“Jay Jennings is a creative genius. He’s received just about every accolade that one can receive in our very competitive business. But Jay is more than just a gifted talent. He makes people smile, he makes people laugh. He makes everyone feel special.”
-Retired WRAL-TV Sports Anchor Tom Suiter
WRAL-TV’s Jay Jennings retired on Wednesday, May 3, 2023, after 43 years at the Big 5.
Capitol Broadcasting honored one of our best and brightest on Wednesday, May 3, 2023. WRAL-TV Documentary Photographer Jay Jennings retired after 43 years with the Big 5.
Jennings has filled multiple roles at the station, from sports photographer to chief photographer to his current position as the WRAL documentary photographer, which he’s held more than 25 years. He’s shot and edited over 100 documentaries with four different producers, covered the 1984 Olympics in LA, interviewed Billy Graham and was in Rome to cover the new pope’s installation (including a private visit to the Sistine Chapel!).
When Jennings was hired at WRAL-TV in March 1980, he and his family drove cross-country from their home in Missouri during a record-breaking snowstorm to start a new adventure that turned into a full and wonderful career.
Jennings dove in headfirst as the new sports photographer, and Triangle sports history rose to meet him. Within a few days of his arrival, Duke announced Mike Krzyzewski as its new men’s basketball coach, and the following week, NC State named Jim Valvano as its next coach.
And thus began an outstanding career for a man who would become a beloved, steadfast and unassuming pillar of Capitol Broadcasting’s flagship television station.
“Jay Jennings is truly one of the most talented people that I ever worked with,” said Retired WRAL-TV Sports Anchor Tom Suiter. “He is a television giant, at genius at what he does. So gifted and creative. His photo essays from his early days as sports photographer in the 80’s are still legendary.”
Congratulations and thanks to Jay for all he has done for CBC and WRAL-TV!
WRAL-TV’s Jay Jennings retired on Wednesday, May 3, 2023, after 43 years at the Big 5.
WRAL-TV’s Jay Jennings retired on Wednesday, May 3, 2023, after 43 years at the Big 5.
WRAL and CBC staffers gathered for a special celebration at the station on Wednesday, May 3, 2023, in honor of WRAL-TV’s Jay Jennings. He retired after 43 years at the Big 5.
WRAL-TV’s Jason Jennings shares remarks at a celebration for his dad, WRAL-TV’s Jay Jennings, at the station on Wednesday, May 3, 2023. The elder Jennings retired on that date after 43 years at the Big 5.
WRAL-TV’s Jay Jennings retired on Wednesday, May 3, 2023, after 43 years at the Big 5. Here he gets a hug from his son and co-worker Jason Jennings during a celebration on his final day at the station.
Corp’s Jim Goodmon shares remarks at a celebration for WRAL-TV’s Jay Jennings at the station on Wednesday, May 3, 2023. Jennings retired on that date after 43 years at the Big 5.
Corp’s Jim Goodmon (right) makes a special presentation to WRAL-TV’s Jay Jennings at a celebration at the station on Wednesday, May 3, 2023. Jennings retired on that date after 43 years at the Big 5.
WRAL-TV’s Jay Jennings retired on Wednesday, May 3, 2023, after 43 years at the Big 5.
WRAL-TV’s Jay Jennings retired on Wednesday, May 3, 2023, after 43 years at the Big 5.
Corp’s Jim Goodmon shares remarks at a celebration for WRAL-TV’s Jay Jennings at the station on Wednesday, May 3, 2023. Jennings retired on that date after 43 years at the Big 5.
