IT'S OFFICIAL WFSB'S LEN BESTHOFF PROMOTED TO HARTFORD BUREAU CHIEF

Today it became official, someone that I respect and have learned much from has been appointed as the first Hartford Bureau Chief for WFSB Channel 3.

After Channel 3 left Hartford (or was driven out, depending on the version of the story) many people commented that 3's commitment to Hartford stories seemed to change and more focus was placed on the suburban news. That may be true, but all of that may be changing soon.

Channel 3 has promoted Len to the position of Bureau Chief and has re-enforced their commitment to covering Hartford. In the announcement today by WFSB News Director Dana Neves she pointed to Len's "many sources in Hartford and the surrounding towns". Neves further stated that Channel 3 hopes that "he will utilize those contacts and build many more that will allow he and the station to continue to break news and have exclusive angles. He will also continue to be a strong part of the I-Team".

I have personally known Len for several years now and he played a key role in me actually starting this blog. I have found Len to be one of the most ethical and truthful people I have met. Although the subjects of his reports may not always appreciate his digging, the one thing that has always impressed me about his style is that he digs as hard to verify information as he does to uncover both sides of a story. That may not make some in Hartford comfortable knowing he is focusing on Hartford full time, but it should definitely make for many more interesting stories and I-Team investigations.

Before arriving in Hartford, Len worked for WRAL in Raleigh, North Carolina. That might explain a lot as far as his mannerisms and anecdotes. My favorite is " even a blind squirrel occasionally finds a nut" when he tries to explain someone getting lucky.

According to Neves "Len will be based out of the Connecticut Science Center, his new assignment begins in mid-March."

Congratulations Len, well deserved. You are a huge asset to Channel 3 and to the people of Hartford bringing out the information you do.

For those not familiar with Len, here's a classic clip of him in action: