Wally Bruckner knows how an old backup quarterback feels when the starter is entrenched.
“I became a salary cap casualty,” he said. “The reality is I’m the longest standing sports anchor in town continually other than George [Michael]. For a city that endorses term limits, to be on the air for 16 years is a pretty good run.”
Bruckner will leave NBC 4 by July 16 when his contract ends. Money was part of the dynamic, though not all of it. The region’s leading TV news team is undergoing changes with rumblings of news anchor Jim Vance’s contract extension being uncertain. Maybe that old gang is parting ways.
But here’s the bottom line: Washington is losing one of its better sportscasters. There are plenty of “haircuts” on local TV who work hard, though some spend more time on their hair than preparation of stories. Hey, you know who they are.
Bruckner is clearly the best TV reporter in the field. As one of the few Americans left who doesn’t watch TV news much aside Sue Palka’s weather (love her storm warnings), I can only say Bruckner works the locker room in good and bad times with the best questions of any electronic interviewer in town. He makes players feel comfortable even after a tough loss or personal crisis. That’s a real talent.
Most TV reporters ask very basic questions. Their research is largely what they read in the paper. They don’t work sources. They simply accept what they’re told because it’s easier. Bruckner hung out with the newspaper guys because he wanted the entire story, though.
And Bruckner is funny. Give him a tie in the humor department with Comcast SportsNet’s Chick Hernandez and WTEM’s Bram Weinstein, who are also hilarious and outstanding interviewers. Sitting in the room with thosethree is like attending some Comedy Central show you’d pay to attend. They’re a pleasure to work alongside.
Bruckner, 50, started thinking of life outside the newsroom last fall, though. His children, Ellie and Hunter, are 12 and 8, respectively, the end of the innocent age. Covering the Redskins, Olympics, Final Fours and other major sporting events is exciting, but it’s also time consuming. Chronicling other people’s kids success doesn’t quite compare with the thrill of watching your own.
“My schedule didn’t lend itself to coaching Little League or on Saturday going to a lacrosse game,” Bruckner said. “Realizing the window of opportunity of my children being children is approaching [an end] was all part of it.”
Bruckner plans to spend the summer fishing, swimming and kayaking with his family in Connecticut before expecting to start his own TV production company for children’s programming.
“I’m still a storyteller deep down inside,” he said. “That’s what I love best. I want to do projects. The long-term goal is to produce and deliver quality children’s TV programs that are both educational and entertaining involving athletics, music, travel and art.
“It’s time to spread my wings and try something. It’s just time. I’m willing to listen to any and all offers and now that [my departure] is coming out, I think I’ll be pleasantly surprised by opportunities that will open for me.”
Bruckner’s favorite highlights from the 16-year run?
“To see the Maryland kids win the [2002] national championship and watch Juan Dixon going into the stands crying with his brother was one,” he said. “The travel and camaraderie, that’s what I’ll miss most. The laughing and joking in the press box. I had a very charmed run.”
And we had a great time watching it.
Rick Snider has covered local sports for 28 years. Contact him at [email protected].
