Longtime Mobile news anchor Bob Grip announces retirement

WALA FOX10 anchor Bob Grip has spent more than half his life on television in Mobile, he said Monday morning when he announced his retirement on Facebook. (Facebook photo)

Bob Grip, an iconic figure in Mobile-area television news, announced his retirement to his co-workers Friday afternoon. After working as an anchor at WALA FOX10 for 33 years, this will be his last full year, he said. He will retire at the end of January 2019.

He made the announcement on his Facebook page on Monday morning:

Grip's career spans 48 years, according to a news release. He first worked as a disc jockey at WBIS-AM near his hometown in central Connecticut. In 1984, after holding earlier positions in Mobile, and later Portsmouth, Va., Grip took over anchor duties at WALA and has called the Gulf Coast home ever since.

His accomplishments at WALA FOX10 include meeting Pope John Paul II at the Vatican for a 1988 documentary and reporting live from war-ravaged Kuwait in 1993. He established the weekly series "Fugitive Files," which has run for 24 years and helped law enforcement apprehend more than 700 suspects. He also produced weeklong series from Paris and Versailles, France, in 1998 and Madrid, Spain, in 2001. Recently, Grip produced an award-winning series of reports from the Farnborough International Air Show in the United Kingdom.

Grip's career in journalism has also been noted for its impact in the community. He has been recognized by the FBI, the U.S. Department of Justice, and the Mobile County Sheriff's Department for his contribution to the efforts of law enforcement. In 2016, the Mobile County Public School System recognized him with the "Academic Leadership" award for his work with the Hi-Q academic competition for local high schools. In addition, he taught journalism at Spring Hill College for more than 25 years.

"It was always my dream to work in broadcasting, even as a teenager," Grip said. "It still makes me laugh to think a guidance counselor tried to discourage me, telling me to 'do something normal.' I wanted to do extraordinary things, but never imagined I would get to meet presidents, talk with a pope and travel around the country and the world. By far, though, the most rewarding part of my career in journalism has been serving our community. I have been honored to work side-by-side with many wonderful people from across the Gulf Coast. I hope to continue to share what I've learned in service to others."

Grip has been "a pillar of journalism in our community," said Gary Yoder, WALA FOX10's general manager. "He has been the one that many have turned to, in good times and bad, to deliver the news over the years. His retirement leaves some very big shoes to fill."

The search for Grip's replacement is underway, Yoder said. Meanwhile, Grip will remain at the station throughout 2018, though his schedule will be reduced in a few months, he said in his Facebook post.

"I hope that viewers will enjoy every day with Bob in the same way I will," Yoder said. "He may be retiring, but he will always be a part of the WALA family. Bob will be missed."

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