Longtime television personality Beth Ward, currently the weather anchor and host of “Arkansas Today” at noon on KTHV-TV, Channel 11, has announced her retirement effective March 25, the Gannet Co.-owned CBS affiliate said Friday.
KTHV has not yet announced a replacement for Ward.
“Having worked in television since 1968, I can say it’s been a long and rewarding ride. But recently I found a stop and want to get off,” Ward said in a news release. “New adventures and exploring uncharted territory will keep me busy for many years to come.”
KTHV said Ward has been on Arkansas television longer than any other personality in the market. She joined KTHV in 1987 to launch the “Arkansas Today” show. Previously, she had hosted the noon broadcast for Little Rock NBC affiliate KARK-TV, Channel 4, since 1968.
“Beth has been a major contributor to the success of this television station,” said Larry Audas, KTHV’s president and general manager. “We thank and applaud her for all her efforts and wish her well in the future.”
Ward, who came to Arkansas in the mid-1960s after attending William and Mary College in her home state of Virginia, spent her entire television career in Little Rock and said she will miss being a part of people’s daily lives.
Her career included countless interviews with celebrities, doctors, authors and politicians on “Arkansas Today,” where she covered everything from health and fashion to hard news, cooking and gardening.
KTHV News Director Mark Raines said Ward’s retirement after such longevity in the business won’t go unnoticed by many viewers.
“Beth is a television icon in Arkansas,” said Raines. “I, like many other Arkansans, grew up watching Beth and I have considered it a privilege to work with her.”