after 50 years in the business, WOWT Anchor John Knicely has announced his plan to retire.

“Over 50 years ago, my thoughts in college were to probably go to law school. But a call from my journalism professor about a weekend sports job at Channel 6 (WOWT) changed all that,” John said. “It was a blessing then and that has continued through more than five decades in broadcasting. It’s been a privilege that has led to many opportunities for me and my wife Sue to serve and be involved in such a great community. Our sincere thanks!”

He doesn’t sign off for another month or so. When small market Anchors leave after being at stations for decades, it has a much bigger impact than when large market Anchors go.

It’s sort of like your city is changing when it is a smaller market Anchor.

FTVLive has spoken with a few more longtime Anchors who are thinking about calling it quits. “The business has change, our country has changed, and our world has change,” said one longtime Anchor eyeing the exit, “I’m are the point where I’m just too tired to do this anymore.”