News

We Tailgated Jim Gardner’s Final Newscast

By Kyle Pagan

Published: Dec 22nd, 2022 · 10:19 AM EST

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Boots on the ground journalism for Jim Gardner’s final 6 o’clock newscast, covering a tailgate in the back of a Target parking lot. That was my final tribute to a guy I’ve known since I was born:

https://twitter.com/kylepaganCB/status/1605786469578280962?s=20&t=_bVIYtbU3M2XEnHiT9z3Zg

Name me another city that would tailgate the retiring newscaster’s last broadcast. You can’t!

We had Philly legends there, like Jeopardy! champ Ryan Long and The Philly Captain. We had a Penn State student who drove all the way from Happy Valley to be there. 6ABC even bought everyone pizza. Not many better vibes you’re going to find at a Target during the holiday season.

And what an absolute legend for coming out and talking with fans:

When Jim Gardner surprises his retirement tailgate in the Target parking lot. @6abc #legend pic.twitter.com/VXdBX0arg6

— Katie Kohler (@kkohler1129) December 21, 2022

Tailgating @Jim_Gardner's final broadcast has to be high on the list of the most Philly things ever, right?

🎥: @lschneiderman_ pic.twitter.com/8tbXloe5jb

— The Philadelphia Inquirer (@PhillyInquirer) December 21, 2022

I’m gonna miss that mustache.

P.S. This is a great idea. What did Monica Malpass have better to do?

6ABC should have brought some of the old vets back tonight. Throw this water main break story out to John Rawlins. Get Vernon Odom involved. Surely there is a story Nora Muchanic could cover

— Jack Redfern (@PhilEagFlySixer) December 21, 2022