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Robertson is embracing life after television

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By WALT BELCHER wbelcher

@tampatrib.com

Published: July 1, 2009

One day out of the job and Frank Robertson says he's enjoying life away from WTVT, Channel 13.

"I'm wearing a polo shirt and no tie," the former anchor said Tuesday afternoon. "I'm looking forward to playing more golf and getting more exercise."

After nearly 21 years at Fox 13, Robertson signed off Monday night, taking an early retirement from the station.

"It's been an honor and a privilege to work at one of the great television stations in America," he told viewers during his last 5:30 p.m. newscast. "I am proud of the colleagues I've worked with both past and present."

Robertson, 58, said he's had a great career in television journalism. "I've been fortunate to spend 36 years in the television, most of it in Tampa, the 13th largest market in the country."

He says the best thing that happened here was meeting his wife, WTVT anchor Kathy Fountain, who will continue to work at Fox 13.

"She's the breadwinner now and I'm the chief cook and bottle washer," he jokes.

Robertson says he's taking time off to consider what his next career move will be. He says he is considering working for a nonprofit agency (which he declined to name) as a way of giving back to the community.

He also is interested in sports marketing. He says the send-off by his fellow WTVT workers was "overwhelming." WTVT morning anchor Russell Rhodes prepared a tribute video (myfox13.com) and co-anchor Cynthia Smoot said he was one of kind who couldn't be replaced.

Robertson, who came to the station as a weekend anchor in 1988, eventually replaced the legendary Hugh Smith on the 6 and 11 p.m. newscast. He was teamed with co-anchor Kelly Craig who soon departed for Miami. Ironically, Craig was laid off this week after 19 years at WTVJ in Miami.

"That really saddens me because she is awesome," Robertson says.

During his time at WTVT, Robertson has worked on every newscast and even did sports. He and Fountain were married in 1995.

"I am retiring from WTVT but not from work," he says. Robertson leaves as the broadcast television industry is facing serious cutbacks due to the stressed economy.

A Fox 13 spokesperson confirmed that the station laid-off six employees last week.

Robertson's departure will result in the shuffling of the current staff. Smoot will join anchor Mark Wilson on the 11 p.m. newscast. Fountain and Denise White will co-anchor the 5:30 p.m. newscast.

CASTING KIDS: A casting team from "The World's Strictest Parents" will be in the Tampa area Thursday through July 12 to interview prospective teens for the CMT reality show.

Auditions are by appointment only. The program, from the producers of "Supernanny" and "Real Housewives of New York City," places rebellious teens in the homes of strict adults.

Casting director Jen Apploff says they are looking for teenagers (with parental approval) from every type of background - teens with unique interests; technically savvy teens; hippies; urbanites; slobs; surfers; affluent teens; liberals; and defiant teens.

Those interested can call (323) 904-4680 (ext. 1006) for information. Apply any time via www.the worldsstrictestparents.com or by calling 1-888-418-3367.

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