Gene Patterson, who for some reason I have called ‘Geneo’ is officially gone from WATE. Friday night was his last 6 p.m. news cast and the last TN This Week that he will host just aired. TN This Week typically is recorded on Thursday afternoons. I have appeared on TN This Week over the years and ‘Geneo’ was always a good guy that simply asked the questions and accepted the answers. He was never a sensationalist journalist that ever moderated television or even community events with any gotcha tabloid antics.

‘Geneo’ is a one of a kind dude. The only question is how a good guy like ‘Geneo’ could work for a Mayor like…..well never mind. ‘Geneo’ is going to work for a nuclear firm in Oak Ridge as part of their communication team. So, he and his lovely wife will still be in the Knoxville area. So, good luck, ‘Geneo’!

WATE’s Samantha Manning will take over Tennessee This Week beginning next week. Here is hoping she doesn’t let the two liberal panelist take over the show. If she will only allow the Conservative George Korda continue to lead the panelist, all will be ok. Keep ’em in line, Korda!