John Carlin Leaves Access; Starts Agency

John Carlin 'Life's coming at me pretty fast right now.'>

By DAN SMITH

John Carlin, the well-known Roanoke television news anchor who left journalism to work at one of the region's most successful advertising and PR agencies in November, 2008, has left Access to found John Carlin Agency in Roanoke. Carlin also is owner of Ultimate Aquariums in Daleville, parlaying an intense hobby into a vocation.

Carlin's new agency is announced on his Linkedin site here. Carlin was reluctant to discuss the move, saying, "I would love to answer your questions... Just not yet ... I'll be happy to say more when I actually know more. Life is coming at me pretty fast right now. It's great." Information at his Linkedin site says he is the "Owner of Agency specializing in Advertising, Public Relations and Marketing. Agency founded in January 2010. The Agency will focus on reaching clients' objectives through marketing, Advertising and Public Relations -- including maximizing the impact of social media through the production and use of podcasts, blogs and SEO. Crisis PR and Media Relations are an additional strong component. Clients will benefit from consultation with Peabody, Emmy and Edward R. Murrow winning journalist. Also three-time winner of Summit Awards from PRSA."

Todd Marcum, co-owner (with Tony Pearman) of Access, says Carlin's resignation was not expected, but that "We'll see how it unfolds. No harm, no foul. He's not after our clients and we have no thought of hindering his progress. He's a very talented guy."

Carlin started with Access amid great fanfare and by all accounts his time there was successful for him and the company. Marcum says the position was created for Carlin "to a certain extent" and "we're glad he was here. We wish him well and we part as friends. I can see a time where we might work together again somewhere along life's road."

Marcum says he does not know what Carlin has planned, but "we've heard different rumblings from his own agency to going with somebody else to going back into TV. We just don't know. ... We will be completely supportive as long as it's not at our expense."

Marcum says he wants to say without reservation that "our clients have been nothing but supportive. We will maintain the capacity to satisfy the needs of our key clients."