It’s official now: Neil Orne left WKRN after almost 30 years with the station. After nearly three decades, the long-time co-host of the morning show at WKRN in Nashville has announced his departure.
While many may interpret this as a retirement, Orne clarified that he is not retiring but rather pursuing “new challenges.”
He expressed that he does not have any specific plans lined up yet, indicating a desire to explore new opportunities in his career. In his words,
Getting people to sit and watch a produced newscast is being replaced by 20-second clips on phones tailored for one’s personal preference and beliefs… It is a challenge the industry must meet or go the way of rental videos and other businesses that vanished rapidly.
Neil Orne
Orne added,
It’s not the same newsroom I was in 30 years ago. I don’t think it’s a bad thing; it’s just not what I fell in love with… My fear is that we lose the very identity that attracted everyone here in the first place. Do not get me wrong here; I love where we are but want to protect that Nashville culture.
Neil Orne
Although Orne is uncertain about his next career move, he has shared his plans to spend more time with his family.
During his farewell to Middle Tennessee, the veteran journalist was joined by his co-workers and two daughters. He reflected on the sacrifices made due to his job, stating,
You have to make decisions; I would go to bed at 7 o’clock at night. You miss a lot of things. I don’t have to think about that anymore.
Neil Orne
With excitement, he further said,
So, I can stay up late. We can do things after 7 o’clock, and I can’t wait to do that with my girls, who are just everything to me.
Neil Orne
So, Orne intends to utilize his newfound free time primarily to bond with his daughters. That said, sooner or later he will for sure reveal his next big plan and will embark on a new challenge.
Neil Orne’s Farewell Message From His Mother Is Adorable
Neil Orne during his long tenure has touched many, and all of them have been sending farewell messages to him. Many of those clips have been shared by the channel, which also includes the message from his mother.
Orne’s mom, surrounded by her cats, shared,
Neil, you know, I’ve been watching you lots of mornings every week, for I don’t remember how long, and I’m going to miss seeing you. So, you have to come down to Florida to visit me.
Neil Orne’s mom
Though the message was short, it made everyone adore her. Orne even replied,
Best mom ever… Mom I love you… She sends email… How lucky am I that a mom like that?
Neil Orne
The veteran news anchor also jested about his mom and added,
She raised us with a little bit of tough love there, alright… My brother has a twisted finger to prove on that, alright… don’t… Just suck it up, buttercup. She has three boys and one daughter, and she ran the household. But that was great, Mom.
Neil Orne
That said, the father of two was also shocked and said,
How did you get her to do that? Did you send someone ’cause she can’t use her phone like that?
Neil Orne
