Karen Graham, who has been a morning host for Fox 5's "Good Day Atlanta" since 2009 and a broadcaster at the station since 2000, is leaving September 7.
She broke the news this morning on her public Fox 5 Facebook page.
Graham said "Fox 5 did not force me out. In fact, my bosses tried everything to convince me to stay. And I mean everything."
She said her departure was her choice and she has an unspecified new "game changer" of a job forthcoming. It's likely related to the deaf community. (She did a sign language video of her going away message.)
This is the third major departure from Fox 5 (WAGA-TV) this year, following Lisa Rayam and Gurvir Dhindsa . Fox 5 has filled Dhindsa's spot with Alysa Eady from Arkansas. She started last week.
Was she popular? Her approval rating below in this poll, however unscientific, would be the envy of any politician - or human being for that matter.
Rayam's spot is still open.
Graham came to Atlanta in 2000 from Charlotte and was a weekend sports anchor and reporter at Fox 5 from 2000 to 2009.
On "Good Day Atlanta," she produces the weekly "Wednesday's Child" segment to recruit foster families for children in the foster care system. She also produces "Hot Topics" segments during the 8 a.m. hour, does live interviews and builds graphics for the show.
"We will miss Karen both personally and professionally," her boss Mike McClain said in a statement. "She was a delight to work with and we were lucky to have her; we wish her much success in this next chapter."
An Atlanta native, Graham graduated from Vanderbilt University in Nashville. She is fluent in sign language.
Here's Graham's note in full.
I have really exciting news to share with you. After a lot of thinking and praying I have decided it's time for me to leave Good Day Atlanta.
Now hold on! Before the gossip starts – no – FOX 5 did not force me out. In fact, my bosses tried everything to convince me to stay. And I mean everything.
If you have watched me over the years you already know I have strong ties to the deaf community. I am simply following my passion and answering my calling.
Right now I am not at liberty to give you all the details - but trust me - my next endeavor is a real "game changer." Stay tuned.
My last day will be Wednesday September 7th.
For now… thank you. For 16 years you've welcomed me into your homes. You have shown me so much love and support. It is really overwhelming! Yes – I am leaving Good Day Atlanta, but I will always be a part of the FOX 5 family – and a part of you.
Thank you… and I love you
By RODNEY HO/ rho@ajc.com, originally filed Wednesday, August 31, 2016
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