The next Robin Roberts may be Erin Connolly, television news anchor for station WFSB in Hartford, Connecticut (CT). The reference is to ABC’s Good Morning America anchor, Robin Roberts rather than the Hall of Fame pitcher for the Philadelphia Phillies from 1950 to 1955.
Let’s digress with historical background in television production.
The Muse’s best friend and high school boyfriend (Mustang) went on to a 43-year career as a Production Engineer at a major TV network in Washington D.C. This was decades before the internet. His college choices were between Seton Hall University and Syracuse University for a Communications degree. He chose Seton Hall. It was closer to New York City and at the time, had better on campus broadcasting equipment. It was also geographically closer to home. Mustang was a car enthusiast, hence the nickname.
The Muse remembers inquiring about a Communications degree and asked “Would you want to be a TV anchor?” Mustang gave me his best Don Pardo impersonation explaining why not. Don Pardo was a radio and television announcer, whose career spanned over seven decades. He was also an announcer for Saturday Night Live for 35-years. According to Mustang, his teeth weren’t bright or perfect enough, his facial features were too severe, along with an unwelcome 5 o’clock shadow. The Muse thought Mustang handsome. He closely resembles ABC anchor, Bob Woodruff, who was injured in Iraq during 2006.
Mustang continued his Don Pardo impersonation, “No Miss Muse, its much worse for women in the industry.” He cited “Barbie” with a perpetually plunging neckline, tight clothes, short hemline, and too much makeup. It really had less to do with one’s ability to deliver live news and information, but rather appearances.
Mustang felt he could be more useful on the setup, production, and broadcast. Making the event happen and bringing it to life. And that he did – for a career. He was the consummate program director/project manager.
The Muse always remembered Mustang’s assessment of TV broadcasts in general and anchors in particular. The Muse takes notice of women anchors, who appear and present appropriately then deliver news pleasantly, accurately, yet with authority.
Recently, the Muse noted that one local evening news anchor, Erin Connolly (WFSB, a CBS-affiliate) was joining the sports director guy for the 30-minute pre-game show for the UCONN Men’s and Women’s basketball games. Hold the phone.
The prior 30-minutes Erin Connolly provided local news, accidents, crime, weather, investigative stories, national news. She is the 5, 6, and 11 o’clock co-anchor. Now she was now providing in-depth basketball analysis, opponent breakdown, interviews, and review. She provided the whole package.
Erin’s keys to the UCONN Men vs. Providence game included “make 3-pointers, get back in transition, and defend the post.” They were right on point. How cool. She is not only a fan, but she knows the game, really understands it. Erin’s insight was spot on.
More research on the WFSB website states that Erin Connolly is a Tufts University graduate with degrees in political science and mass media. Erin was also co-captain of the women’s basketball team at Tufts and honored on the NESAC All-Academic Team.
Erin is a hooper. She is a female TV news anchor, who knows and does sports really well. Is Erin Connolly the next Robin Roberts? Both are professional, smart, friendly, appropriate. They both know and played collegiate basketball.
Robin Roberts, news anchor of ABC’s Good Morning America fame played basketball at Southeastern Louisiana University (SELA) in Hammond, LA. On the women’s basketball team, Robin scored 1,446 points and secured 1,034 rebounds. She also played tennis at SELA.
Robin was a news anchor and sports anchor for local television and radio stations. She was a sportscaster on ESPN from 1990-2005 and the first woman to co-host NFL Primetime. Robin followed in the footsteps of her older sister, Sally-Ann Roberts, an anchor at the CBS affiliate WWL-TV in New Orleans, LA.
Erin Connolly could certainly be the next Robin Roberts. Erin, you go girl!
From WFSB, News Anchor, Erin Connolly. The next Robin Roberts.
From ABC’s Good Morning America, Anchor, Robin Roberts.
From the Mustang Museum of America, 1970 Ford Mustang.
From IMDb, Bob Woodruff, formerly of ABC News.