Veteran Detroit TV newsman Guy Gordon is ringing in the new year with a new job.
Gordon said Tuesday that he's leaving his on-air role at WDIV-TV (Channel 4) to launch an afternoon news-oriented talk show on WJR-AM (760).
Wednesday will be his last day with Channel 4. His new radio show, yet to be titled, will begin Jan. 2 and air 3-5 p.m. weekdays.
Gordon said he's been in serious talks with WJR since this summer and sealed his new deal Tuesday morning. His radio show will focus on the big stories of the day and reflect his experience as someone who's covered Detroit for more than three decades, first for WXYZ-TV (Channel 7) and, for about a dozen years, Channel 4.
"I want it to be a feast for news carnivores," said Gordon, sharing the goal he told WJR management during talks.
Gordon, who hails from Grand Rapids, got his start in the Detroit TV market in 1984 at WXYZ-TV (Channel 7). He moved to Channel 4 in April 2004. Popular as both a reporter and anchor, he's won numerous Emmys and covered everything from Pope John Paul II's tour of America and the Chrysler and General Motors bankruptcies to the economic rebirth of Detroit and the North American International Auto Show.
Stressing WJR's commitment to local programming, Gordon said, "There's going to be continuity across the radio station in terms of doing what Paul W. (Smith) and Frank (Beckmann) and Mitch (Albom) do so well. I'm just trying to live up to the standards these hall of famers have created."
For nearly two years, Gordon has filled in as a substitute host for Smith.
WJR currently airs "Savage Nation," a nationally syndicated show hosted by conservative political personality Michael Savage, at that time. Station managers did not return calls for comment.
Gordon described his departure from Channel 4 as very cordial one and thanked news director Kim Voet and vice president and general manager Marla Drutz for their support.
"I had two of the most magnificent choices to make in my professional life: staying at the TV station I love or trying something new at an age where most people don't get this opportunity," he said.
Detroit's news institutions have been rocked by many personnel changes in 2016, some from involuntary layoffs and buyouts, others by choice. At Channel 4, one of the year's biggest departures occurred in November with the retirement of longtime anchor Carmen Harlan.
Channel 4 news director Kim Voet said Gordon is one of the best broadcast journalists in Detroit.
"I'm sad but I'm thrilled for him," said Voet, "For me personally, he is arguably one of, if not the best, storytellers in our newsroom. He can take a complex topic and make it so easy to understand. His stories are so memorable, so emotional and they make you think, which is our job as journalists."
Voet said the station will find a way to mark Gordon's departure during January's Detroit auto show coverage.
