An era in Atlanta’s sports scene is coming to a close. After eight years, veteran sports anchor Fred Kalil is leaving Atlanta News First and WANF-TV. Atlanta’s sports fans have reacted to the news as expected and want to know what’s next for the iconic TV sports broadcaster and where he is going next. More importantly, they hope he’s staying in Atlanta. Here are all the latest details about Fred Kalil’s departure before his last day at Atlanta News First.
Fred Kalil’s Education and Career
Fred Kalil was a walk-on football player at Indiana University Bloomington, which he attended from 1977 to 1981. He graduated with a BA in Telecommunications.
He got his start in broadcasting in Huntington, Virginia, and later moved to Phoenix, Arizona, where he was a sports anchor at KTSP-TV from 1983 to 1989. Kalil returned to Indiana to work as a sports director and anchor at WISH-TV in Indianapolis for another three years.
In 1992, Kalil relocated to Atlanta, Georgia, as a sports anchor at WXIA 11Alive News. In over 22 years, he helmed almost every Atlanta Falcons programming and was on the sidelines reporting the action. Moreover, he put 12 Emmy Awards and more honors on the mantle during that time.
Fred Kalil joined the Atlanta News First team at WANF-TV in 2015. Not only was he the sports director, but he also anchored the weeknight sportscasts, the SEC Wrap Up Show, and a half-hour Sunday night show.
Fred Kalil to Leave Atlanta News First
After eight years at WANF-TV, Fred Kalil is ready to leave Atlanta News First. Reps for the station announced the sports anchor is retiring from the industry and stepping back from an illustrious 42-year career to focus on himself.
Kalil will be on top of the March Madness coverage before his last day on the air on Atlanta News First on April 3. After he hangs up the mic, the city’s residents might not see him out and about in A-Town for very long.
Erik Schrader, WANF-TV’s GM, said that Kalil is “moving to Arizona to be closer to family.”
Meanwhile, Kalil’s colleague at Atlanta News First, Shon Gables, and former 11Alive News colleague Chris Holcomb were among many others congratulating the sportscaster on a spectacular career and wished him well on his retirement.
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Although he is active on social media, Fred Kalil has not directly commented on his retirement. However, Atlantans have a month to make the most of Kalil’s humor and sportscasting before he bids farewell to the industry.
