WPVI Philadelphia Veteran Brian Taff To Succeed Jim Gardner At 6 P.M.

Brian Taff

ABC Owned Television Stations’ WPVI Philadelphia today named Brian Taff as the next anchor for its 6 p.m. newscast. Taff will succeed lauded news anchor Jim Gardner when he retires later this month. Gardner’s final newscast is scheduled for Dec. 21.

“My 13 years at 6abc have been life-changing in all of the most meaningful ways,” Taff said. “It’s where I’ve worked alongside colleagues who’ve become like family. It’s also where I have begun a family of my own — meeting my wife, now the mother of my three precious children. I am reminded daily of the extraordinary, unique and beautiful relationship we share with the viewers we serve. All those things make me humbled beyond words to take on this profound responsibility.”

“During my time at Action News, Jim Gardner has become much more than a mentor to me — he’s been a dear friend, a trusted confidant, and a guide for which I’m unendingly grateful,” Taff continued. “He will never be replaced on Action News at 6, but it’s the professional honor of a lifetime to be asked to succeed him. It is an important distinction. The baton I am being handed from him has been used to orchestrate the decades-long construction of our foundation ― one built on honesty, integrity, and trust. I intend to honor and build upon that legacy with every single word, every single night.”

President and General Manager Bernie Prazenica said: “I’m excited that Brian Taff will be the next anchor of Action News at 6 p.m. following Jim Gardner’s historic run. Over the last 13 years, Brian has displayed the knowledge, skill and talent that the Delaware Valley expects from Action News. Now, with Brian and Rick Williams in place, we can continue to serve our viewers for many years to come.”

“Brian is a very hardworking and talented journalist who loves the Delaware Valley,” added VP of News Tom Davis. “He is committed to the creative storytelling that impacts our communities. Jim is also excited about Brian taking on this new role.”

Taff, who came to WPVI in 2009, currently co-anchors the noon and 4 p.m. newscasts. He will remain part of the 4 p.m. team but roll out of the noon anchor chair. Since arriving, his reporting assignments have taken him to every corner of the tri-state area and around the world.

Taff, a graduate of Boston College, began his broadcasting career in Bangor, Maine.