Longtime Grand Rapids, Mich., anchor Leon Hendrix is leaving WOOD next week, and he has a farewell message to viewers and journalists.
The anchor said that after 13 years, he’d be leaving the Nexstar-owned station, but he wants viewers to keep watching after his departure.
“There is so much happening in our world, and our society needs you to know about it,” Hendrix said in a video from the anchor desk that he posted to his Facebook page Sunday. “Please keep watching, engaging and demanding the truth.”
Hendrix started at the station as a part-time associate producer working weekend overnights in 2007. He eventually rose to a weekend anchor position, which he said was his “childhood job dream” that came true at the station. He and his family reached the decision for him to move on together.
“As life goes, there comes a time for a new chapter,” Hendrix said. “And for my family and me, and my career, we’ve decided that time is now.”
His last day on the anchor desk will be Sunday, Oct. 11. Hendrix will report from the field Monday, Oct. 12, before signing off a final time. He will announce his next career move at a later date.
You can watch Hendrix’s video announcing the news below.
Personal News: I'm Leaving WOOD TV8
Personal News: I’m leaving WOOD TV8. It feels surreal to type those words but so too has so much of the news I’ve shared here lately. The decision my family and I have made to move on was not an easy one. I will leave this television station as I came — extremely grateful and honored by the opportunity.
Posted by Leon Hendrix on Saturday, October 3, 2020