Popular Salt Lake City TV news anchor says unexpected farewell after 23 year run

Former KSTU/FOX13 news anchor Hope Woodside bids farewell to her fans. Sept. 26, 2018, after stepping down from her job after 23 years in the Salt Lake City TV market. Photo: Gephardt Daily

SALT LAKE CITY, Utah, Sept. 26, 2018 (Gephardt Daily) — One of the Salt Lake City’s most popular TV news anchors is no longer on the air.

Hope Woodside announced her departure from FOX 13 during a 1 minute pre-recorded statement which was played on the station’s 9 p.m. newscast Tuesday night.

The motivation for Woodside’s departure after a record 23-year run is unclear. She had not been in the anchor chair since early August. During that time the station said she was on vacation.

In her brief farewell message Tuesday Woodside thanked her fans and colleagues, making it clear the decision to go was hers.

“As you know, I’ve taken some time off and thank you for all the kind words and messages of concern. I have missed you.

“But, I have a bittersweet announcement to make tonight,” Woodside said. “During my time away, I’ve had the opportunity to reflect on my life, and I’ve decided it’s time to leave my Fox family.

“For 23 years you’ve been kind enough to welcome me into your homes. It’s been an honor and a privilege to serve this community and work along side some of the finest journalists for the past 35 years.

“I’ve decided now is the right time to step away from the newsroom. It’s impossible to put into words the joy and satisfaction I’ve had delivering the news to you. The stories we have shared often touched me. You’ve seen me tear up on the air. I hope they’ve had an impact on you as well. I’m blessed to be a part of your life and wish you all good health and happiness.

“So, this is me, signing off for the last time. And thank you so much for watching.

“I hope to see you around town, and, if you see me, please stop and say hello.”

Woodside first came to Fox 13 in 1995 when she was paired with anchorman Bob Evans on the station’s 9 p.m. newscast. Their 23-year tenure makes them the longest running primetime anchor team in the Salt Lake City TV market’s history.

6 COMMENTS

  1. We’ve enjoyed you hope from 1995 on. Good luck and if you are in St George We’d love to treat you to a round at Sky Mountain Golf Course
    Thank you for all your entertainment and newscasts.
    Chris and Sheri Cummings

  2. I personally will always miss you and your wonderful personality. I e-mailed you a few times and you always responded to me. You are the only person on tv I ever sent a message to. You will be missed always. 13 news will never be the same. May you always be happy. Sincerely Judy

  3. Hope, we ALL FACE CHALLENGES in this life. Don’t give up the good fight.
    You are such a beautiful woman inside and out.
    Being an anchor on Fox 13, was the perfect spot for you to showcase your skills, your personality, and your warmth and beauty.
    I have enjoyed how you always had such composure. I could FEEL the news though your eyes. To me, you not only presented the news astutely,
    but emotionally.
    What you are dealing with now is a monster for a human being to deal with.
    You still have SO MUCH to GIVE so much to TEACH.
    Please don’t leave us, Hope, we, in Utah, or anywhere else you plan to be; WE NEED YOU!
    My earnest prayers are coming your way, as well as cosmic hugs!!!

  4. I’m hearing that she was arrested twice on consecutive days for DUI. I’m sure there’s no shortage of people on the internet laughing and jeering about that. I just want her to get some help, she’s a great lady. Alcoholism is no joke, I don’t want that for anybody.

  5. Hope.. Lot of us have someone or our ourselves that have substance addiction .. And this is an illness that has to be taken care of like diabetes or cancer.. Alcoholism is just as deadly.. Please get help for your disease.. We met and talked before and you are the most funny and liveliest person i have ever met.. My prayers are with you
    ALOHA!!!

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