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Sportscaster J.P. Peterson Leaving WFLA

By WALT BELCHER | The Tampa Tribune

Published: December 20, 2007

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TAMPA - Sportscaster J.P. Peterson and the management of WFLA, Channel 8, have mutually agreed to part ways.

J.P. Peterson

Peterson, who has been with News Channel 8 for more than seven years, will leave in March when his contract expires, WFLA officials announced Thursday.

"J.P. has not been totally comfortable with the direction of our sports coverage in recent years, and so we mutually agreed now was a good time to end our relationship," News Director Don North said. "J.P. has a popular radio sports show, and I imagine this will give him more time to focus his energy on the show."

Peterson agreed that he has not been satisfied. He declined to be specific but indicated there were differences over the amount of sports coverage.

However, he said is "very appreciative of having been given the opportunity to work at Channel 8."

"The station helped put me on the map and working here has allowed me to win awards for sports coverage," he said. "I am very proud of what we achieved here and I excited about the opportunities that I will have in the future."

"J.P. did a good job for us; he has a tremendous passion for sports here in the Tampa Bay area," said Mike Pumo, president and general manager of WFLA-TV. "We certainly anticipate his future success in the market."

Peterson said he is working on a project that will revolutionize the way local sports is covered in the Tampa Bay area.

Peterson became the main sportscaster at WFLA following the departure of Chris Thomas in 2002. Peterson is featured on the evening and late-night newscasts but his morning sports recaps have been dropped.

Many television stations throughout the country have been cutting back on the amount of time devoted to local sports coverage.

Peterson said he plans to continue his sports talk show on WHBO (1470 AM) weekdays from noon to 2 p.m.

WFLA and The Tampa Tribune are both owned by Media General and share newsgathering resources.