WESH 2’s Jim Payne reveals plans to retire
WESH 2 News anchor Jim Payne announced he plans to retire in September following a career spanning 45 years, 23 of those in Central Florida.
After moving from Raleigh, North Carolina, where he worked for WRAL-TV, Payne joined WESH 2 News in 2000 as a weekend anchor and reporter. Shortly after starting his new chapter in Central Florida, he was anchoring weekdays and has anchored all of WESH 2’s evening newscasts since then.
“The time goes by so fast. One day we’re raising young boys, the next we’re making plans around grandchildren,” Payne told his co-workers Monday afternoon, according to a news release. “I have been blessed beyond belief professionally, working with some of the most talented people in broadcast journalism.”
During his time in Central Florida, Payne won a Peabody Award for his 2003 report, “Building Homes, Building Problems,” and has also been recognized for the 2002 documentary, “Code Blue: Crisis in the E.R.” and coverage of the shuttle Columbia disaster.
In more recent years, Payne helped to launch the station’s magazine show, “WESH 2 Chronicle,” to bring viewers in-depth Central Florida stories. Aside from feature stories, the program has touched on Central Florida’s affordable housing crisis and struggles with recycling.
As an anchor, Payne has been with viewers through numerous hurricanes, 9/11, the Pulse tragedy and dozens of major trials including those of Casey Anthony, George Zimmerman and Noor Salman.
Aside from his work on TV, Payne has served on the board of Special Olympics Florida and given back to charitable causes including Kids House of Seminole and Edgewood Children’s Ranch. Even inside the newsroom, he found ways to give back.
“What people don’t know is that when Jim’s not on TV he’s training up all the other journalists in the room,” said Stephanie Linton, WESH 2 news director, in a news release. “We have such an experienced group of journalists, from anchors to reporters to producers, who will carry on the standard Jim has set because he’s had a hand in teaching them our craft.”
Payne will continue to anchor the 6 p.m. and 11 p.m. news until Sept. 1.