Fox 26 KRIV weekend sports anchor Keith Calkins announced on his Facebook page tonight that after 20 years with the station, he is leaving:
Changes up coming here at FOX 26 Houston.
Keith Calkins
Suffice it to say ... I feel blessed and fortunate for the opportunities and support for the last two decades at KRIV-TV. To be up close and personal for many of the greatest sporting events in the city’s history is an experience no words can accurately frame. Houston’s first world championships and first World Series. The return of the NFL. Hosting the Super Bowl and All-Star events. Seeing so many of Houston’s high school athletes develop and rise to All-Star and even Hall of Fame status. And just as meaningful for me was the chance to tell the stories of those aspiring champions who made their schools and communities proud.
But the best team over the years was always the one inside our department. The hardest working staff in the city. Not even close. The results setting the standard in the market every single day. Those are the relationships that are the real reward and will remain constant and meaningful. I want to thank the viewers for 20 years of great support. And now it’s on to the next great challenge.
Based on the post's comments, Calkins' current and past colleagues were stunned by the announcement.
UPDATE 2/25/2013: “For nearly two decades, Keith has made terrific contributions to the KRIV sports team, whether it was covering the Texans, Astros or Rockets, or showcasing outstanding high school athletes in our area," said former Fox 26 KRIV news director Tom Doerr. "Keith is a consummate pro who cares deeply about Houston sports and this community and we wish him the best.”
According to his bio, Calkins is a Dallas native who graduated from the University of Texas at Austin. He worked as a sports anchor at KFDM-TV in Beaumont, then as a sports reporter/anchor at KHOU-TV in Houston. Right before joining KRIV, he worked for the Dallas Cowboys.
Calkins is not the only high profile departure from Fox 26 this week. Fox 26 KRIV news director Tom Doerr announced he is moving to the ND slot at WFLD Chicago starting Monday.
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UPDATE 2/25/2013: A FOX Television Stations representative tells me Calkins last day is March 3rd.
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