What we know about KTVN's split with anchor John Potter, who did not renew his contract

This story has been corrected to include that KTVN did not cut ties with John Potter.  Potter did not renew a contract renewal that was offered.

The general manager and president of KTVN 2 News said the station cut off anchor John Potter during its morning broadcast Wednesday as the longtime Reno TV personality started to reveal confidential information and publicly air grievances on live TV.

Andrew Perini said Potter declined to sign a renewal for his contract that was offered, and he was expected to be giving a farewell speech on air during the Wednesday broadcast. 

In a four-minute video Potter posted to Facebook on Tuesday, he hinted that something was imminent and he planned to talk on live TV.

“I have an announcement to make on the morning show tomorrow around 7 a.m.,” he said from what appears to be a self-shot video from his backyard.  “It is important, and I am not looking forward to it.”  

Potter has not returned a request for comment. 

Perini said he had no other choice as the general manager but to cut Potter off during the morning broadcast. 

 "We have employment agreements for all of our anchors," Perini said. 

Perini declined to comment on what Potter said on air before the station cut away. 

"We wish John the best and appreciate his 20 years of service," he said. 

On Wednesday morning, Potter posted on his KTVN John Potter Facebook page, “Your morning anchorman thanks you for your support. It has been my honor to give you the news straight and with common sense, positivity and humor to start your day.”

In his home video posted Tuesday, Potter jokingly said he turned over his "financial and legal affairs to Britney Spears’ dad." The pop star’s father is in the headlines for his conservatorship over Spears' personal and professional life.

“I’m in that shape right now,” he said.

According to KTVN’s website, Potter is a Reno native and first worked at KCBN radio in the 1970s.

Before returning to Reno, his career led him to Las Vegas, where he was a reporter and weather anchor for five years. He also worked in New York, Maine and Texas.

Siobhan McAndrew tells stories about the people of Northern Nevada and covers education in Washoe County. Read her journalism right here. Consider supporting her work by subscribing to the Reno Gazette Journal.