Signing Off in Motown

The Firm’s Motown station may be losing two of its frontline talent in the near future.

Longtime WJBK Anchor Huel Perkins is headed for the exit and co-anchor Monica Gayle might be right behind him.

Perkins is expected to retire from the station in the first half of next year and Gayle says she is also considering signing off from the Fox O&O next year.

Perkins has been with the station since 1989 and Gayle joined WJBK in 1997.

Perkins said that the death of close friend Steve Hood, a political consultant and TV and radio personality, and learning of a grave illness impacting another close friend has moved up his timeline on retiring.

"The death of Steve Hood really opened my eyes. He was just 58," Perkins said. "I'm going to live while I can still live life. Even though Steve's death made me extremely sad, it also inspired me because he decided to live the most wonderful life he could in the time he had."

Gayle tells Deadline Detroit she's "noodling" with the idea, but "I haven't made a decision yet. I'm still talking with my husband."

Gayle says that the COVID pandemic is also playing a role. "This has really been a year of soul-searching. We want to make life count and we want to enjoy it."

Losing both main Anchors at nearly the same time would be a big blow for the Fox station.

Stay tuned….