KPNX Phoenix anchor Jineane Ford leaving

Jineane Ford will be leaving Gannett’s KPNX Phoenix and the television business on a fulltime basis in early January. She will continue working in television on a freelance basis and move her family to the White Mountains where she owns a restaurant and lodge.

“I love the people I work with at Channel 12 and the way we’ve been able to help so many businesses and community groups on Arizona Midday,” said Ford. “I feel fortunate to have had the chance to meet and share the stories of so many wonderful people in our community over the years.”

The station said Ford plans to continue to do commercial television work and fill in as host on Arizona Midday. A search for her replacement is underway. Ford co-anchored the station’s morning newscast for four years, and prior to that, evening newscasts since 1991. A native of Arizona, she got her start reporting and anchoring in the Valley and has been a part of Arizona television for more than 20 years.