(Jed Mescon’s last day at WRCB was April 11, 2016)
In TV, you know you’ve made it when the viewers adopt you as one of their own. Jed Mescon reached that status many years ago. How many times have I been asked, “How’s my boy Jed doing?” I’ve been told so many times, “I can’t wake up without my Jed in the morning.” And now, it’s “What are we going to do without our Jed to start the day?”
Jed on the job, 1987
Jed and I worked together at WRCB for more than 28 years. From the moment he walked in the door, I knew Chattanooga had not seen anyone quite like him. The bow ties, the suspenders, the boundless energy: he truly lights up a room.
The scripted introduction to Jed’s first story on WRCB, Sept. 29, 1987
Jed was hired as a feature reporter. In those days, we closed the 6 p.m. news with an upbeat story, leaving viewers with a smile after 30 minutes of mostly doom and gloom. Here is his first story on WRCB, from September 29, 1987:
It was Jed’s job to find the artists, the craftsmen, and some rather offbeat characters. Each evening for about nine years, Jed brought us stories that touched us, or made us laugh. “Jed’s Journal” is fondly remembered as a daily 90-second dose of positive energy.
Energy. There’s that word. “Where does Jed get all that energy?” I’ve never seen Jed take a sip of coffee, although he is rumored to enjoy a Mello Yello now and then. While that colorful elixir might provide a needed temporary boost, Jed’s “Jed-ness” is 100% natural. I didn’t know him for the first 28 years of his life, but I’d say it’s a safe bet he was born that way.
Growing up in the Atlanta area, he loved listening to music on the radio, and became an entertainer in his own right. He knew he had a gift with people, so he found opportunities to put that gift to work. He hosted a kid’s show, learned lifesaving techniques as a volunteer EMT, and was a varsity cheerleader at Arizona State University.
His TV reporting career took him to Savannah and Charleston before landing in Chattanooga, and he figured our town was just another step up the ladder. He could put in a couple of years in the Scenic City, and the next stop could be Atlanta, Chicago, or even the network. Luckily for him, and us, that was not to be.
One morning in 1988, an opportunity presented itself. The reporter who anchored WRCB’s “Today Show” local news cut-ins left the station. The news director said, “Does anybody here want to come in a little earlier and do the news?” Never one to resist a challenge, Jed raised his hand. Before long, NBC started airing an early newscast and urged local stations to do the same. WRCB created a 15-minute newscast at 6:45 a.m. In the summer of 1989, the station stuck its toe in the water a little deeper, expanding to 6:30 a.m.
L-R: David Glenn, Mary Kate Wells, and Jed Mescon, early 1990s
You know the rest of the story. As the ratings grew, so did the morning news, now starting at the once-unthinkable early hour of 4:30.
Also in the summer of 1989, something else happened that would keep Jed in Chattanooga. He met Phyllis Peeples, and they fell in love. In one of the best-remembered Jed’s Journals, he proposed to Phyllis on camera. In the greatest cliffhanger since “Who Shot JR?” Jed left us hanging for 24 hours to find out if she would accept. Thankfully, the next day her answer was revealed, again on camera.
Of course Phyllis said, “Yes!” and the Mescons became Chattanoogans for good.
Since then, they have raised a beautiful daughter Caroline, and have become an even bigger part of our lives. I remember a promo from Jed’s early days, in which he said his goal was “to make a difference each day, one person at a time.” That sounds like something a public relations person would write, but there’s no doubt in my mind that Jed was, and is sincere about that.
When Jed announced recently that he was leaving WRCB for a marketing management position at Erlanger Health System, tributes began pouring in on social media. Many thanked him for his sunny optimism, some said they would miss his antics on the midday “3 Plus You” show, and still others said they appreciated his weekly Restaurant Report Card segments on the evening news (“Enjoy Your Meal!”).
But there were also the personal stories. Jed’s generosity is legendary. He has helped people repair their homes, bought bouquets for strangers in the supermarket, and cheered up many a sad face with cookies and cake. He has raised tons of money for good causes, and collected a warehouse full of meals for the Food Bank. In our “click and send” world, he still writes thank-you notes.
So while Jed won’t be on our TV screens each morning, rest assured he will continue to pick up litter along the roadway, give a ride to those without wheels, and as he promised, make a difference each day, one person at a time.
