"I Have Made the Decision Not to Re-sign Another Contract"
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Longtime Detroit Anchor Anu Prakash informed viewers in a long social media post that she has decided to leave WXYZ, the station she joined in 2002.
“Why am I doing this?” she wrote, “The simple answer is, it’s time. I’m eager to pursue other opportunities that will allow me to utilize my skills and talents in expanding my creative space.”
Of course, she will wait until the end of the book to say goodbye.
Here is her post:
I know this is a long post, but I hope you’ll read it all. I have some news to share ....
It was December 16th, 2002. A wide-eyed me drove through the gates of the esteemed Broadcast House, home of WXYZ-TV. “THE” Channel 7. I was incredibly nervous, but eager and excited to be a part of this amazing television news legacy. I couldn’t believe it. I was in my 20’s and Detroit was my second gig, after spending 3 years in Cincinnati.
When I first started to pursue the business, it was at a time that when you turned on the news, there really wasn’t anyone who looked like me or had a name like mine. It made me more determined than ever to change that. I worked harder at helping break that ceiling than I’ve worked at anything in my life. I had so much support, but there were those who had the nerve to say to my face that I couldn’t do it. “There are really no Indian-American journalists on TV, Anu. You should really do something else.” With every doubt thrown my way, my drive kicked into an even higher gear. NOBODY was going to tell me it would be impossible to accomplish. So I just had to work my tail off and make it happen. And I did.
The reason for the trip down memory lane is that I’m about to venture down a new road. One that will soon no longer have me driving through the gates of Channel 7. I have made the decision not to re-sign another contract. It’s hard to even type those words knowing that I’ve been coming to work here for almost two decades.
Why am I doing this? The simple answer is, it’s time. I’m eager to pursue other opportunities that will allow me to utilize my skills and talents in expanding my creative space.
Even though it’s my choice, saying goodbye is more emotional than I could possibly express. I’ll start with my colleagues. I work with incredible journalists. Talented people who aren’t only passionate about their work, but are simply good souls, too. After having been here so long, my colleagues have been an extension of my own family. I’ve also had the beautiful fortune of making lifelong friends here. My “ride or die” people who have been there for it all and continue to cheer me on as I take this next step. It’s the relationships in life that are the real gift and I’m so blessed to have made so many genuine connections.
Of course, the stories. I’ve been able to share so many meaningful stories over the years. Triumphs, tragedies, stories of inspiration, profiling the missing in Michigan, politics, sports, traveling to D.C. for the legalization of gay marriage, trials that made headlines around the country, the wrongfully convicted finally being released, snow storms and tornadoes, revitalization. The list really goes on and on.
And finally, to you, the viewers of metro Detroit. I cannot thank you enough for how you’ve welcomed me into your homes for almost 18 years. For the handshakes, hugs and selfies on the streets around town, at the grocery store or at a restaurant. For the incredibly kind words, emails and letters. For the support. For all of you who have trusted me with your stories. Some of celebration, some where you just needed help getting answers, others that were about the darkest day of your life. Know that I felt each story and emotion, handled them with care and often cried on my way home thinking about the families involved, wishing I could take your pain away or bring back your loved one. It has also been one of the biggest honors of my life to be a voice for those who so often aren’t heard, no matter how loud they screamed. Thank you for placing your trust in me. I never took that for granted.
Living here in the mitten has been a beautiful experience and I’m confident it will continue to be. Coming from this Ohio born girl, who also happens to be a very proud Ohio State grad, that says a lot about my love for Michigan, its beautifully diverse communities and its people.
I hope whenever you see me around town, you’ll still stop me for that handshake, hug or selfie. Those kind words. Even just a smile. I will always cherish those moments and my time at WXYZ.
My last day at Channel 7 will be Friday, February 28th. With a heart full of love and gratitude,
Anu
