Major Departures and Career Transitions at FOX 13 News: What Viewers Need to Know

By Emily WilsonLast Updated July 30, 2025

Understanding Recent Changes at FOX 13 News

Television news stations evolve constantly as seasoned journalists retire, well-loved personalities move on to new opportunities, and new faces step into key roles. FOX 13 News, a trusted source for local information and stories, has recently experienced several significant departures and career transitions that impact both the newsroom and the station’s loyal audience. This article provides a comprehensive, actionable overview of who is leaving FOX 13 News, why these changes are occurring, and what viewers can expect moving forward. All information is based on verified, accessible sources, ensuring every detail is accurate and up-to-date.

Confirmed Departures and Announced Retirements

Several long-standing and prominent members of the FOX 13 News team have recently announced their departures or retirements. Understanding who is leaving can help viewers prepare for changes in programming and stay connected with their favorite journalists, even as they embark on new journeys.

Kerri Cronk’s Retirement After Decades of Service

Kerri Cronk, one of the most recognizable faces at FOX 13 News, recently announced her retirement after nearly 31 years with the station. Her announcement, made on September 12, 2024, via social media, marks the end of an era for viewers who have come to rely on her steady presence on
Good Day Utah
. Cronk’s departure is a significant change for the station’s morning programming, as she has been a fixture and a trusted voice for decades. For those who wish to follow her next steps or revisit her career highlights, you can search social media platforms for “Kerri Cronk retirement announcement” or visit official FOX 13 News coverage for retrospective features. [1]

Kevin O’Donnell’s 38-Year Career and Recent Retirement

In March 2025, Kevin O’Donnell, longtime Sports Reporter at FOX 13, stepped away after an impressive 38-year career. His retirement was celebrated on-air, and colleagues such as Scott Smith offered heartfelt wishes as O’Donnell said goodbye to the station and its audience. For fans who have followed O’Donnell’s reporting on local sports and community events, his departure signals a major shift in the sports department’s lineup. Those interested in learning more about his legacy can find tribute segments and farewell interviews by searching for “Kevin O’Donnell FOX 13 retirement.” [2]

Recent Transitions and Temporary Departures

In addition to permanent retirements, FOX 13 News has seen several temporary departures due to personal milestones and career changes:

One anchor recently shared on social media that her last day at FOX 13 was approaching after three years with the station. She expressed deep appreciation for her time with the team and for the viewers who supported her career. While her next career move has not been detailed publicly, such announcements are typically shared through verified social media profiles or the station’s official press releases. [3]
Other team members, such as weather anchors and reporters, have announced temporary leaves, including maternity leave. For example, Alisa, a well-known FOX 13 personality, shared her last day before maternity leave and indicated she plans to return following her absence. These temporary transitions are usually covered on official station broadcasts and social media posts. [4]

How to Stay Updated on FOX 13 Staff Changes

Given the ongoing nature of newsroom transitions, viewers seeking up-to-date information about staff changes should consider the following steps:

Visit the official FOX 13 News website and check the “Meet the Team” or “About Us” sections for the most current lineup of anchors, reporters, and producers. These sections are updated regularly to reflect changes in personnel.
Follow verified FOX 13 News social media profiles on platforms like Instagram, Twitter (X), and Facebook. These are often the first places where journalists share personal news about career changes, retirements, and new opportunities. To ensure you are viewing authentic updates, look for posts from accounts with the verified badge or direct links from the station’s main website.
Watch on-air broadcasts, especially during news segments that mention team transitions or offer tributes to departing staff. Stations frequently air special segments highlighting the contributions and careers of retiring anchors and reporters.

For viewers who miss a live announcement, news segments are commonly archived on the station’s streaming platforms or YouTube channel, making it possible to catch up at your convenience.

Practical Steps to Connect with Departing Journalists

If you are a regular viewer and wish to keep in touch with your favorite departing FOX 13 personalities, there are several effective approaches:

Search for their official professional profiles on LinkedIn, where many journalists post career updates and new roles after leaving broadcast positions. Use search terms such as “[Journalist Name] LinkedIn” for the most direct results.
Follow their verified public social media accounts. Many departing anchors and reporters maintain a presence online and may share information about their next career steps, community projects, or personal endeavors.
Look for interviews or guest appearances on podcasts, local events, or other media outlets. Retired or departed journalists often remain active in public life and contribute to community discussions or special projects.

For viewers interested in expressing appreciation or sharing stories about how a journalist impacted their lives, stations often provide contact forms or feedback options on their official websites. You can also send cards or notes to the station’s mailing address, typically found on the “Contact Us” page of the FOX 13 News website.

What These Changes Mean for Viewers

Staff transitions are a natural part of any newsroom’s evolution, but they can affect the style, tone, and focus of news coverage. As veteran journalists retire or pursue new opportunities, stations often introduce new talent or promote existing staff to fill key roles. These changes present both challenges and opportunities:

Continuity: Viewers may notice shifts in on-air chemistry or presentation style as new anchors or reporters step in. The station typically provides orientation and support to ensure a smooth transition for both staff and audience.
Fresh Perspectives: New team members can bring different backgrounds, skills, and ideas, enriching the station’s coverage and community engagement. Viewers may find new segments, special reports, or features as a result.
Legacy and Community: As anchors retire, their years of service and connection to local stories are often celebrated with special programming. Viewers are encouraged to participate by sharing memories or tuning in to farewell broadcasts.

In addition, temporary departures such as maternity leave are managed through fill-in anchors and weather reporters. For example, Claire’s maternity leave is being covered by a guest weather anchor, ensuring continuity in weather reporting. [5]

Alternative Ways to Stay Informed

For those seeking broader industry updates or interested in following media trends, consider subscribing to local media newsletters or joining public forums dedicated to broadcast journalism. Many community organizations and journalism associations provide timely updates on personnel changes, media ethics, and news coverage trends.

If you want to reach out about job opportunities, internships, or newsroom positions, stations like FOX 13 News post openings on their official websites’ careers pages. To find the most up-to-date listings, search for “FOX 13 News careers” or “FOX 13 job opportunities” on the station’s official website.

Key Takeaways for FOX 13 News Viewers

Major departures at FOX 13 News include the retirements of Kerri Cronk and Kevin O’Donnell, as well as temporary and permanent transitions among other team members. While these changes may feel significant, the station remains committed to serving the community with reliable news and engaging programming. Viewers are encouraged to stay informed through official sources, connect with favorite personalities online, and embrace the new faces joining the team.