Justin Unell, who veteran KSHB’s sports director Jack Harry says was “The best hire I ever made in this business,” will be leaving the NBC affiliate this week to take a new position with the Golf Channel in Orlando, FL.
Unell, a Blue Valley North High graduate, has been with KSHB-41 the past 7 1/2 years as a senior sports producer and also working on the news side of the business. He has produced all the station’s sports specials in that time.
“He always gives a 100 % and never is one to complain,” Harry told Bottom Line. “The perfect employee and he will be missed greatly at 47th and Oak. Boy, I’m missing him already. He’s been a great partner for the past 7 ½ years.
“The best hire I ever made in this business. He’ll be a great success at the Golf Channel. He loves the sport and this is something he always wanted to do. I couldn’t be happier for him.”
Unell, who will get married soon, told Bottom Line he leaves with mixed emotions.
“Although I’m very excited about beginning this next chapter in my career, I’m going to miss so many great people who made my chapter at 41 Action News so amazing,” he says. “But the most important part of my KSHB experience was working for legendary broadcaster Jack Harry. I learned so much about the business from him. I’m so grateful that he hired me. He not only became a great mentor, but also a terrific friend.”
Unell even gave a nice plug to the station’s new General Manager Brian Bracco.
“I will miss working for 41 Action News, but excited that the station is now being led by Brian Bracco,” he says. “I’ve had the pleasure of knowing Brian for more than 10 years. He helped me land sports internships while I was in college and even put in a good word to help land me the job at 41 Action News. I know the station is in great hands with Brian.”
Ironically, while golf is Unell’s first love, he may have received his most notoriety in Kansas City for what was supposed to be a routine interview with Royals Hall of Famer George Brett at a golf tournament. Brett went ballistic over a simple question about the Royals manager (below), and his profanity-laden rant went viral and he was forced to apologize for it.
Unell graduated from USC with a degree in broadcast journalism in 2003 and spent about two years at KQ2-TV, the ABC affiliate in St. Joseph. He was a news/sports reporter and then weekend sports anchor before joining KSHB.
