KDKA-AM (1020) is letting longtime afternoon news anchor Bob Kmetz go.
Kmetz, who has been with the station for nearly 31 years, will be on the air until July 17. His contract with the station had expired and the station decided not to renew it, said Michael Young, senior vice president and Pittsburgh market manager for Infinity Radio, and KDKA general manager.
That decision wasn't based on performance or ratings, Young said. "Bob has been a pillar in our news department. He has been a great asset to the station."
As for any attempts at cost cutting in the station's news operation, Young declined comment. "With a lot of personnel matters, we like to keep them confidential."
The 60-year-old Kmetz had considered taking early retirement next year, but said he decided against it because of the current economy.
"I have mixed emotions," Kmetz says. "You always look forward to retirement. But this has been a huge part of my life."
He plans to pursue freelance voiceover, advertising and film work, which he's done in the past.
The Joliet, Ill., native joined KDKA in 1972, after working at radio stations in Joliet and Des Moines. During his tenure at KDKA, he also worked eight years for the TV side as weekend anchor and contributor to "Evening Magazine."
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