Owned by Branson Visitors TV; Gray holds a 50.1% interest in this company. And they look at me like, Youre one of us and we want to make this work for you.. Buckskin was also one of the first shows in the United States to have a sign-language interpreter for hearing-impaired viewers prior to closed-captioning. On this Wikipedia the language links are at the top of the page across from the article title. Submitted by SVCINC COL Clay C. Le Grande, Jr., USA (Ret) Baton Rouge, LA 70817-3432 H - (225) 752-9780 c.legrande@cox.net. BATON ROUGE - Longtime WAFB anchor and investigative reporter Paul Gates has died at the age of 69 after a long battle with Alzheimer's disease. WAFB was one of a handful of stations that shifts the air times of various CBS programming. what role does individualism play in american society. Louisiana State Senate Communications Director Brenda Hodge co-anchored WAFB's 6 p.m. with Mahaffey for several years beginning in 1976. Bond has been set for a St. Gabriel police officer who was arrested in connection with the murder of a Denham Springs man that happened overnight, officials said. About a week after a man disappeared, the Baton Rouge Police Department continues to ask the public for help locating him, as new evidence has surfaced in the case. The station began broadcasting on April 19, 1953, as the first television station in Baton Rouge, and the second television station in the state of Louisiana. WAFB anchors Donna Britt, left, and Greg Meriwether during the 6pm newscast, Wednesday, June 13, 2018, as Donna Britt signs off for one last time at WAFB studios in downtown Baton Rouge, La. Donna Britt, third from left, has always been a supporter of community events, like the American Cancer Society's Relay for Life. Investigators say Maili Morris made 136 purchases using her 73-year-old aunts debit card, which she had linked to her personal DoorDash account. Shes a great investigative reporter. He called her in for an interview and hired her right away. The #1 subreddit for all things relating to Baton Rouge, Louisiana! Live with Regis and Kelly and The Oprah Winfrey Show were seen until the late 1990s. A lot of people dont get the opportunity to work part-time anchoring, she said. In addition, the new owners cancelled the station's beloved 33-year-old half-hour local weekday program Storyland, then the longest-running children's program, hosted by Buckskin Bill Black, and rechristened it as Buckskin and Friends, an hour-long show that aired on Saturday mornings until it was cancelled in September 1990. The WAFB news director at the time, Carlton Cremeens, heard Donna on the radio as a DJ and loved her voice. BATON ROUGE, LA (WAFB) - Longtime Baton Rouge news anchor John Mahaffey has died. Former WBRZ News. The East Feliciana Police Chiefs Association held an appreciation luncheon on April 8 at Centenary Inn in Jackson. Powell anchored the 5 p.m., 6 p.m. and 11 p.m. newscasts at ABC11 a schedule which made for very long days. Her two children include her daughter Annie and son Louis. Louisiana Attorney General Jeff Landry is seeking to get an endorsement from former President Donald Trump. In 1997, AFLAC sold its entire broadcasting division, including WAFB, to Raycom Media. She attended numerous scouting Camporees and was fiercely proud of carrying a canoe over mountains and paddling the Northern Tier Extreme Boy Scout Adventure on Americas Northern border. Pets may be the ones who impact people the most. Britt first announced her ALS diagnosis to viewersduring a newscast in 2017. Like house plant? In an interview with The News & Observer the week before her final broadcast on ABC11, Powell said that she had worked nights for about 15 years at the station, and that working from home some during the pandemic had opened her eyes to the time she was missing with her youngest daughter, who is 7. WAFB's newscasts have had the second-highest ratings at 10 p.m. in any of the country's biggest television markets according to The Des Moines Register in Iowa. It was a gross departure from procedure. It originally aired a digital signal on UHF channel 46 from a transmitter at its studios. Its a multimillion-dollar project that has