Heather Kovar, the Albany, N.Y. anchor we reported about earlier this week who appeared disheveled and confused during a live broadcast last weekend is looking for understanding.
Kovar told People magazine she was using her time off to fly between work and her family after the death of her father. The day before her appearance, she told WRGB she was leaving after her contract ends.
“I recently returned early from family leave following my dad’s death,” Kovar said earlier. “On Friday, I notified the station I would not be renewing my contract which expires July 31. Saturday I was scheduled to work the early morning 6 a.m. shift and the evening shift. I was sleep-deprived and exhausted.”
“I was hoping to create a better situation,” she said. “I just hope people will understand as I move forward in what is next.”
Last Saturday, Kovar was suspended by the station after slurring her words and appearing unfocused during the 6 p.m. newscast. At one point, while introducing a story about a shooting in Ohio she said, “Moving on, tonight is, we have to tell you, you know, like other news that’s happening in the area and across the, you know, the area and the nation.”