Kent Ninomiya.
Here is an excellent farewell salute to broadcast legend John Drury -- in his very own words by Robert Feder Sun-Times Columnist.
Over the nearly 30 years I covered John Drury, I had the opportunity to talk with the veteran anchorman on countless occasions.
Even when a vengeful ex-boss at ABC-owned WLS-Channel 7 officially barred all employees from talking to me, Drury simply laughed off the idiotic edict, and spoke out whenever he pleased.
He was that kind of guy.
In both our formal interviews and casual conversations, Drury was candid and straightforward, often revealing a shrewd drive and competitiveness at odds with the easygoing manner he projected in public. Clearly, the tremendous success he achieved during his 40-year run on the air here was no accident.
Chicago lost a true Hall of Fame broadcaster when Drury, 80, died Sunday of Lou Gehrig's disease. A memorial mass will begin at 2 p.m. today at Holy Name Cathedral, 735 N. State.
Here are selected insights and opinions Drury shared over the years about his life, his career, and broadcast journalism:
On coming to Chicago: I was 35 years old when I came to this city. I worked in the sticks till I was 35 because I didn't think I was ready yet. I never expected to make a lot of money. (1984.)
On anchoring the news: It's been a way of life so long that I've never tired of it. I find each evening sort of rejuvenating. I'm with people who are much younger than I am, and I'm lifted by the association. (1998.)
On female co-anchors: When I came back [to Channel 7] from Channel 9, I was reintroduced with two very intelligent, articulate and beautiful women [Mary Ann Childers and Joan Esposito]. I think the combination with an older man who had been around and had an ability to develop an audience clicked. (1986.)
On the business: It's changed radically. I started doing this back at WTMJ in Milwaukee when news was considered the loss leader. We didn't worry about the ratings at all. Our only consideration was what did we think was news. It was almost unbelievable. News has become more pragmatic. Now there are other factors that determine the kind of news you do. (2001.)
On becoming No. 1: I think it's the result of an overall strategy devised by Dennis Swanson and implemented and enlarged upon by Joe Ahern. They put together the right combination of people who appealed to the public. People got tired of watching Walter [Jacobson] and Bill [Kurtis]. That whole organization grew tired over the years. I think that whole shop lost its vitality. (1986.)
On being famous: I like being recognized, I like being well-known, I like being liked by the majority of the television viewing community. But prima donna? No. I don't think there's a place for Ted Baxter. I don't need sycophants to support my ego. (1988.)
After heart surgery: I've rearranged my priorities. I like the pressures of my work, but I don't worry as much about things as I used to. I'm in a business where being No. 1 is extremely important, and it's still extremely important to me. But there's not much more I can do than give all I can give. There is a point when I've given enough. (1991.)
On broadcasting: It's been a remarkable career. Broadcasting has always been my first love. I've had my ups and downs, but I've never lost my lust for broadcasting. I just love it. (1996.)
On his public battle with Lou Gehrig's disease: It has been a bit of a struggle, but we hope to turn this into something positive for ALS. (2004.)
On his legacy: The ultimate goal for me in this business is not to be a star, but to be regarded well by my contemporaries and for someone to say, "He's good at what he does." I'd like colleagues to say I have integrity and ethics and do what I do exceptionally well. I've always just tried to do the very best I can. (1984.)