Jim Hummel's gone from Channel 6

Speaking of TV, veteran newsman Jim Hummel, who has long been the best and most serious reporter at WLNE-TV (Channel 6), has left the station as of this morning.

A source says Hummel made the decision because his contract was up and he didn't like the direction of Channel 6 under new ownership. Besides being the station's chief reporter, Hummel has been known for his "You Paid for It!" segments.

"He said, 'I gave them the keys and walked out,' " the source says.

Hummel was previously a reporter at the ProJo. He reportedly has no immediate plans for a new job. Most reporters in the local market have non-compete clauses that preclude them from going to other local stations, usually for a period of one year.

I'll be calling Jim and Channel 6 for more details. Stay tuned.