A Fox news anchor in California recently announced that they were leaving their show. This comes out just as the show faced a similar shakeup. However, fans found themselves reacting after they shared what happens next.
The California Morning Newscast, ‘Great Day,’ Launched In 2003
KMPH-TV is a television station licensed to Visalia, California. The network, which is a Fox affiliate, serves the Fresno area.
Back in 2003, the affiliate launched a weekday morning newscast, “Great Day.” By 2007, the program expanded from three hours to five.
Recently, it’s been announced that news anchor Kim Stephens will be leaving KMPH Fox 26’s “Great Day” after 23 years on the air. Notably, she helped launch the morning program in 2003 with weatherman Kopi Sotiropulos.
The two became fixtures in local homes for over two decades. Stephens was known for covering the more serious side of the news, with Sotiropulos taking on a more comedic approach. The two would later go on to win Edward R. Murrow and Emmy awards.
Notably, Stephens’ exit will leave “Great Day” without either of its original anchors, as Sotiropulos retired back in March. Speaking with the Fresno Bee, Stephens shared, “Kopi and I are really proud of what we started. And we’re proud to have it carried on.”
Kim Stephens Shared That She Was Stepping Away From ‘Grat Day’ To Focus On Her Work As A Professor
For her part, Stephens explained her exit in a post on Instagram. As she explained, she isn’t stepping away from the world of journalism entirely. She is taking on a full-time, tenure-track position with Fresno State’s Media, Communications and Journalism Department. She had worked as an adjunct professor with the department for years, starting in 2015.
At the time, Stephens shared, “I don’t expect to see this new chapter as ending one career for another. I really see it as carrying the best of journalism forward. For years people have trusted me to tell their stories and now I get to help prepare young journalists to do the same ethically.”
In a simple caption, Stephens also expressed the importance of maintaining the truth in the media. She shared, “So you hear this from me – not the rumor mill. It’s time to write a new chapter!” Her exit date is scheduled for November 25.
Taking to social media, fans also shared that they were happy to hear her good news. Many had watched her over the years and congratulated her over the influence she could bring in her new position. Some comments included:
- “I’m so thrilled for YOU and your students!!! Love the grant idea!!”
- “Congratulations Professor Stephens! Our future is bright in your hands.”
- “Hey Kim! I lived in Fresno from 2005-2011 & I used to watch you & Kopi every morning. I love y’all SO much! Great to see that you still keep a goin. Sorry that Kopi retired. But I’m sure he’s enjoying retired life.”
- “Congrats Kim! Love that you’ll keep teaching! Yay for Fresno State!”
- You make me want to go back to school and take your class… What wonderful news. Congratulations.”
What is your reaction to this recent news? Have you been following this story? Did you watch Kim Stephens on “Great Day?” Make sure you come back to TV Shows Ace for all the latest TV and celebrity news.
John Witiw has been a writer since at least 2015. He’s covered a variety of topics, especially when it comes to film and television.