Longtime WRAL reporter leaves the news business after 25 years at the Raleigh station
Cullen Browder has had six months to mentally prepare for Tuesday, his last day as a reporter at WRAL-TV.
Browder, who has worked in journalism for 36 years and spent the last 25 of those as an anchor and reporter at the Raleigh news station, announced in January that he would be leaving the news business in June.
At that time, Browder wrote in a social media post: “I look forward to a life reset, to use a different part of my brain, and to find another path of public service. ... I plan to take some time this summer before exploring my next career. I don’t know what that will be, but I’m excited for the coming life journey.”
When reached on Monday, Browder says there’s “no real change since my post. Still working on what’s next after my summer break.”
But he’s prepared to face his last day on air at WRAL, and he’s ready for whatever is next. And what’s immediately next is a bit of a break.
“I have a real sense of peace and gratitude heading into my final day, thinking back on the thousands of people who trusted me to tell their stories over my 36 years as a journalist,” Browder told The News & Observer on Monday. “I now crave a life reset and a new challenge. First, I’m excited about taking a few months off with my wife, Ela.”
When Browder first announced his plans to leave WRAL, he attempted to squash social media rumors about what might be behind the departure.
“This is not a disgruntled old guy getting forced out or a contract dispute,” he wrote. “This is a career journalist fortunate enough to control his own desired life change outside the news business.”
On Monday, he had nothing but kind words for his employer and coworkers. “WRAL is a truly special place,” he said. “I’m incredibly honored to be part of this team for a quarter century reporting on important stories.”
Browder also says he has been touched by the outpouring of support since his announcement.
“Since I gave my notice in January, I’ve been overwhelmed and humbled by the kind wishes from colleagues and viewers,” he said. “It’s helped validate my time in this amazing, crazy, and rewarding profession.”
Browder is a Tennessee native who came to WRAL in 1998 from WRTV in Indianapolis. He has also worked at WTVC in Chattanooga, and at WGMC in Worcester, Massachusetts.
At WRAL, he won multiple Emmy awards from the National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences, and awards from The Associated Press and The Radio Television Digital News Association.
He and his wife Ela have two children, Michael and Elizabeth.
