via screengrab
Steve Grant (left), a news anchor from Missouri, comforts anchor Kimberly McBroom during the first morning news show after the deaths of journalists Alison Parker and Adam Ward.
Virginia’s WDBJ Mornin’ news show in Virginia returned to the air Thursday morning with many tears, hugs and extra help from a crew of Missouri journalists.
After two of the show’s journalists were gunned down by a former station employee, two Springfield stations sent three staff members—KY3 anchor Steve Grant, KY3 reporter Eric Hilt and KSPR news director Bridget Lovelle—to assist with daily news coverage, according to the Springfield News-Leader. WDBJ and the Springfield stations are owned by the same company, Schurz Communications based in Indiana.
“Grief fills this city, but this newsteam's dedication to honor their colleagues is indescribable,” Grant wrote on his Facebook page from Virginia. “Humbled to be here to lend a hand.”
Thursday morning’s emotional broadcast began with a moment of silence to honor Alison Ward and Adam Ward, whose violent deaths were witnessed live by thousands of WDBJ’s viewers. Anchor Kimberly McBroom barely began her introduction to the moment of silence before reaching for Grant’s hand in support, and she didn’t let go until more than a minute into the broadcast.
“We’re holding hands here on the desk,” McBroom said after the moment of silence. “It’s the only way to do it.”
Watch the morning show’s moment of silence here:
KY3 general manager Brian McDonough tells the News-Leader he doesn’t know how long Grant, Hilt and Lovelle would be in Virginia but added that “we believe it will be for several days.”
Springfield news viewers reached out to Grant via social media to thank their local news anchor for helping fellow journalists in their time of need.
“Steve, I am so proud of you stepping up in this terrible time,” one fan wrote on Grant’s Facebook page. “You are truly a kind man and I am honored to have you bring the news to me on your station.”
Contact Lindsay Toler by an email at LToler@stlmag.com or on Twitter @StLouisLindsay. For more from St. Louis Magazine, subscribe or follow us on Facebook and Twitter.
