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Vicki DORTCH WLKY NEWS ANCHOR W hen the White House calls, you answer the phone. That was a lesson WLKY anchor Vicki Dortch learned last year when a single phone call became the highlight of her career. A typical afternoon suddenly became special when a surprise phone call from the White House staff rang through, requesting a one-on-one interview between President Barack Obama and Dortch. along the Rose Garden where you picture President Kennedy or any of the other presidents and dignitaries. It's overwhelming." It's also a memory she will always treasure. Next up on her list of must-have interviews? "I want to interview Prince William and Kate, the Duchess of Cambridge," she smiled. "Good eveninG, i'm vicki dortch." "I was thrilled," Dortch said. "I was the only Louisville journalist invited to the White House." It's a long road from Paducah, Kentucky to the White House. Dortch was born in Paducah, graduated from Murray State University and worked briefy at WPSD-TV in Paducah before heading to WLKY-TV in Louisville in 1988. A whirlwind trip to the nation's capital ensued in July 2012. She packed her notebooks, her pens, her questions and fve outfts with shoes, including a treasured pair of "good luck" plum-colored suede Prada heels. It was a nerve-wracking and adrenaline-flled experience. Security was in force with specifc directions from the Secret Service on where to stand, when to talk, and how not to move side-to-side or deviate from any rules of protocol. "I came to Louisville thinking I'd be here two years," Dortch said. "But, once I got here, WLKY made the switch from ABC to CBS and we became a player. We were #3 in ratings, then aggressively added newscasts and things went up from there." WLKY currently enjoys a #1 ranking across all newscasts in the Louisville market. There were many things to juggle in her mind. "I was so nervous," Dortch said. "I had fve minutes to ask several questions and chit-chat was limited. I was ready." So what was the frst thing President Obama said? "Hi Vicki, nice shoes." "It was mindboggling," Dortch laughed. "When he said 'Nice shoes', it all started happening very quickly and it was a great icebreaker. He couldn't have paid me a nicer compliment." Her fve-minute chat stretched to eight minutes and included hard-hitting questions on the economy and world situation, and lighter comments on the upcoming basketball seasons for the University of Louisville and the University of Kentucky. "He was very presidential, but made me feel comfortable," she said. "It was the biggest assignment I've ever had and one that most people would relish. It doesn't matter if he is a Republican or a Democrat; I got to interview a sitting president. There's no greater honor." She began her WLKY career sharing the weekend anchor desk with veteran anchor Steve Burgin. She then moved to the 6:00 p.m. news while anchor Liz Everman was on maternity leave. Soon, she and Everman made Louisville broadcast history when they became the frst dual female anchors for the 11:00 p.m. newscast. In 1990, the 5:00 p.m. news debuted with Dortch as the anchor. She currently anchors the evening newscasts at 5:00, 6:00 and 11:00 with Rick Van Hoose. In the meantime, she married and had a son, Jonathan. Her parents and brother's family eventually moved to Louisville. "It was the right place and the right time," Dortch said. "Louisville is home to me." Her television family was solidifed too. WLKY's anchor team includes some of the longest running and most respected journalists in the area. Nearly all of them, including Dortch, Van Hoose, sports director Fred Cowgill and chief meteorologist Jay Cardosi have more than 20 years of experience at WLKY. Cowgill recently celebrated his 27th anniversary at the station. Two busy, 16-hour days resulted in several stories, including the interview and background features on behind-the-scenes life at the White House. "From the beginning of their tenures at WLKY, the team's credibility and professionalism made it easy for viewers to accept and trust them," said WLKY president and general manager, Glenn Haygood. "Add to that, the tremendous personal chemistry with the WLKY team and you end up with a newscast that people truly enjoy watching on a daily basis." "We were working so hard and fast that we got comfortable in our surroundings," Dortch said. "Then, you suddenly realize you are in the White House. Our "offce" was in the State Dining Room where Princess Diana danced with John Travolta. We walked Like any family, there are great days and battles that are quickly vaporized. The WLKY team supports each other, shares many similarities, knows each other's quirks and can anticipate each other's needs and actions on the anchor desk. Eight reporters were chosen nationwide to participate in the special interview session. FA L L 2 0 1 3 w w w. v o i c e - t r i b u n e . c o m | The Voice oF LouisviLLe 23