My friend and colleague Mike Jacobs is celebrating 30 years at WTMJ TV today.  30 years!

   Jake came to this station on August 16, 1977.  History and trivia buffs may recognize that date.  That is the day  Elvis Presley died.

   I want to tell you a little bit about Mike Jacobs.  Jake is a leader.  He is good for all the young journalists in our newsroom.  Jake is someone that we all turn to when there is breaking news or an ethical question.  He is measured and very even tempered.  When I first came to WTMJ eight years ago he took me under his wing and really helped me.  It's intimidating coming into a veteran newsroom with alot of very talented people who have been around for a long time.  Jake made the transition easy.  I never felt like he was the 'big anchor'. 

   The other thing that I admire about Jake is that he is a true journalist. He's not just an anchor.  When news breaks Jake wants to be in the middle of it... and often he is.  In recent years he has reported from Rome, Bosnia, and just a couple of weeks ago from the bridge collapse in Minneapolis.  And he is one of the best  writers I have ever been around.

   Mike Jacobs is the real deal.