‘There are seasons in life’: KOIN 6 anchor Jeff Gianola to step away

PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) — In my 43 years broadcasting in Portland, I’ve reported on thousands of stories. But this one comes with mixed emotions and a heart full of gratitude.

As we head into the week of Thanksgiving, I’ll anchor my last newscast at KOIN.

I love what I do. Quite frankly, I often say I was born to do this job. But there are seasons in life, and my long, beautiful summer is about to transition into my next season.

This was my decision. The staff and management at KOIN have always told me I had a job for life. But life is short and it’s time for the next chapter.

Looking back on my career, I feel blessed, lucky and humbled. As a boy, it was always my dream to be a television newsperson. And as I look at all these years I wonder: Where did the time go?

“I grew up watching you” is what most people say when they meet me on the street or in the store. But, really, I feel the same way about you. You have always been part of my life.

We’ve shared tears and laughter, stories of tragedy and hope. Over the years I’ve received many awards and Emmys for my reporting. But the biggest and most precious honor is the love and kindness you have shown and shared with me over the years.

That isn’t something I can hang on a wall or put on a shelf. But it is something that always stays right in my heart.

News people often move on to other stations and cities. They come and go. But not this newsperson. This was and always will be my home, a place where I not only covered the news but raised a family — and now grandkids.

Notice, please, I haven’t used the word “retire.” I’ll be busy doing other things when I step out from behind the KOIN 6 News anchor desk. But I’ll still be here for the next few months.

Starting in mid-September, I’ll take you down memory lane with a series of reports each week. “Jeff’s Journal” will look back and recall some of my most memorable stories over the past four decades. Hope you’ll walk this path with me.

Finally, this isn’t really “goodbye” as much as it is “thank you.” It’s the time we spent together that matters. It’s what I’ll always treasure — and never forget.