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WHIO anchor Baldridge prepares for his final newscast

Jim Baldridge, WHIO-TV anchor has announced his retirement from the television station after more than 30 years in the business

Ty Greenlees/Staff Jim Baldridge, WHIO-TV anchor has announced his retirement from the television station after more than 30 years in the business

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By Dale Huffman, Staff Writer Updated 7:46 AM Wednesday, August 26, 2009

Jim Baldridge predicts that when he delivers his farewell message, near the end of the 6 p.m. newscast on WHIO-TV, Friday, Aug. 28, his emotions will be churning.

But it’s likely that the final words of his 37-year news anchoring career in Dayton will be short, very sincere, and highly professional.

“I’ve always checked my personal emotions and held them inside,” he said. “Yet, who knows? This is a unique situation.”

Television trend experts agree that there are only a handful of anchors around the country with Baldridge’s longevity.

“As I was driving into the station one day this week I was thinking ‘This is near the end.’ Seems like just yesterday I pulled into that lot the first time,” Baldridge said.

Baldridge said after so many years, “I have so many strong, good and emotional memories, and my association with some of my co-workers goes way back.”

Baldridge, who is 61, added, “Whatever the goodbye, it will be a challenging moment.”

Keep reading: Dayton still home for Baldridge

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Congratulations on 37 years! Wish you could have stayed until 40 years. Enjoy your life!

Debbie
5:30 PM, 8/28/2009

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Jim. Don't let the door hit you in the azz. Getting you overpaid talking heads off the air helps our bottom line. Now we can cut the news time to only three accident and shooting stories and get in more commercials. Thats' what counts Can you get more talented old-timers to retire. That way we can hire some clueless clown who went broadcast school at night on the cheap.

Cox Media
12:47 AM, 8/28/2009

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Jim,

You are fantastic. I have watched you my entire life and you have done an outstanding job. We will surely miss you and wish you the best in your retirement. I have always felt like I knew you personally and always had a great fondness of your work. Thanks for all the years of your professional contibution to our local news.
God Bless,
Kalisa

Kalisa Brown
11:45 PM, 8/26/2009

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Jim, I have been watching you for the past 25 years. You have become a constant voice in our home over the years. It will take some getting use to not hearing your steady and calm voice as we prepare our supper in the evenings. As strange as it sounds it will be like we lost a friend when you retire.

Thank you for your honesty, integrity, and professionism over the years.

God Bless

Larry
11:03 PM, 8/26/2009

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Wishing you all the best in your retirement, Mr. Baldridge! My family has watched you all these many years, and you've always been the ultimate professional. Thank you for a job well done!

Greenville, OH
10:28 PM, 8/26/2009

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