WMAR's Terry Owens offers wise, touching farewell
After 17 years of anchoring and reporting on city government, Terry Owens signed off at WMAR Friday at the end of his 5:30 p.m. newscast.
Much like Owens' career, his closing remarks were thoughtful, socially conscious and understated without any hint of the ego in which so much of local TV news is steeped. There were tears at the mention of the sacrifices that members of his family have made so that he could pursue his career in TV news working holidays and nights. That heartfelt moment was representative of the passion that Owens brought to his work and Baltimore's TV screens.
"In a week where the president committed another 30,000 men and women to the war in Afghanistan, the mayor of Baltimore was found guilty of stealing gift cards, and a Howard County family buried a teenager killed in a drunk driving accident, it's really minor that a newsman is leaving a job," he began.
As a journalist, the news is never supposed to be about us. It's about the people and communities we serve. That's why I got into television nearly 30 years ago. the last 17 here in Baltimore. Tonight, I am signing off."
Owens thanked viewers for letting him "come into" their "homes." He thanked those who called and sent emails and letters since his departure was reported on this blog and in the "Sun."
"And thanks most of all to my family," he said choking up just a bit. "They spent many nights, holidays and weekends without a husband or dad around because of my job."
He closed by saying in part, "I will continue to look for ways to serve the community and lift people up. That's why any of us are here after all...."
Owens will be missed on several fronts.
For the last 14 years, he has been host of "2 The Point," the longest running public affairs show on Baltimore TV. The 51-year-old journalist has made a major contribution to the community with this show, which brought new and diverse voices to local television.
The past president of the Association of Black Media Workers told me Friday that he will stay and continue to work in Baltimore. I hope he will find his way back into the media soon.
Journalists of social conscience like Owens have always been rare -- but these days, more rare than ever.
Comments
I thought Mr. Owens farewell was very classy and touching.
WMAR is losing a great deal by saying farewell to both him and Ms. Marsden.
Posted by: Irene | December 4, 2009 7:55 PM
Z,
I didn't see this evenings news tonight. It's Friday and I guess the numbers are usually down on a Friday night for local news. I will say I've snarked the past few weeks on Channel 2 as I've really never watched it. It didn't have the draw or the magnetism that the other channels did over the years.
Sadly to say, tonights newscast would have been worth watching but too little, too late over the years in marketing themselves. I'm sure he will land on his feet but in the real world, news broadcasts are about personality, entertainment and capturing the audience.
With the 24/7 news channels on cable, local news has been put aside unless there is something worth rubbernecking for like we do a car accident on the Beltway. Channel 2, in my opinion, has never had the management, the talent or the lead ins to bring the party to the table. Poor management is the only explanation as the on air talent may have been better than the competition, they just never had the marketing capability to sell themselves to the viewer.
I stand corrected if I can be convinced otherwise.
Posted by: Kelly | December 4, 2009 9:25 PM
Z,
No comments on Monk's final season and final episode tonight?
It certainly was never the cultural force that some other programs in recent times have been, but I think it certainly has a place in defining this time period of television.
It reintroduced and perfected the hour-long drama-comedy, and particularly the crime-comedy. USA has obviously found its niche with these kinds of shows.
For me, it also reinvented the crime series in a classic way: it gave viewers a chance to solve cases. Unlike, Law and Order and CSI (both of which I have enjoyed), where a last minute, unexpected and unbelievable twist wraps things up neatly, Monk was always about the case making sense. The clues were always there from the beginning and, to those who paid attention, solving the case was possible before Monk revealed the answer.
Tony Shaloub's acting has also been honored multiple times by various groups, which is nothing to snub.
Just wondering what your thoughts are on Monk. And if you followed the final season/episodes, how you think they did...
Personally, I followed Monk sporadically through the years - at times watching frequently, mostly catching the repeats though. The past few weeks I was sure to tune in. I thought the final half-season was perhaps Monk at his best, and the finale was done well. I particularly liked that, like many great finales, we ended with everyone continuing their lives. Monk was investigating, Natalie was helping, Leyland was policing. The curtain went up one day 8 years ago, it came down tonight - but to the characters, it wasn't all about the curtain rising or falling.
