After nearly two decades at the station, Mallory Brooks is leaving KARK-Channel 4. The station and Brooks confirmed the news to AY About You this week.
“The past 15 years at KARK have been a dream come true,” Brooks tells AY. “I love this state and telling the stories of the wonderful people here has been an honor. I dreamed of being a news anchor when I was a little girl, and I am so thankful for the amazing 15 years I’ve had at this station I love so much.”
After graduating from the University of Central Arkansas, the Russellville native started her journalism journey at KFSM-Channel 5 in Fayetteville. In 2007, she began her tenure at KARK as a general assignment reporter, soon working her way up to news anchor, helming the noon and 4 p.m. news slots for the station.
“Mallory has been a familiar face to KARK viewers for nearly 15 years,” KARK and KLRT News Director Ernie Paulson tells AY. “Her gentle spirit and kind heart resonate with those who watch our news and especially those who meet her in person. She has been our newsroom’s biggest cheerleader and its best citizen. We hate to see her go but know that she will always be a part of KARK and Team 20. Mallory will be dearly missed.”
As for what’s next for Brooks, she says the decision to resign from her post is more a personal move than a professional one.
“For now, I’m stepping away from the anchor desk to spend more time with my family,” she says. “My kids are growing up fast, and I want to cherish every moment! Although I won’t be anchoring, I am thrilled that I’ll be able to continue our Wednesday’s Child series that features incredible kids in Arkansas hoping to find a family.
“KARK has been wonderful to me over the years and, even though I’m excited for this new chapter with my family, I’ll dearly miss all of my kind and talented coworkers and the hundreds of amazing Arkansans who have generously allowed me to tell their stories over the years.”
Catch Mallory Brooks’ last day at KARK on Friday, May 27 during her usual noon and 4 p.m. shows.
READ MORE: The People Behind Your News: Mallory Brooks
