WDIV night anchor Sandra Ali leaving, says she'll be back 'on TV soon'
After 13 years at WDIV-TV (Channel 4), award-winning anchor and reporter Sandra Ali announced her departure during her last newscast Sunday night.
"I'm moving on to a wonderful, new opportunity," Ali said. "This decision was my own. I'm excited and focused on the future."
Although she has not yet announced her next venture, she told viewers on Sunday, "I can’t wait to see you all again on TV soon."
Ali delivered the news for WDIV at 6 p.m. and 11 p.m. every weekend. She has made regular network appearances on CNN and Fox News and often spoke about her experience as an Arab American woman balancing Middle Eastern and western cultures.
The mother of four was born in New York City but raised in Egypt during her early childhood.
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Ali began her career on television at the CBS affiliate in Altoona, Pennsylvania. Two years later, she moved to Michigan to report for Fox 2 News and anchor the top-rated weekend editions of "Fox 2 Detroit" at 6 p.m. and 10 p.m.
In 2004, Ali left Michigan to join the NBC affiliate in Cincinnati, Ohio, as the station's main anchor. She worked there for six years before moving back to Detroit and working as an anchor at WDIV until this year.
Ali said she will miss the friendships she made at WDIV the most.
"I’m honored you’ve allowed me to come into your homes, night after night," she said. "I take that role very seriously."
Contact Nour Rahal: nrahal@freepress.com
This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: WDIV anchor Sandra Ali leaving Detroit station after 13 years