been met with more delays than promises. WCCO has addresed the situation both during newscasts and online, with a statement saying: "WCCO-TV anchor/reporter Liz Collin is married to Bob Kroll. To avoid any potential conflict of interest, Liz has not reported on Minneapolis Police and Minneapolis Police Union issues for at least two-and-a-half years." Her mother trained for a ministry in church music. Mahaffey, a graduate of the University of Texas, retired in 1999 and continued living in Baton Rouge. Photo by Carol Anne Blitzer. WAFB also airs the Sunday services from the First United Methodist Church in the city. Hey! I have ALS, Lou Gherigs disease. Donna Britt of WAFB gives the crowd some encouraging words before the fourth annual Red Wig Walk to raise awareness for HIV prevention on the levee near the USS Kidd in downtown Baton Rouge on Saturday, May 20, 2017. Donna Britt, Herb Vincent among this year's Manship School Hall of Fame inductees. Every year in the United States, about 5,000 people are diagnosed with ALS, also known as Lou Gehrigs disease. This is exactly what you wanted, so why not? he responded. WAFB (channel 9) is a television station in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, United States, affiliated with CBS.It is owned by Gray Television alongside low-power, Class A MyNetworkTV affiliate WBXH-CD (channel 39). The fight happened in front of Camille Shade Hall on Southerns campus, jail records show. Britt, who was a breast cancer survivor, was involved in multiple charities including ones for ALS, sickle cell disease and cancer, WAFB reported. So, now I know whats been paralyzing muscles all over my body all these months and shows no signs of stopping.. wcpo news anchor fired Honestly, I didnt think this was possible, Powell said. And, it's a proud legacy. Through two gracious campaigns from his show, Buckskin Bill helped to start the Baton Rouge Zoo. Photo 3 - US Coast Guard Marine Safety Unit Baton Rouge Color Guard of MMST2 James Nichols, MST3 Michael Thacker, ME3 Joseph Maldonado, BM3 Jarret Guerra was the lead Color Guard for the MOC ceremony. 93 News Anchors in Baton Rouge, LA Directory - Trustoria A large storm system took aim at the Northeast on Friday, threatening heavy snow and coastal flooding after heavy winds and possible tornadoes damaged homes and buildings, left thousands without power and caused five deaths in a wide swath of the South and Midwest. The fourth candidate, U.S. Sen. David Vitter, R-Metairie, did not participate. Beloved WAFB anchor Donna Britt passes away, Donna Britt's last newscast - June 13, 2018 (end of show farewell), LSU WR Malik Nabers arrested in New Orleans; prosecutors refuse to charge with condition, Health experts, former athletes respond to NCAAs proposal to reduce game time and plays. Her ALS diagnosis is causing her to pull back on those activities. Golden Deeds recipient Donna Britt gets a standing ovation during the Golden Deeds awards Tuesday, Nov. 13, 2018, at the Baton Rouge Marriott. Nicole Nalepa is the anchor of Connecticut's #1 morning newscast, "Eyewitness News This Morning", and the co-host of WFSB's newest lifestyle T.V. TV: Former ABC11 anchor Tisha Powell lands job at WAFB News | Raleigh But besides that,he was a really fine human being.". Shield of Hope -- Honoring Donna Britt, seated, at the Salvation Army of Greater Baton Rouge's Shield of Hope Gala are, standing from left, Maj. Brett Meredith, Carissa Graves, Congresssman Garret Graves, Maj. Steve Morris, Roy O. and Kathy Martin, Maj. Mary Meredith and board chairman Todd Gerald. [14] With the new digital channel, WAFB rebroadcasts WBXH on channel 9.4 and, before the launch of Bounce TV affiliate September 2011, weather on channel 9.2. I know she was banned from going after BRPD's Chief Murphy Paul. Real-time updates and all local stories you want right in the palm of your hand. Donna Britt, who worked for Baton Rouge station WAFB for nearly four . It will still be breezy in the afternoon, but not as much as the morning, otherwise today will become sunny and nice with highs in the 70s. The Pointe Coupee Parish Sheriffs Office caught a juvenile driving a stolen vehicle from an area where law