From Day One at Channel 13, I've respected everyone around me. I'm lucky enough to work with very talented reporters, anchors, and producers who have been working in the TV business for many years and have an excellent understanding of journalism.

Today I got to see first-hand how valuable their experience and knowledge truly is.

I was working out of our Hampton Bureau and getting ready for my 5 p.m. live shot. We were supposed to have a live shot from Brian Farrell in Richmond about Michael Vick turning himself in early, and then the anchors would toss it to me and I would explain what a local lawyer thinks about the situation. Well, much to my surprise, instead of seeing Brian Farrell live in Richmond, I saw David Alan in our newsroom. He was giving much of the same information that I imagined Brian would give, and I wondered what had happened to Brian's live shot.

I later found out some difficulties prevented the crew from getting the live shot on the air, so at a moment's notice David was asked to do a live shot from the newsroom. Like a true professional, he got in front of the camera, told the story, and told it well.

Like I said, I was watching from Hampton, and I had no idea David had only a few seconds or minutes notice before going live on TV. That's what great journalists can do. On only a moment's notice they can provide the information to viewers in a clear, concise, and accurate manner.

To David, a seasoned veteran, today was probably just another day in the world of television news. But to me, a newcomer at WVEC, it was a lesson in professionalism. And most of all, an example of what I strive to become.