GRAND RAPIDS -- Lee Van Ameyde, a fixture on West Michigan's airwaves, today announced his departure from WZZM-13 after nearly 39 years of delivering the news to viewers.
Van Ameyde served many roles at WZZM over his career, and he was the face of the evening news broadcasts at 5:30 p.m., 6 p.m. and 11 p.m. for 37 years. Roughly three years ago, he transitioned to working as the managing editor of the station's "watchdog investigative team."
Van Ameyde, on Thursday, April 14, posted to Facebook:
Trade publications and blog sites reported in February that Gannett-owned Tegna stations had offered buyouts to on-air staff as well as positions across the business entity.
It wasn't immediately clear if Van Ameyde took the buyout. News Director Taz Painter did not immediately return messages seeking comment on Van Ameyde's career and if others are leaving the station.
Van Ameyde joined WZZM in 1977 and held a variety of positions, including Grand Rapids city reporter, weekend anchor, producer, and managing editor, according to his station biography.
Before moving to Grand Rapids, Van Ameyde was News Director at WEYI-TV in Flint, Michigan. He started his broadcasting career in radio, working in Ann Arbor, Flint and Detroit.
In 2006, Lee was inducted into the Silver Circle by the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences for those who have given 25 years or more of exemplary service to the TV industry.
Lee and his wife, Janet, have been married since 1981. He is an avid Star Trek fan.