News Anchors - Glenn Rinker and Jim Vance

Below Jim Vance talks about his drug problem while working with WRC News. The Washington Post - On Brains Turned to Oatmeal--The Local TV News Story - Vance spoke movingly of his very public struggle with drug use in the 1980s. Although he went to Alcoholics Anonymous to pull himself out of the depths, "I was never afforded the luxury of anonymity" because everyone in town knows him on sight. But Vance, a class act through and through, told of the many boxes of cards and letters that he still keeps in storage, the voices of thousands of TV viewers who put him in their prayers.

It does seem the video interview has been removed from the Internet.

Jim Vance began at WRC-4 TV just a few years after Glenn Rinker but soon began a career along side the Emmy winning News Anchor.   Glenn Rinker died in Orlando,  Florida 1993 after leaving Washington and becoming a broadcaster in the Florida area during the remainder of his life.  He also made a  bid for Congress  as an candidate of the Independent Party, but was defeated.  Jim Vance recently (2006) signed a new contract, reportedly for more than $1 million annually over three years. (Washington Post)
I myself was lucky enough to enjoy Mr. Rinker and Mr. Vance's news program at WRC-TV during the years I worked and lived in Washington, D.C. and very lucky to have met and married his daughter Amy.  Amy remembers her dad inviting Mr. and Mrs. Vance and their daughter, by the name of Money to their boat  during the early days. I wonder if Jim would remember Amy?
See a February 28, 2007 Interview with Jim Vance


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May 1966 Glenn is seen along with Linn Sheldon with Camille Cooper who had modeled on "Three On The Town", a talk show hosted by Glenn.  She had had an accident but was recuperating at a Cincinnati hospital.
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Before Glenn Rinker left WYKC in Cincinnati he had already worked with many famous African American celebrities such as Jazz great Joe Williams and Harry Belefonte above right.
Later Glenn served as anchor while Jim Vance was co-anchor of the WRC-4 TV late night news.

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Willard Scott was probably the most famous  personality.
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Jim Vance and Glenn Rinker along with two other commentators Election Central 1974.
Washington, D.C. held its first direct mayoral election on November 5, 1974. It followed the passage of the District of Columbia Home Rule Act by the U.S. Congress in 1973.  The election was won by Democrat Walter Washington.

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Together they hosted a Beauty Pageant.
Probably 1975 Miss Washington, D.C.

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Back on the set at WRC-4 News
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Glenn Garfield Rinker passed away February 17, 1993. Following are articles from two Florida Newspapers regarding his passing.
Orlando Sentinel
Miami Herald

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Just a few of the attendees at Mr. Rinker's services in Orlando.
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As a broadcaster for the one of the Florida News Networks (although my wife said it was for the Voice of America), in 1984 Glenn traveled to Ethiopia during the worst
famine and droughts in the history of that country at that time. It was termed by the British Government as OPERATION BUSHEL.


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