Sunday, December 24, 2006
CHRISTMAS EVE FAREWELL
Friends of Arkansas Tonight...
Some three years have passed since I first started the "Arkansas Tonight" radio program. In that time, we've had an uncountable number of guests, several producers, been on a couple of terrestrial and internet stations, and finally found our home on KFAY-AM in Fayetteville. This website also started as part of that effort. I'd have to say that it has always been a challenge to keep both the program and the show up-to-date. Sometimes we've done very well, other times we've performed at a snail's pace. But it has been rewarding. So, it's a little tough for me to tell both listeners and readers this news -- the "Arkansas Tonight" radio show will cease production, and probably broadcast as of the end of this month. The website will remain active, and dedicated to commentary and news about Arkansas and the nation, that much I can promise.
The decision was a difficult one to make. I've decided to resume my career in local television (on the anchor desk again) at a station on the east coast. Yes, I'm leaving the area because that's what people in television do.
However, the area won't leave me, and I won't forget it.
It's tough to simply leave all the people, places, laughter and even tears that made up my six-plus years in Northwest Arkansas. All of you (or most of you) always welcomed me with open arms. Even those who didn't are appreciated because they helped make the experience here unforgettable, and helped me grow. I couldn't possibly thank all of our guests individually, but do want to thank a handful of people in particular. Matt and Greg and John and others made the program better than it was when it started. They, and many others, continue to make my internet experience worthwhile. Baber -- don't quit writing, you too made (and make) this effort the best part of my stay here. To Laura -- you've done a fantastic job, and you'll be missed. As for Max and Warwick at the ArkTimes -- I'll miss our interaction as well. To those of you in local and state television, radio and the newspapers -- thanks for having patience and for letting me practice my craft here with you.
I have three years of recorded programs that I intend to rotate and post as soon as possible after my departure. I may even continue the program on a monthly basis online. You never know -- not having the strictures of the FCC and locale holding things back, perhaps we can really light some fires and get some good conversations going.
So, thank you all so much for the ride, for the experience and for the joy of working in Arkansas' local media. It was always a pleasure.
Finally, from my family to all of you, Happy Holidays and may the new year bring you all the best.
Don
PS - I'll send pics of the beach.
Some three years have passed since I first started the "Arkansas Tonight" radio program. In that time, we've had an uncountable number of guests, several producers, been on a couple of terrestrial and internet stations, and finally found our home on KFAY-AM in Fayetteville. This website also started as part of that effort. I'd have to say that it has always been a challenge to keep both the program and the show up-to-date. Sometimes we've done very well, other times we've performed at a snail's pace. But it has been rewarding. So, it's a little tough for me to tell both listeners and readers this news -- the "Arkansas Tonight" radio show will cease production, and probably broadcast as of the end of this month. The website will remain active, and dedicated to commentary and news about Arkansas and the nation, that much I can promise.
The decision was a difficult one to make. I've decided to resume my career in local television (on the anchor desk again) at a station on the east coast. Yes, I'm leaving the area because that's what people in television do.
However, the area won't leave me, and I won't forget it.
It's tough to simply leave all the people, places, laughter and even tears that made up my six-plus years in Northwest Arkansas. All of you (or most of you) always welcomed me with open arms. Even those who didn't are appreciated because they helped make the experience here unforgettable, and helped me grow. I couldn't possibly thank all of our guests individually, but do want to thank a handful of people in particular. Matt and Greg and John and others made the program better than it was when it started. They, and many others, continue to make my internet experience worthwhile. Baber -- don't quit writing, you too made (and make) this effort the best part of my stay here. To Laura -- you've done a fantastic job, and you'll be missed. As for Max and Warwick at the ArkTimes -- I'll miss our interaction as well. To those of you in local and state television, radio and the newspapers -- thanks for having patience and for letting me practice my craft here with you.
I have three years of recorded programs that I intend to rotate and post as soon as possible after my departure. I may even continue the program on a monthly basis online. You never know -- not having the strictures of the FCC and locale holding things back, perhaps we can really light some fires and get some good conversations going.
So, thank you all so much for the ride, for the experience and for the joy of working in Arkansas' local media. It was always a pleasure.
Finally, from my family to all of you, Happy Holidays and may the new year bring you all the best.
Don
PS - I'll send pics of the beach.
Don Elkins 4:32 AM
5 Comments:
Don,
Man, what can I say ? I have greatly appreciated you're efforts up there and even though, as you say "we never agreed on anything" I can say I appreciated the way that you encouraged debate and discussion in a rational way. And the way you encouraged citizen journalism in Arkansas.
I am sorry that I never got to travel up there and attend one of your Drinking Liberally get togethers. I would have enjoyed that.
I have had some limited contact with the boys at the Five Forty and maybe I can still get up there for that anyway.
I hope you move is agood one.
Take care Don, you will be missed.
Man, what can I say ? I have greatly appreciated you're efforts up there and even though, as you say "we never agreed on anything" I can say I appreciated the way that you encouraged debate and discussion in a rational way. And the way you encouraged citizen journalism in Arkansas.
I am sorry that I never got to travel up there and attend one of your Drinking Liberally get togethers. I would have enjoyed that.
I have had some limited contact with the boys at the Five Forty and maybe I can still get up there for that anyway.
I hope you move is agood one.
Take care Don, you will be missed.
Damn. This is a bummer man. Northwest Arkansas is going to miss your talent and professionalism. There aren't many like you around here, that's for sure.
So, getcha a blog out there big Don, so we can stay in touch. No place is too far away for the internet.
Best of luck to you buddy. Don't be a stranger!
So, getcha a blog out there big Don, so we can stay in touch. No place is too far away for the internet.
Best of luck to you buddy. Don't be a stranger!
I am not surprised you got scooped up- to echo Rick-there are not to many as proffessional as you around here. You have a great big ole heart too-and you will be missed! I wish you and your family the best and I know you will all enjoy the beach!
Congratulations. :) Even though I'm not from NWA, I enjoy reading your site and checking out the happenings daily.
I wish you the best of luck on the East Coast. :) Enjoy!
I wish you the best of luck on the East Coast. :) Enjoy!
We are all richer for having had your voice in our struggle for truth and justice, and you will be missed.