Beloved Philadelphia News Anchor To Retire After 4 Decades On Air

PHILADELPHIA, PA — Jim Donovan, the award-winning anchor of CBS News Philadelphia's morning and noon newscasts, will retire next month after more than 20 years with the station and a career spanning four decades.

The 15-time Emmy Award winner made the announcement during Wednesday's morning newscast. His final broadcast is scheduled for Friday, Dec. 19, according to a statement from CBS Philadelphia.

“It’s time for me to jump off the TV news roller coaster and observe the world from a different vantage point,“ Donovan said. ”I’m looking forward to a new chapter in life with normal people hours. It has been an honor to bring you the news each morning."

Donovan joined CBS Philadelphia in 2004 as the station's "On Your Side" consumer reporter, according to the station. He moved to the morning newscast in 2016.

"Jim Donovan is a Philadelphia institution," Kelly Frank, president and general manager of CBS Philadelphia, said in a statement. "His passion for advocacy, his commitment to our viewers and his ability to connect with the community have made him a trusted voice in homes across the region. We are grateful for his leadership, his heart and the legacy he leaves behind."

Donovan began his career as an intern at WWOR-TV in New Jersey. He later went to CNBC and WGHP in North Carolina, and WBNS in Ohio.

In a Facebook livestream on Wednesday, Donovan said he dreamed of becoming a journalist since he was 9 years old.

“I’m not leaving with any regrets," he said. "I’m just leaving with a smile on my face, a heart full of love, and the fact that this career, that dream from nine years old, I made it happen, and it was all because of you guys and your support."

CBS Philadelphia said it plans to celebrate Donovan's career with special on-air tributes during his final week from Dec. 15-19.