[Congressional Record Volume 164, Number 36 (Wednesday, February 28, 2018)]
[Senate]
[Page S1271]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]



                      Tribute to Sally-Ann Roberts

  Mr. KENNEDY. Mr. President, it is very hard, as the Presiding Officer 
knows, to become an icon in television news as station owners change, 
as demographics change, and as on-air personalities change. The 
``Guinness Book of World Records'' actually tracks the longest serving 
television news broadcaster. In case one is curious, the current record 
holder is a broadcasting legend named Don Alhart, who has been 
delivering the news in Rochester, NY, for 51 years. I am happy for Mr. 
Alhart, but Sally-Ann Roberts could have taken that title from him had 
she not decided it was time to pass the baton.
  After 41 years at WWL-TV Channel 4, in the great city of New Orleans, 
Sally-Ann Roberts is embarking on a new chapter in her life. She is 
retiring today. If anybody is worthy of icon status, it is Sally-Ann, 
and she is absolutely humble about it. If you talk to her about her 
career, she will probably turn the conversation around to you. If you 
insist on talking about her career, she will always give credit to her 
parents for instilling such a strong work ethic and a love for the Lord 
in their children.
  Ms. Roberts came to WWL-TV from Laurel, MS. She was working as the 
weekend anchor in that small, wonderful town. She didn't even work 
every weekend; she worked every other weekend. Talent, though, does not 
stay hidden in America. A WWL-TV journalist by the name of Angela Hill, 
an icon in her own right, stopped near Laurel for the night. She turned 
on the television, saw Sally-Ann, and immediately told her news 
director to hire Sally-Ann. Angela recognized intelligence and talent 
when she saw it. Very shortly thereafter, Ms. Sally-Ann Roberts had the 
city hall beat in New Orleans, and the rest, they say, is history.
  For the past 26 years, Sally-Ann has anchored the morning show on 
WWL-TV Channel 4 in New Orleans. She is as much a part of the morning 
routine in New Orleans as eggs and beignets. Part of the reason people 
feel so comfortable with Sally-Ann is her positive attitude and 
pleasing personality. During cooking segments, she has been known to 
sneak bites of the crispiest bacon. During stories about neglected 
children--stories that would break anyone's heart--she would often tell 
us that she was shedding light on the need for foster parents, always 
trying to be positive.
  The Presiding Officer probably knows Ms. Sally-Ann Roberts's little 
sister. Her name happens to be Ms. Robin Roberts. Robin is an anchor on 
``Good Morning America.'' A few years ago, Robin was diagnosed with a 
very rare blood disorder. A bone marrow transplant saved Robin 
Roberts's life. Sally-Ann Roberts provided that lifesaving bone marrow. 
Here is a typical story about Sally-Ann. She went through the bone 
marrow collection process on a Tuesday and a Wednesday. By Thursday, 
she was dressed to the nines and doing a national interview to 
emphasize how quick the recovery time is. She wanted to educate America 
about bone marrow donation.
  Let me say again that Sally-Ann Roberts is an icon, and I don't use 
that word lightly. If she had wanted, she would have probably been 
anchoring the evening news before a national audience, but she loved 
and still loves New Orleans, and that was where she chose to remain.
  She has had an extraordinary career as a broadcast journalist. I know 
she is excited about what comes next. I suspect she will spend some 
time with her grandchildren. I suspect she will continue writing books 
and also driving home the importance of bone marrow donation. Sally-
Ann, I know, will not just put her feet up and sit. Audience members 
like me are grateful she devoted such a lengthy chapter of her life to 
Louisiana and to our great city of New Orleans.
  God bless you, Sally-Ann Roberts. Thank you for giving so much to our 
community and to our State.
  Mr. President, I suggest the absence of a quorum.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. The clerk will call the roll.
  The senior assistant legislative clerk proceeded to call the roll.
  Mr. BARRASSO. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the order 
for the quorum call be rescinded.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without objection, it is so ordered.