Farewell Tour: June 18 – June 22
On-air surprises and tributes during newscasts: June 25 – June 29
30-minute special “Bill Leslie: An Extraordinary Career” airs June 28 at 7 p.m.
Bill’s final day on the air: Friday, June 29
After 46 years in broadcasting, Bill Leslie is retiring from WRAL-TV at the end of June. Bill has answered the pre-dawn wake-up call of WRAL’s Morning News for the past 25 years.
“Getting up before 2:30 a.m. can be tough, but after a cup of coffee, I am ready to go again,” Bill said. “I draw energy from my colleagues, including Renee, Elizabeth, Brian and Lena. They’re such great professionals and dear friends. They work so hard, they care so much, and they make me laugh.”
Each day next week, WRAL viewers can say good-bye in person to Leslie during Farewell Tour events across the WRAL viewing area. He will sign autographs, hand out some custom Bill Leslie merchandise and reminisce with viewers and friends. You may even see Bill perform!
Each meet-and-greet will take place 11:30 a.m. – 1 p.m daily at the following locations:
- MONDAY, JUNE 18 – Mia Francesca restaurant at North Hills, Raleigh
- TUESDAY, JUNE 19 – Johnston Community College, Wilson Building, Smithfield
- WEDNESDAY, JUNE 20- The Cary Theatre, Cary
- THURSDAY, JUNE 21- The Arts Council, Fayetteville
- FRIDAY, JUNE 22- American Tobacco Campus, Crowe Lobby, Durham
The week following the Farewell Tour is Bill’s last week on the anchor desk. Tune in to see daily surprises for Bill and greetings from viewers in the WRAL Morning News and WRAL Noon News. WRAL will also air a 30-minute special looking back at Bill’s distinguished broadcasting career. “Bill Leslie: An Extraordinary Career” airs Thursday, June 28 at 7 p.m. Then, watch Bill’s final newscast on Friday, June 29 at noon.
You can find more information about all the festivities, parking instructions for the tour locations, and Bill’s career by going to WRAL.com and searching: Bill Leslie Farewell.
Thanks to WRAL-TV for this capcom story & graphic.
