After more than three decades of working in journalism, a longtime Central Texas television personality is stepping away from the anchor desk. FOX 7 anchor Mike Warren retired from the local Austin news station last week.
Warren, who spent a majority (22 years) of his career at FOX 7, was the evening anchor on weekdays at 5, 6, 9, and 10 p.m. The news station celebrated his departure on September 10 with a recap of his 37-year career and impact-driven storytelling at FOX 7.
“We’re saying goodbye to a friend and a true anchor for FOX 7 Austin,” said FOX 7 Austin reporter Rudy Koski during a newscast. “Mike is stepping away from the anchor desk to enjoy some retirement time.”
Warren joined FOX 7 in 2004 after replacing a local news anchor, Dick Ellis. He began his broadcasting career at Creighton University’s college radio station, then took a break with a year in Europe and a finance job in San Francisco, according to FOX 7.
Eventually Warren returned to the newsroom with reporting and anchoring roles in Nevada, Oklahoma and Arizona before landing in Texas. As Austin grew, he helped keep residents informed with major news events and took a special interest in covering Texas veterans.
Warren launched FOX 7’s Care Force, a station initiative that highlights the stories of local military members, veterans, and the organizations supporting their transition back to civilian life. In 2013, Warren earned a media award from the Texas Veterans Commission reflecting his service to the community.
“It’s been a real pleasure, especially to do stories focused on veterans,” Warren said during a roundtable with FOX 7 colleagues after the broadcast. “We’ve always tried to give a voice to that community and I was glad to be apart of that.”
Aside from golfing, Warren said he’s unsure what he’ll do with all his time after retirement, but does have travel plans with his wife and family soon. In addition to thanking his colleagues, he expressed appreciation for all the FOX 7 viewers who have followed him and the station over the years.
“I thank all the viewers for trusting us, watching me, watching FOX 7,” Warren concluded. “It has been a great journey. So I appreciate it.”
This article originally published at Central Texas anchor says goodbye to FOX station after 37-year career.