KOAA Links
Lisa Lyden Rob Quirk Working in Newsroom

Related Photos

  • Lisa Lyden On the Anchor Desk
  • Lisa Lyden On the Anchor Desk

  • Rob Quirk On the Anchor Desk
  • Rob Quirk On the Anchor Desk

"Rising to the Story"

Story By:
Source: KOAA

Colorado Springs Published 179 day(s) ago

The following unsolicited email was received on Thursday night, March 6, 2008.  It was written in reference to an anchor introduction to a story about the end of a 40-year Colorado Springs tradition, the Old Heidelberg Pastry Shop, on News First at 10pm.

 

We receive many emails and phone calls; we welcome any and all feedback from our television viewers and website users.  This email, though, does an excellent job of putting into words the intangible benefits of pairing Lisa Lyden and Rob Quirk on the News First 5/30 anchor desk every night.

 

We appreciate TJ, from the west side of Colorado Springs, taking the time to express these thoughts.  Again, we welcome your comments, as well.

 

 

Mr. Whitaker,

I’ve not written before and am not often so inclined anyway.  But, tonight, I’m reminded once again of why I so much appreciate your news team, particularly that wonderful Lyden/Quirk tag-team.

 

All anchors deliver the news professionally and some do it with style.  But beyond “style” or “personality,” what separates the great ones from the good ones is that certain capacity to “rise to the story.”  And, it can’t be faked.  I think of other anchors here, presently and over the years.  Plying their craft with varying degrees of success based on a mastery of vocal control, practiced delivery or technique, they almost convince us of their identification with the story – but not quite.  Because they really aren’t connected to it; it’s just a performance. 

 

Any professional can do a good story because a good story carries itself; delivered by a great professional though, a good story carries us along with it.  And, with Rob and Lisa it’s more than just professionalism; the stories grab them and, in turn, they grab us.  And, it can’t be faked.  When Cronkite choked and removed his glasses in November of '63, the nation choked and wept with him.  When Jim Lehrer devotes the last moments of his show, name by name – in silence – to our fallen in Iraq, our living rooms go silent with him.   

 

And that’s what it is with these two.  Besides the transparent good will towards each other, and the obvious fun they have in their work, they each carry that indefinable essence – that magical alchemic mix of integrity, authenticity combined with an understated yet palpable passion that helps us see beyond the ‘facts’ to the real importance of the story. 

 

We are well-served and privileged in this community to have them both.

 

Respectfully, 

TJ

West Bijou, Colorado Springs

 

 

 

If you have anything to share about News First 5/30, News First Now, or koaa.com, please click here.

Don't Miss It

Logo - First Alert Weather

First Alert Doppler
This Fall, the most powerful weather tool in Southern Colorado will be in the hands of the most experienced weather team.  The "First Alert Doppler" will be the only radar that's truly live, always several minutes ahead of the other stations.  Learn more about what this all means to you.

wacky stories

Wacky Stories

Weird and unusual stories from Colorado Springs and around the world. This stuff truly earns the title “WACKY”.

Hot Air Balloons over Colorado Springs.

Featured Picture

Upload your favorite photo to our website.  Others can see it and your photo may be featured on News First.

Weekend on the GO! logo 80x60

Weekend on the GO!

CSU-Pueblo College Football

"My Favorite Things" starring Shirley Jones

Community Yard Sale / Electronics Recycling

free money

Free Money Deals

Get gift certificates from your favorite local businesses for half of what they are worth.

Sponsored Events

Sponsored Events

Check out our station sponsored events. We have lots of things going on all the time.

Check For Life

Check For Life

News First has joined the fight against Breast Cancer. Click here to find out where to get your Check for Life kit.

Special Sections

Woodland Park Colorado

Woodland Park

Not just a rest stop on your way to the mountains. Click here to see what we have to offer.

Peak Radar

Peak Radar

Plan your weekend right here. Theater, Dance, Music, Art, family and more.
What's on your radar?

Gas Tracker

Gas Tracker

Keep up with changing gas prices with gas tracker, track the cheapest gas in town.

Jobs First

Jobs First Colorado

Search for jobs locally and throughout Colorado.

 

Connect With Kids

Connect With Kids

Tough topics about kids and teens. Research-based parenting tips, teacher info, and news about kids.

Teachers First

Teachers First

Honor that special person who inpires kids to learn and grow. Nominate him or her for this monthly award from News First.