If you’ve turned on local news at any point during the past, oh, 40 years, chances are you know WFTV’s Bob Opsahl. Having first moved to Orlando in 1968—beating Walt Disney World by a few years—he was hired as a reporter for the station in 1978 and started anchoring the news desk not too long after, providing “coverage you can count on” (per WFTV’s slogan) ever since. As a result, he’s had a unique bird’s-eye view of Greater Orlando as it evolved from its orange-grove past into its entertainment- and tech-focused present. We were lucky enough to speak with Opsahl about his insight and experience shortly before his final pre-retirement broadcast on May 25.

Photo courtesy of WFTV

Editor’s Note: The print edition of this article stated that Opsahl’s last day on the job would be May 27, which was his originally announced retirement date. That date was moved up to May 25 after this issue had gone to press.

OFM: With nearly 40 years of reporter and anchor experience, you’ve probably covered more news than most people read or watch in a lifetime. What do you consider to be some of the most memorable stories you’ve covered in your career, either good or bad?

BO: Unfortunately, the most memorable stories would include bad news: both space shuttle disasters, the wildfires of 1998, and the multiple hurricanes of 2004 (especially Charlie). But the stories I like to remember are the positive, exciting ones that got my adrenaline pumping. Like the very first space shuttle launch. I had never seen or heard or felt anything like that before, and it thrilled me to the bone. … Becoming a reporter afforded me opportunities to see and do things I couldn’t possibly have done otherwise, and I am profoundly grateful.

OFM: Anything you wish you’d known on day one that you know now?

BO: I wish I’d known more about government and politics, so I could have asked better questions of our local leaders. And I wish I had been less intimidated by powerful and famous people, so I could have elicited better answers from them.

OFM: What do you view as the most positive changes that have occurred in television news since your first day with WFTV?

BO: On the positive side are the mind-blowing leaps in technology. When I started in 1978, we hadn’t fully transitioned to videotape, so we still used some film. Our field crews were lucky enough to shoot video; [they] were issued two-part cameras and recorders. The recorder rolled around on a little dolly, connected to the camera by a cable. It was inconvenient and awkward, but provided better quality pictures than film and easier editing.

Today, we have single-unit cameras that don’t even use videotape. Everything is recorded on a chip in HD. And some of our cameras are even equipped to transmit video directly back to the station from anywhere—without using a microwave or satellite truck. Editing is all digital, so it’s quicker and more flexible. Information gathering is much more efficient. We don’t have to go to the library anymore to do research. We have the Internet. And we can gather and disseminate data and pictures with our phones, allowing us immediate updates from the scenes of breaking news. Plus, these days, almost anybody can be a reporter (at least temporarily) by using their mobile devices and social media. So, we get lots of help from the public.

OFM: What’s the most interesting experience you’ve had as a result of being a news anchor and reporter?

BO: Probably the most interesting thing was to see how my professional life could drastically change my private life. Back in 1982, I started doing a segment called “Wednesday’s Child.” The idea was to put foster children on TV in hopes of finding them adoptive homes. And it worked! After a few months, some of those children were being adopted. And I saw that not only were the children benefitting; so were the adoptive parents. Prior to that, I had never considered adoption, partly because I already had a wonderful biological daughter. But in 1983, my mind was opened. And today, my beautiful adopted daughter and my handsome adopted son each own just as big a piece of my heart as their sister.

OFM: You’ve been the face of Orlando news for so many years that countless residents who welcome you into their homes daily feel like they know you. What would be one thing that folks might not know about you?

BO: I don’t think it’s a total secret anymore, but most people don’t know I cut my own hair. (And yes, I use a Flowbee.)

OFM: What have been some of your favorite ways to unwind from the job, and is there anything new you’re looking forward to trying in retirement?

BO: My favorite unwinding activity is tennis. I usually play on Saturday mornings. … I also enjoy golf, but I’m not very good—which means, I sometimes get more wound up than down. And I work out at the downtown Y. And yes, there is at least one new thing I’d like to try in retirement: to get my pilot’s license. I’ve always loved to fly. So, it’s on my bucket list.

OFM: Any words of advice for your successor Greg Warmoth or other current or aspiring news anchors on how to have a long, successful career behind the desk?

BO: Greg definitely doesn’t need any advice from me. He is a terrific anchor and interviewer with an incredibly bright future. And he’s going to lead the Channel 9 juggernaut to even bigger success. But for aspiring anchors (or anyone else, really), I would suggest these concepts: Learn as much as you can from the people you respect and admire, so you can incorporate their knowledge and good habits into your work life. Always do your very best, no matter how menial the task may seem. And most importantly, be kind to your future self by taking care of your body, mind and spirit. These are things you can control. Trust God to take care of the rest.

OFM: If you had to sum up your career in five words, how would you do it?

BO: After considerable thought, I can’t decide which is most appropriate: “Wait, what? It’s all over?” Or: “Thank God for anchoring me.” Or: “Coverage you can count on.”