Jon Burkett Has Retired From WTVR CBS 6
The veteran journalist and former Navy serviceman concluded his 26-year career at the Richmond station.
Updated on Sept. 27, 2026 in Military Jobs
Longtime Richmond journalist Jon Burkett has officially retired from WTVR CBS 6 after a 26-year tenure at the station. The 49-year-old reporter delivered his final broadcast on September 26, 2026.
Why it matters
Burkett chose to step away from his broadcasting role to address personal health challenges, including sleep apnea and high blood pressure, exacerbated by the physical toll of overnight shifts and demanding reporting assignments.
Burkett began his tenure at the station at age 23 and served for 26 years total. Before joining the newsroom, he spent 3.5 years working for AFN in La Maddalena, Italy, following his Navy enlistment at age 18.
The players
Jon Burkett
He is a 49-year-old journalist and former U.S. Navy serviceman who recently retired from a 26-year career at WTVR CBS 6 in Richmond.
WTVR CBS 6
This is a Richmond-based television station where Burkett served as a photographer, editor, and on-air reporter for over two decades.
The details
Beginning his career as a photographer and editor before moving into an on-air reporter role, Burkett became a familiar face in the Richmond area. He cited the cumulative strain of his workload as the primary motivation for his departure.
Timeline
1995: Burkett joined the U.S. Navy and attended boot camp at age 18.
2000: Burkett began his 26-year professional career at WTVR CBS 6.
September 26, 2026: Burkett delivered his final broadcast at the station.
Market Landscape
Burkett's departure aligns with the American Psychological Association's findings on the health impacts of irregular work schedules. This move underscores the broader industry challenge of retaining experienced broadcast talent in high-stress, 24-hour news environments.
Viewers in the Richmond area will see a change in the familiar on-air lineup at WTVR CBS 6 following the departure. This shift reflects the ongoing evolution of local news staffing as veteran personnel prioritize long-term health and wellness over legacy broadcast roles.
The takeaway
Prioritizing physical health and sleep hygiene is an increasingly common necessity for professionals in high-intensity, round-the-clock industries. Workers facing similar exhaustion may find that stepping back or transitioning roles is essential for achieving a sustainable work-life balance.
Further reading
For more on those who serve, visit our Military Jobs section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by CBS 6 News Richmond WTVR.
