasting.

It seems as if it was just yesterday when Rich joined this family in 1986. I was co-anchoring the station’s weekend newscasts and fondly remember those days I’d fill-in for Fred Blackman and sit beside Rich during the 6:00pm and 11:00pm weeknight newscasts--and occasionally on the weekends.

But my link to Rich goes back more than 10 years earlier. You see, I grew up in southeastern North Carolina and --as a child-- watched Rich (along with Charlie Gaddy, Bobbie Batista, and Bob DeBardelaben) deliver the nightly sports report on WRAL-TV in Raleigh. That news team and that television station were major influences in my decision to make broadcast journalism my career choice.

There are three words I believe accurately describe Rich: brilliant, passionate, and compassionate. Let me explain---

I’ve often said Rich Brenner has one of the most “brilliant” minds I’ve ever known. His memory and his ability to process difficult concepts are impeccable. He can name the teams, the scores, and the significant plays of just about every major sporting event over the last 50 years.

In writing news stories over the years, I’ve dialed Rich’s extension every time I couldn’t remember a NASCAR driver’s name or which team won the Super Bowl 13 years ago. He’d always recall that information immediately—in addition to the car owner and winning quarterback. (For some reason, he can also remember the lyrics of Vanilla Ice’s “Ice Ice Baby” complete with the correct rhythm and word emphasis. Ask him to do this for you if you want a good laugh!)

The second word that best describes Rich Brenner is “passionate.” There aren’t many who work harder than Rich. Rich has little patience with co-workers and others who don’t follow his example of giving 150%. Sometimes I’ve lived up to Rich’s standards. Other times I haven’t.

But, then again, I’ve sometimes felt (and I’m sure Rich wouldn’t disagree) that passion’s gotten the best of him. Because Rich sets such high standards for himself and others, it’s difficult for him to “ease off” or “de-stress.” Many times when Rich has seemed easily-frustrated or impatient, I’ve told him, “let it go Rich, it’s not your job to worry about that.”---or----“Rich, you don’t have any control over that.” For Rich, taking that advice was easier said than done.

This full-throttle/do what it takes to get the story/take no prisoners approach has undoubtedly contributed to Rich’s heart problems in recent years—which have, more than anything, prompted his retirement. But it’s also why so many in his profession respect and admire him.

And finally, you can’t neglect Rich’s “compassion.” I remember Rich showing up at one of our Salvation Army Bell Ringings dressed as one of Santa’s helpers and parking his motorcycle so the children could see it up close. Rich—as many of you know--- also played Santa’s helper at the Sealy/Fox 8 Holiday Concerts for years. Children have a special place in Rich’s heart. He never turned down a DARE graduation speaking request or a chance to influence a young person’s life in a positive way.

I remember the year he showed up at my door at Christmas Eve in his Santa’s helper outfit to visit my oldest daughter when she was 3 years old. (She’s now 15.) Rich was also among the first WGHP colleagues in the receiving line at my father’s visitation last November. Not many have a bigger heart than Rich.

So Rich, as you enter this new phase of life—God’s speed. Take care of yourself. Enjoy your teaching and the students at Elon University. Take a few moments each day to “smell the roses.” Focus on everything that’s positive. Enjoy that beautiful grandchild and spending time with your family members who—I know---are yearning to see more of you at home after all these years.

I also hope everyone will watch the Fox 8 6:00 News EVERY day this week (April 14-18). We’re planning some special “Rich tributes” during those newscasts. It will all culminate on Friday (April 18th)---and you might see some Fox 8 family members you haven’t seen in a while!

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