In a shocker to co-workers, Gordon Peterson, a dean in Washington television, announced late this afternoon he'll be leaving WJLA when his contract expires at the end of this year.

He's been in Washington television 45 years spending last 10 years as anchor at WJLA.

He sent a memo addressed to friends and colleagues an hour ago. Peterson’s departure e-mail did not say that he was retiring from TV news and it was not clear if this move was solely his choice, or if WJLA's new owner Sinclair played a part.

Here is the email Peterson sent to his co-workers:

Dear Friends and Colleagues:

As most of you know, I have been in the television news business in Washington, DC for 45 years.  It has been my privilege to have covered many of the great issues of our time beginning with the struggle for civil rights and the huge anti-war rallies of the late '60's and early '70's through eight administrations.  It has been wonderful to have been reunited with Maureen Bunyan and Doug Hill and to join forces with Tim Brant, Leon Harris and Alison Starling. I dare not name anyone else, for fear of leaving someone out, but I want each of you to know how important you are to me and how grateful I am for having had the chance to work with you. My current contract expires at the end of the year and I have decided that after ten terrific years here, it is time to leave Channel 7. I did not want you to hear this from anyone else.
Sincerely,

Gordo