Maureen Bunyan said goodbye to viewers of Washington, D.C.’s WJLA last night after more than 17 years at the Sinclair-owned ABC affiliate.
We reported in January Bunyan’s contract wasn’t renewed.
“Thank you for allowing me into your homes for listening and watching and trusting me to bring you the news of the day,” said Bunyan at the end of last night’s 6 p.m. “Thank you for your confidence in me and for your support of my brothers and sisters who challenge every day to tell your stories. Thank you for inviting me to your churches and places of worship. to your offices and places of work, and to your schools to speak to your children and to share my personal and professional experiences. Thank you for your enumerable kindnesses to me over the years. I have hope I have deserved even a small percentage of them. Most of all, thank you for inspiring me to be a better journalist, a more caring member of our community. and I hope a better person. God bless you all.”
“Maureen has been a trusted voice for progress in our community, and within our ranks,” said director of news Mitch Jacob. ”She is a journalist and advocate of the highest order, and we will miss her insight and passion tremendously.”
She’s the second longest-running anchor in D.C. after WRC anchor Jim Vance.
Click here to watch the station’s farewell video.