WIS-TV’s longtime sports director Rick Henry is taking a leave to deal with a health issue.
The Columbia, S.C., anchor recently revealed he has prostate cancer.
“All of us here at WIS are thinking about Rick and his family right now. The good news is Rick tells us the doctors caught this early and he is expected to make a full recovery,” said WIS news director Brad Hyatt. “Viewers know and love Rick Henry because he is Mr. Sports in South Carolina. But Rick Henry is more than just a broadcasting legend. He’s a real friend and positive daily influence on everyone in the newsroom. So we will definitely miss him. But we are hopeful and confident Rick will be back very soon.”
Henry’s been a fixture in the market since 1988. He was named WIS sports director in 1996.
“The WIS family all send our best wishes to Rick and his family as he begins this fight. We know Rick is a competitor and one of the very best TV sportscasters in the country. We also know Rick to be one thing: determined to beat a deadline and win the story at any cost. It’s that same determination that will enable Rick to overcome this and get back to the news desk and reporting for all the viewers of the Midlands very soon,” said vp and gm Lyle Schulze.
He’ll begin his leave after tonight’s 11 p.m. show.