WTSP-TV/10 News Reporter Preston Rudie is leaving the station to work as director of communications for newly elected Pinellas County Congressman David Jolly.
The Emmy Award-winning reporter will be leaving the station at the end of next week.
“For the past 23 years, I’ve been serving the public and helping give a voice to the voiceless as a journalist. I think my years of working in the area and experience covering the issues that affect Pinellas County will help me better serve the people of the 13th District," Rudie said in a press release issued by the Congressman's office.
“I’m excited about the opportunity to work with Preston who I truly believe is focused on making our community better. I’m confident he will be an advocate for Pinellas County," Congressman Jolly said.
During his 12 years at WTSP-TV, Rudie’s work has been recognized with more than 20 Emmy awards, six Edward R. Murrow awards and multiple Associated Press awards. He’s also been named a National Reporter of the Year finalist by the National Press Photographers Association.
We'll have more on this in the next day or so. Rudie's departure from WTSP is a blow to the station's news reporting, but a boon for Jolly as he sets out to try to serve his constituents and oh yeah, win re-election this fall in what will surely be a fierce battle once again in the district.
