Media

"Let's go to the videotape!" If you are a sports fan, you surely know those words have meant fast moving highlights are coming up with the Triangle's leading and longest running TV sportscaster. Tom Suiter sat in the 6 and 11 p.m. sports anchor chair at WRAL 5 for more than 37 years, so it's no wonder CM readers voted Suiter the Best Sportscaster in the area, followed by his WRAL colleagues, Jeff Gravley (20 years) and Bob Holliday (27 years).

"I think our secret is we've been here so long, we've kind of worn on people," offered Suiter. Always humble, he describes WRAL's sports coverage as a team sport.

"It's like high school football. It's the closest thing to being on a team since high school. It's coordinated, it's tough, there are ups and downs just like any team. You lose some and you win some."

But with far more wins than losses on his scorecard, Suiter can go out on top. The Rocky Mount native has announced he is handing over the mic to Gravley this year as he goes into "semi-retirement." He promises you will still see him occasionally, perhaps, on the two signature features he is best known for, Football Friday and the Extra Effort Award report, which focuses on an exceptional student athlete each week. Even in our sports-rich market, Suiter has prided himself on remaining fair and impartial when it counts.

"I don't pull for any team, but I do pull for people who I think are kind and an example of what a good sportsman is."

Suiter wants to thank our readers for this Maggy Award and for choosing him every night for so many years.

"It's been a pleasure to come into people's homes all these years," he said. "A lot of people have been very kind to me, and I appreciate it very much."

Our readers seem to appreciate nearly everyone at the local CBS affiliate. WRAL 5 won in all TV categories, including Best TV Station, Best TV Meteorologist Greg Fishel and Best TV News Anchor David Crabtree.

"We are fortunate here at WRAL-TV as we have very little turnover in key positions," explained Crabtree. "People know us. That means they know what they're going to get. We've built a trust over the years."

On the radio dial, change is in the air. While G105 WDCG holds its spot as Best Radio Station, 91.5 NPR, WUNC broke into the rankings this year running a close second. Then the Chapel Hill-based public radio station really shook things up by capturing Best Afternoon Drive Show with NPR's "All Things Considered."

WUNC's Interim Program Director Connie Walker says that reflects what they have been seeing in their audience numbers.

"We do think listening has been up because of the election and economic worries."

Interestingly, the publicly supported radio station had its best pledge drive ever last October when Wall Street was on a financial roller coaster.

"Our brand of reporting is in-depth and people appreciate that and are willing to support us," explained Walker.

In the last year, WUNC has added to NPR's popular "All Things Considered" with a producer and more local content, including more features and more live interviews with experts, sources and reporters. Walker believes listeners are responding to the changes.

Even though G105's Drive at 5 got bumped from the No. 1 spot in the afternoons, show host and program director Randi West isn't too worried. "You can't win them all. But watch out … when the economy gets better I will be back, too!"

Still, G105 retains plenty of bragging rights as best radio station for the fourth straight year.

"G105 is all about playing great music. We listen to our audience and we play the most requested songs. I think that's what makes us so popular," said West.

That and a little (or not so little) personality named Bob Dumas. The ringleader of Bob and the Showgram once again took home the Maggys for Best Morning Show and Best Radio Talk Show Host.

So what does the ever-so-humble and always irreverent morning jock have to say about his wins?

"That's what I'm talking about, WOOOOOOOO!"

Enough said.