Art Holliday Leaving KSDK: News Director Announces Retirement
Art Holliday Signs Off After 46 Years at KSDK, Reflects on a Career of Evolution
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St. Louis, MO – After an extraordinary 46-year tenure, Art Holliday is bidding farewell too KSDK, teh NBC affiliate in St. Louis,marking the end of an era for local broadcasting. Holliday, a familiar face and respected voice in the St.Louis community, began his journey at KSDK in 1979, embarking on a career that saw him evolve through various roles, from sportscaster to news director.
A Career Defined by Adaptation and Growth
Holliday’s extensive career at KSDK is a testament to his adaptability and commitment to the evolving landscape of news. He initially joined the station as a sportscaster,a role he embraced for the first decade of his career. However, his path took an unexpected turn in 1989 when he was asked to co-anchor the morning show alongside Jennifer Blome. This pivot lead to a remarkable 22-year run as a morning anchor, a period that solidified his connection with KSDK viewers.
“it’s not what I expected when I started here in ’79-that’s for sure,” Holliday shared in an interview with St. Louis Magazine, reflecting on the unpredictable nature of his career.
From Anchor Desk to Newsroom leadership
Following his extensive anchoring duties, holliday transitioned into a general assignment reporter role, gaining new perspectives and honing his storytelling skills. He later became part of a new storytelling unit, where he had the chance to delve deeper into stories that resonated with him, allowing for more in-depth reporting and narrative growth.
the most notable shift in his career came five years ago when he was approached about becoming the news director. Recognizing the need for strong leadership and credibility within the newsroom, Holliday embraced this challenge. He was named interim news director in 2020 and officially took on the permanent role in 2021, guiding the station’s news operations with a focus on improving newsroom culture.
Lessons Learned and Advice for the future
Holliday’s career trajectory offers valuable insights, particularly for aspiring journalists. He emphasizes the importance of flexibility and embracing change. “I tell young people all the time, ‘It’s OK to have plans, but you should probably write them in pencil and not pen,'” he advised, highlighting the unpredictable yet rewarding nature of a career in media.
Before his impactful tenure at KSDK, Holliday honed his broadcasting skills in the sports department at KOCO in Oklahoma City for over two years, laying the foundation for his long and distinguished career in St.Louis. His departure leaves a significant void, but his legacy of dedication, versatility, and leadership will undoubtedly continue to influence KSDK and the St. Louis media landscape for years to come.