Willie Monroe: Why I Left KGO-Channel 7
This is Willie Monroe’s response to my email. We’ll miss him.
Greetings.
Yes it’s true. My last official day was December 31st. After almost 23 years (It would have been 23 years at KGO on April Fool’s Day. Make of that what you will.) I decided it was time to give it a rest. It’s been a great ride. I’m not closing any doors on the future, nor are there any imminent plans. For now I’m on vacation. Here’s the note I sent out announcing my departure. I think it says it all.
To my colleagues and friends I’ve not been able to reach yet,
My sudden departure is really not so sudden. It has been in the works for a while. As many of you have heard me say, “I was glad I was here to do that story. That’s what keeps me going.” It is no longer enough.
At my request, KGO-TV has been gracious enough to release me from my contract. I have nothing but the utmost respect for KGO-TV management which has treated me with respect and understanding. I do not have a plan. One thing at a time. My only objective now is to achieve peace. I have done that.
My sincere thanks to those of you who have appreciated what I’ve done over the years, and let me know about it. I’m grateful to have worked with the most talented and erudite photographers and editors I’ve ever known, and shared those enlightening conversations in the course of our work and play.
My thanks also to management which allowed me to make some small contribution to the community, and to become recognized for that. I was never in love with the notoriety, but my opportunities were in my visibility, and for that I truly am grateful.
Please understand this is not a requiem. I am not going away mad. I am just going away.
Willie Monroe
Sandra Varner said,
January 10, 2008 at 8:01 pm
Willie:
I do hope we stay in touch.
Sandra Varner
Marilyn Washington said,
January 11, 2008 at 1:01 pm
Dear willie I want to thank you for being an inspiration to my son and others. The hight of his life was when he met you. your honesty alone with who you are made his day, but then you hade to interview me when Khadafy became Oakland 50th Homicide in 2000 after he graudtioned. I wish you luck in all you decide to do God Bless you Rev Marilyn Washington Harris
Allen White said,
January 11, 2008 at 2:44 pm
Those who live and work in the Bay Area dwell among the giants of television journalism. Willie Monroe stands tall as a pioneer, as a news professional and as a great guy. He is another whose contributions should never and must never be taken for granted.
Allen White
San Francisco, California