Despite not renewing his contract with Channel 5 (KPHO), veteran newsman Kent Dana doesn't expect to disappear from the public eye."I'm pretty adamant in saying I'm not going to retire," Dana said by phone while relaxing in Page in northern Arizona. "I know I would drive everybody around me crazy."
Dana is a beloved fixture on the Valley news scene, with an on-air career that dates to 1971. His career is highlighted by a 25-year run at Channel 12 (KPNX) that ended in 2004. The next year, he moved to Channel 5.
The Arizona native is part of a journalism dynasty: His father, Joe Dana, was a top media personality in Phoenix from the '30s to the '50s; son Joe Dana anchors at Channel 12.
Kent Dana said there are no hard feelings between him and management at Channel 5, where he has worked since 2005.
"They have been more than generous and good with me," he said. "I certainly love the people there. I'm going to miss working with them. It's a good place."
He said his choice was simply a business decision.
"They offered me a contract," he said. "I looked at the options and decided not to accept."
His last day will be Oct. 2. Pal Sean McLaughlin, chief meteorologist and 6:30 p.m. anchor at Channel 5, will take over Dana's slots.
The decision not to renew came down in the past couple of weeks, Dana said. In that time, he has already been discussing future plans, including some work that could be away from an anchor chair. He said there is no non-compete clause in his contract, so his time away from the cameras could be brief.
"I've been exploring options," he said. "Some of the things presented to me may include some of that. Some things kind of go in more creative directions. I really don't know . . . I'm just starting to evaluate what I want to do."
At 67, Dana knows he is seen as something of an elder statesman on TV.
"I suppose age could be an issue," he said, laughing. "If you're looking for a younger, better-looking guy without wrinkles, that would be someone besides me."
But don't count out the fact that generations of Arizonans have grown up with him, placing their trust in his hands.
"The thing that always surprises me when I go out in public is that young people still know me," he said, adding, "I still enjoy the business. I still get excited by the creative end of it."
Besides, he said, he has grown accustomed to the turbulent nature of TV.
"You just kind of roll with it," he said, laughing. "So much has happened while I've been in the business. You learn not to get too upset about anything."
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