FTVLive FIRST told you that WGRZ (Buffalo) Morning Anchor John Beard was M-I-A from the newscast and had already changed his Facebook page to say "Former Anchor WGRZ".

Well, after out story, the station has confirmed that they are shaving their Beard. 

Beard isn't quite down yet, but will be in a couple of months. WGRZ GM Jim Toellner confirmed, after FTVLive's story that Beard plans to leave at the end of 2016 after seven years at the station. 

FTVLive told you that Beard's job was posted on the Tegna website and after the FTVLive story, Toellner sent an email to the staff saying, “John has been a tremendous anchor there in every situation,” he wrote “He brings the gravitas for the serious heavy news and the wry sense of humor for the countless smiles ‘Daybreak’ brings us.”

A hack for the Buffalo News followed up on the FTVLive story, but did not give us any credit. 

A search is on for Beard replacement when he retires.