Don Alhart sets Guinness World Record: Why 13 WHAM anchor is in the book
Longtime broadcast journalist Don Alhart this week was recognized by the Guinness Book of World Records for his record-breaking career.
Alhart, 79, officially has the longest career as a male TV news broadcaster, which spans more than 57 years, according to the Guinness Book of World Records. The longtime WHAM-TV (Channel 13) anchor reached the milestone moment in mid-July.
That's a feat in any industry, let alone the fickle world of TV. His first day at work was June 6, 1966, two days after he graduated from Ithaca College, back when WHAM-TV was known as WOKR-TV. Since then, he spent more than 57 years on air.
"My favorite part is being able to put others on the news,” Alhart told the Guinness Book of World Records.
“I end every broadcast with what we call a ‘bright spot,’ highlighting a person or organization that is doing something to make life better for others.”
He recalled two large stories that impacted his career - the Attica Prison Riot in 1971 and Rochester's massive ice storm in 1991, which crippled the region for days.
Alhart is a local celebrity who has been trusted by generations of viewers who tune for his news delivery nightly. He is also well-respected for his various and voluminous charitable work, particularly with the Rochester Rotary Club.
From spelling bees to black-tie galas, Alhart has volunteered for them all in the past six decades. He's also hosted local telethons for causes such as United Cerebral Palsy. He makes an effort to be a part of the community.
Alhart previously held the title in 2016 after working for Channel 13 for more than 50 years, but lost it to Jesús Héctor Benavides Fernández of Monterrey, Mexico, who had been a TV news broadcaster for more than 54 years, according to the Guinness Book of World Records.
“I am proud to say I hold a Guinness World Records title,” he said. “I never dreamed that would be possible, and to earn it doing something I love makes it very worthwhile.”
This article originally appeared on Rochester Democrat and Chronicle: Don Alhart sets Guinness World Record: Why 13 WHAM anchor is in the book
