Local anchor signs off from TV career after 30-year span
Joshua Aromin
Issue date: 1/27/09 Section: Entertainment
Though Coletta has worn many hats in the journalism business, he says that the best part of his job is seeing the different variety of topics that are in the news. He has covered stories ranging from corrupt agencies and faulty handouts to a cat becoming a real estate appraiser.
A big part of what makes Coletta so successful and what gives him longevity is the way in which he tells the news.
"I built my delivery based on all those people I told you about who inspired me and just from talking to people today - what they like to hear," said Coletta.
His conversational method of "telling" the news, rather than announcing, has been a huge part of his success.
"It's that informality that we've established. I'm glad people like it because it's a comfortable way to do the news and I'm grateful for the loyalty."
Though Coletta would like to have a longer career, current job security in journalism is uncertain, even for a popular news veteran.
"There's always that uncertainty in the business. I've had a nice 30-year run and I'd like it to be longer. If it's not, if they want to replace me with a younger person, that's the way our business [goes]."
"There will always be journalism. It may not be the same way that I watched journalism growing up and tried to model a career after. It'll always be there but the form may be radically different," he said.
In addition to local newscasts, NBC airs hit shows such as "The Office" and "Heroes."
And like any TV show, many local news anchors will try to earn loyalty from their audience, but few will ever achieve it to the capacity that West Warwick's own Frank Coletta has.
A big part of what makes Coletta so successful and what gives him longevity is the way in which he tells the news.
"I built my delivery based on all those people I told you about who inspired me and just from talking to people today - what they like to hear," said Coletta.
His conversational method of "telling" the news, rather than announcing, has been a huge part of his success.
"It's that informality that we've established. I'm glad people like it because it's a comfortable way to do the news and I'm grateful for the loyalty."
Though Coletta would like to have a longer career, current job security in journalism is uncertain, even for a popular news veteran.
"There's always that uncertainty in the business. I've had a nice 30-year run and I'd like it to be longer. If it's not, if they want to replace me with a younger person, that's the way our business [goes]."
"There will always be journalism. It may not be the same way that I watched journalism growing up and tried to model a career after. It'll always be there but the form may be radically different," he said.
In addition to local newscasts, NBC airs hit shows such as "The Office" and "Heroes."
And like any TV show, many local news anchors will try to earn loyalty from their audience, but few will ever achieve it to the capacity that West Warwick's own Frank Coletta has.
