An upstate New York news anchor who was fired after a chaotic newscast Saturday is blaming slurred speech for exhaustion after her father’s death.
Albany news anchor Heather Kovar told the Times Union in a statement late Sunday that sleep deprivation led to her anxious broadcast on WRGB the day before.
“I notified the station on Friday that I will not be renewing my contract, which expires on July 31,” Kovar said. “On Saturday I had to work an early morning shift at 6am and an evening shift. I was sleep deprived and exhausted.”
Kovar was incoherent at times during Saturday night’s show and at one point abruptly and strangely changed topics without providing viewers with backstory.
“So continuing tonight, we have to tell you other news that’s happening in the area and across the area, in the nation,” she said.
Heather Kovar said in a statement late Sunday that sleep deprivation led to her anxiety-ridden broadcast. WRGB’s Heather Kovar suddenly and strangely changed subjects without providing viewers with backstory. WRGB’s Heather Kovar was expected to return to the air Sunday, but was suspended by the station pending further investigation. Facebook/Heather Kovar
Kovar also mistakenly refers to meteorologist Craig Gold as Craig Adams – another meteorologist at the staton.
Kovar then tweeted on Saturday that she expected to be back on the air on Sunday, but had been suspended by the station pending further investigation.
The host, who had been the station’s weekend anchor for several years, was replaced early Sunday by Emma Quinn, who did not return a request for comment from The Post.
She was then replaced by weeknight host Greg Floyd, who filled in late Sunday, the Times Union reported.
Kovar had been caring for her father in Texas before he died, the Times Union previously reported. She wrote on Facebook in May that WRGB “graciously allowed” her to take time off to be with relatives before her father passed away this month.
Station general manager Robert Croteau told the Times Union late Sunday that Kovar had been suspended.
“We have no further comment at this time,” Croteau told the paper.
Attempts to reach Kovar on Monday were unsuccessful.
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