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Also naming the 4100 Block of Monument Road as “Jim Gardner Way,” in honor of Jim Gardner to commemorate his retirement after a decades long career in broadcast journalism as an anchor with 6ABC.
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WHEREAS, Jim Gardner was born on May 17, 1948 in New York City and graduated with a degree in Political Science from Columbia University; and
WHEREAS, While at Columbia, Gardner got his first introduction to broadcast journalism while covering the Columbia University Protests in 1968 for the University’s radio station; and
WHEREAS, Following his graduation in 1970, Gardner became a desk assistant, writer, and producer for WINS Radio in New York. After that, he joined WFAS Radio in White Plains, New York as a reporter and was quickly appointed News Director for the station; and
WHEREAS, In 1974, Gardner was offered a job with WKBW-TV in Buffalo, and after six months became a weekend anchor and substitute weekday anchor for the network; and
WHEREAS, On June 1, 1976, Jim Gardner joined WPVI-TV in Philadelphia as an anchor for the 12:00 p.m. news. On May 11, 1977, Gardner became the anchor for the 6:00 p.m. and 11:00 p.m. news slots, a position he would hold for the next four decades; and
WHEREAS, Jim Gardner’s career led him to report on some of the largest generation defining moments of our time. He followed Philadelphia's Cardinal John Krol to the Vatican to report on the death of Pope Paul VI, to West Germany to report on the return of American hostages in Lebanon, from Russia after the fall of the Soviet Union, and to Israel and the West Bank to report on the signing of the Israeli-Palestinian Accords. He has also covered every Republican and Democratic National Convention since 1980 and has interviewed every President since 1976; and
WHEREAS, On January 11, 2022, Jim Gardner anchored his last 11:00 p.m. news broadcast. Following a distinguished four decade long career with 6ABC News, Gardner decided to retire at the end of 2022. However, despite his decision, he will continue to anchor the 6:00 evening news until the week of December 12, 2022; and
WHEREAS, Jim Gardner’s distinguished career in journalism and the monumental impact he has made on the City of Philadelphia should be honored and celebrated; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA, That it hereby also names the 4100 Block of Monument Road as “Jim Gardner Way,” in honor of Jim Gardner to commemorate his retirement after a decades long career in broadcast journalism as an anchor with 6ABC.
FURTHER RESOLVED, That an Engrossed copy of this resolution be presented to Jim Gardner as a sign of the respect and admiration of this legislative body.
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