enforcement officials say they have been investigating a string of vehicle thefts. Over the years, she played for thousands of church services as well as hundreds of weddings and funerals. This includes two newscasts on sister station WBXH-CD (weeknights at 9, which began on January 8, 2007, and Saturday mornings). Donna Britt,who worked for Baton Rouge station WAFB for nearly four decades, succumbed on Thursday at age 62 to the neurological disease, which is also known as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis or ALS, according to the news outlet. Photo shot on 3/7/2009. and Hibernia National Bank. Follow us on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram to get the latest updates on LSU Football and Recruiting. Click to become an INSIDER for under $2.00 a week, Andre Moreau parts ways with WAFB after eight years, 2022 Welcome: Official Visitors Guide to Greater Baton Rouge. Copyright 2016 WAFB. Fruit plant? A man is behind bars in Livingston Parish for allegedly robbing a man at gunpoint while he was at an ATM Tuesday night, February 28. My whole family is very excited. From left, longtime WAFB anchor Donna Britt on set as she is watched by her son, Louie Ballard, and husband Mark Ballard, Wednesday, June 13, 2018, as Britt signs off for one last time at WAFB studios in downtown Baton Rouge, La. CONTRIBUTED PHOTO -- Our America Writers' and Artists' Project -- The Our America Writers' and Artists' Project received a Power of Nine Award on WAFB-TV on Aug. 25. One person was taken to the hospital after a crash in Zachary early Thursday, March 2, according to emergency responders. Good dudes, but definitely not journalists. Photo shot on 3/17/2003. The event is an American Cancer Society, Relay for Life fundraiser. Left to right, first row: Sherrie Holliday, Gwen Kelly, Ronnell Nolan, Karen Tabor, Crystal Seeley, Judy Hignight, Cheryl Bagert, Sheri Stevenson, Beth Allison, Dianne Mays, Kathy Tremont. The Supreme Courts new 5-2 Republican majority voted along party lines to prevent the transfer of school funds. "The whole John Wayne moniker - that John Wayne was The Duke," she said. She is a good journalist and if WAFB fired her, they let one get away and one of their competitors will scoop her up quickly. She is a good journalist and if WAFB fired her, they let one get away and one of their competitors will scoop her up quickly. Cadet Commander of Troops, Cadet LTC Alisha Parker of Tara High School issued the vocal commands that moved the mass of flag carrying corps through the ceremony. Volodymyr Dorogobid, 38, and Tigran Avetisyan, 39, both of Brooklyn, New York, were booked on three counts of unlawful use of an unmanned aircraft system and also for obstruction of justice for tampering with evidence. Im sure her employer hasnt been thrilled with her dating partner being a news topic on multiple occasions in the past few years. One locally produced show that brought years of enjoyment to children was hosted by "Buckskin Bill" Black (William Black) that ran in different formats from 1955 until 1990. (WAFB) - Longtime WAFB anchor Donna Britt, a dedicated journalist and beloved member of the community, has passed away after her courageous battle with ALS. transitioned from analog to digital broadcasts, https://www.linkedin.com/company/wafb-tv/, "GRAY AND RAYCOM TO COMBINE IN A $3.6 BILLION TRANSACTION", "Gray Acquiring Raycom For $3.65B, Forming No. Never be too sure. Donna passed away. Continue reading this story and get ACCESS to all our content from any device with a subscription now. WAFB began broadcasting 24 hours a day on September 12, 1990. At a luncheon to honor area volunteers are, from left, guest speaker, Mayor bobby Simpson and Donna Britt, Ron Winders, Janet Rack, Rob Stuart, Noel Parnell and Nick Simonette, representatives of sponsors WAFB-TV, Volunteer Baton Rouge! There you go. The extra pandemic food stamps have officially stopped. Tisha Powells new job as an afternoon anchor at WAFB in Baton Rouge is something she didnt think was possible. "He was a steady hand and a steady voice,"Hodge said Friday. show--"Great Day at 9A." Caitlin Francis Traffic. They approached me and asked if I would be willing to