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10/19: Hullinger new WSB-AM drivetime anchor
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Jeff Hullinger, the former WAGA-TV sports anchor from 1984 to 2002 who has also worked at WGST-AM, Z93 (now Dave) and 96rock, has been doing some anchor and reporting work for WSB-AM the past year or so, mostly weekends and fill-in. But with Lisa Campbell bowing out as afternoon drivetime news anchor for the top news/talk station in town, Hullinger now has her job.
“WSB is a special place,” he said. “I viewed it that way a long time from the outside and even more so from the inside. I’m grateful WSB has given me this opportunity.”
Hullinger, who has also worked with the Falcons and ESPN, had a humbling experience doing sports in Tampa and he and his wife came back last year when WSB-AM promised him a slot.
He said he now plays (using a basketball metaphor) “a fast break offense where everybody touches the ball.” As anchor, he squeezes traffic, news and weather in three minutes and 25 seconds at the top of the hour and just 90 seconds at the bottom. He said at 5 p.m. today, he managed news from four different reporters as well as three traffic reporters led by Capt. Herb Emory and weather with Kirk Mellish. While TV reports often last 90 seconds, a radio report seldom goes longer than 30 seconds.
He said although he hasn’t been on TV here in Atlanta for five years, people still come up to him at Publix or the convenience store and say they like him on WAGA. “It’s a little awkward,” he said.
Pete Combs, in the meantime, will become the lead breaking news reporter from noon to 8 p.m. after co-anchoring with Lisa (and doing spot reporting.)
Comments
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By Karen T..
October 18, 2007 6:19 PM | Link to this
I am glad Jeff is in Atlanta and on the air.
By MIke
October 18, 2007 11:56 PM | Link to this
Jeff is a really nice guy. Something that is rare in broadcasting these days.
By Jenny
October 19, 2007 7:19 AM | Link to this
Good for Jeff. He’s a good guy and deserves this!
By KudzuCarl
October 19, 2007 8:20 AM | Link to this
Hey Rodney — that’s a basketball metaphor, not a football metaphor.
Is it my imagination, or does Hullinger always sound like he’s smirking when he delivers the news?
By tim
October 19, 2007 9:35 AM | Link to this
Hullinger is smart and delivers the news that way..nice change for wsb.
By Simon
October 19, 2007 9:43 AM | Link to this
I thought Hullinger’s reputation was “prickly.” Regardless, I loved how he used to make fun of the rednecks on Rude’s 96 Rock morning show (e.g. asking them if they were smokers; how many teeth they had; etc.)
By barry
October 19, 2007 10:31 AM | Link to this
Always loved Hullinger’s work and professionalism. Glad to get rid of Lisa Campbell with that Saturday Night Live-ish, fake “radio voice”.
By southerngirl
October 19, 2007 11:25 AM | Link to this
I was always surprised after all those years he disappeared. He is witty. Can he play it straight every day?
By mochajava
October 19, 2007 3:53 PM | Link to this
What I always admired about the Hull-man is that he always mentioned his love and appreciation for his wife. If you still have her keep it up!