Former 11 alive anchor Ted Hall used to be a classic workhorse, willing to put in a double shift or come in on a weekend if need be.
But his son Keaton's brain tumor problems six years ago shifted his priorities.
Two years ago, he and his wife Lesa decided he would not stay when his contract was up at the end of 2013. He informed 11 Alive over the summer and publicized his departure in the fall.
"They were very nice about it," Hall said in an exclusive interview. "We just left it wide open. A lot of this has to do with my priorities changing. A lot has to do with my kids."
He knew that 11 Alive wanted a certain amount of commitment he felt he couldn't do anymore. "I was not willing to go all in," he said, referencing the extra hours major market TV stations often demand and the "go for victory" atmosphere at the NBC affiliate specifically.
Hall said he had no expectations where he would land next but was heartened when the Knoxville CBS affiliate WVLT-TV called. It's not the dominant NBC station WBIR-TV he worked with in that city for 18 years his first round there before he came to Atlanta in 2006. "So I'm counting a little bit on the equity I built up here," he said. "It's such a familiar place for me. I'll be able to put in as much as possible, as much as needed to succeed there. It won't have to overwhelm my life."
Earlier in his career, he said he put his job first. "I'd be willing to work seven days a week and as many hours I could and I didn't care. I wanted to be a main anchor in a major market, maybe even go network and national. But my family became more important to me. My kids have been important to me."
In 2008, his son Keaton was found with a brain tumor. Doctors took as much out as they could. But it returned last year when his son was 17. Hall said he hope they got all of it this time.
"I had a complete shift in my head to what really mattered" in 2008, he said.
Last year, "we actually thought about getting out of the business completely. We toured Hawaii to chill and have more time together." But when the family, which includes his daughter Logan and other son Colby, got back to Atlanta, they agreed returning to Knoxville was a better option.
Hall said he enjoyed his time in Atlanta. "It was great," he said. "It was meant to be. So many positive experiences came from our time in Atlanta, so many great people, so many great friends we worked with. No regrets at all."
He did evenings when he first came to Atlanta but switched to mornings in 2011. In Knoxville, he will return to evening anchoring.
"The atmosphere [at the CBS station] is perfect. It fits me. The offer made my family feel good. I'm really looking forward to help WVLT win."
He starts in Knoxville January 27.
And the folks in Knoxville truly loved him, based on comments I've gotten on my blog. The affiliate is teasing his arrival with this video:
Past stories about Hall:
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