KMOV cuts John Mills, Robert Townsend
Reporters John Mills (a 13-year veteran) and Robert Townsend are out at KMOV (Channel 4), victims of budget cuts. The station said in a statement Thursday: “As the economic conditions continue to impact our business, along with many other companies, we are constantly evaluating our staffing levels and unfortunately had to make some adjustments.”
Unlike most who go quietly, Mills went public on his departure:
Statement from John Mills, KMOV-TV, reporter and substitute anchor:
“I am deeply grateful to the people of St. Louis for all
their support over the past 13 years.“Most especially, I want to recognize the victims of
crime, discrimination and natural disaster. Thank you for
trusting me to share your personal, painful stories with
the public during some of the most difficult times of your
lives.“I wish to thank all viewers for trusting me in Rome for
coverage of Pope John Paul II’s funeral, in New York
during those grim days after the World Trade Center attack
and across the St. Louis region for coverage of thousands
of stories.“I have also enjoyed celebrating with you during many good
times - the Cardinals winning the World Series, the Rams
winning the Super Bowl and this great city’s continuing
transformation for the better.
“Thank you, St. Louis.”
–John Mills
I hadn’t heard he was leaving. And I didn’t know he’d been there that long. Any more info on why and where he’s going?
unpaidbill is also non-reading bill. Check out the first sentence of the article, buddy.
Doesn’t sadden me. I didn’t think either of them were that great.
Hey Jeem,where is your compassion? I hate it when I hear anyone losing their job. You implied that these guys never tickled your innards.Well maybe there were tens of thousands for whom they did. Oh well,hope you never have,or had,an employment problem.
John Mills was one of the few good reporters on KMOV.St.Louis local news is a real mess now.It looks like amateur hour with the news all the time.Even KSDK news,once the standard of quality news looks cheap and ratty now.And Fox-2 news is a total mess.Hopfully they will get their act together when to move into their new studios with Channel 11 next week.Good Luck!!
Doesn’t sadden me. I didn’t think either of them were that great.
Just curious–who do you consider a “star” local reporter? The guy may have not had a lot of personality…which is exactly why he is a decent reporter…hmmm…someone who actually reports news rather than worrying about their appearance and making cheesy banter try and look “cute” (that’s aimed at you, Fox’s Randy Naughton–you colossal HACK!)
I thought (think) John Mills is the next Dan Rather. And I mean that in the most positive way. Where is Kathleen England going? And what happened to Scott Connell (cubby bear)? I agree that the entire St. Louis news seen is well of the mark these days. Used to be that you would go to any other city in this country, big ones included, and see how pathetic the out of town news broadcasts were, compared to the Lou. Now, it looks more like Columbia, MO. College interns choking over the type. Thank God for stltoday! LOL
I liked both reporters… Why? Because they were actually objective and true to their craft.
It’s a shame… but times are tough. I wish them the best.
Really?, I love Randy Naughton.
I, for one, will miss John Mills. Always entertained by his hair.
Say “Good Bye Vulture”. You once responded to a crime scene across from my business. You were there for one thing …………BLOOD!!!!, to show the world what really doesn’t need to be shown. You live up to the cold hearted beat reporter that you are. You showed no compassion for the family of the victim. You are a robot for the news. Now the station is showing you the same Cold Compassion. It’s a cold world out there ….huh…Good bye, don’t come back.