KOTV Tulsa’s Rick Wells Retires After 30 Years

Griffin Communications-owned CBS affiliate KOTV Tulsa, Okla. (DMA 58), said today that after 30 years as an anchor and reporter, Rick Wells has announced his retirement.

“I’ve loved serving the Tulsa community all these years and want to thank Griffin Communications for giving me the opportunity to do everything I ever wanted in television news,” Wells said. “I will cherish the memory that so many people trusted me to tell their stories, thank you.”

Wells’s sense of humor and dedication to the community has made him well-known and respected, the station said, adding that “his knack for finding interesting and unique stories brought a fun and different perspective to News On 6. His wit and unique approach to news-reporting is irreplaceable and will always be remembered.”

“It is going to be hard to replace Rick and his contagious personality,” said Chuck Maulden, KOTV director of content. “Rick has been an extremely valuable member to the team that many young reporters look up to. His skill-set and humor are unmatched, and always appreciated. The News On 6 team congratulates him on a wonderful career, and wishes him happiness during his well-deserved retirement.”

Wells was born in Ohio, but grew up in Houston. He earned a business degree from Hampton University, and a journalism degree from The University of Maryland. He spent 12 years on active duty serving in the Army. Wells eventually earned the rank of major and served overseas in Thailand, Germany and Korea.

After his service, Wells was a writer and producer for WRC-TV Washington. He recalls being on the job during momentous historical moments, such as the attempted assassination of President Ronald Reagan, and the parade after the American hostages were released following the Iran hostage crisis. After his time in Washington, Wells has called Tulsa home for the past 30 years.