Longtime Tucson Anchor Signing Off

KVOA (Tucson)  longtime Anchor Tom McNamara will be leaving when his current contract expires and he is leaving the TV news game altogether. 

"Investing in real estate has been a passion of mine for several years now," said McNamara. "KVOA and I have been discussing my desire for change for many months. I appreciate how patient & supportive they have been through this process."

"It's very hard to lose a talented journalist like Tom from our front line team," said Cathie Batbie, KVOA-TV News Director. "The same passion that has made him successful behind the anchor desk is the same passion that will make him successful in his transition to this new career."

"We've been aware of Tom's intentions for a couple of years now," said Bill Shaw, KVOA President & General Manager. "He's been upfront with us on his desire to expand his local business. We fully support him and wish him all the best."

McNamara is expected to leave the News 4 Tucson anchor desk when his contract expires in mid-December.

"I've been in local TV for 36 years now, but when Susan and I came to Tucson almost 18 years ago, we knew this would be home." continued McNamara. "I think the timing of this career change couldn't be better for me or KVOA. The station has a strong team and a strong journalistic focus going forward. I feel that the timing of my departure is such that the station won't skip a beat."

H/T KVOA