Jim Shella is retiring from WISH-8

Local TV personality Jim Shella is retiring from WISH-8 after 34 years, the news station announced Monday.

According to the station, Shella has been at work covering politics longer than any other TV reporter in the state. During his career, Shella has covered six governors, 14 national political conventions and the rebuilding of the Pentagon following the 9/11 terrorist attacks.

“I arrived at WISH-TV looking for a job and found a career,” Shella told WISH. “I have been given the privilege to cover Indiana politics with the freedom to pursue stories that other stations ignore. I send my thanks to the viewers who made it possible.”

Shella also is known for his “Weekly Chat with the Governor” and hosting and producing the Emmy-nominated “Indiana Week in Review” in conjunction with WFYI-20.

“Jim has been a staple in Hoosier homes and Indiana politics for more than three decades. His dedication as journalist is second to none,” Joe Abouzeid, interim general manager at WISH, said in a statement. “Jim is a part of the WISH-TV legacy, and personifies 24-Hour News 8’s commitment to our viewers.”

Prior to his longtime career in Indianapolis, Shella worked for WOTV (WOOD) in Grand Rapids, Mich. and WMT (KGAN) in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. He is a graduate of St. Cloud State University.

Shella was awarded the Sagamore of the Wabash by two Indiana governors. He also earned the Larry Conrad Award from the Indianapolis Press Club, among other accolades.

Shella’s last day with WISH will be Nov. 11.

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Call IndyStar reporter Kris Turner at (317) 444-6047. Follow him on Twitter: @krisnturner.