Boston 25 News reporter Michael Henrich is leaving the station
Henrich said his contract wasn't renewed due to budget cuts stemming from the COVID-19 pandemic.
A local TV news reporter is signing off after six years at Boston 25 News.
Weekday morning reporter Michael Henrich announced on Thursday that he will depart the station after six years, saying that he was told by station management that his contract would not be renewed due to budgetary issues related to COVID-19.
In an emotional video posted to Facebook, Henrich thanked viewers for allowing him to be a trusted news source and part of their morning viewing.
“Just know how truly grateful I am that all of you have trusted me to be one source of information about our community,” Henrich said. “I really loved sharing your stories and being part of your lives.”
https://www.facebook.com/HenrichNews/videos/3612513705505837
A New York native who has family in New Hampshire and Massachusetts, Henrich arrived at Boston 25 News in January 2015, just as the region was hit with record-setting snowfall.
Prior to his time at Boston 25 News, Henrich worked in various roles at stations in Indiana (WXIN-FOX59 and WTTV-CBS4), Oklahoma (KOKH-FOX25), Ohio (WNWO-NBC24), Vermont (WFFF-FOX44/WVNY-ABC22), New York (News 12 Interactive), and Washington, D.C. (ABC News).
News of Henrich’s departure came a week after Boston 25 News anchor Daniel Miller announced he was leaving the station for a job as the main morning anchor of WXIN Fox 59 in Indianapolis.
A spokesperson for Boston 25 News had not returned a request for comment at the time of this article’s publication.
In a statement sent to Boston.com, Henrich emphasized that his situation is not a unique one given the economic hardships caused by the pandemic, and that he was grateful for his time at Boston 25 News.
“For nearly 15 years, I’ve felt so fortunate to be a journalist; informing our community, meeting new people each day, and working alongside such talented colleagues in the process,” Henrich said. “Losing your job due to the economy is difficult, as far too many people know so well. I don’t wish to present my situation as special or unique, as I feel deeply for those who have been struggling with similar circumstances for months now.
“Still, I would like to share how thankful I remain for the journey to this point, for my family and for the overwhelming support from viewers and friends alike,” Henrich continued. “Whether I remain in the field or chart a new course, Massachusetts is now my home and I hope the public knows how much I valued the responsibility of earning and maintaining their trust with each report.”
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