After a nearly 13-year run, Fox 26 anchor Melinda Spaulding is bidding farewell to the Fox 26 Houston news desk.
In a statement, Fox Television Stations said Spaulding chose not to renew her contract. She had been co-anchoring the 5 p.m. and 9 p.m. shows.
“I’m so humbled that our viewers allow me into their homes every evening to share the stories that bond us… the good and the bad,” Spaulding said.
The mother of two simply says it was time spend more time at home.
“This is my 20th year in media (12 1/2 years at Fox 26), and it’s time to make a shift for me… and most importantly for my family! It’s time for me to be there for homework, dinner and bedtime,” she said in a Facebook post. “My daughter and son are now 7 and 5… and I don’t want to miss another moment!”
Spaulding has been a staple at Fox 26 since she came to Houston in 2005 from New Orleans, LA. A favorite among many viewers, Spaulding says she has never taken her job lightly.
“The best part of being an anchor in Houston is getting to meet so many interesting people from different communities in our area, and being an eyewitness to news events… and sometimes history!” she said. “I embrace being a role model, especially for our young girls. And I hope that seeing me every day is affirming and inspiring. It’s a role and responsibility that I never take for granted.”
She has not specified an end date to her tenure, but she will be on hand to help the news team select her successor.
“My bosses at Fox 26 have been amazing throughout this process (even though they were a bit surprised),” she said. “And we’re working together to explore ways that I can remain a part of the Fox 26 family.”
News director Susan Schiller said, “Melinda is a consummate professional and we thank her for her years of dedication. Although we are saddened to watch her go, the Fox 26 family is fortunate to have called her one of our own and she will remain part of our family. We wish her much happiness in the next chapter of her career.”
