CBS21 news anchor Robb Hanrahan announced his retirement on air Sunday night, ending his 38-year career.
Hanrahan cited a need to focus on his health and a desire to spend more time with his family as reasons for his decision.
Last summer, Hanrahan suffered a “massive heart attack” that left him dead briefly, an experience he recently shared with his viewers.
“I have been through an extraordinary and life changing experience. It has truly opened my eyes as to what is most important to me,” Hanrahan said in a statement. “Although TV news has always been, and will always be, a part of who I am, I know this is the right time to step back. I will miss all my friends and co-workers at CBS 21 and I remind them that I am not going anywhere. I still live in the market, my wife, Stacey, is still doing the weather and CBS 21 will always be my station.”
Hanrahan was the weeknight evening and late news anchor at CBS21 for more than 10 years, according to a statement from the station. He covered two presidential elections, the great flood of 2011, the closing of Three Mile Island and was the anchor for the political news program Face the State where he interviewed top state lawmakers.
As a staple of the community, Hanrahan also hosted numerous town halls on subjects like legalizing marijuana and raising the minimum wage.
During his career, Hanrahan won many broadcasting and journalism honors, including a National Edward R. Murrow Award, along with numerous Emmy Awards and Associated Press awards.
“It’s been a real honor to work side by side with a true professional like Robb Hanrahan,” CBS 21 News Director, Bryan Queen said in a statement. “Robb is the ultimate ‘news guy,’ and we wish him the best as he starts this new chapter in his life. He will always be a part of the CBS 21 family.”
Hanrahan previously worked in Miami and New York, as well as working for WHTM (ABC27) from 1989 until 1992.
“Robb is a great anchor, reporter, and leader and will be truly missed in the CBS 21 newsroom,” CBS 21 Vice President and General Manger, Bill Bradley said. “The positive impact that Robb has had both on our news coverage and our news team has been instrumental in our continued growth. Robb will be missed by the entire CBS 21 family.”
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