January is a time for new beginnings and the first month of 2021 certainly fit the bill for me. My father passed away on New Year’s morning, I eulogized him at his funeral on Wednesday, and I started my new career at WTNH the following day. I started my journey as a television news anchor in a January, back when I was 25 years old, at WREX-TV in Rockford, Illinois. I drove through a snow storm from Norwood through six states past Lake Michigan to start an adventure in broadcast journalism I am still enjoying immensely. So grateful for that first opportunity.
My first day at News 8 on Thursday was awesome. The people there are so friendly and welcomed me with open arms. From the management on down, everyone has been super helpful. This was not an ordinary first day on a job because many of new colleagues I’ve known for years: Darren Kramer, Lisa Carberg, Ann Nyberg, Gil Simmons, Keith Kountz and the list goes on. Joe Furey and I used to do a morning news broadcast together back in the mid-90s, Garett Argianas was a former neighbor, and there are more personal connections like that throughout WTNH.
I got to work right away with an exclusive interview with former U.S. Senator Chris Dodd, who wanted to talk about the attack on the capitol and what lawmakers should do about President Trump. I have interviewed Senator Dodd numerous times during my time in Connecticut, but it had been a while. I covered his retirement in December of 2010, an emotional day where he held his young daughters. Fast forward to this week when 19 year old Grace Dodd helped her dad set up with Zoom interview, which you can watch right here:
I’ll be hosting a new Sunday morning show soon on Channel 8. Stay tuned for details on that. Overall, it was an eventful week but I was guided by my dad, and Denise. Grateful for this new opportunity, and super grateful for the awesome coffee machine at News 8! I’ll have to post a pic of that one of these days.
Categories: tv and radio
Dennis House blog 
So sorry for both of your recent losses. Denise & your dad. Glad that you are enjoying your “new TV home”!! I do miss you on WFSB, though! Peace to you and your family.
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So glad you’re back! We even switched channels!
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Very Sorry to hear about the passing of your father🙏🙏 and best of luck on your new position at WTNH8
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You have been blessed Dennis. Your two angels, Daddy and Denise are helping u rock life. From complete breakdown in Dec 2019 to this. God is with you for sure
Sent from my iPhone
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So sorry for the loss of your father. The holidays are tough enough sometimes
Welcome to Channel 8 WTNH
Miss you at Channel 3 but you have to keep moving on and moving up.
Good Luck
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What a packed full of news week to start a new job. I know you will do great. You’ve got Kara and your Dad and Denise by your side and all who have been your fans for many years. God Bless
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So sorry to hear of the passing of your Dad. Best of luck with all the great people of channel 8.
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Dennis, you are such a great guy. You deserve the best. I’m sorry for the loss of your father.
I look forward to watching your Sunday program.
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Good Luck with your new venture! Glad to see you back on the screen! Very sorry for your dad’s entry into peaceful surroundings! He’s with you in this new journey.
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Good luck in your new venture! So glad to see you back on the screen! Very sorry for your dad’s passing! I’m sure he’s in peaceful surroundings. He’s watching as you take this new journey.
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Congratulations and best wishes Dennis. I’m sure the 3 is regretting your departure now. Oh well their loss of a brilliant journalist. Channel 8 ” hold him tight and never let him go” he’s precious to CT.
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Dennis, I know the start of 2021 is bitter sweet for you, I wish you the best with channel 8. We will be watching. Again wishing you and your family the best. Stay well and safe.
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Sorry for the loss of your dad but he is right next to you always.best of luck on your new position I will be watching channel 8; news from now on except when I watch Scot Haney with the weather,then back to 8.god bless you and your family
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My condolences on the loss of your Dad. Losing a parent is hard no matter how old you are.
I am thrilled to have you back on TV. You have won me over to Channel 8. At a time with such political turmoil, I am looking forward to your analysis of what is happening in our country.
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We all knew you would fit right in and do well. Congrats and wishing you much joy in your new assignment.
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