Don Roberts is retiring after 33 years behind the anchor desk at WAVY News 10 Today on Nexstar’s NBC affiliate serving the Portsmouth/Norfolk/Newport News/Virginia Beach area of Virginia.

Originally from Baltimore and a graduate of Towson University, Roberts joined WAVY in 1981. In February of 1989,  Roberts helped launch WAVY’s new morning newscast.

Along with co-anchoring the news, Roberts led coverage of the Wednesday’s Child segment, featuring children in foster care waiting for adoption and children hoping to be matched with adult volunteer mentors.

“Whether he’s anchoring the news or volunteering with at-risk youth, Don’s devotion to our community is unparalleled,” says Carol Ward, WAVY’s GM. “His enthusiasm and compassion are what makes him such an amazing colleague and while I am sad to see him go, I look forward to seeing the next chapter in his life.”

 After retirement, Roberts plans to spend more time with his family and his charitable work.

Roberts helped create the Chess Nutz Knights Network in 2017, as an outreach to incarcerated and at-risk youth. He and other volunteers play chess and mentor teens in juvenile detention centers and other locations around Hampton Roads.

Roberts also plays softball, gardens and has authored two books. Rap To Live By, published in 1993, is a collection of life advice written in positive poetry and rap. Published in 2004, Hey Daddy, Read This, is all about dads, fathers, and the difference between the two.

“Don’s connection to Hampton Roads and his relationship with our viewers has had an invaluable impact on our station,” says Sarah Zak. WAVY’s news director. “I am constantly in awe of what Don does to make our community a better place. His ability to greet viewers with a smile every morning, and on Tuesdays, pair it with his iconic bow tie, won’t soon be forgotten.

Here’s a video celebrating Don Roberts’ 30-year anniversary.

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