Atlanta Gray-owned station WGCL has brought veteran Atlanta anchor Monica Kaufman Pearson out of retirement to host two new shows it plans to launch in 2022. One of the new programs will be an interview show that will launch in February.
Pearson is the first African American and the first woman to anchor an evening newscast in Atlanta. She retired from broadcasting in 2012 after anchoring at Atlanta station WSB for 37 years.
“It is exciting to be back in the business again, this time with Gray Television,” Pearson said. “This Atlanta-based company is national but still has that local touch. The commitment to creating local programming that has meaning and impact moved me from retirement. I am grateful to [Gray’s executive chairman and CEO] Hilton Howell and the management of CBS46 and Peachtree TV for providing me with this opportunity to introduce viewers to people they’ve always wanted to know more about.”
Erik Schrdaer, WGCL and Peachtree TV general manager, said Kaufman Pearson isn’t just “an Atlanta treasure,” she’s a legend in journalism across the country.
“We’re very excited to welcome Monica into the CBS46 and Peachtree TV family and can’t wait to get started in February,” said Schrader.
Gray was quick to make moves after acquiring 17 stations from Meredith at the start of December. It immediately executed a plan to expand programming on both of of its Atlanta stations and started bringing in its own leadership.
“Having Monica Pearson, a trailblazer for women and minorities in the Atlanta market, join our team will help us deliver on our plans to add to the already terrific programming you see on CBS46 and Peachtree TV,” Howell said. “Viewers can expect to see more local content, more relevant content and more in-depth coverage.”