Favorite Television Personality
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36.97% Melissa Long (WPTA)*
Others with Votes:
* On the ballot |
Somebody came up to Melissa Long after she won her fifth Whammy for favorite television personality and told her she was the opposite of Susan Lucci, the famously second soap actress. “She never wins. You always win.” How true. The longtime WPTA anchor has won the Whammy every year the category has been included in voting. “I’m flattered,” Long said. Ironically, Long, a Fort Wayne native, credits her sense of humor for her success in a job filled with bad news and serious subjects. “People tune in to watch me crack up on the news,” she said. “It’s more fun that way. All people ever say to me is, ‘we watch you guys because you seem to be having a really good time.’ And in this day and age, considering our current world situation, I feel a little laughter is very therapeutic.” Not that she doesn’t take her job seriously. Long is a consummate professional whose skills at the anchor desk have attracted offers from much larger markets. But so far none have been so attractive as to lure her away from the community she loves. “This is where I grew up. It’s my home. I love my job and I love the people in Fort Wayne.” Apparently, the feeling is mutual. “It’s good to have the recognition. I appreciate it,” she said. |
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