A big congratulations to you Jed for all those 28 years you have touched the lives of your viewers and shown in so many ways how we in broadcasting can, and do, use the power of the media to make a difference to those we serve. You are taking on a new challenge now, and I wish you the best in your new endeavor. You’ve done well Jed. The best to you and your family.
Bob Johnson
This means a lot to me, I hope you are well. I would enjoy seeing you.
Love JED ! I will miss him as I watched everything he was on !
Shirley Baugh
I know, me for one, will for sure miss Jed. My coffee will never be the same again in the mornings…. And I just don’t know how in the world I will be able to get used to not seeing him first thing in the mornings. Even on Tybee Island, I live streamed him from my computer, simply because I just could not get my day started without him. He is just gonna have to make us all a very early morning video every morning. But I am so happy for him, and pray he will continue, which I know he will, make wonderful friends, and be very successful in his new location. Jed, I love you. I have written you so many goodbyes under other posts.. and I really mean it… I love you, I will miss you.
I sure will miss they big smile every morning. Jed you will be missed. You have to come back occasionally so we will know what is going on in your life. I watched you propose to Phyllis and about every other life event. You have been a positive influence on many people’s lives. I wish you much happiness in your future. Thanks for the memories.
I can see him sweep the lobby of Erlanger like he did in the newsroom.
I had the fortunate opportunity to work with Jed as one of his photographers while at WRCB. We became great buddies. To this day we still get together when I’m in town. When my father died in 2008, he quietly slipped into the back of the church for the service. I will never forget how special that made me feel. That he took time out of his day to pay respect to my father, I shall always cherish his thoughtfulness. That is who he is, to the core. A caring person with a heart 100 times bigger than most. David, thanks for sharing the side of Jed that so many know and love. Love you Jed and Phyllis. Always, Michael “Skooter” Capehart
I love Jed Mescon. He was in the Charlie Brown play at Chattanooga Little Theatre and my son got to know him really well.
I later met Jed while working at David Moore & Assoc. on Manufacturers Road and that is a really hilarious story but will not go into that on facebook. He was Jogging and needed a drink of water! Perhaps Jed will remember and can fill you in on the story!
He is a one of a kind Guy!
One of my favorite Jed Moments was one afternoon when he came crawling into my office at WRCB (on hands and knees) holding up a rose and looking pitiful because he had backed his big red pickup truck into my car in the parking lot. How can ya not adore this guy?! ? Love you so much, Jed!
I got the chance to work with Jed at WRCB and Chattanooga State. He’s a class act, hard worker. He is humble. He makes jokes about himself. He cares. Jed….you are the real deal. You will do great at Erlanger but as a former Memorial person….I hope not to great! Blessings on you!
End of an era! I grew up with Jed on the TV! My first experience with Jed was at the Pumpkin Patch on Signal Mountain. All I really remembered at the time was “the nice man who pushed me on the zip lines.” The next time I saw Jed was when I was invited to stand behind him and…I want to say Latrice Currie?…while they were doing a news segment. I stood there awkwardly, my eyes dashing to everything to see in the room. After the segment, which was headlined in my mind by Jed’s kindness and enthusiasm, I got an autographed headshot from Jed. I wish I could say I know where that and the VHS tape of the segment are. The last encounter I had with Jed was at the funeral of Vicki Mena. In the midst of grieving for our friend, Jed had us laughing and looking at the bright side of life as we waited in the seemingly miles long line to meet the family.
Jed is one of those rare people who make you feel good just by being around him. Loved every encounter I had with him. I wish him all the best in his endeavors. I live in Japan now, but when I make my way back in Japan, it will be strange not seeing him on TV anymore. Bless you, Jed! We gratefully claim you as one of our own!
Please post video of Jed’s Dad visiting the studio! Very funny!
Jed, you have brightened and enlightened us for years, and you will be missed. All the best to you and your family as you begin the next segment of your life. Thank you.
Thank you for brightening our day, ever day. You will be missed I hope you have the opportunity to change lives in your new position. Best wishes!
I had the great honor of working with Jed through the Walter E. Boehm Birth Defects Center. His generosity and sincere caring for this community knows no bounds. I look forward to you being right across the street, but will miss your help getting me out the door in the mornings! Love you tons!