Jennifer Holloway to leave Bay News 9 morning anchor job later this year

She says she's ready for a change, after years waking up before dawn to tackle a workday which starts at 3 a.m. and ends by most folks' lunchtime.

So Jennifer Waldroup Holloway says she is leaving her high-profile position as morning anchor at Bay News 9. But she has another job ready: pushing the new exercise product she invented, the Workout 180, as it hits the Home Shopping Network and other outlets over the next few months.

Holloway hopes to stay at Bay News 9 or owner Bright House Networks in a different job, but can't say what she might do because negotiations haven't been completed. Officials at Bright House and Bay News 9 declined to comment.

Weekend anchor Erica Riggins is preparing to take over the morning anchor job when Holloway leaves, possibly at year's end. And the St. Petersburg-based cable newschannel has already announced an open weekend anchoring position, perhaps laying groundwork for any changes Holloway's departure would initiate.

"I don't need to be Katie Couric to feel I've accomplished what I set out to do as an anchor," said Holloway, who stressed it was her decision to step down from the morning show for "a change of pace." An employee at Bay News 9 since its debut in 1997, she took over as morning anchor in 2000.

"Being a single woman with no children, it's all based on what Jen wants," said Holloway, who doesn't expect to move to another local channel. "And now's the time for a change."

Profiled last year on the PBS series Everyday Edisons, Holloway's invention offers a souped-up take on the typical aerobic step platform, adding a push up bar, resistance bands and a removeable middle section users can balance on to complete a wide range of exercises. (photo at left courtesy of Lindys Photography)

As part of the series, inventors partner with the creators of Everyday Edisons to develop and market their products. Holloway, who was selected for the PBS show from 500 Tampa-area hopefuls in 2005, has spent years with them refining the product; their company spent $400,000 just to build molds to mass produce the units. See a promotional video for the device here.

Now, Holloway says Home Shopping Network is preparing to feature the device in early October -- a recent visit with her partners sparked rumors she was leaving Bay News 9 for a job there (she isn't) -- and this month's Shape magazine features a complimentary review. Currently, customers can buy the $199 unit online and Dick's Sporting Goods will soon carry the item, she said.

The 37-year-old former Miss Georgia - who reveals in press materials for the Workout 180 she was once a heavy child ridiculed as "Wide Load Waldroup" - says she's got two more ideas for inventions ready, once the Workout 180 is established.

"I won't retire on this product, but it's a dream come true," she said. "I've done what I said I was going to do."

Comments

[D]

On 01/27/2009

I said some pretty mean things about the news cast I would like to apologize to Erica, Lacey, and another lady that I called Juicy because I really can't remember her name but It was really un-call for and again I do apologize I thought about it when I got home and said to myself that was mean so please accept my apology I mean this from the bottom of my heart

Thank You
D

[Mary]

Jennifer I have always enjoyed you bring the news to us, hope you have a future ahead that will be challaning, and enjoyable for you. we will miss you. mary

[D]

I think it's a good idea to explore your dreams. But Erica need a new hair do and Lacy looks like trailer trash, and then you have one on there that really needs to follow Jen because she is a juicy one she really need to go on a diet I thought when working in the public view that you must maintain a certain look now days they don't care who they hire Jen is the only one on the show that looks good beside Julie she's pretty and Jen and Juile dress really nice the rest look like trailer trash every morning my husband and I look at the news and he says the women on there look bad all but Jen and Julie

SO WORD TO THE WISE BAY NEWS 9 GET THOSE OTHER WOMEN OFF OF YOUR SHOW IT MAKES YOUR RATING BAD TRUST ME IT DOES

[Marc Herbert Matthias Resetarits]

To: Jenniffer *** Holloway
From: Marc Herbert Matthias Resetarits
RE: Good by!

Dear Jennifer,

It sure was nice listening to you do the News. After replacing Jenny Dean I watched you. Good luck with your marriage, ET AL. Last I heard, those two names indicate that you retained your maiden name although you married.

Respectfully Yours,

Marc Herbert Matthias Resetarits

P. S.: I still hope you have a happy New Year. Smile, Baby! And I'm not going G license.

MHMR

WHEN I MOVED FROM LAKELAND AND PLANT CITY I MISSED JEN DOING THE NEWS IN THE MORNING BEFORE I WENT TO WORK FOR DISNEY
SHE LIKED STARTED MY DAY WHEN WE MOVED TO MCALPIN , FLORIDA NO JEN TO WAKE UP TO NO NEWS IN THE MORNING
IT FOT DULL WITH THE OTHER NEWS PEOPLE
I WOULD LIKE A PICTURE OF HER IF POSSIBLE TO REMMEBER HER WHEN THE MORNING WAS WORTH GETTING UP FOR THE NEWS I WIFE ALSO TRHINKS SHE WAS OR IS STILL GREAT
TOM VAN BRUNT
18023 89TH ROAD
MCALPIN , FLORIDA 32062
THANK YOU IN ADVANCE IF YOU CAN

[John]

I will miss Jennifer also. She has got to be the most beautiful women in the world and has brains too. I wish her all the luck in the world.

