WTNH News 8's Anchor Chris Velardi Left 'Speechless' Over Career Change Reaction

On Monday, WTNH News 8’s very popular ‘Good Morning Connecticut’ co-host Chris Velardi, of Branford, announced on his blog, that he is leaving the station on Friday after 15 years at Channel 8.

Velardi has a new gig, but the good news is he will remain living in Connecticut. Read that story here.

Verlardi shared on his blog again Wednesday, how the reaction from so many has touched him, and how he’s overwhelmed by the response.

One testimonial regarding Velardi was shared on his Facebook page by Owen Davis.

“I would like to share a story of Chris’ kindness. I emailed Chris about a family friend, a young woman from New Zealand who is a Freshman rugby player at QU. She tore her ACL during her third game and had surgery the end of October.

Chris, having had the same surgery and who was himself recovering, emailed back with an extensive list of suggestions that he thought would help her post-op recovery. He didn’t even know this young woman but took the time to offer this help. Not only that, he subsequently checked in to see how she was doing.

How many people would do that? I don’t know Chris and have never met him. I just know he’s a kind and caring person. It’s too bad WTNH is losing such a talented individual. He will be missed on TV. All the best Chris in your new job.”

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Here is Velardi’s latest Thursday blog update.

“Guys, I am overwhelmed. I’d say I’m speechless... but I’m writing a blog here. So I’ll find some words...

The response I’ve gotten to my career change announcement this week has really taken me by surprise -- in the best way possible. I expected a handful of people to say, “good luck.” I figured a few would say, “we’ll miss you on TV.”

I underestimated when I anticipated “a handful” and “a few.”

I am humbled... I am moved... and I am appreciative. And I think there’s a lesson here for all of us in this great business of broadcasting. We have an impact on everyone who watches or listens to us. Sometimes, that impact can be profound. And it’s something we should always keep in mind and never take for granted.

Heck, that’s a good thing to remember for anyone... in any line of work.

I want to share two messages I received that really hit me right in the feels.

In TV news, you’re always pushed to think about what’s next. Yesterday’s story is “old news”; there’s a new story to do today. But yesterday’s story may have been a moment in someone’s life... and to that person, that family, it’ll never be “old news.”

jan aylwardMarch 10, 2015 at 9:21 AM (From my blog)

Wishing Chris the best of luck with his new career! He is an exceptional person who helped my son when he was in need of a living donor for a life saving liver transplant. He came the hospital and did a segment on him an old friend saw this and came forward and donated part of her liver. Chris heard about my son and without hesitation agreed to help. I will forever be grateful to him. Godspeed Chris.

In TV news, a newscast -- at its best -- is a shared experience. We forget that sometimes. Viewers don’t.

Jennifer Mitchell Crose‎Chris Velardi (From Facebook)

We will miss seeing you in the mornings but sounds like you are really looking forward to your next chapter in life. I always enjoyed watching you, you always seemed so down to earth. One time that really sticks out is Dec 14th, you were reporting about Newtown and as I sat home and cried watching, it was clear how much it bothered you too. You weren’t just giving us a story that night. I’m sure it was tough. Best wishes on your new journey. Job well done, you will be missed.

I can’t tell you how grateful I am for posts like those and for all of the kind messages I’ve received. I’ve read every one. And I’ve tried to respond to as many as possible.

As I wrote, many factors have gone into my decision to leave TV news. Knowing I’ve had an impact on viewers’ lives is humbling. I hope you know you’ve made a difference in my life, too.”

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