KTVU anchor Leslie Griffith leaves
After months of speculation on where in the world is Leslie Griffith, this press release was sent out this morning:
Leslie Griffith, co-anchor of the KTVU Channel 2 News at 5 and The Ten o’Clock News on KTVU Channel 2 News announced today that she is stepping down from her anchor and reporting position.
“It’s been an extremely exciting and rewarding experience. But as many people can appreciate, my duties have been all-encompassing,” said Griffith. “After many successful years in the profession and at KTVU as an anchor and a reporter, I want the opportunity to continue growing and reaching out for as much knowledge as I can in this life” added Griffith.
“Leslie is one of the most talented and kind people I have known. Her generosity is evidenced by her willingness to consistently contribute her time and energy to improving the lives of others, despite the demands of the profession,” said Tim McVay, Vice President and General Manager of KTVU Channel 2. “The quantity and quality of the awards and recognitions Leslie has received over the years is a testament to the caliber of her work. I am certain Bay Area viewers and all of us at KTVU will miss her very much. We all wish her the very best with her future endeavors,” said McVay.
In looking toward the future, Griffith says “I always thought I would have several careers during my life. I’m excited to pursue other interests that will enhance my life.”
Ms. Griffith has been with KTVU Channel 2 News for 20 years and has been honored with a number of awards, including nine Emmy Awards, seven Radio Television News Directors Association (RTNDA) Awards, two Edward R. Murrow awards, and five Telly Awards. In 2005, she received the Genesis Award given out by The Humane Society of the United States which honored her for her behind the scenes expose’ of the Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus. Griffith has also won the 2005 Associated Press Television-Radio Association of California and Nevada Award as the top news anchor in a local market. She also is the winner of the prestigious Casey Award — given to individuals who have helped stop the exploitation of children.
Ms. Griffith has many memories from her KTVU career, including her travels to Moscow during the cold war and in Romania with children released from orphanages after Nikolai Ceausescu’s assassination. Both series earned Ms. Griffith Emmy Awards from the National Association of Television Arts and Sciences (NATAS). Ms. Griffith also had high profile live reports from the Los Angeles riots after the Rodney King verdict, for which she received an Emmy award.
Griffith’s charitable work is also well known in the Bay Area. Each year Griffith puts a disadvantaged young woman through college. In November 2003, the California Assembly honored Griffith with an award for her years of work with charitable organizations. On the same day, Concord city officials announced that they had designated November 13th as Leslie Griffith day.
Griffith is quick to share credit for her success. “I would like to say any success I had in my broadcasting career was a direct result of the hearts and minds and determination of those around me. I learned from the best and will always be proud of that.”
Kim said,
November 20, 2006 at 5:00 pm
Hopefully the KTVU makeup artist will decide on a similar move.
R. Louis said,
December 22, 2006 at 11:25 pm
Dennis Richmond chases off (a.k.a. outlives) another female co-anchor.
Barb Salge said,
December 26, 2006 at 8:58 am
I just read the story about Leslie Griffiths resignation. Now what’s the real story?
Perhaps a younger, blonder Juile Haener was better for the ratings?
I guess thats show biz.
BJS
Paul said,
January 21, 2007 at 12:16 am
Leslie was alittle corny, but we will miss her…
Jayne said,
February 4, 2007 at 11:19 pm
I always wondered whatever happened to her. I don’t miss her over-reacting to a lot of stories ~~~~~~. I always did prefer Julie Haener and her hair looks better than any of the females.
Darryl said,
February 10, 2007 at 7:21 pm
Another sad reminder that television news is a rough business. Leslie and Dennis were a great team, maybe even a touch better than Dennis and Elaine. It’s very rare these days to have such a stable, long-term lineup . . . it was quite nice for Bay Area viewers. Leslie was a pro, and also possessed warmth and personality that would easily penetrate the glass screen we would watch (remember those?). I have missed her as I’ll bet many have. Thanks and Best Wishes to you Leslie.
Rick said,
February 13, 2007 at 6:14 pm
Kim, you said it. How could no one at that station tell Leslie that she looked like she just got back from clown school each night?
Her makeup artist & hair stylists were a complete disgrace!
Tim said,
February 18, 2007 at 7:46 am
She was a little scary, and her vocal inflections did betray her stance on the news…bring back Barbara Simpson, the BABE IN THE BUNKER!
V. H. said,
March 4, 2007 at 10:52 pm
Leslie is one of two people I know from Grand Junction. Why do we have to criticise people after they leave? We all enjoyed the 10 O’clock news with Leslie and Dennis.
Life must go on. Good Luck Leslie.
VH
David said,
March 6, 2007 at 2:45 am
It’s interesting that folks always seem to be able to be critical about someone when they can remain anonymous. Ms. Griffith did have a bully pulpit in which she could have responded but simply had too much class to do so. Good luck to her.
DBA
Mike said,
March 24, 2007 at 9:56 pm
SHe was a phony ass b*tch.
Pro business, supported a toxic waste burning plant in the East Bay.
Glad they sent her Hill Billy animal rights activist ass down the road.
Candy said,
March 28, 2007 at 9:11 pm
Leslie Griffith is one of the most gracious, classy people I’ve ever met. She is intelligent, sincere & cares about her work as a top-notch, highly professional news anchor. SHe takes the time to cover each story in a balanced way. She’s one impressive woman! Great job over all these years Leslie–good luck for the future!
Jordan said,
April 13, 2007 at 9:52 pm
I agree with Candy. I think Channel 2 won’t be the same without Leslie! I have found her web site, and learned that she has been doing in-depth documentaries & investigative reports, guest lectures, special projects. Check it out: http://www.lesliegriffithproductions.com.
vince said,
September 21, 2007 at 7:26 pm
I like Leslie and think she is a real, down to earth person.
Emilio said,
October 5, 2007 at 7:53 am
I usually watch the 11 o’clock news of the other channels. During the past month, I’ve been watching the 10 o’clock news on channel 2. I’ve noticed that Leslie hasn’t been on the set. I thought that she was probably on vacation. So, I’m just finding out now that she has been gone, almost a year later. When I was a kid in the late 80’s, I used to have a crush on her. She will surely be missed. I don’t know about her replacement, Julie, not too convincing.
jacqui earley said,
October 11, 2007 at 9:22 pm
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/leslie-griffith/thank-you-dan-rather_b_67078.html
Interesting read!
toni said,
October 11, 2007 at 9:56 pm
This is a very classy person with big, big GUTS!!!!!
ted scalione said,
October 26, 2007 at 4:19 pm
she got fired ; plain and simple ; she always looked so uptight ; so here we are 6 months
later she must be “spending more time with her family” as the saying goes ; bottom line
mess with Dennis and you are “toast”