WDSU reporter Heath Allen is retiring after 28 years at the New Orleans NBC affiliate.
“There is no greater ambassador for the people of Southeast Louisiana than Heath Allen,” said Mike Neelly, WDSU president and general manager. “Heath’s extraordinary career and commitment to our community is the gold-standard for what it means to be a local journalist. I am honored to have worked with him and congratulate him on his well-earned retirement.”
Since he started working at the station in 1994, he’s been an assignment editor, an anchor and news director, before becoming a reporter on the morning newscast.
“Being a true storyteller is an amazing gift,” said news director, Melissa Dart. “Heath has that gift. He will go to any length to ensure he covers all angles of a story and to keep our community safe. That is just the kind of journalist he is—and he will be deeply missed.”
Allen told the station it was a privilege “to be a part of Greater New Orleans, both sides of the lake and beyond.”
“I’ve also been blessed to work with a great group of dedicated and talented reporters, photographers and managers through the years,” said Allen. “And there is no better company than Hearst. I care about this company, because they cared about me and my family, especially through Katrina. All in all, it has been a great run.”
The station said Allen plans to spend more time with his wife, seven children and three grandchildren.