Veteran KDKA-TV reporter Ross Guidotti is retiring after 25 years with CBS Pittsburgh and a 31-year career in broadcast journalism, Paramount’s CBS News & Stations said on Friday.
Guidotti’s final day on the air at KDKA (Channel 2) was Friday, bringing to a close a career that included extensive coverage of Western Pennsylvania and major national news events.
A Pittsburgh-area native and U.S. Marine Corps veteran, Guidotti began his journalism career in 1995 at WHSV-TV (Channel 3, ABC) in Harrisonburg, Virginia. He later worked at WJAC-TV (Channel 6, NBC) in Johnstown, Pennsylvania, and WTVR-TV (Channel 6, CBS) in Richmond, Virginia, before returning home to join KDKA-TV in 2001 as a general assignment reporter.
Over the course of his career, Guidotti covered major hurricanes, wildfires, community issues and nationally significant stories, including the impeachment proceedings involving former President Bill Clinton and the Sago Mine disaster.
“Throughout his 25 years at KDKA-TV, Ross became synonymous with the values that have defined this station for generations: service, community and a commitment to our viewers,” Julie Eisenman, the President and General Manager of CBS Pittsburgh, said in a statement.
KDKA Vice President and News Director Kathy Noschese said Guidotti’s impact on the station and the region would continue beyond his retirement.
“For 25 years, he has earned the trust of viewers through his integrity, professionalism and genuine connection to the communities he served,” Noschese said. “Ross approached every story with compassion, curiosity and an unwavering commitment to getting the facts right. His impact on KDKA-TV, our newsroom and Western Pennsylvania is lasting, and his legacy will continue long after his final sign-off.”
Guidotti received three NATAS Mid-Atlantic Regional Emmy Awards during his career. He also received a proclamation from Allegheny County Council this month recognizing his contributions to journalism and public service.
He is also set to be inducted into the NATAS Gold & Silver Circle Honor Society, which recognizes television and media professionals with 25 years or more of distinguished service.
“Serving the Pittsburgh community has been one of the greatest privileges of my life,” Guidotti said on Friday. “Pittsburgh has always been home, and I will forever be thankful for the opportunity to tell the stories of the people who make this region so special.”
