Former Atlanta TV Journalist Spent 40 Years Covering News

Published: October 3, 2022

You can take the newsman out of the newsroom, but you can't take the news out of the newsman. This is Paul Yates.

And on a sunny afternoon in Valdosta, Georgia, he enjoys watching his grandkids Collin, 4, and Blair, 1, play during a visit with his son, Reid. In between conversations, you can catch him keeping a pulse on the daily news from a feed on his phone.

"I still like to keep up with what's going on outside of my little world, too," he said with a smile.

He entered the field of journalism at the time of hard-hitting investigative reporting surrounding Watergate. The work of Woodward and Bernstein, along with a childhood fascination with the nightly news, drew Paul into the world of broadcasting.

"Other kids would go out to play baseball. I would be glued to the tube watching the Democratic National Convention," he chuckled. "My parents must've wondered, ‘What's wrong with that boy?'"

He started where he could get his foot in the door as a floor director - "a glorified stagehand," he called it - at WAGA Channel 5 in Atlanta, Georgia. Working his way up, he cut film for the day's broadcasts and eventually found himself in front of the camera reporting the news.

"Through the Grace of God and good fortune, they let me try it and it worked out," he said.

Reporting on everything from car crashes to Presidential visits with Carter through Obama, Paul found his niche in political reporting. He spent 40 years at Channel 5 covering the Georgia legislature, having the ear of long-time Governor and personal political hero, Zell Miller, on a regular basis.

"He was a political genius and could work the media like no one's business," he recalled.

Paul noted Miller's institution of the Hope Scholarship in Georgia as a story he was particularly proud of reporting because of the good it did for so many young students in the state, including his two children.

His son Reid recalls childhood buddies being impressed his dad was on tv, but says it didn't seem like a big deal to him at the time.

"I'd watch him on the five o'clock news and knew he'd be home soon," he said, recalling the day-to-day routine. "When he got home, he was just normal. He was Daddy."

Despite his breadth of experience, Paul puts his professional life in a humble perspective.

"I had a satisfying high-profile career in the public realm, but the most important thing is to show up for work every day and do your work with pride, honesty and integrity. Hopefully, you make a little difference in some lives."

Paul speaks with great admiration for the work he sees daily at The Canopy at Azalea Grove where he calls home.

"The caring and concern I have seen on the part of these folks has been remarkable," he said. "I'm grateful for what they do. They're my new heroes."

Our Latest

Our Office Has Moved

April 13, 2026
We are excited to announce we have officially moved into our new home at 1589 Metropolitan Blvd. , Tallahassee, Florida, 32308 ! This is a milestone we've been looking forward to, and we're thrilled to open the doors of our new space. Whether you're a longtime client, a partner, or someone just getting to know us, we'd love for you to come visit. Our new office reflects our continued growth and commitment to serving you better, and we look forward to welcoming you through our doors. Our phone and fax numbers remain the same, so staying in touch is as easy as ever. And if you have any questions about our new location or need help finding us, don't hesitate to reach out. We can't wait to see you here!

We're Expanding Memory Care Offering at Harper’s Station Gainesville

April 1, 2026
We’ve always focused on creating an environment where residents feel supported, engaged, and truly known. Now, we’re building on that commitment in a meaningful way. As of April 1, Harper's Station Gainesville has expanded its Memory Care offering by assuming management of the standalone Memory Care community located adjacent to Harper’s Station Gainesville. While this neighboring community has long been part of the Gainesville landscape, it will now operate under the same approach, standards, and philosophy that guide everything we do. This allows us to create a more consistent experience across both communities while expanding our ability to serve residents with specialized needs. For residents and families, this expansion means more access to dedicated Memory Care support, greater consistency in how care is delivered, and a stronger connection between services. It also allows us to enhance programming and provide an environment intentionally designed for individuals living with Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia. “This is a natural extension of what we’re already doing at Harper’s Station,” said Taylor Bratkovich, Vice President of Operations for SRI Management . “By bringing this community under our management, we’re able to create greater consistency in care, strengthen team support, and enhance the overall resident experience. Families can expect the same thoughtful, personalized approach across both communities.” Memory Care is deeply personal, and we approach it with that understanding. Our teams are focused on meeting residents where they are, creating structure, familiarity, and meaningful moments throughout each day. At the same time, what matters most remains unchanged. “SRI Management has always focused on growing in ways that directly support residents and their families,” said Todd Filippone, President of SRI Management . “Expanding our Memory Care offering in Gainesville allows us to serve more individuals while delivering the same level of compassion, consistency, and quality that defines Harper’s Station.” This next step allows us to grow thoughtfully while staying grounded in what matters most, delivering a strong, consistent experience for every resident we serve.

Impact Senior Living Expands in Florida with Three More Communities

April 1, 2026
Impact Senior Living an affiliated brand of SRI Management, has expanded its presence in Florida with the addition of three senior living communities: The Heron of Lake City , The Heron of Longwood , and The Heron of Palm Coast . Located across key Florida markets, the three communities offer a mix of Independent Living, Assisted Living and Memory Care services, with a shared focus on personalized support, purposeful engagement, and creating environments where residents can maintain independence while receiving the care they need. The Heron of Lake City, located at 213 NW Gleason Drive in Lake City, provides a welcoming setting designed to support residents through every stage of aging. The Heron of Longwood, located at 342 South Wayman Street in Longwood, offers thoughtfully designed spaces and programs that foster connection and daily engagement. The Heron of Palm Coast, located at 3830 Old Kings Road in Palm Coast, delivers tailored care and a supportive environment centered on resident well-being. The addition of these communities represents a continued investment in Florida and reflects Impact Senior Living’s strategy of aligning with communities that prioritize strong operations, quality care, and long-term stability. “Florida remains one of the most important and dynamic markets in senior living, and we are excited to continue growing our presence with the addition of these three communities,” said Andrew Hendry, Vice President of Operations for Impact Senior Living . “Each location brings a dedicated team and a strong foundation, and our role is to support and elevate the experience for residents, families, and staff alike.” Impact Senior Living works in close partnership with SRI Management, which provides operational support, strategic direction, and the infrastructure needed to sustain consistent, high-quality performance across its communities. “Our focus is always on creating alignment between people, process, and performance,” said Todd Filippone, President of SRI Management . “These communities are well-positioned within their respective markets, and we look forward to working alongside the Impact team to build on that momentum and deliver a reliable, high-quality resident experience.” The expansion further strengthens Impact Senior Living’s growing portfolio and reinforces its commitment to delivering thoughtful, resident-centered care across Florida and beyond.
More News