Bob Opsahl, who has anchored newscasts at Orlando ABC affiliate WFTV since the 1980’s, announced Wednesday he would retire in May. “I’m like an aging grandpa around here, so it’s probably time to move on,” Opsahl said. “I can’t believe how quickly nearly 38 years went by.”
Opsahl joined WFTV in 1978 as a reporter, became weekend anchor in 1980 and later anchored main newscasts alongside anchors including Marla Weech and Martie Salt.
Opsahl’s tenure as WFTV’s main anchor has been marked by an extended period of ratings dominance. Writing in the Orlando Sentinel, Hal Boedeker noted Opsahl’s retirement will mark an historic turning point in Central Florida TV:
In 2009, then-news director Bob Jordan said: “I know one day I’m going to have to replace Bob Opsahl. I’d be happy if he stayed forever, but he has a contract that runs out.”
Jordan left the station in 2012 to take a job at KIRO in Seattle.
And now Opsahl is departing — the true end to an era in Orlando broadcasting.