WSB Atlanta Anchor Monica Pearson to Retire

Monica Pearson, veteran anchor for Cox-owned ABC affiliate WSB Atlanta (DMA 9), announced her plans to retire at the end of July after 37 years with the station. Her last day anchoring the 4 and 6 p.m. news will be Wednesday, July 25.

When she joined WSB in 1975, Pearson became Atlanta’s first woman, and, first minority to anchor the 6 p.m. news. She is a native of Louisville, Ky., growing up in what is known as “Smoketown” and graduating from an all-girl Catholic High School, Presentation Academy, where she has established a scholarship in her name.

The University of Louisville graduate reported for the Louisville Times for five years, then worked in public relations before joining WHAS Louisville, her last stop before moving up to WSB.

Jovita Moore, a 14-year WSB veteran reporter and current co-anchor for Channel 2 Action News at 5 and 11 p.m., has gradually taken on some of Monica’s duties. Starting July 26, she will temporarily co-anchor with John Bachman at 4 p.m. and Justin Farmer at 6 p.m.