Posted by chicagomedia.org on March 11, 2008 at 12:03:56:
In Reply to: Mark Suppelsa OUT at Fox Chicago posted by chicagomedia.org on March 10, 2008 at 15:45:30:
More from Robert Feder:
It could be every bit of three months before the world learns where Mark Suppelsa will turn up next.
Nevertheless, the guessing game officially got under way Monday when Suppelsa, 45, signed off after five years at Fox-owned WFLD-Channel 32.
In turning down a four-year contract offer to continue as the station's main news anchor, he set off nervous speculation in every other news shop in town.
Confirming that he does not plan to sell his north suburban house, Suppelsa strongly hinted he won't be leaving the market.
In some ways, it's reminiscent of Suppelsa's departure from NBC-owned WMAQ-Channel 5 after 10 years in 2003. It wasn't publicly known for weeks that he would be headed for Channel 32.
The timing in this case seems based on a clause in his current contract giving Fox the right to match any other offers within 90 days of its expiration Sunday.
"Mark has always been in demand throughout his career, and we do not expect that to change," said agent Brian Musburger.
Regardless of where Suppelsa lands, his departure is a huge blow to Fox, where he not only was the station's No. 1 news star but an excellent reporter and a respected newsroom leader.
Insiders said those qualities were not necessarily valued by Andrew Finlayson, who became vice president of news in 2006.
Pat Mullen, vice president and general manager of Channel 32, called Suppelsa "a terrific man and a talented anchor who has contributed significantly to our operation," and added: "He has decided that he needs to move forward, and we wish him well."
Named to succeed Suppelsa as interim anchor for the 9 p.m. hour alongside Robin Robinson was David Novarro, who will continue to co-anchor the 10 p.m. half-hour with Lauren Cohn.
Suppelsa sounded a bittersweet note in leaving: "You build relationships and work so hard for the next big story that the most difficult part is leaving friends and colleagues," he said.
"But I'm not running from anything. I had a blast, and they were very good to me. Now it's time to think about the next chapter. Who knows what it will hold?"