Longtime TV journalist, philanthropist and LGBTQ community leader Randy Price—the first openly gay television news anchor in the country—will officially sign off the air on May 20, according to a WCVB TV-5 report today.
“I’ve enjoyed every minute of my more than 10 years anchoring the EyeOpener newscasts here at WCVB; and now I’ve decided it’s time for me to step back from my career in news and start a new chapter. I look forward to enjoying different adventures in my life,” Pride told WCVB.
According to WCVB:
In addition to helping millions of viewers start their days as a co-anchor of NewsCenter 5’s EyeOpener, Price is also well known to New England’s civic and philanthropic communities. He’s helped raise awareness and millions of dollars for causes important to him and his viewers – autism, veterans’ causes, Scouting (he’s an Eagle Scout), alcohol and substance abuse, animal welfare and LGBT issues.
As the nation’s first openly gay TV news anchor, Price is regularly invited to speak to a wide variety of audiences. He has been a keynote emcee at countless LGBT events. And he has been honored to be the Grand Marshal of Pride parades and celebrations in Boston, Worcester, Provincetown and Salem. He has also served as the Grand Marshal of the beloved annual America’s Hometown Thanksgiving Parade in Plymouth.
“Not only is Randy a media legend here in Boston, but he’s always been a respected leader and very positive presence in the Channel 5 newsroom,” said Bill Fine, WCVB Channel 5 President and General Manager. “It’s hard to fathom starting our days without his trusted, and extremely recognizable, voice every morning. We’re all very grateful to Randy for his countless contributions to the station’s outstanding journalism and also for his great wit and friendship.”
“Together we’ve all covered some of the most impactful and historic news events in our lifetimes, and we’ve cheered some of the community’s greatest moments. Now, before he signs-off from the anchor desk, we look forward to celebrating Randy’s career and thanking him for all he’s done for our team and the community,” said Jenny Barron, EyeOpener Executive Producer.
As a native of Louisiana, Price began his broadcast career in college radio at Louisiana Tech University and then Louisiana State University in his home city of Baton Rouge. As a member of the U.S. Air Force, Price moved into television with the American Forces Radio and Television Service. After his military duty, Price became the lead anchor at television stations in Bakersfield, California and Toledo, Ohio, before coming to Boston. He has anchored at all of the major network-affiliated stations in the city and has hosted TV specials from time to time. At one time he even had his own nightly magazine program which was the first of its type to include daily news coverage, feature reporting, and popular culture.
Price and his husband split their time between Maine and South Carolina. They are both animal enthusiasts who have previously bred world-renowned champion American Cocker Spaniel dogs. As a result, they are involved in a variety of rescue groups and the region’s larger animal welfare organizations. They are also avid gardeners and often open up their gardens and home for fundraisers.
“There is only one ‘Randy Price,’ and we could not be more proud or thankful to have had him be such a valuable member of the NewsCenter 5 team,” said Paige Harrison, WCVB Channel 5 News Director. “He’s set the gold standard for journalism, and we know he’ll set the gold standard when it comes to launching a new chapter in his life. We wish him the very best.”
“It’s truly been a privilege to work with the most talented journalists in the business, both on-the-air and behind-the-scenes, here at Channel 5…they will all always be my family,” Price said. “And, I couldn’t be more grateful to our wonderful and loyal viewers for making the EyeOpener the most watched morning newscasts in the market…thank you!”
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