Flood of Positive E-Mails GreetsPeterson On His Final Day at KMTV

"S%*! happens."

That's how Greg Peterson summed up his dismissal as co-anchor of the 5, 6 and 10 p.m. newcasts on KMTV (Cox Channel 5).

Peterson and veteran co-anchor Deborah Ward were on hand at an all-station meeting Thursday afternoon when it was announced the pair would not have their contracts renewed and a new anchor team would be introduced in January.

"It was a pretty emotional meeting," Peterson said. "A few tears were shed."

Unlike Ward, Peterson chose to spend one more day on the anchor desk. He says he wouldn't have it any other way.

"I love the work," he said. "I whistle when I come to work. I love what I do. It's a wonderful job. I understand that it's a business. And business decisions need to be made."

Peterson spent the hours leading up to his final newscasts answering a flood of e-mails that poured into his inbox.

"There are a lot of wonderful people who have sent great messages," Peterson said. "It really makes you feel good and realize there are people who you've impacted and watched every day. Sometimes the ratings don't reflect that."

Looking Back
In his 25 years of anchoring local TV news, Petersen said the past five have been his most rewarding and enjoyable. He also says he knew it would be an uphill battle to turn ratings around at a station that has been a perennial third-place finisher in the local news race for more than 10 years.

"I was well aware of the challenge ahead when I took over the anchor chair in 2001, and I am very proud of what we have accomplished over that span of time," he said.

Working with Ward was another highlight, Peterson said.

"Her knowledge and professionalism are unequaled," he said. "It is rare that a person in our profession works their entire career at the same television station. Her 26 years at KMTV are a reflection of her ability and character."

Peterson annually anchored the Muscular Dystrophy Association's Labor Day telethon. The work was rewarding was one of dozens of local and national charities he helped with fundraising and volunteer activities.

"My work with MDA, the Madonna School, The Make-A-Wish Foundation, Dare Program and countless other charities has been every bit as rewarding as reporting the news every night," he said. "I hope in a small way, I have made a positive impact on this proud community."

The Final Goodbye
Peterson said KMTV News and Marketing Director Ken Dudzik gave him the green light to deliver some parting words during the 10 p.m. newscast. It is an opportunity few in TV are granted, particularly when they do not leave on their own terms.

At the conclusion of Friday night's newscast, Peterson said:

"Well, this is it. My last broadcast here at KMTV. As I said at six o'clock, they have been the most rewarding five years of my personal life, as well as my professional life.

"I will miss so many people, so many great friends we have made along the way - and you know who you are.

"Now Deb Ward is also leaving this anchor desk. It is rare that a person works their entire career at the same television station. Her 26 years at KMTV are a real reflection of her ability and character. I will miss her most.

"Now to all of you, thank you so much for the wonderful e-mails and phone calls. They have affirmed my longstanding belief that television really is truly magic.

"There are some who wanted me to sign off tonight by saying, 'Stay Classy Omaha.' But I'm not going to. Good night. Thank you. And we will see you down the road."