Detroit TV anchor Anu Prakash bids a moving on-air goodbye to WXYZ viewers

Not often does a 5 p.m. newscast in Detroit end with a group hug. Then again, it's not every day that a beloved local broadcast journalist says goodbye after nearly 20 years on the air. 

WXYZ (Channel 7) anchor Anu Prakash spoke directly to viewers Friday night, her last day with the station. 

The Emmy winner announced on social media earlier this month that she wouldn't be renewing her contract.

"Tonight, it's bittersweet to say goodbye to Anu. She's moving on to new adventures. We are going to miss you sister," said Channel 7 anchor Glenda Lewis in a warm farewell.

Prakash, who started working for the Southfield-based ABC affiliate in 2002, directed most of her remarks at viewers.

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"I really want to take a moment to say thank you to you at home, the viewers. Thank you so much for welcoming me into your homes all these years, for connecting me to your stories, for joining me on the weekends and supporting me for almost two decades here," she said.

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Prakash also thanked her Channel 7 colleagues behind and in front of the cameras, saying, "You guys have just been, like I said, an extension of my own family and dear, dear friends."

As the 6 p.m. anchor team joined Anu and the already seated 5 p.m. anchors, Channel 7's  evening news teams showed Prakash they feel the same way.

"You're a true professional Anu and a true class act," said Glenda.

Prakash also had an on-air sendoff on Sunday to mark her final morning weekend anchor shift with Channel 7. Meteorologist Hally Vogel posted a photo of the weekend crew's farewell cake on Twitter and wrote, "Not just a co-worker...Anu is a funny, sweet, thoughtful, great friend!!!"

 Prakash wrote on Facebook in early February about ending her run with Channel 7.

"I have made the decision not to re-sign another contract. It’s hard to even type those words knowing that I’ve been coming to work here for almost two decades," she shared. 

"Why am I doing this? The simple answer is, it’s time. I’m eager to pursue other opportunities that will allow me to utilize my skills and talents in expanding my creative space."

Born and raised in Ohio (and an Ohio State University alumna), Prakash described in her post how she was told by others early in her career to pursue something else because, as she put it, "There are really no Indian American journalists on TV, Anu. You should really do something else.”

According to Prakash, such discouraging words only made her more determined. "With every doubt thrown my way, my drive kicked into an even higher gear. NOBODY was going to tell me it would be impossible to accomplish. So I just had to work my tail off and make it happen. And I did."

Prakash hasn't revealed her plans for the future, but indicated on Facebook and during Friday's departure that she'll be sticking around the Detroit region. As they say in the TV game, stay tuned for developments.

Contact Detroit Free Press pop culture critic Julie Hinds: 313-222-6427 or jhinds@freepress.com.