Updated 4:40pm -- SYRACUSE -- If you've noticed Jackie Robinson "off" from CNY Central's coverage of the New York State Fair the past few days, here's the reason: she's exiting from her position as WSTM's primary evening co-anchor, after more than three decades with the station.
CNY Central announced Robinson's exit this afternoon as a retirement. Multiple trusted sources -- but not within CNY Central -- tell CNYTVNews.com that Robinson's contract was either being "bought out" early, or simply not being renewed. We first heard about this on Tuesday and tried to obtain confirmation or denial from CNY Central management, but our requests for comment from GM Chris Geiger and VP of News Rae Fulkerson were not answered. To repeat, this portion of the story is neither confirmed nor denied.
Some of our sources, who contacted CNYTVNews.com on a condition of anonymity, tell us that morning anchor Megan Coleman will be taking Robinson's place when she returns from maternity leave. Although that assignment hasn't been announced by CNY Central, there's a posting for a morning anchor on the station's website.
One of our sources tell us CNY Central staffers were officially informed of Robinson's "retirement" this afternoon, and an announcement appeared on CNYCentral.com just minutes ago.
Robinson started with WSTM 34 years ago. Less than two weeks ago, the station announced that Robinson has been selected for induction to the New York State Broadcasters Association Hall of Fame, later this fall. Robinson has spent her entire career with WSTM, starting as a newsroom secretary during her high school years, and later becoming a reporter after graduating from Syracuse University.
Although Robinson has been notably absent this week -- considering most stations require "all hands on deck" during the New York State Fair -- the station says she will return to the newsroom before she retires. Robinson will anchor her final newscasts on September 4 from 5:00 to 6:30pm.
Some selected Tweets we saw in the first hour or so since the announcement:
Here's to you JR. You will be missed RT @RaeFulkerson: Longtime WSTM anchor Jackie Robinson announces retirement http://t.co/Q5wHEaH2
— Jeff Glor (@jeffglor) August 31, 2012
Jackie Robinson is possibly the sweetest and most sincere person to ever be on TV in #Syracuse. I will miss her. http://t.co/D0m29uWe
— Michael Benny (@MichaelBenny) August 31, 2012
WSTM Anchor Jackie Robinson to retire. Made me look back at @SyrWomanMag cover we did on her & @CNYcentral colleagues! pic.twitter.com/l3p3hVk
— Farah Jadran (@FarahJadran) August 31, 2012
Had the great pleasure to meet and even be on set with Jackie Robinson on @CNYcentral a few times. Congrats to a legend on her retirement
— Brent Axe (@BrentAxeMedia) August 31, 2012
Jackie Robinson will anchor her final newscasts on 9/4. Wishing her the very best in her retirement from @CNYCentral: http://t.co/sKxTdVuv
— Kim Infanti (@kimincuse) August 31, 2012
At 11pm, Jackie Robinson used 2 say "Good night Syracuse," some complained their town was left out - changed to G'night #CNY. True story.
— Michael Benny (@MichaelBenny) August 31, 2012
Jackie Robinson @CNYcentral announces retirement. An historic day. A CNY broadcast icon, role model and inspiration to all. Will be missed!
— Wayne Mahar (@WayneStormWatch) August 31, 2012
https://twitter.com/AndyJenksNBC12/status/241616995253100544
Wow, more big CNY media news...longtime WSTM anchor Jackie Robinson is retiring: http://t.co/QYHkxhJb
— Trish LaMonte (@TrishLamonte) August 31, 2012
Longtime WSTM anchor #Jackie Robinson announces retirement from CNY Central http://t.co/JlxwR9x8 via @CNYCentral
— George Kilpatrick Inspiration for the Nation (@inspirationbygk) August 31, 2012
Former colleague and veteran Syracuse TV anchor Jackie Robinson to retire | http://t.co/3LCPSOZq http://t.co/T6nUdNqt
— Anthony Adornato (@AnthonyAdornato) August 31, 2012
WSTM's Jackie Robinson is an icon! 1st Black anchor in Syracuse retiring after 34 years. I was lucky to intern w/ her! http://t.co/LNGghRdr
— Giselle Phelps (@GisellePhelps) August 31, 2012
A historic change for Central New York television as @CNYCentral's long-time anchor Jackie Robinson is retiring. She's a local news legend.
— Andrew Donovan (@AndrewDonovan) August 31, 2012
Thanks to our sources who contacted us in the past few days to let us know about the story. Anytime you've got news to share about local broadcasting, send us a note at cnyradio@cnyradio.com or click "Contact Us" at the top of the page to send your message via a web form. All requests for anonymity are held with the highest regard, and if you use the form, you don't even need to include your own name.
[...] cnyradio.com reports Robinson’s departure may not have been her [...]