Posted by: Dan | December 4, 2009 10:48 PM
Are there 2 Irene's now? I was gone last night at Disney on Ice with my little man Trent & dad's. (My husband & ex husband)
Hey, by the way, Z or anyone, did ya'll get to see the Chris Brown interview with Robin Roberts? I was wondering how he compared to Rihanna.
Anyway, Mr. Owens from your post Z, sounds like my kind of reporter. Why is he leaving?
Good luck Mr Owen. Have a great Holiday season with your family.
The station owners, E.W. Scripps, are offering buyouts to union reporters. I think yesterday was last day to accept. Tough times. Lots of good people left. ...As to two Irenes, I think there are also to Kellys, no? I am getting confused. I wonder if the Kelly who commented yesterday is the same Kelly from Baltiomore who wrote the posts on the last three episodes of Jon & Kate. If anyone knows, please share. Z
Posted by: Irene | December 5, 2009 9:41 AM
Irene,
I didn't get to see the interview with Chris Brown, but try online. I am going to. I think there are two Kelly's Irene and there are two Sherry's. Common names.
I was touched by Mr. Owens saying the he was going to help with community and look for ways to lift people up. I think that is what we all should be doing no matter where we work or live. That is a great way to look at life. Bravo Mr. Owens and good luck in your future.
Off to my JOB! I love it.
Good for you, Sherry, on loving your job. I love mine, too, but i feel like I am working abouyt 20 hours a day. Yes, two Sherry's, too. Yikes. Z
Posted by: Sherry T. | December 5, 2009 10:12 AM
Z,
I am working 20 hours a day with job and family. Also, like Mr. Owens said, community. I am going try to do more for my community, especially now at the holidays when people need help. It would be a good experience for my kids to volunteer. I told Irene to put an S after her name to help with that. Ha Oh, there are two Alex's, but one Alex and one ALEX M.
I am getting too confused, Sherry. Ha. Z
Posted by: Sherry T. | December 5, 2009 10:26 AM
You all need some distinctive names.
Hello Dahlink: I cannot argue with that. We really do. Maybe we will work on that this week. Thanks. Z
Posted by: Dahlink | December 5, 2009 12:19 PM
Congratulations WMAR! They were first with the story about Terrell Suggs today. Even the Sun is crediting them with the story. I think that shows the level of talent at the station, considering, as you repeatedly point out, the lack of staff at the station. Way to go channel 2!
Posted by: Buddy | December 5, 2009 2:58 PM
Z,
If we do change our names like Dahlink suggested I have a couple that I might use. But, let us know. Then how will we know who we are taking to i.e. Irene, Aly etc. I have gotten use to the names on the zlog.
Posted by: Sherry T. | December 5, 2009 4:42 PM
Dan @ 10:48 PM
Re Monk Season Finale
"Here's what happened..."
As a fan of the show I found the final season to be one of its best. After a dry run in the middle of it's run the show went out well regaining some of its initial charming humor.
The comedic talent of Tony Shaloub brought a lot of lovability to a slightly bumbling and obsessive compulsive detective.
I had high hopes that the plot of the series last episode would have been more intriquiing beirng it took the great detective so many years to arrive at closure for his biggest, most important case.
The sub plot of the lost daughter of Trudy and the instant bond between her and Monk was the only low point.
But the cast said goodbye and thanks to it's loyal fans and gave us some humorous and warm moments along the way.
And the Randy Newman song :'When I'm gone" was a great tribute.
Sounds great. I wish I had seen it. I was a huge fan the first few seasons, but not the last couple. Thought it was a great series, but I am too much like Monk, I think. Thanks, Mike. Z
Posted by: Mike T | December 5, 2009 5:43 PM
Mr. Owens sounds like a classy, intelligent, and caring man with the passion to help others. Thank you to his family for its sacrifice in sharing him with the community. Baltimore could use a big dose of class, intelligence, and care along with some passion for success. Perhaps Mr. Owens should run for mayor!
He is a classy, intelligent and caring journalist. Thanks. Z
Posted by: ecresident | December 6, 2009 9:54 AM