When a familiar face leaves a local TV station, you feel it—especially if you start your morning or wrap up your day with them. Jackie Orozco’s departure from ABC 6 and FOX 28 in Columbus late in 2023 hit viewers and coworkers alike. She’s been a steady presence as an anchor and reporter, helping deliver news with clarity and care. For many in Central Ohio, Jackie wasn’t just part of the team—she became part of their daily routine.
Orozco’s role at Channel 6 went far beyond reading headlines. With her on-air energy, bilingual skills, and down-to-earth reporting, she helped connect the community to important local stories. If you’re wondering why she left—and what this means for those who followed her—it’s a question a lot of viewers are asking.
Announcement of Departure
Jackie Orozco’s decision to leave Channel 6 became public through social media, as is common for on-air personalities today. She shared her farewell post in December 2023. The message was genuine and heartfelt, thanking viewers for their trust and support during her years at the station.
Quick tip if you’re facing big transitions yourself: announcing changes directly to your community helps keep trust strong, even if you don’t share every detail. Jackie did this well—her message drew supportive comments from colleagues, viewers, and community leaders. Co-workers wished her well on air and online, with many sharing behind-the-scenes stories and appreciation for her work ethic.
For example, a longtime station producer wrote, “Jackie always brought ideas and energy to the newsroom. She will be missed.” Audience feedback was just as warm. Some mentioned how Orozco’s reporting on education and local businesses had helped shine a light on stories that matter close to home.
Lack of Official Explanation
If you’re looking for the “why,” here’s what we know: neither Jackie’s farewell post nor Channel 6’s messaging provided an official reason for her leaving. There were no detailed statements or press releases with extra context. Her goodbye focused on gratitude and her experiences, but included no mention of a new role or any hint of bigger changes at the station.
It’s common for TV talent to keep some details private when making a career move, especially in tight-knit markets where on-air personalities become local celebrities. If you’re managing your own career or public profile, consider how Jackie handled her exit—she kept it classy and positive, even in the absence of specifics.
Reactions and Speculation
Unanswered questions often lead to guesswork. Social media, neighborhood forums, and online news comment sections filled with speculation about why Orozco left. Some wondered if she was moving for family. Others guessed it was for a new professional opportunity outside Columbus.
In these situations, you’ll notice a flurry of informal “theories”—but unless the person shares details, it’s all conjecture. What’s important is keeping discussions respectful and focused on what’s confirmed. Doing so protects everyone’s privacy and keeps doors open for future opportunities.
A simple way to handle uncertainty when an admired leader moves on: focus on their impact, not the rumors. If you’re an entrepreneur or team lead, remember that people appreciate transparency—yet sometimes, silence is the most respectful route, especially when personal matters might be involved.
Impact on Channel 6
Jackie Orozco contributed a lot during her time at Channel 6. Her bilingual reporting connected English- and Spanish-speaking viewers. She covered meaningful stories about education, business owners, and Central Ohio’s diverse communities. For small business owners in the area, her coverage helped boost awareness and trust.
When you lose a key team member, you feel their absence—in workflow, but also in workplace culture. For Channel 6, filling her shoes means finding someone who can balance breaking news, live reporting, and those human-interest stories that build loyalty with viewers. As a business owner, use this as a playbook reminder: document processes, celebrate unique strengths, and prepare your team for transitions.
Losing a well-liked anchor can also shift viewer habits temporarily. Sometimes, it nudges people to check out competing stations, but often the relationships built over time keep viewers checking in—curious about who’ll carry the torch next.
Future Prospects for Jackie Orozco
If you’re tracking Jackie’s career, you probably noticed she hasn’t publicly announced her next move. There’s been no update—either from her or industry sources—about plans for a new TV role or work outside broadcasting.
When a professional with Orozco’s skills steps away, you can expect opportunities to follow. She brings years of experience in anchoring, reporting, and community work—plus strong bilingual communication abilities. Whether she chooses another newsroom, shifts into PR, or explores something totally new, her skills transfer smoothly.
This is a good moment to reflect if you’re considering a career shift yourself. Small business founders know: your experience translates across many industries. Pro tip: List your top three skills and ask how they solve real problems for employers or customers. Don’t rush an announcement about next steps—sometimes the pause is the most productive part of the journey.
Conclusion
Jackie Orozco’s departure from Channel 6 left a noticeable gap for viewers, colleagues, and local entrepreneurs who relied on her fair, accurate reporting. While no official explanation for her exit has emerged, her positive impact remains clear.
If you’re navigating change—at work, in business, or in your own public role—Orozco’s approach offers a practical model: share gratitude, focus on relationships, and don’t feel pressured to spill every detail. Progress and growth often happen quietly, off screen.
Channel 6 will move forward, as all healthy teams do. New anchors will join. New connections with viewers will form. Meanwhile, Orozco’s legacy can offer inspiration: build trust, stay authentic, and help amplify the stories that shape your community.
Call to Action
Big transitions open the door to new stories and new leaders—but they also invite reflection. Start by thinking about how Jackie’s work or reporting touched you or your business. Was there a story she covered that inspired change? Did her coverage of a local business help your hustle get noticed?
Share your thoughts and memories on Channel 6’s social media pages, or on Jackie’s own accounts, if you follow her. Community support matters, especially when someone takes a leap into the unknown. For entrepreneurs or founders, sharing positive feedback can also help amplify your own network—strength flows both ways.
If you’re mapping your next chapter or a big career move, learn more about transition playbooks and real-life stories at Business Benching. Check tips for rebranding, announcing departures, or repositioning your business in a public way. Support each other—growth thrives where encouragement and practical advice are shared.
End with three simple actions you can take:
1. Share a favorite Jackie Orozco moment online
2. Thank your favorite local reporters whenever you can
3. Map out your top three transferable skills for your own future moves
Watching trusted faces leave feels uncertain, but it’s also a cue to honor good work and build up the next generation of storytellers—yourself included. Stay curious. Stay connected. And don’t hesitate to reach out if you want more resources to help plan your own thoughtful career or brand transition.
Also Read:
