Thanks for posting this terrific overview, Pat. I don't have the long history that you do, having moved from Wyoming to eastern Iowa in 2012. Somehow I found KWWL and Ron Steele. I love the "folksiness" of his delivery, but a smart, talented professional was clearly visible behind it. Two years ago we moved to another eastern Iowa town, and I worried I wouldn't be able to get Channel 7. But there it was, and there he was. An anchor, in more than one way, in that sea of confusion that defines moving. I'll keep watching KWWL, of course, but I'll keep my eyes open for anything else public that Ron decides to do. (Thinking wishfully...)
It's hard to believe that Ron had "only" been at KWWL 12 years when I started fresh out of college in 1986. That newsroom had so many major presences among the staff...Ron Steele, Grant Price, Liz Mathis, Cyndy & Dale Cerbin...that team had a big influence on how I learned the craft and how we all did our jobs on a daily basis. When Grant retired, the transition from hard news to TV infotainment was already beginning. Ron hanging it up now is just one more big nail in that coffin. I'm glad I got to work in a newsroom with Ron, et al....I hope he & Candy have a great & fulfilling retirement!
Those of os who lived in Southern California during the 60s love the reference to Hollywood High's Don Revert, who achieved his greatest fame as the Real Don Steele on 93 KHJ. Ironically, Don got the 'real' monicker when he was working at KOIL in Omaha
I agree, Pat, that many of us who followed Ron's career from those earliest years essentially grew up with him, showing us what a real journalist is and making certain the stories of our little slice of heaven are presented with dignity and truth. If Ron said it, well...we knew it was true. No question.
I first met Ron in similar circumstances as you. I was working as a part-time sports writer while I finished my degree at UNI. We both showed up at many of the same events and he was just a nice guy. He just never seemed to have a bad thing to say about anyone or anything. And I noticed that and it has stuck with me over the years.
Even though I made the hazardous decision to jump into the business world, Ron and I kept that friendship alive and it will be hard to not see "that nice guy" on the TV every night, showing all of us what the real Ron Steele is all about.
Thanks for posting this terrific overview, Pat. I don't have the long history that you do, having moved from Wyoming to eastern Iowa in 2012. Somehow I found KWWL and Ron Steele. I love the "folksiness" of his delivery, but a smart, talented professional was clearly visible behind it. Two years ago we moved to another eastern Iowa town, and I worried I wouldn't be able to get Channel 7. But there it was, and there he was. An anchor, in more than one way, in that sea of confusion that defines moving. I'll keep watching KWWL, of course, but I'll keep my eyes open for anything else public that Ron decides to do. (Thinking wishfully...)
It's hard to believe that Ron had "only" been at KWWL 12 years when I started fresh out of college in 1986. That newsroom had so many major presences among the staff...Ron Steele, Grant Price, Liz Mathis, Cyndy & Dale Cerbin...that team had a big influence on how I learned the craft and how we all did our jobs on a daily basis. When Grant retired, the transition from hard news to TV infotainment was already beginning. Ron hanging it up now is just one more big nail in that coffin. I'm glad I got to work in a newsroom with Ron, et al....I hope he & Candy have a great & fulfilling retirement!
Those of os who lived in Southern California during the 60s love the reference to Hollywood High's Don Revert, who achieved his greatest fame as the Real Don Steele on 93 KHJ. Ironically, Don got the 'real' monicker when he was working at KOIL in Omaha
So many memories. Thank you for reminding me about things I had forgot…such as Iowa’s Child. Definitely a trip down memory lane
I agree, Pat, that many of us who followed Ron's career from those earliest years essentially grew up with him, showing us what a real journalist is and making certain the stories of our little slice of heaven are presented with dignity and truth. If Ron said it, well...we knew it was true. No question.
I first met Ron in similar circumstances as you. I was working as a part-time sports writer while I finished my degree at UNI. We both showed up at many of the same events and he was just a nice guy. He just never seemed to have a bad thing to say about anyone or anything. And I noticed that and it has stuck with me over the years.
Even though I made the hazardous decision to jump into the business world, Ron and I kept that friendship alive and it will be hard to not see "that nice guy" on the TV every night, showing all of us what the real Ron Steele is all about.