Phoenix Journalists Have Departed Local News Stations

Five prominent Phoenix television news journalists have announced their departures from local stations this September.

Updated on Sept. 27, 2026 in Television

Bold vector editorial illustration of a broadcast microphone against a dark background, reflecting a shift in Phoenix local news. — Five prominent Phoenix television news journalists have departed their roles throughout September 2026, marking a significant transition for the city's local broadcast landscape. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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Five Phoenix television journalists have left their roles throughout September 2026. These departures include long-time anchors and reporters who announced their exits via social media.

Why it matters

The sudden shifts in local newsrooms impact the broadcast landscape for Phoenix viewers. These transitions mark a notable change in the faces and voices that residents have relied on for local reporting.

The exodus involves five local journalists, with notable career tenures including John Hook’s 33 years at Fox 10, David Caltabiano’s 7 years at Arizona's Family, and Whitney Clark’s 16 years in the television news industry.

The players

John Hook

He is a veteran journalist who retired from Fox 10 after a 33-year career.

Marc Martinez

He is a news anchor who was appointed to replace John Hook at Fox 10.

Gray Television

This media company owns and operates the Arizona's Family stations.

Whitney Clark

She is a journalist leaving the television news industry after 16 years of work.

David Caltabiano

He is a reporter who spent 7 years working at Arizona's Family.

The details

Journalists announced their departures through individual social media posts. While some professionals cited retirement or personal time as their primary motivation, others confirmed they are exiting the industry entirely.

Simone Cuccurullo announced her exit on Sept. 1, 2026.
David Caltabiano announced his departure on Sept. 4, 2026.
John Hook retired from Fox 10 on Sept. 14, 2026.
Marc Martinez began his new anchoring role on Sept. 15, 2026.
Whitney Clark announced her departure on Sept. 26, 2026.

Industry Dynamics

These departures reflect the broader trend of consolidation and staffing shifts currently reshaping regional television news organizations. The transition of anchor roles signals a larger effort to manage talent costs and audience retention in a changing media environment.

Viewers will see new faces during their daily broadcasts as stations fill vacated anchor and reporting roles. These changes impact how residents consume local news and connect with the familiar presenters in their market.

The takeaway

The recent wave of exits highlights the evolving nature of local newsrooms as long-serving veterans step down. Residents should prepare for further shifts in station lineups as broadcast entities adjust their rosters.