After 26 years, Maria Durant leaving job at ABC6 and Fox28

Dean Narciso, The Columbus Dispatch
·2 min read
Maria Durant, a breast cancer survivor, announced last week that she is leaving Good Day Columbus on WSYX ABC6 and WTTE FOX28 on June 18. She has been an advocate for cancer awareness and treatment, and a rider in Pelotonia, which raises money for cancer research.
Maria Durant, a breast cancer survivor, announced last week that she is leaving Good Day Columbus on WSYX ABC6 and WTTE FOX28 on June 18. She has been an advocate for cancer awareness and treatment, and a rider in Pelotonia, which raises money for cancer research.

Maria Durant, longtime reporter and "Good Day Columbus" weekend anchor, announced on Wednesday that she is leaving her job with WSYX ABC6 and WTTE FOX28.

"It is just the right time," she said she said in a Facebook message. "I will now be able to spend more time with my family, share weekends with my husband, go to church together on Sunday mornings, visit more with my parents, and will be able to travel to see our son while he's away at school in Boston."

Durant worked at the station for 26 years.

"I will be leaving a job that I have loved," she said. "My last day is June 18. So, it's not time to say goodbye just yet. There are still more stories to tell."

PERSONAL NEWS to share with everyone - After 26 years at ABC6/FOX28 - I will be leaving a job that I have loved. My last day is June 18th. So, it's not time to say good-bye just yet. There are still more stories to tell.

Posted by Maria Durant on Wednesday, June 7, 2023

Durant notably shared with the public her fight against breast cancer in 2006 and its return 13 years later.

"About a month ago, a mammogram caught an early stage of cancer. Of course I was shocked, and truth be told, a little scared," Durant told The Dispatch in 2019. "I have beat it before, so it's all good. ... I also have a strong faith in the Lord that will help me and everyone else get through this."

Durant said at the time that she hoped that sharing her story would encourage women to take their health seriously and get mammograms.

Read More: WSYX's Maria Durant fights cancer again

Social media followers and friends at the station called Durant dedicated to her craft and irreplaceable.

"You put so much work and effort into the segments and special shows like the big Christmas show each year along with the fun around Buckeyes games," said Andrew Buck Michael, a meteorologist for Good Day Columbus. "You will be missed."

Durant did not immediately share her future plans.

narciso@dispatch.com

@DeanNarciso

This article originally appeared on The Columbus Dispatch: Longtime journalist Maria Durant leaving 'Good Day Columbus'