5 Shocking New Ventures: Is Neil Orne Retiring, Or Just Redefining His Nashville Legacy?

The question of whether longtime Nashville news anchor Neil Orne is retiring has been on the minds of Middle Tennessee viewers since his departure from WKRN News 2. The short answer, as of December 2025, is a resounding 'No'—at least not in the traditional sense. After nearly three decades as the familiar face of morning news, Orne has transitioned into a dynamic and multi-faceted "post-broadcast life," trading the early morning alarm clock for a schedule focused on new creative projects, media consulting, and personal growth. His move has been described not as an end, but as a purposeful redefinition of his career, allowing him to explore exciting new ventures while maintaining a strong connection to the community he served for so long.

For nearly thirty years, Neil Orne was a staple of the Nashville media landscape, most notably as the co-anchor of *Good Morning Nashville*. His decision to step down from this high-profile role in late 2024 was a significant news event for the region. However, far from disappearing from the public eye, Orne has launched several new endeavors, including a successful podcast with a former colleague, proving that his media powerhouse status is only evolving in this new chapter.

Neil Orne: A Complete Biography and Career Profile

Neil Orne’s career trajectory is a testament to his versatility, beginning in media sales before he became one of Nashville’s most trusted news anchors. His extensive background makes his recent career pivot a fascinating case study in professional reinvention.

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• Full Name: Neil Orne
• Date of Birth: March 1966
• Current Age (Dec 2025): 59 years old
• Birthplace: Albany, New York (Raised primarily in Connecticut)
• Education: Holds a business degree and was a collegiate athlete.
• Early Career: Began in media sales for *Better Homes and Gardens* magazine in New York City, followed by a role in radio advertising. He also worked briefly as a reporter for his father's TV station in his hometown of Maine.
• WKRN News 2 Tenure: Joined Nexstar’s WKRN in Nashville in 1995.
• Key Roles at WKRN: Initially anchored the weather, then helped launch the morning news program, serving as the longtime co-anchor of *Good Morning Nashville*.
• Departure from WKRN: Stepped down from his morning anchor role in late 2024/early 2025 after nearly three decades.

The Truth Behind the Retirement Rumors: Why Orne Left WKRN

The departure of a long-serving, highly visible personality like Neil Orne inevitably sparks speculation about "retirement." For Orne, the decision to leave the anchor desk was a deeply personal one, driven by a desire to reclaim his mornings and pursue a different kind of professional fulfillment after decades of a demanding schedule.

His nearly 30-year run at WKRN was marked by incredible dedication. He was a fixture in the Nashville media scene, known for his ability to connect with the audience on a personal level. However, the relentless schedule of a morning news anchor—waking up before dawn for years on end—eventually took its toll. Orne himself has spoken candidly about the need for a change, referring to it as the start of his "post-broadcast life."

The transition was not an abrupt exit but a deliberate shift to a more flexible and creatively liberating career path. Instead of a traditional, full-stop retirement, Orne has embraced a phase of career reinvention. This move is less about stopping work and more about choosing *how* and *when* he works, allowing him to focus on personal growth, new creative projects, and leveraging his extensive media expertise in new ways.

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5 Shocking New Ventures: Neil Orne's Post-Broadcast Life

Neil Orne is proving that stepping away from the anchor desk is merely a pivot to a new set of exciting professional challenges. His current activities demonstrate a clear focus on media entrepreneurship, consulting, and leveraging his voice and reputation in the Nashville market. Here are five of his most notable new ventures as of late 2025:

1. Co-Hosting the "Not the News" Podcast

Perhaps his most public new venture is the launch of the "Not the News" podcast, which he co-hosts with former WKRN colleague Nikki Burdine.

• The Concept: The podcast offers a refreshing, unscripted look at local and national topics, giving the two veteran anchors a platform to discuss subjects they couldn't touch while on air.
• The Draw: Fans of *Good Morning Nashville* and the anchors' witty on-air chemistry have flocked to the show, enjoying the behind-the-scenes banter and more personal takes on current events.
• Topical Authority: This venture allows Orne to maintain his presence in the Nashville media conversation while exploring a modern, on-demand format.

2. Voice-Over Work and Media Consulting

Orne is actively leveraging his decades of experience and his recognizable, authoritative voice through professional voice-over work. Furthermore, his status as a "Media Powerhouse" and "Executive" suggests a significant role in the consulting arena.

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• Consulting Focus: He is likely advising businesses, non-profits, or individuals on media strategy, public relations, and on-camera presence, capitalizing on his deep knowledge of the broadcast industry.
• New Role: He has been referred to as a media powerhouse and executive since his departure, indicating a high-level strategic role in the business world.

3. Community Emcee and Event Hosting

Neil Orne continues to be a highly sought-after personality for local events. He has taken on roles such as emceeing prominent community gatherings, including the annual Franklin Christmas Parade.

• Community Connection: This work allows him to stay engaged with the Middle Tennessee community, fulfilling a public-facing role without the daily grind of the news cycle.
• Local Entities: His continued involvement with events like the Franklin Christmas Parade underscores his commitment to local institutions and civic life.

4. Focus on Personal Growth and Fitness (The "Ironman" Chapter)

A significant aspect of Orne's post-broadcast life is his commitment to personal challenges and physical fitness. He has been referred to as an "Ironman" in recent interviews.

• Lifestyle Shift: Leaving the demands of morning news has provided the time and energy to pursue ambitious athletic goals, a stark contrast to his previous professional focus.
• Inspiration: This emphasis on health and personal achievement is a powerful message to his audience about redefining purpose in later stages of a career.

5. Exploring Creative Content Projects

Orne has indicated a desire to pursue "new creative projects" in his transition. While specific details remain under wraps, this suggests he is exploring opportunities beyond traditional news and podcasting.

• Content Creation: This could involve documentary work, long-form journalism, or other digital media ventures that allow for deeper dives into topics of personal interest.
• Future Outlook: His current consulting and voice-over work provides a stable foundation while he develops these passion projects, ensuring his media career continues to evolve in unexpected ways.

The Legacy of Neil Orne in Nashville Media

The legacy Neil Orne built over his nearly 30 years at WKRN News 2 is one of trust, consistency, and community engagement. He was instrumental in shaping the morning news landscape in Nashville, transitioning from a weather anchor to a respected journalist who helped millions of viewers start their day.

His departure marks the end of an era for local broadcast news, a trend seen across the industry as veteran anchors move into new phases of life. However, Orne’s pivot to podcasting, consulting, and voice-over work demonstrates the enduring value of a trusted public brand. He is not retiring; he is simply taking his established authority and applying it to the modern media environment. For fans, the good news is that they can still tune in to hear his voice and his insights, just in a new and exciting format.