Jerry Hayes is leaving Huntsville, Alabama CBS affiliate WHNT after 45 years.
He joined the station in 1979.
“It’s a tiring business,” he said. “After a while, it weighs on you.”
According to his station bio:
He was hired by WHNT as a reporter, but within a couple of weeks began producing and anchoring the weekend newscasts. After working as 10 o’clock co-anchor and then noon anchor, Jerry moved to the 6 and 10 main anchor spot in November of 1983. After the tornadoes of April 27, 2011, he began anchoring a new newscast at 6:30 pm. In the fall of 2016, he wanted a change from anchoring the late newscast for more than 30 years. He now co-anchors the 4 and 6:00 p.m. newscasts weeknight with Christine Killimayer.
During every newscast throughout his career, the station said Hayes has worn a white handkerchief in his suit jacket’s left breast pocket.
“I do it to honor my dad’s memory,” he said. “He wore one every time he wore a suit. Bill Hayes had a white handkerchief in his coat, so that’s why. I’ve got his cufflinks on today. Dad died in 1988 and I knew how proud he and mom were of me then, but I would love to see what he would say now, 45 years in the same job.”
Today will be Hayes’ last day on the anchor desk. He’ll also celebrate his 70th birthday on Saturday, March 30.