Retired News Director Jim Phillips Honored by New Bedford City Council

For nearly an hour in New Bedford's City Council Chambers Tuesday night, city officials current and former reflected on the career of Jim Phillips, who retired from broadcasting last month after 45 years in the field.

During the presentation, Phillips received accolades from councillors and past mayors, including Fred Kalisz, who painted Jim as fair journalist who asked the questions that mattered. "Jim knew when to draw the line, how to keep you in check, and to make sure that the people of the City of New Bedford and this region were best served by a professional in the broadcast industry," said Kalisz.

City Councillor At Large Brian Gomes recounted a story Jim covered during his time at Comcast Channel 13, saying he was worried what the Southcoast's most trusted newsman was going to report. "And I'll never forget sitting there watching him and how he put the story together," recalled Gomes. "And he said that it made sense. And when Jim Phillips said it made sense, it made sense."

After being thanked for his service to the community, Phillips in turn thanked the Council for their cooperation during his career. He also encouraged councillors to continue work to establish New Bedford's first dog park to be named after fellow broadcaster, the late Jack Peterson.

We're pleased to announce that Jim Phillips is only semi-retired, and will be returning to the WBSM airwaves as our Saturday morning news anchor beginning this weekend.