work full-time and I said no if I wanted to do that, I wouldnt have left the job I had!. Photo 3 - US Coast . The cash-and-stock merger transaction valued at $3.6 billion in which Gray shareholders would acquire preferred stock currently held by Raycom will result in WAFB gaining new sister stations in nearby markets, including CBS/ABC affiliate KNOE-TV in Monroe and NBC/CBS affiliate KALB-TV in Alexandria, in addition to its current Raycom sister stations. Jeanne Burns - BRProud.com Catch the moving sale to save on books, CDs. Andr Moreau Leaving WAFB - Adweek Longtime Baton Rouge news anchor John Mahaffey passes away - WAFB Authorities say the individual could have information about the incident. The station aired the syndicated version of Family Feud hosted by Steve Harvey until 2020 and aired the versions hosted by Louie Anderson, Richard Karn, and John O'Hurley, with the exception of Karn's first season, which aired on KZUP-CD, and Harvey's second through fifth seasons, which aired on WVLA. and Wheel of Fortune until 1995 when the shows moved to WBRZ. 6,529 talking about this. Top row, left to right: Stephanie LaBlanc, Cherrie Bell, Judy Hignight, Tammy Norton, Lynet Lewis, Gloria Sylvia, Hillary Holmes, Susan Ford, Beverly Lemley. Longtime Baton Rouge news anchor John Mahaffey passes away, LSU WR Malik Nabers arrested in New Orleans; prosecutors refuse to charge with condition. I felt really flattered that they had enough faith in what they were getting that they were willing to create something that works for me, she said. I'm an Emmy & Murrow Award Winning Investigative Reporter who simply loves my job!. Former WAFB reporter Kiran Chawla says her love of investigative reporting and the viewing public sparked her to start her new YouTube channel. Britt, who has been with WAFB for over 37 years, has announced she will retire from the local news station after being diagnosed with ALS 11 months ago. A write-up slip from elementary school showed she called a fellow 2nd grader poo-poo face. My whole family is in this viewing area, even my dad who lives in North Mississippi, Powell said. Renee Kozak is the Relay for Life Volunteer Coordinator of the annual fundraiser. Based on the BRPD press conference the other day, it is abundantly obvious that BRPD needs no help looking like fools. Bill Black later became involved with the East Baton Rouge Parish Public Schools Board and other civic organizations until his death on January 10, 2018. All rights reserved. This launched such a voracious battle to win the party, that the schools reading comprehension scores on standardized tests went up 4.7% the very first year and continually improved. A breast cancer survivor, she was also very active with breast cancer fundraisers. . She reigned as Queen of Spanish Town in 1990.Another big passion for Donna was her service to the Boy Scouts. A Gray Media Group, Inc. Station - 2002-2023 Gray Television, Inc. 2002-2023 Gray Television, Inc. Advocate Staff Photograph by John Boss.Picture shot on 031399 At the Girl Scouts Urban Campout are,from left ,Donna Britt, Janet Vidrine, Gwen Hamilton, Patti Hiller. Pretty well known that Mayor Broome and the police chief hated her since she was the only reporter in Baton Rouge whod call them out on things. southaven high school bell schedule . She commended the group on their publication of two issues of a race and ethnic studies journal titled 'America the Beautiful In Spite of It All.' You could score a free Bojangles biscuit almost every day for a week. Donnas husband, Mark Ballard, says her family was by her side as she passed away peacefully Thursday morning. WTF did she do? woman accused of using aunts debit card for 136 DoorDash orders held on preset $18 million bond, WANTED: Officials searching for man accused of exposing himself, ExxonMobil faces racial discrimination lawsuit, Fight involving 9 people on Southerns campus leads to 1 arrest, Kentwood man arrested after months-long drug investigation; drugs, money, and guns seized, Man arrested for allegedly robbing victim at gunpoint in Denham Springs, CRIME STOPPERS: Mans killer, details surrounding his death remain a mystery, Emails show governors Europe trip