At 81 years young, broadcast journalist and all-around terrific human being Don Alhart is still an unstoppable dynamo. For more than half a century, Alhart, who officially retired in 2024, has been the steady voice that accompanied his beloved hometown of Rochester, New York, through triumph, tragedy, and the ordinary rhythms of daily life. His career has not been merely long—it’s now elegantly woven into the identity of the community he served. He continues to serve as a model of consistency, humility, and unwavering respect for the audience, his peers, friends, family members, and anyone fortunate enough to be in his graceful presence.
A Closer Look
Don Alhart’s extraordinary journey began on June 6, 1966—just two days after graduating from Ithaca College—when he reported for his first full day of work at Channel 13. Remarkably, his final broadcast would take place on June 6, 2024, exactly 58 years later and less than a month after his 80th birthday. That symmetry reflected a career defined by loyalty and purpose. Guinness World Records recognized him for the longest career as a male television news broadcaster at a single station, an achievement unmatched in American television.…