WGEM’s Les Sachs To Retire After 40 Years

Quincy Newspapers-owned NBC affiliate WGEM Quincy, Ill. (DMA 171), announced today that its long-time anchor, Les Sachs, plans to retire later this spring, capping a 40-year broadcast news career and 35 years at WGEM.

Sachs first came to WGEM in December 1973 to work as a news reporter. He rose through the ranks and held a variety of positions over the years, including news producer, radio show host, news director and public affairs director.

Sachs left Quincy in 1989 to work as a news director at two different television stations before returning to WGEM just four years later.

Despite his many roles at WGEM News, Sachs is recognized by most people for his work on the television anchor desk.

“Les has always been there, in good times and challenging times, for so many people. He’s been that trusted resource,” said Chad Mahoney, WGEM news director. “Les genuinely cares about the community and people sense that. That’s why he has been so successful for so many years.”

Despite his strong journalistic credentials, Sachs’ community involvement gets a lot of the credit for developing a long-lasting relationship with his viewers and listeners, both on and off the air.

Earlier this month, he spent hours just visiting with people at the WGEM Home and Living Show. Last weekend, he volunteered as a host of the Showcase of Excellence, a local school music competition.

“To be successful in news, one must be dependable, have the trust of the people and a consistent track record of integrity. Les Sachs has all three,” said Carlos Fernandez, WGEM VP-GM. “We thank him for his determination, his love of work, and wish him the very best.”

Sachs’ final broadcast is scheduled for May 23. Until then, he’ll continue to anchor WGEM News at 6, WGEM News This Week and his afternoon show on WGEM-FM.

The station is encouraging viewers to post their fond memories and best wishes at www.WGEM.com/Les. WGEM News at 6 will broadcast a series of reports looking back at Sachs’ career during May, leading up to his final broadcast.