raised staffing, itinerary questions, Juvenile caught behind wheel of stolen vehicle, officials say, Two arrested for flying drone over chemical plants in St. Charles Parish. Liz Koh WAFB. Photo provided by LAURIE HARDISON --- Volunteer breakfast --- Salvation Army Capt. Perfectly Pink -- Celebrating breast cancer survivors at the Susan G. Komen Perfectly Pink Luncheon for Life are, seated, honoree Donna Britt, and, standing from left, Executive Director Angela Miller, Dr. Abenaa Brewster, Elizabeth Vowell, Jay Grymes, Holly Clegg and Blake Tolbird. Attending the event are, from left, Chief Walter Smith, of Slaughte; Chief Justin Nevels, of Norwood; Donna Britt, WAFB anchor; Chief Fred Dunn, of Clinton; Chief Mark Dousay, of Jackson; and Chief Kenneth Stewart, of Wilson. She started at WAFB in 1980 as a news reporter. In the recent ratings period, it beat the others stations' combined weeknights at 5, 6, and 10. A study revealed that those who spent more time with their dogs experienced a 300% increase in oxytocin levels. Its happening at the Maurice A. Edmond Livestock Arena. Neither Moreau nor station executives will discuss what led to th. I worked at NBC33 (yes that 33), and live in Houston now. Remembering Donna Britt: Look through pictures of her time at WAFB, volunteer work and more. She is joined by colleagues Kiran Chawla, center, and Greg Meriwether. 18 LSU football jersey, sent to her by the university a few days before she retires. His last day on the air will be Friday, Sept. 2. In 2003, Raycom acquired former The Box affiliate WBXH-CA, which became a sister station to WAFB when the channel became Baton Rouge's third UPN affiliate and later MyNetworkTV affiliate in 2006. WAFB 9News is Louisiana's News Channel, servicing breaking news, weather and traffic coverage for Baton Rouge, West Baton Rouge, Ascension, Assumption, Livingston, East Feliciana, West Feliciana . Tisha Powell's new job as an afternoon anchor at WAFB in Baton Rouge is something she didn't think was possible. Andre Moreau is leaving WAFB-TV after eight years behind the nightly anchor desk. Jeanne Burns is a veteran broadcaster with 25 years of experience in news. Distinguished Citizen -- With Boy Scouts of America Istrouma Area Council 's inaugural Distinguished Citizen honoree Donna Britt, seated, are, from left, Scout Executive Gary Mertz, John Turner, Jerry Fischer, Louie Ballard, Mark Ballard, Franklin Foil, Paula Davis and Jay Grymes. Thanks for contacting us. By Steven Ardary, Patrick Phillips and Gray News staff. 18 jersey from LSU, AD Joe Alleva, Our Views: WAFB-TV's Donna Britt's good works are too many to name; you're in our prayers, Donna Britt remembered: Share your memories of the beloved Baton Rouge anchorwoman. Follow us on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram to get the latest updates on LSU Football and Recruiting. During an investigation, police say evidence was found to place the babys mother under arrest. Former ABC11 anchor Tisha Powell talks about new job at WAFB | Raleigh Asians are considered white when being white is a bad thing. One of Donnas biggest passions while at WAFB was her ten years as a volunteer at Progress Elementary School where she referred to herself as the schools library elf. Every month, she decorated the schools library with giant cardboard decorations she painted at home. Until 2015, WAFB aired the syndicated version of Who Wants to Be a Millionaire; the show aired on sister station WBXH until its cancellation in 2019. Louis S. Prejean and associates (Modern Broadcasting of Baton Rouge) were the first owners of the station, and they sold it to Royal Street Corporation of New Orleans in 1956, which owned WDSU-TV, the first television station in Louisiana. What to Watch Friday: Dateline and 20/20 update Murdaugh murder trial coverage, $3B superstar region project planned for Apex after years-long delay, Alex Murdaugh sentenced to life in prison for murders of wife, son in June 2021. Beloved WAFB anchor Donna Britt passes away - KPLC Mahaffey started his career in Baton Rouge television at WAFB-TV. Longtime WAFB anchor Donna Britt checks out a cake held by coworker Derron Daquano as she is joined by