Anchor Kellie Burns shares thoughts on community trust as she closes out her 36-year TV news career

Kellie Burns, a journalist with 36 years of experience in TV news, is retiring this week and recently shared reflections on her career and dedication to local journalism.

"Local news is so important in this age of misinformation, disinformation, and fake news. We are, you know, the North Star. We live in this community. Our kids go to school here. We drive these roads. These are our neighbors. We take it very seriously," Burns said.

Burns is known for her commitment to truth-telling and her willingness to challenge authority when necessary.

"Well, you know, sometimes you have to be tough because a big part of our job is to hold the powerful accountable, and people will lie to you. And so you have to ask more questions and more questions. And sometimes those questions make people uncomfortable," she said.

As Americans increasingly turn to national news based on political preferences, Burns has seen it as her responsibility to ensure viewers trust local news for straightforward reporting.

"We get the best emails and comments from people, and it makes me feel so good when someone writes to me or sends me an email or says something on social media that, 'We've turned to you in a storm because we trust you. We turn on the news to see your face at night. You've been a part of our family. You've been in my living room every night.' That is such an honor. And I take that very seriously. But when someone tells me that, I feel like I know you, which makes me feel so good. That makes me feel like I'm doing my job," Burns said.

As Burns begins a new chapter, a celebration of her career and contributions to the Gulf Coast community will take place this Thursday at 8 p.m.