No surprise here. KLAS-TV, Channel 8's first-string anchor has been a frequent winner in this category over the years. And, with the city's other veteran male anchor, Dave Courvoisier of KVBC-TV, Channel 3, preparing to move back to Missouri, the encyclopedic knowledge of Southern Nevada that Waddell brings to the job will become even more vital for news watchers. Courvoisier, also a past winner in this category, placed second this year.
Our Pick:
GWEN CASTALDI
In a business where fuzzy-wuzzy perceptions too often rule -- Let's see, will we be our viewers' friend and neighbor this week, or will we give this hard news thing a shot? -- Gwen Castaldi has earned Las Vegans' respect for simply telling it like it is, day in and day out, honestly and thoroughly. Nobody who has followed Castaldi's broadcasting career in Southern Nevada can deny that she merits the supreme accolade one can bestow on someone who labors in TV news: Castaldi is a real journalist. She is moving behind the scenes to head up KVVU-TV, Channel 5's news operation. With Castaldi in charge, it'll surely be worth a look.
