Robyne Robinson Leaves FOX 9 News

EDEN PRAIRIE, Minn. - After a 20-year career at FOX 9, news anchor Robyne Robinson is leaving the station to focus on her creative pursuits.

Along with her co-anchor of 14 years, Jeff Passolt , they are the longest serving news anchor team in the Twin Cities.

“It’s bittersweet because I love this community,” Robinson said. “I came here on a Greyhound bus with nothing and the Twin Cities embraced me. They watched me grow up and always had my back.“

Robinson began her career at KMSP-TV in 1990, and quickly became a main anchor. During her tenure at FOX 9 she has guided viewers through such major live events as the 35W bridge collapse and the Wellstone plane crash. Robinson was also the creative force behind the “The Buzz,” a locally-focused arts and entertainment segment in which she scored exclusive interviews with everyone from Prince to playwright August Wilson.

Robinson is leaving to focus on her design career. Her jewelry line, ROX Minneapolis , has been featured in several national publications and she recently collaborated with Beyonce to design custom jewelry for the pop star.

“This is an amazing time for new opportunities in my life”. Robinson said.

Robinson has been a tireless supporter of the arts and countless community organizations. The first African-American to anchor a local prime-time newscast, she received the Minneapolis NAACP Television Industry Award for Outstanding Contributions to Broadcasting, and the Mass Media Award from the National Conference of Christians and Jews. She was named a Hubert H. Humphrey Public Policy Fellow at the University of Minnesota and has been lauded by the Lupus Foundation of Minnesota for her involvement in creating awareness about the disease she’s lived with for more than 20 years.

“Robyne’s influence goes well beyond the anchor desk because of her strong interest and involvement in the community and its issues”, said VP General Manager KMSP/WFTC Carol Rueppel. “She’s truly been an integral part of the Twin Cities for the past 20 years.”

Robinson received the 2005 Upper Midwest Emmy for Best Anchor. She has also been honored by the Associated Press and Minnesota Broadcasters’ Association.

“Robyne has been a role model and inspiration to many”, said FOX 9 VP News Bill Dallman.

“All I’ve ever wanted to do is give back to show how much I love Minnesota and all it’s given me”, Robinson said. “So let me say thank you from the depths of my heart.”

Robinson said she plans to split her time between the Twin Cities and Santa Fe, New Mexico. Her last day with FOX 9 is May 26.