Valerie Smock Leaves WNEP: A Legendary Career Comes to a Close

After 32 remarkable years at WNEP-TV, the beloved anchorwoman Valerie Smock is hanging up her microphone and bidding farewell to the Scranton/Wilkes-Barre community.

Valerie's tenure at WNEP has been marked by countless milestones and unforgettable moments. She has covered major news events, including the September 11 attacks, the 2011 Japan earthquake and tsunami, and countless local stories that have shaped the lives of viewers across Northeastern Pennsylvania.

Throughout her career, Valerie has been recognized for her exceptional talent and dedication. She has received numerous awards, including multiple Emmy Awards and the prestigious Edward R. Murrow Award.

As she embarks on a new chapter in her life, Valerie leaves behind a legacy of professionalism, integrity, and unwavering commitment to her viewers. Her retirement marks the end of an era at WNEP, but her spirit will continue to inspire future generations of journalists.

In this comprehensive tribute to Valerie Smock, we explore her illustrious career, share heartwarming stories, and celebrate the impact she has made on her community.

A Farewell to a News Icon

Valerie Smock's journey at WNEP began in 1990 when she joined the station as a weekend anchor. Her quick wit, engaging personality, and captivating storytelling abilities quickly endeared her to viewers.

Over the years, Valerie became synonymous with the evening news in Northeastern Pennsylvania. She anchored countless broadcasts, covering everything from breaking news to in-depth feature stories. Her unwavering commitment to accuracy and fairness earned her the respect of colleagues and viewers alike.

In addition to her anchoring duties, Valerie was also actively involved in the community. She hosted numerous charity events, volunteered for local organizations, and dedicated herself to supporting causes close to her heart.

As she prepares to leave WNEP, Valerie reflects on her extraordinary career with a mix of gratitude and excitement.

"It's been an incredible privilege to serve the Scranton/Wilkes-Barre community for the past 32 years," Valerie said. "I've had the opportunity to cover some of the most important stories of our time, and I've made lifelong connections with people throughout the region."

Unforgettable Stories and Life Lessons

Throughout her career, Valerie has covered countless stories that have left an indelible mark on her heart. From heartwarming human interest pieces to groundbreaking investigations, Valerie has a knack for finding the stories that matter most to her viewers.

One particular story that stands out for Valerie is her coverage of the September 11 attacks. She recalls the raw emotions she felt as she reported on the unfolding tragedy.

"It was a surreal experience," Valerie said. "I had never seen anything like it before, and it was incredibly difficult to process what was happening. But as a journalist, I felt a deep responsibility to keep the public informed and to provide some sense of comfort during that dark time."

Another memorable moment for Valerie was her coverage of the 2011 Japan earthquake and tsunami. She traveled to Japan to report on the aftermath of the devastating disaster, and she was inspired by the resilience of the Japanese people.

"The Japanese people showed incredible strength and determination in the face of such adversity," Valerie said. "It was a humbling experience to witness their spirit and to learn from their example."

Valerie's stories are not only entertaining but also thought-provoking. She has a unique ability to connect with her viewers on a personal level and to inspire them to think critically about the world around them.

Tips and Tricks from a Seasoned Journalist

Throughout her career, Valerie has learned countless valuable lessons about journalism and storytelling. Here are a few of her tips and tricks for aspiring journalists:

• Always be curious. The world is full of fascinating stories waiting to be told. Be curious about everything and never stop asking questions.
• Be fair and objective. Journalism is about reporting the facts without bias. Strive to be fair to all sides of a story and to present a balanced perspective.
• Be accurate. Accuracy is paramount in journalism. Double-check your facts and make sure your stories are free from errors.
• Be empathetic. Good journalists understand the human experience and can connect with people on a personal level. Empathy will help you tell stories that resonate with your audience.
• Be passionate. Journalism is a demanding profession, but it can also be incredibly rewarding. If you're not passionate about telling stories, you won't be successful in this field.

FAQs about Valerie Smock's Departure

1. Why is Valerie Smock leaving WNEP?

Valerie Smock is leaving WNEP to pursue other opportunities and to spend more time with her family.

2. Who will replace Valerie Smock as anchor of the evening news?

WNEP has not yet announced who will replace Valerie Smock as anchor of the evening news.

3. What are Valerie Smock's plans for the future?

Valerie Smock plans to continue working in journalism and to dedicate herself to supporting causes close to her heart.

4. How can I stay updated on Valerie Smock's future endeavors?

Valerie Smock is active on social media, including Facebook and Twitter. You can follow her to stay updated on her latest projects and activities.

Call to Action

Valerie Smock's departure from WNEP marks the end of an era, but her legacy will continue to inspire future generations of journalists. If you're passionate about telling stories and making a difference in the world, consider a career in journalism. It's a challenging but rewarding profession that can positively impact countless lives.

Thank you, Valerie Smock, for your extraordinary service to the Scranton/Wilkes-Barre community. We wish you all the best in your future endeavors.

Additional Resources

• Valerie Smock's Farewell Speech
• Valerie Smock's Bio
• Valerie Smock's Awards

Tables

Table 1: Valerie Smock's Emmy Awards

Table 2: Valerie Smock's Edward R. Murrow Awards

Table 3: Top News Stories Covered by Valerie Smock