Jonathan Martin officially signed off FOX 26 KRIV Houston on April 27, 2023 with the above video.
UPDATE JUNE 2023
Jonathan Martin joins 11Alive WXIA Atlanta
UPDATE MAY 2023
Anthony Antoine joins FOX 26 Houston as evening anchor
Here is the transcription of the touching words Martin said on his final Fox 26 newscast:
"Well, after seven years, tonight is my final broadcast at Fox 26.
My pastor often says people don't have to be kind to you, so when they are, always say thank you. And I want to thank you, all of you, for embracing me since the day I started here as a clean shaven young man, just eager and a bit nervous to take on this role in such a big city from Hurricane Harvey, a pandemic, three World Series. You know, we've been through a lot of ups and downs together.
And truly, with so many options every night that you choose to stop and watch our newscast, it is a privilege.
If you know me, you know, I've always believed in being anchored to my community and not just anchored to this news desk. So to everyone who opened doors and created spaces for me to serve in this community, I thank you.
I must also thank my Fox 26 general manager here, D'Artagnan Bebel, who believed in me and hired me for this role and my colleagues, many you never get to see the producers, the photographers, the editors, so many, they are the nucleus of our newsroom.
You know, this week it's been so touching. I've received hundreds of messages from many of you and a lot of you have said, 'Jonathan, you're like family. We consider you a Houstonian.'
And for someone who moved here with no friends or family, that means more than you know.
So next for me, some rest. I'm going to chill out a little bit and then start a new chapter that I'll be sure to announce soon. But honestly, truly, serving this city will always be one of the honors of my life."
"Leaving FOX 26 is incredibly tough," Martin told mikemcguff.com last week. "I fell in love with this community and after seven years, I truly feel like a Houstonian. The station and my colleagues have been so supportive. But I’m looking forward to growing and pursuing some other professional and life goals."
The day before he signed off, Martin acknowledged this three co-anchors during his time at channel 26 - Melinda Spaulding, Kaitlin Monte and Rashi Vats.
Martin joined FOX 26 in May 2016.
