TV Talk: Emily Giangreco exits WTAE

Emily Giangreco, who joined WTAE as a sports reporter/anchor in the summer of 2022 from a station in Austin, Texas, left her job working for the station Wednesday in what she characterized as a mutual decision.

“I’m not really at liberty to discuss leaving WTAE right now,” she said by phone. “I can’t really go into detail, and I don’t want to.”

In addition to leaving Channel 4, Giangreco posted on X/Twitter that she’s done with TV news altogether.

“After nearly 9 years in the TV industry, I’m officially calling it quits,” she wrote. “Thanks to everyone who tuned in from Louisiana to Texas to PA. I appreciate all the support. Here’s to hoping this is a safe space for strong women one day.”

Giangreco has expressed frustration on Twitter, in particular about sexual harassment in social media spaces. But, when asked if that was a reason she left TV news, Giangreco said it was not.

“I just think it was the right time,” she said. “I really want to focus on my personal life and spending time with my family.”

WTAE news director Baylor Long confirmed Wednesday was Giangreco’s last day at the station.

“We wish her the best in her future endeavors,” Long wrote in an emailed response to questions about Giangreco’s departure.

Long said the station will begin a nationwide search for her replacement.

“Viewers can expect to see lots of sports director Andrew Stockey, who has been covering sports in Pittsburgh for 29 years, and freelancer Ashley Liotus, who viewers have seen on our Penguins and Steelers coverage since 2022,” Long noted.

THAT’S A WRAP!

After nearly 9 years in the TV industry, I’m officially calling it quits. Thanks to everyone who tuned in from Louisiana to Texas to PA. I appreciate all the support.

Here’s to hoping this is a safe space for strong women one day. ♥️ pic.twitter.com/AnqQvBECab

— Emily Giangreco (@EmilyGiangreco) April 18, 2024

Kept/spun-off/canceled

Apple TV+ renewed “For All Mankind” for a fifth season and ordered a spin-off series, “Star City,” retelling the space race story from the Soviets’ point of view.

ABC renewed “The Rookie” for season seven.

CBS renewed “Elsbeth” for a second season.

Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce will host Amazon Prime Video’s “Are You Smarter than a Celebrity?” a spin-off of the 2007-11 Fox series “Are You Smarter than a Fifth Grader?”

Netflix renewed “The Witcher” for a fifth and final season.