Ted Simons Will Retire From Arizona PBS Horizon
The veteran journalist will step down from his role at the public media program at the end of 2026.
Updated on Oct. 12, 2026 in Asthma
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Ted Simons, the long-standing host and managing editor of Arizona PBS program Horizon, will retire from his position at the end of 2026. Arizona PBS has officially launched a search to identify a successor to lead the three-segment daily show.
Why it matters
Simons, who has spent 19 years at the station, stated that the role requires a host highly attuned to the evolving landscape of modern technology and broadcasting. He noted that the demanding nature of the program requires a constant grasp of diverse and shifting topics.
Ted Simons has led Horizon for 18 years, having taken the helm in 2008 after first appearing on air at age 21. Each episode of the program maintains a consistent structure featuring three segments.
The players
Ted Simons
Ted Simons is the veteran host and managing editor of the Arizona PBS program Horizon.
Kari Lake
Kari Lake is a political figure who participated in a 2024 interview conducted by Ted Simons on Horizon.
The details
Known for holding guests accountable by requiring them to explain their claims, Simons notably conducted a high-profile interview with Kari Lake in 2024. He will continue to anchor the program through the conclusion of 2026 as the station searches for a replacement.
Timeline
Ted Simons began hosting Horizon in 2008.
Ted Simons interviewed Kari Lake in 2024.
Ted Simons will retire from Arizona PBS at the end of 2026.
Health Landscape
This transition marks a significant shift in Arizona public media, mirroring the station's long-term reliance on veteran journalistic talent. The move away from a 19-year tenure signals a broader evolution in how local public broadcasting programs adapt to changing viewer habits.
Viewers can expect a transition period as the station conducts its search for a new host over the next two years. The daily format and editorial standards established by Simons will remain the baseline for the program until the end of 2026.
The takeaway
The upcoming change highlights the shifting requirements for leaders in public media during an era of rapid technological advancement. Regular viewers of the program should prepare for a change in host by the end of 2026.
Further reading
For more background on Arizona media, visit the Asthma section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by AZ Central.
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