News anchor Jo Palmer will step down from her role with Nightly News Seven after 18 years in the chair, saying it is the right decision for her personally and for her family.
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Southern Cross Austereo confirmed the news in a statement on Monday morning and will announce a replacement for Ms Palmer "shortly".
She said the decision to leave the role had not been taken lightly.
"It is with deep sadness that I have decided to leave my position with the company," Ms Palmer said.
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"Local news has been such a huge part of my life; sharing with our community the stories that have broken our hearts, lifted our spirits, kept us safe and informed, made us proud of who we are and where we live.
"The news room has been my second home, and the news team my second family. I will miss our team so dearly but I know this is the right decision for me personally and for my family."
Ms Palmer started her weekday role as news anchor in 2002 after presenting weekend news on Seven Tasmania.
Her television career started as host of Tasmania's first lifestyle program, The Good Life, cementing herself as a popular television personality after being the state's first Miss Australia winner in 72 years.
She was instrumental in making Nightly New Seven Tasmania among the most-watched news programs per audience capita in Australia.
SCA news director Grant Wilson said Ms Palmer's influence had been felt throughout the news landscape in Tasmania.
CATCH UP ON JO'S COLUMN IN THE EXAMINER:
"Jo has been the consummate professional as Tasmania's favourite news reader," he said.
"She has also been an amazing mentor to aspiring journalists and has been instrumental in helping team members fulfill their career goals, with many finding employment in metro markets.
"The chemistry between veteran weather presenter Peter Murphy and Jo has been a must see for many of the station's viewers over the 18 years they have worked together. We will miss Jo and wish her all the best in her future endeavours."
In addition to her broadcast role, Ms Palmer has also become a sought-after master of ceremonies for award ceremonies and fundraisers.
She also pens a regular column in The Examiner newspaper, musing upon Tasmanian life.
