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The FOX 29 News Shakeup: Why Jeff Cole Left And The New Anchors Taking Center Stage

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The FOX 29 Philadelphia news team has undergone a significant transformation in the latter half of 2025, marked by the retirement of a legendary investigative reporter and the arrival of fresh, familiar faces. This period of change has naturally prompted viewers to search for answers about who is leaving and who is stepping into the spotlight, maintaining the station's commitment to delivering local news to the Delaware Valley.

The most notable departure has been a veteran of the Philadelphia media scene, whose absence leaves a massive void in the station's investigative reporting unit. While one era ends, a new one begins with the addition of a South Jersey native returning home and a beloved former sports anchor making a highly anticipated comeback, ensuring the news coverage remains dynamic and comprehensive as of this current date, December 23, 2025.

Veteran Investigative Reporter Jeff Cole's Biography and Career Timeline

  • Full Name: Jeff Cole
  • Primary Role at FOX 29: Investigative Reporter (The Muckraker)
  • Years at FOX 29: 25 Years (Joined in 2000)
  • Final Day: Scheduled for Friday, June 27 (2025)
  • Reason for Departure: Retirement
  • Career Start: Began his career in 1984 as a morning news anchor at CBS affiliate WFSB in Hartford, Connecticut.
  • Career Highlights: Known for uncovering some of Philadelphia's biggest scandals, winning four Emmy Awards, and earning the nickname "The Muckraker" for his relentless pursuit of corrupt public officials and deadbeats.
  • Legacy: Famously known for his hard-hitting, no-nonsense reporting style that made public officials "exhale" upon hearing of his retirement.

The End of an Era: Why Jeff Cole Decided to Retire from FOX 29

The biggest story of an anchor "leaving" FOX 29 in 2025 was the retirement of long-time investigative reporter Jeff Cole. After 25 years of dedicated service to the station and a distinguished career spanning decades, Cole decided to call it a career. His final day on air was scheduled for Friday, June 27, marking the end of one of the most impactful tenures in Philadelphia local television history.

Cole, often referred to as "The Muckraker," was renowned for his aggressive and tenacious investigative reporting. He focused on exposing government corruption, public official misconduct, and various scandals across the city and surrounding areas. The impact of his work was so significant that FOX 29 News Director Jim Driscoll famously quipped that "Every public official in this town is going to exhale when they hear that Jeff is retiring." This sentiment perfectly encapsulates the fear and respect Cole commanded.

His decision to retire was a personal one, signaling a desire to step away from the demanding schedule of a veteran investigative journalist. During his final appearances, including a segment on "Good Day Philadelphia," Cole reminisced about his career, which began in 1984 at WFSB in Hartford, Connecticut, before he came to Philadelphia in 2000. His departure is widely viewed not as a firing or a move to another station, but as a well-deserved transition into retirement following a career dedicated to holding the powerful accountable.

The void left by Cole is immense, as his investigative segments were a staple of the station’s news programming. The search for a new investigative powerhouse to fill those shoes will undoubtedly be a key focus for FOX 29 in the coming months.

New Faces and Lineup Changes: Who is Joining FOX 29 Philadelphia?

While the departure of a veteran like Jeff Cole dominates the "leaving" narrative, the FOX 29 team has simultaneously welcomed several new and returning personalities, significantly reshaping the station's lineup and energy. These arrivals demonstrate the station's commitment to injecting new life into its broadcasts, particularly on the morning show, "Good Day Philadelphia."

1. Morgan Parrish: The South Jersey Homecoming

One of the most exciting additions is Morgan Parrish, who joined the FOX 29 News team in August 2025. Parrish is a general assignment reporter and anchor, primarily contributing to the popular "Good Day Philadelphia" morning program. Her move to Philadelphia is a true homecoming, as she is a South Jersey native, making her connection to the Delaware Valley audience immediate and authentic.

Before joining FOX 29, Parrish was working as an anchor and reporter for Fox in Orlando, Florida, on "Good Day Orlando." Her professional background also includes covering the coronavirus pandemic for WBRE-TV/WYOU-TV in Pennsylvania and a stint at Fox 19 in Cincinnati. Her energy and local roots are a clear asset to the morning news lineup, providing a fresh perspective to the daily news cycle.

2. Jeff Skversky: The Sports Anchor's Return

Another major personnel announcement was the return of Jeff Skversky to the Philadelphia media market. Skversky, a Bensalem native, is a familiar face to local viewers, having previously worked as a prominent sports anchor at 6abc. After some time away from local television, his announcement that he was joining the FOX 29 News Team created significant buzz, with him calling it a "full-circle moment" since he started his Philadelphia TV career at FOX 29 back in 2008.

While his exact, full-time role was not immediately specified upon his announcement, his return signifies a major win for FOX 29, leveraging his established reputation and deep connections within the Philadelphia sports community. His presence adds considerable topical authority, not just to sports coverage, but to the overall news team's credibility.

The Future of FOX 29: Speculation and Stability in the Lineup

The local news landscape is constantly shifting, and while Jeff Cole’s retirement is the confirmed "leaving" story, speculation often surrounds other long-time personalities. One name that frequently surfaces in viewer queries is Mike Jerrick. Jerrick, a popular and respected anchor on "Good Day Philadelphia," has been the subject of past rumors regarding his potential departure from FOX 29.

However, as of late 2025, there has been no concrete announcement regarding Jerrick's departure. He remains a cornerstone of the morning show, and any discussion about him leaving is purely speculative, often driven by his popularity and long tenure at the station. The current focus for FOX 29 is integrating new talent like Morgan Parrish and Jeff Skversky into their new roles while maintaining the stability of their core team, which includes other established anchors and reporters.

The station’s strategic moves—allowing a veteran like Cole to retire gracefully while onboarding high-profile talent—suggest a strong focus on succession planning and maintaining a competitive edge in the Philadelphia media market. Viewers can expect a continued blend of hard-hitting investigative journalism, local news coverage, and the engaging morning banter that has made "Good Day Philadelphia" a local favorite.

The FOX 29 News Shakeup: Why Jeff Cole Left and The New Anchors Taking Center Stage
fox 29 news anchor leaving
fox 29 news anchor leaving

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