KITV's Cooke leaving for news service

By Wayne Harada
Advertiser Entertainment Writer

TV news anchor Dan Cooke is leaving KITV to take a job with a national news service.

His departure date is to be determined, said Cooke, who also said he was not at liberty to name his new employer.

Cooke said he will become president and chief executive officer of the news distribution service, which will include partnerships "with very reputable news providers."

His new post, still in development, will not be on-camera. Details would be completed in two weeks, Cooke said. At that time, he will work out a departure date with KITV.

"There's an element of sadness about leaving something I've dedicated 15 years of my life to," he said. "But leaving will allow me to spend a good chunk of my afternoon and evenings with my family. If you want to be successful in this business, you have to work the afternoon and evening shift, from 2 p.m. to midnight. But I've been gone from my kids five days a week for all of their lives, and I've got a responsibility there."

Cooke has a 9-year-old son and a 5-year-old daughter.

"We're very sad to see Dan go," said KITV news director Tod Pritchard. "He is an outstanding journalist, and he has the opportunity to do something in a new business venture that will allow him quality time with his family."

Ratings were not a factor in Cooke's decision to leave, Pritchard said. In the May Nielsens, KITV was virtually tied with KHNL and KGMB for second place at 6 p.m., but dropped to fourth at 10 p.m. KHON remains No. 1 in both time slots.

Reach Wayne Harada at 525-8067 or wharada@honoluluadvertiser.com.