Former WRAL reporter begins 2 new TV & radio projects this year. Here’s what to know
When WRAL did not renew Gilbert Baez’s contract, Baez was clear about his future career plans: He wasn’t retiring.
Baez, who is known for his longtime coverage of Fayetteville, left the Triangle TV station in January, The News & Observer previously reported.
At the time, he didn’t have a specific project in mind to tackle next. But that has changed.
Pending finalization of paperwork, Baez said he will begin a new role as host of WFNC’s “Good Morning Fayetteville” on March 17, though he will start behind-the-scenes work at the station March 10. Cumulus Media, which owns the Fayetteville-based talk radio station, did not immediately respond to The N&O’s request for comment on this story.
While Baez spent the last several decades on television, both at WRAL and ABC11, he’s been on the radio for about 50 years, so this is not a big change for him.
“I’m returning to my roots,” he told The News & Observer in a phone interview Wednesday
But the new role at WFNC is just one project Baez is beginning in 2025. Here’s what else he’s working on.
Gilbert Baez to host new TV series
Since Hurricane Helene made landfall, countless volunteers have been working in Western North Carolina to help repair and rebuild what the storm destroyed.
Pilots were among the individuals who lent their time and skills, and Baez has been asked to host a new television series spotlighting their efforts.
“I’m very proud of that opportunity for us to tell some some good news,” he said.
The show, “Air Angels: Flight Helene,” is being created and produced by Just Do Good Entertainment. Founded by Valerie Smaldone and Monty Hobbs, who lives in North Carolina, the company also produced the film “The Thursday Night Club” and the series “Divine Renovation,” hosted by Erik Estrada.
“We wanted to add a docuseries celebrating these individuals who didn’t have to do this,” Smaldone said of the pilots. “They went out of their way to do kind acts for people in desperate circumstances.”
Hobbs knew that Baez had left WRAL and had, in addition to a reputation as a respected reporter, a background in weather coverage. Combined, it made Baez a great fit for the project.
The project is now in pre-production. Filming in the Wilmington area is expected to begin in late July, Smaldone said, though that could change.
If they proceed on schedule, the series would go live around the end of the year or early 2026. Viewers will be able to stream it, along with Just Do Good Entertainment’s other content, on platforms including Roku and Tubi. The company is also in talks to distribute the series to specific cable networks.
Just Do Good Entertainment also plans to host an event, with dignitaries and a celebrity in attendance, to honor the pilots at the end of the shooting. The company will sell tickets to the event and donate proceeds to a nonprofit.
How to listen to Baez on the radio
At WFNC, Baez will host a three-hour weekday news program, where he said he’s committed to presenting the facts.
He hopes to incorporate “good news stories” into his reporting, in addition to coverage of topics such as crime and disasters.
“People take Fayetteville for granted, but there are people from all over the world here, thanks to Fort Bragg,” Baez said. “This is a much more sophisticated community than folks think. It’s not just a bedroom community for the military. ... I love being around folks in this community and sharing news about them.”
“Good Morning Fayetteville” airs 6-9 a.m. weekdays on WFNC (AM 640, 103.5 HD2 or online at player.wfnc640am.com).
This story was originally published March 6, 2025 at 7:00 AM.
