Earlier this month, the Post Dispatch ran an article “Will Steve Savarde take over for Mike Bush at KSDK?” ( https://share.google/hmpF420WhWaUTtGjf).
With the news out of Bush (the main evening anchor) retiring in August, I couldn’t help but to also be left wondering “Will Brent Solomon take over at KSDK for Mike Bush?”
Several years back, it was refreshing to see KSDK bring on a Black man to anchor the 4pm news on weekdays. I’ve watched as Brent has also been tapped to fill in for Mike in his absence on late evenings and nights as well as holidays. And he always represents with class and professionalism. Additionally, he’s been highly visible in the community, often speaking to local students, serving the community and emceeing events. This is the type of news anchor I can relate to, not just someone who we see on the screen but also in real life. Trust me, our local youth need that kind of role model.
As St. Louis’ leading Black paper, an article asking the above question would be most fitting. I’d love to hear from KSDK’s now retired 1st Black News Director, Art Holliday on his decision to hire Solomon as his on air replacement and what he’d like to see as Bush’s successor. Similarly, what do Black community advocates such as John Bowman of the St. Louis County NAACP have to say about what its meant to have a Black man in the weekday Anchor chair during the evening news? Could we also hear from retired Black KMOV Anchor Julius Hunter about his journey to getting the main evening Anchor role and why we don’t see more of it?
These are questions I trust the St. Louis American can ask to offer balance to The Post Dispatch’s one sided probe.
Respectfully,
Donald Gage
