Syracuse Anchor Jackie Robinson’s Retirement Surrounded by Controversy

By Kevin Eck 

Jackie Robinson, veteran anchor for Syracuse NBC affiliate WSTM, is retiring from the anchor desk after more than three decades at the station.

Robinson, the first African-American anchor for Syracuse, is slated to give her final broadcast on today’s 6:30 p.m. newscast.

“I have had a long and storied career at CNY Central and I am grateful for the opportunity to have worked with so many talented people,” Robinson said in story posted on the cnycentral.com site. “To those who watched and warmly welcomed me into your homes for over three decades, thank you for your support. You have been a constant blessing, and I hope I have served you well.”

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However, cnyradio.com reports Robinson’s departure may not have been her decision.

Multiple trusted sources — but not within CNY Central — tell CNYTVNews.com that Robinson’s contract was either being “bought out” early, or simply not being renewed. We first heard about this on Tuesday and tried to obtain confirmation or denial from CNY Central management, but our requests for comment from GM Chris Geiger and VP of News Rae Fulkerson were not answered. To repeat, this portion of the story is neither confirmed nor denied.

TVSpy also reached out to Robinson, general manager Geiger and VP of News Fulkerson.  However we have not been able to confirm the contract situation.  We will update you as soon as we hear anything.

Robinson will be inducted into the New York State Broadcasters Association Hall of Fame in November.

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