friends, family, and coworkers, Wednesday, June 13, 2018, after signing off for one last time at WAFB studios in downtown Baton Rouge, La. On June 25, 2018, Atlanta-based Gray Television announced it had reached an agreement with Raycom to merge their respective broadcasting assets (consisting of Raycom's 63 existing owned-and/or-operated television stations, including WAFB), and Gray's 93 television stations) under Gray's corporate umbrella. Visiting at the Baton Rouge Symphony League's annual Mad Hatter's Spring Fashion Show are, from left, Carla Jumonville, Julie Dickinson, Lois Saye and Donna Britt. There was a problem saving your notification. Mahaffey started his career in Baton Rouge television at WAFB-TV. There were several characters that were regulars on the show including "Seor Puppet" (a marionette voiced by Sid Crocker) and "Whatsyourname" (another puppet voiced by Mary Hillen). She assumed his gender. Keyword Holiday Fair, Advocate staff photo by Kerry Maloney. BATON ROUGE, La. Bottom row, left to right: Kathy Fergus, captain Donna Britt, Allison Gustavson, Ginger Bishop, Katherine Jensen, Becky Terkel, Tanya Arnold, Sonya Godwin. Gates started his career at WAFB-TV in March 1977 . Photo provided by Sonya Gordon Participating in the Phi Delta Kappa Walk for Education on Nov. 7 are, from left, front row, Jayne Fleener, Donna Britt, Gwen Hamilton; back row, W.T. Vernon Roger dead at 51 - Google Groups According to the station, Powell will co-anchor the 4 p.m. and 5 p.m. newscasts there starting Aug. 9. Picture shot on 3-13-01. A familiar landscape in Central Louisiana left devastated by Category 4 Hurricane Laura is given new life in the upcoming film 65 thanks to Sony Pictures. George Sells, third from left, with former newsdesk anchors Andr Moreau and Mike Graham on hand for Donna Britt's final newscast. Patient advocates have long called for insulin price cuts to help uninsured people who would not be affected by price caps tied to insurance coverage. Britt, who has been with WAFB for over 37 years, has announced she will retire from the local news station after being diagnosed with ALS 11 months ago. Donna adapted the same promise and always signed her name with lower-case letters, what she called a sign of continued commitment to serve God in the most enthusiastic and excellent way possible. Over the years, Donna supported numerous charities including those tied to research for ALS, Sickle Cell disease, HIV/AIDS and cancer. Her contract wasnt renewed per someone I know who knows someone else who knows her. College football is exploring a new clock operating rule that could significantly impact games next season. WAFB Channel 9 Photos: Congrats to 2018 Golden Deeds award recipient, Donna Britt! "He not only had the camera-ready looks including a million-dollar smile, but he was a born story-teller. From what I can tell, the Tulliers got involved because his wife started saying things on FB, which got a lot of people fired up. Youll have the chance to attend a unique educational presentation using world-class projector equipment at 2:00 p.m. and 4:00 p.m. Officials have caught the inmate who escaped deputy custody while working with a crew at Southeastern Louisiana University on Friday morning, March 3. Advocate Photo by MARK BALLARD -- Three of the four candidates for Louisiana governor prepare Thursday as AARP forum moderator Donna Britt of WAFB-TV in Baton Rouge, reads a question picked out by seniors. In the mid-1990s, WBRZ experienced significant staff turnover and several news format changes while AFLAC and Raycom invested heavily in improving WAFB's news product by maintaining low turnover in its news staff and presentation (WAFB used the "Newschannel" theme by Gari Media from 1990 until Raycom switched its news music client to Stephen Arnold Music in late 2014), leading WAFB to overtake WBRZ's news ratings in 1994. The station's digital signal relocated from its pre-transition UHF channel 46 to VHF channel 9. Other questions:subscriberservices@theadvocate.com. [9] However, on September 9, 2019, WAFB resumed airing TPIR and Y&R at their respective network-recommended times of 10 a.m. and 11 a.m.[10] The station aired Jeopardy!