[Dan]

Jen is so positive.Her upbeat attitude made my day.

[bill johnson]

I will miss Jen but you have made a mistake by putting Erica on. I do not like her voice. Put carol minn in Erica's spot Carol is good and her voice is sweet and admirable.

[Rick]

She has a bachelors in journalism from Kennesaw State University in Atlanta. But, who really cares. I think her voice is just soooo annoying. It's very whiny.

[Dave]

To those who know Jen, she is an incredible reporter and newscaster. I have known her since she started at Baynews9 and must say her talent and her willingness to do what ever it takes to report a fair and balanced news story has grown over time and only Jen could have made Baynews9 what it is today. Ericka you will have big shoes to fill but I have no doubt you will and can do it.

[Mike]

The only reason I stayed with bright house was because of Jen Holloway on Bay News 9 my wife and I awoke to her voice every morning and "got ready" with her. We will miss her when she leaves.

[anna]

i agree with grock.
anyways jen is very very pretty well more than that of course but i can't find words to explain it.
it's sad how she's leaving bay news 9 but she will get into better things i hope something dealing with tv because her face is made for the camera:)

[Margaret]

So glad Jennifer Holloway is leaving.I wish her the best, but I would not watch Channel 9 because of her.I hated her voice and the way she came across was so irritating.

[Jeff]

We kept hoping we might meet her on the golf course or a Harley ride. She is often on PSA's and other things Tampa, even airport kiosks. I am sure she will succeed at whatever she tries.

[Barry]

I visit Tampa only infrequently but Jennifer became a viewing habit on every trip. She is an obvious target for some to hate on due to her good looks but she is a very "real" person...genuinely warm and friendly. Frankly, this move was long overdue and I predict nothing but better things for her.

Best of luck Jen!

[Kevin]

Jen Holloway is the Hottest news anchor in the Tampa bay area she works for Bay News9. You can check out my website here http://Jen-Holloway.com not affiliated with Jen Holloway and you can check out Jen's website @ http://jenniferholloway.com I will miss seeing her in the mornings on baynews9.

[rSh]

I don't know why some people feel the need to knock her down and belittle her acomplishments. She is a beautiful, successful woman who gives back to the community. God bless you Jen!

she has a nice rack

[indydogg]

Good luck Jen...
You are still as hot as the day you won the Miss Georgia title. Workout videos in the future???

[Eric Deggans]

I dig the frustration and I'm enjoying all the comments. But can we please refrain from personally insulting other posters? Let's do battle on the field of ideas, instead....

[grock]

Tom your an idiot! Who cares whay you do? No one!

Jen,
I wish you all the best. You have been a morning pleasure for my whole family. Sad to see you go!

[Dave]

Jen Holloway is an awesome person, and she will do quite well for herself as she always has. She has done many things in our community to lend support for children's causes and charities, and is a genuinely, nice, funny, entrepreneurial, smart woman. Anyone who writes negative comments is just lacking in their own self-confidence by picking on others' success. Thank you Jen for being there for many kids in our community with your humor, kindness, compassion, class, and volunteer support. I'll be buying one of your products because it's smart, practical, and a one-stop exercise genius of an idea.

Dave Penn

[Rob]

Anyone who has ever know or met her, can say Jen is even more beautful inside than out. She deserves nothing but the best. These "conspiracy theories" are hilarious and untrue. She's been there for a decade, for goodness sake's. Why is her changing career paths such a shocker? How many of you have stayed at the same job for 10 years? Now, imagine if that job meant coming in at 3:00am everyday and having to look and sound perfect in front of thousands of TV viewers? These jealous comments are unbelievable! Stop being haters and be happy for others' successes for once!

[Donny]

Jen is a good talent and a better person.
She's moving on because she has a better opportunity. Plus there has been a growing disconnect between her and her bosses for years.

BayNews 9 does not deserve her. Upper management has a knack of driving good people out of there for younger cheaper talent. They held on to Jen longer than anyone thought they would.

Secondly, it's no surprise that Media General and others are cutting back people. Advertising dollars are way down in TV and they could not offer her the money she deserves in the market. Best of luck Jen-we'll miss you on TV and in the newsroom.

[Rags]

Interesting shot of Jen exercising on the machine. How many people do you know that exercise in high heels?

[Daniel]

I think people just post for the sake of posting without any knowledge of actual ratings. CNN Headline news just adopted the format of BN9 and they're Dual Pole Radar system. Its pretty impressive that a local 24 hour news station is breaking ground like that and affecting nationally broadcast programs. The network news has about 20 minutes of commercials in a 1 hour show. I don't waste my time with them. However Jen will be hard to replace.

