Blakely announces his departure from TV6 | News, Sports, Jobs

Sarah blakely

NEGAUNEE – Another well-known face of WLUC-TV6 has left the station.

Sarah Blakely, who was previously a co-host of TV6 Early News and TV6 News Tonight, announced her departure from the TV channel in a Facebook post on Wednesday morning.

Blakely cited the owner of Gray Television and his mandate to vaccinate COVID-19 for his employees as the main reason for his departure.

“I am no longer employed at TV6. Yes, it is because of the new vaccination policy of the company ”, Blakely said in the post. “Getting vaccinated against COVID does not have a monopoly on how to take care of yourself and others…. When the policy was announced (exacerbating my anxiety), I had the option of filing an exemption, but I chose not to do so in favor of letting them fire me.

The news comes a week after longtime meteorologist Karl Bohnak announced he had been fired due to the company’s vaccination policy.

Gray Television’s vaccination policy, which can be viewed on its website, is as follows:

“Gray Television has once again set the bar with new policies for our employees that aim to provide the safest possible workplace. As of September 1, 2021, all new full-time and part-time hires must be “fully vaccinated” against the coronavirus (as defined by the CDC). This comprehensive vaccination policy will extend to all of our managers as of September 15, 2021 and to all other employees, as well as to all contractors, tenants and external guests who enter our workspaces on October 1. 2021. We will make accommodations for employees with medical or religious needs.

The Atlanta-based television company operates 162 stations in 103 markets across the country.

Blakely thanked viewers at WLUC for their support throughout his time at the station.

“I want to thank you all for welcoming this Hoosier into your homes all these years, not once but twice, from my days as a reporter for the Houghton-Hancock office when I returned to anchor the morning news to my going to the evening news “, she said in the post. “There is certainly a deep sadness and disappointment about giving up my childhood dream, but I know that I am making the best decision for my health because I know what is best for my health. The Upper Peninsula is truly my heart and home, and I’m not going anywhere.

Blakely’s Facebook post has since been removed by the social media platform for “Go against its community standards”.

TV6 Late News presenter Elyse Chengery has also been absent from recent shows and is no longer listed on the WLUC website. However, the specific reason for Chengery’s absence is unknown at the time of this writing.

A call to WLUC on Wednesday was not returned until press time.

Ryan Spitza can be reached at 906-228-2500, ext. 248. His email address is [email protected].