David Custer

[spartan7782]

I noticed David wasn't on the news, so I checked the TV5 website and see that his bio information is no longer listed. Wondering what's going on with that.

[organman95]

Interesting. Possibly fired? Or just a quiet exit/move somewhere else?

[cathouse1974]

Maybe he was KIDNAPPED!

[ChrisWL1980]

No word of anything on his social media pages.

[Realist]

Honestly, if he’s gone from TV5, I’m not shedding any tears. Never cared for him or his on air persona at all

[Monitor]

Not only has his bio and photo been removed from station website, but I see no promos running in which he appeared previously. What’s up station insiders?

[ChrisWL1980]

His contract with WNEM was not renewed and he's been let go. He's confirmed it on social media now.

[Monitor]

Grand Rapids and Detroit News Managers would be wise to view his Facebook post with video. David would be an excellent anchor addition in those larger markets!

[Luke]

Grand Rapids and Detroit News Managers would be wise to view his Facebook post with video. David would be an excellent anchor addition in those larger markets!

Maybe for the weekend morning shows?
Never been a fan of his. I watched his video and while he seems to have been well liked, it just oozes arrogance to me. The sad music? Seriously, just look into the camera and talk. There’s no need to add a soundtrack to set the mood. You’re a journalist. Your words alone should have enough impact to get your point across.
That said, it is a tough business and I do have empathy for anybody who loses their job after 10+ years. I truly do wish him the best.

[organman95]

What about Meg McLeod? Is she on vacation? The timing with Custer is odd.

[Martin Stett]

SAGINAW, MI — A longtime, familiar face of local TV news announced he was unexpectedly released from his job.

David Custer, a news anchor for WNEM TV-5, on social media announced the news station did not renew his contract, ending more than a decade spent working there.
“Unfortunately, hard work, passion and caring for others wasn’t enough,” Custer said in a three-minute video uploaded to his Facebook page.

Custer said he learned of the news station’s decision to cut ties earlier this month. His last day of work was Sunday, July 28, he said.
“After being delivered this news, I stuck it out to honor my contractual obligation, as difficult as it was, because I have always been dedicated to you, the viewers and to my team who look to me for leadership,” Custer said.

He called TV news “a tough business.”
“What you see at home is just a small glimpse into the work we do,” Custer said. “Behind the curtain, I’ve fallen in love with the storytelling, being a mentor, leading a team of hard-working journalists, writing, planning. I take pride in finding content, breaking stories, pushing our reporters and producers to go a little deeper.”

Custer said it was “with a heavy heart” that he was sharing the news on social media.
“For nearly 11 years you have allowed me to tell your stories, come into your homes and be a part of the great work so many of you are doing in our community,” he said. “Mid-Michigan is my home. It’s where I was born and raised.”

Along with serving as a news anchor, Custer regularly emceed local events, sometimes with his co-anchor, Meg McLeod.
“I know you’re worried about Meg,” Custer said in his Facebook post. “You will no longer have a front seat to our genuine friendship, spontaneously making appearances as we did our jobs with professionalism, but please find comfort in knowing we are rock solid and our bond is lifelong. And this also is true of so many of my dear friends at TV-5.” Custer did not indicate his post-WNEM professional plans.

https://www.mlive.com/news/saginaw-bay- ... 2d005e08e6

[ChrisWL1980]

Meg is staying as far as I know.

[Realist]

Grand Rapids and Detroit News Managers would be wise to view his Facebook post with video. David would be an excellent anchor addition in those larger markets!

Maybe for the weekend morning shows?
Never been a fan of his. I watched his video and while he seems to have been well liked, it just oozes arrogance to me. The sad music? Seriously, just look into the camera and talk. There’s no need to add a soundtrack to set the mood. You’re a journalist. Your words alone should have enough impact to get your point across.
That said, it is a tough business and I do have empathy for anybody who loses their job after 10+ years. I truly do wish him the best.

+1

The arrogance coming from him, despite people who know him posting on this board saying he doesn’t have it, has always been my biggest issue with him. There’s just something with his persona that exudes this.

If he wants to stay on TV in this market, he needs to contact NBC25/FOX66

[Jack5o2soco]

I also feel bad for anyone losing their job after 10 years. However, his arrogance oozes from him every time he's on camera or in public. The music on that video was a bit much, indeed. He's fake like that, though, and likes to milk an opportunity. July 1st is a weird time to say they wouldn't renew his contract if it ended on the 28th. Main anchors negotiate months prior. Usually a 90 day minimum. I wouldn't be surprised if he got greedy and stuck up in his negotiations and they said, "sayonara."

[m60]

Wnem5 and ACB12 nothing but state run media. Someone should replace both.