Sarah Blakely

Lillie Broadcasting's WZMQ-TV (Marquette) has announced that Sarah Blakely will be moving into a special correspondent role for the station following her decision to leave the anchor desk. Blakely has served as anchor and executive producer at since the launch of the station's live, local news from downtown Marquette nearly two years ago after the station became a CBS affiliate.  She is relocating to lower Michigan to join her husband following their August wedding.

“I have been so honored to bring our viewers the news of the day each night for the past two years with WZMQ,” said Blakely.

While relinquishing her anchor role, Blakely will continue to report stories of interest on 19 News and return to the U.P. to cover major events such as the U.P. 200.

“It is bittersweet to be leaving Upper Michigan and starting an exciting new chapter in life, but I am delighted to have the opportunity to stay with the WZMQ 19 News team in this new capacity,” said Blakely.

“We are so pleased to have Sarah continue with the news department,” said Brian Trauring, spokesperson for WZMQ 19. “She is a tremendous leader and solid journalist and played a huge role establishing 19 News with a tradition of excellence serving the community.”

Blakely will be involved with the station’s general election coverage in November. Her final day as anchor will be Friday, August 2.

“After living here for over six years, the Upper Peninsula has truly become my home, and I am thrilled that this new position will allow me to stay connected up here and report on the things that our viewers are interested in,” said Blakely.

Kevin Hodge, a Michigan native who joined WZMQ earlier this summer, will be anchor and producer of 19 News beginning Monday, August 5.