[Jay]

Bay News 9 is losing out huge. No one else looked as good on the news in High Definition. Jen started my day off right!

[LR]

Obviously you haven't watched Bay News 9 since 1997 - they are just as competitive as the broadcast channels - if not MORE in most cases. They have the most up to date equipment since moving into their state of the art facility in 1995. If cable news is so behind in their news coverage, then why is it when I visit the other local broadcast stations they have Bay News 9 on in their newsrooms?

[JB]

Bay News 9 is probably the worst local news show: dull personalities, low production values, and derivative content. Not only was Holloway not going to be Katie Couric, after 8 years as anchor she wasn't on track to be Kelly Ring or Gayle Sierens, either. Age is a factor in that at 37 it just isn't happening for her in local news; that's why you leave a "high profile" job, such as it is.

[JL]

In case anyone was wondering(and God I hope no one was) The 8:08pm(07/01/08) Jay and Jay Lasita are different people.
The referenced post was inappropriate, and out of place.

[200SC]

I have had the colossal privilige to have known Jen since shortly after she arrived in the Bay Area in '97, and I can honestly tell you that she is even more beautiful inside than out (...if you can even begin to imagine that!). Just look at all of the charitable organizations to which she donates her time and awesome talents. Best of luck, Jen - it's time to take some time out for yourself. See ya' around, Pal.

[Eric Deggans]

I haven't looked at morning reatings in a while. But Bay News 9 was always competitive in the morning, when people want to know the weather and local headlines before going to work.

Last time I looked, I seem to remember they scored ratings above WTSP-Ch. 10's morning show and even with WFTS-Ch. 28's or a little behind. But I may not be remembering accurately...

[Tuck]

I worked at a restaurant in college that Holloway sometimes visited. She was absolutely delightful, courteous, and affable...unlike a lot of people who act like jerks to servers & bartenders.

I also found her prettier in person than she was on TV. That probably was at least partly due to her down to earth demeanor and genuine friendliness.

Good luck Jenn!

[Anthony]

I don't blame her for getting something better. I wake up at 4 and 5 AM 5 days a week to work at Publix and its rough!

[Scott]

Their ratings sometimes beat 10 and 28....and they're affiliates.

[Todd]

So does this mean I'll hear about this on Bay News 9 Thursday when they inform us, "The St. Petersburg Times is reporting..."

[Willie]

Anyone got the latest ratings? I hear they don't even register.
Eric?

[Willie]

I guess I'll have to read the st pete times for myself from now on. Most of the stories she reads begin with, according to the st pete times" anyway.
cable news here is a joke. she was about the best thing they had going.
too bad they're losing her.

[TubbyReels]

Just don't infringe on my soon-to-be patented "Flab Roller."

[Trunk]

I couldn't turn the channel fast enough when I saw her on TV. Obviously, a goody-two-shoes, save-the-whales, Miss America clone.

[me2]

I listen to her when she calls in on 97.1 radio station. She is cool and hilarious. Nothing like the stiff you see on the news. Go girl! You rock!

[SM]

Good for her with the invention.. but does she always talk about herself in third person? "Being a single woman...it's all based on what Jen wants," said Holloway. Sorry, that's just strange.

Although it does send me back to the good times on Seinfeld. George likes his kung pao spicy!

[Jay Lasita]

Got to know her a little bit as local elected official. She seems to be as beautiful on the inside as she is on the outside.
She's become part of the morning fabric and ambience on Tampa Bay Television, and she'll be missed in that role.
Good Luck Jen! I hope you make a fortune with your invention.

[Bruce]

Hey Crikey,

Did you read the friggin' article? She said she's leaving on her own. Go back in the pub and have another pint.

[Crikey]

Can we just point out the elephant in the room? She's 37 and TV "journalism" has no room for women once they hit 40. Every anchor team looks like every country club man and his second wife. A 20something blondie and a graying fellow. I'm sick of it. I'm sorry Jenn that you have to give up your experience in the community to sell exersize gear because you got a wrinkle or two. (You still look great by the way. Most 20 yr olds will kill for that body)

[Annie]

Say it ain't so! Mornings won't be the same. Looking forward to seeing her on HSN!

Best of luck!

[jim]

Go Jen! The 9 will miss you!

[bubba of fla,hanes rd]

she can hook up with hulk hogan as he needs some one now,but oh wait he likes them in their teens ooops sorry.

[Paul]

Reporter? Journalist? She is a "news reader". Nice legs though...

[wilma]

YOU GO GIRL!!!!!YOUR SMART TO MOVE ON AND CHALLENGE YOURSELF FOR THE FUTURE
BEST OF LUCK!