Terry Burhans
Road Trippin'
It's been a crazy and fun 40-something years in this wacky, throw-your-stuff-in-the-trunk-of-your-car-and-move-to-the-next-city world we call local television.
My career playlist includes stops in Baton Rouge, Chicago, Cleveland, San Diego and now Charleston.
I got my start in meteorology thanks to the U.S. Army, which trained me and stationed me in Germany for two years. There, I quickly learned how to count with my thumb. It's the first digit there, especially when ordering adult beverages and bratwurst with pom fritz (french fries).
After coming back to the states, I used the G.I. Bill to enroll at Louisiana State University’s Journalism School. I lived on $93 a month, supplemented by part-time bartending and drumming in local bands. I graduated just in time for America’s bicentennial and landed my first on-air gig—doing the weather in Baton Rouge with magnetic numbers and zero computer graphics. Picture sweltering humidity, flying roaches and plenty of hurricanes.
Then came Chicago, thanks to a clip of me water skiing with Twiggy, the Water-Skiing Squirrel. That led to WMAQ, where I met my partner (a proud West Virginia Mountaineer) and some broadcast legends like Willard Scott, Jack Perkins, and Deborah Norville. Chicago was also where our son was born—he's now in his 30s and has a master’s degree in forestry from West Virginia University.
Next stop: Cleveland. After Al Roker left for The Today Show, WKYC was looking for a fresh perspective and the Mountaineer said, “Let’s go!”
When that station sold, KUSI in San Diego called. The Mountaineer hesitated but we made the move. The weather was perfect but the cost of living wasn’t—twice the housing prices and half the pay. The water bills were more than $400 a month but it never got below 40 degrees.
So when my age was twice what they were hiring and my curves at my waist were not where they wanted, I was pushed off the bench and didn't even get to dress out anymore. The Mountaineer suggested we move back home to West Virginia and this time I said, "Let's go!"
Now I’m thrilled to be part of WCHS-TV, where they welcomed me with, “Let’s Go...Road Trippin’!” That’s where you’ll find me today, exploring and sharing stories from across the region. If you haven't already had a chance to hear it, enjoy our theme song and check out Road Trippin'.
P.S. Since 2012, I've made plenty of great Road Trippin' friends, just like you. I've managed to use the same five jokes in and out of more than 800 fun, exciting and adventurous Road Trippin' segments. Since everywhere I go, you sing the Road Trippin' theme song to me, it must be working!