Stacey Elgin is out as ‘Good Day Atlanta’ Road Warrior
Stacey Elgin's contract was not renewed at Fox affiliate WAGA-TV. Her last day was Sept. 8, 2011. CREDIT: WAGA-TV
Stacey Elgin, who has been the Fox 5 Road Warrior on “Good Day Atlanta” the past couple of years, is out. Her contract was not renewed and her final day was Thursday, Sept. 8.
I haven’t heard from her yet but on her public Facebook page at 10 p.m. tonight, she wrote: “When one door closes another one opens… right? Hope so.”
[UPDATE: 9/9/11: Stacey posted a more specific message on her Facebook page: Sadly, yesterday was my last day at Fox 5. I will terribly miss the wonderful people I worked with and meeting some of the most interesting people in our community!
We were told almost a year ago changes were on the way -- I was just a part of the change.
On a brighter note, I am so excited about what lies ahead! My husband and I are expecting twin boys in January. Yes, I was looking forward to sharing the journey with viewers on air but instead I will post here ... so stay tuned!]
As the “Road Warrior,” her job each morning was to go to a restaurant or festival or school and interact with the folks there live.
The concept has been around for years on the morning show. Mark Hyman and Brett Martin have had the jobs before Elgin.
“Good Day Atlanta,” since new management came in last fall, has been through a lot of changes. Suchita Vadlamani left late last year, replaced by Gurvir Dhindsa. Recently, Mark Hayes was taken off “Good Day Atlanta” hosting duties from 7 to 9 a.m., replaced by Buck Lanford.
Ratings for “Good Day Atlanta” from April through July, 2011 vs. April to July 2010 were pretty comparable year over year.
Elgin started her broadcast career in Savannah, before moving to Raleigh and Greensboro. She also worked as an anchor at CNN Airport Network and what was then called CNN Headline News (and is now HLN.) She joined Fox 5 as a freelancer in 2004, according to her biography on the WAGA-TV site.
Elgin is married and according to her Facebook page, she’s four months pregnant with twins.
And more from her bio:
When she’s not running around the metro area as the Road Warrior, you might find Stacey working out. Her love of exercise has pushed her to complete both the Chicago and San Diego marathons. She also spends her free time reading, traveling, making her line of handcrafted jewelry and of course watching movies!
Join my Facebook fan page and Twitter.
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99 comments Add your comment
@UnchainedFoodie
September 9th, 2011
10:26 am
How “fiscally responsible” of Fox5 to fire her rather than a re-assignment until her maternity leave. Such a move that would allow her to have full benefits and be able to not worry about seeking a new position sometime AFTER the birth of her twins.
I wonder what Megyn Kelly of Fox News (who just returned from maternity leave) would think of this move by her employer?
BamaFan
September 9th, 2011
10:28 am
Fox is really starting to suck. When Suchita left, so did I. LOL. Even the website sucks. I did prefer Brett. What’s behind replacing Suchita with Gurvir? Hmmm, seems like a slap in the face to Suchita. The only problem is the Fox has more personality than those at WSBTV.
mt
September 9th, 2011
10:29 am
“When Mark, Suchita, Cheryl, Jeff, and I were the team, we were beating the Today Show and often GMA on a regular basis.”
That was such a great team and I just want to add my kudos to you, Brett. You were so great on that show. Very funny with great energy.
to Pretty in Pink
September 9th, 2011
10:33 am
The last time I checked, India was not part of the African Continent. Gurvir is of Indian decent, just like Suchita. Gurvir was on Good Day before Suchita and she left and was hosting a morning show for Fox 5 in the D.C. area. (Yes it is fox 5 there too)
Kulaz
September 9th, 2011
10:37 am
Fox5, what are you doing!! First Suchita, now Stacy. She was very easy on the eyes and fun to watch. If you fire Russ I will, WILL Stop watching Fox5 News. By the way that goes for Ken Rod also. An to fire someone or not renew their contract while they are pregnant I hope you get a big lawsuit from Stacy.
Tracy
September 9th, 2011
10:38 am
Brett Martin!! You kept me laughing all the time!! Fox 5 needs to get it together. Bring Brett Back!! HA!
Hey james
September 9th, 2011
10:39 am
@James Asia?!?!? Well, technically yes if you look at the definition of Asia. technically, if you are from Russia, you are from Asia. However, Suchita was from that part of Asia called India. Don’t believe me? I guess you missed that stint she did a few years ago when she went back to her home (IN INDIA) and did a piece about it and put it on the morning news.
Anthony
September 9th, 2011
10:41 am
Well, 3 strikes! Fox5 used to be part of my morning routine on the way to work. Checking traffic, getting a laugh from Suchita, Mark, or Stacey, or hearing something important. But, no more. Nothing against the newbies. Now, morning is too much advertising, too much baiting for the rest of the story, and loss of familiarity with reporters. Oh well, things change. Now listening to radio in the morning. See ya.
Tracy
September 9th, 2011
10:44 am
I do hope the staff at Fox 5 are reading these comments. Brett…I remember a segment you did and you had on a dress and ran across the camera! I was in tears laughing so hard! You made “Road Warrior” MVP of morning news!
James
September 9th, 2011
10:46 am
@ Hey James, And India is a part of what continent idiot?
kdogg
September 9th, 2011
10:47 am
Shouldn’t of told them you are pregnant. Never should of mentioned twins.
Are you nuts? Now smart up and lawyer up. Time to sue Fox 5 a$$
Vivelena
September 9th, 2011
10:56 am
Adding my two sense — Really loved Brett in that position! Almost stopped watching when he left. Mark Hyman was NOT getting it!! — Really liked Stacey Elgin! Sorry to see her go!! Congrats to having twins!!
Myron
September 9th, 2011
10:56 am
I am going to miss her. So pretty and such a nice person.
James
September 9th, 2011
11:08 am
@ Hey James,Give up? It’s part of the continent of “Asia” Which makes her what? Asian!! Now go cook fries for the lunch crowd..
NikkiD
September 9th, 2011
11:10 am
Stacey Elgin was horrible as the Road Warrior – she lacked natural ability her sense of humor is non-existent. Brett Martin was the best Road Warrior to ever grace the screen with Karen Graham as a close second. I NO LONGER watch Fox5 in the mornings because of the departure of Suchita Vladlimani and now they are being real butt holes with the time for Mark Hayes…..consider my channel switched forever!
James
September 9th, 2011
11:20 am
@ Hey James, By the way I guess you miss the stint she did on the show during Asian Heritage week when she celebrated her what? Asian heritage!! Dont burn those fries!!
Best News All Day...
September 9th, 2011
11:35 am
Stacey, I do wish you the best; you seem like a real sweetheart, but just not a good fit for the team. Congratulations on your twins!
Kay
September 9th, 2011
11:37 am
Since Fox took Suchita and Mark off I haven’t watched. Gurvir and Buck are dreadfully boring!!! Even though Stacey came off like an air headed ditz at times, she was also fun to watch – eye candy, if nothing else. Fox, you SUCK!!!
Fox 5 viewer
September 9th, 2011
11:39 am
How many of these “Brett Martin is so great” is from Brett Martin and his keyboard?
I would say most of them. Buck and Karen make me uncomfortable as a viewer.
They try too hard. Also Grandpa Ken Cook needs to make a beeline toward retirement.
Mrs. Jones
September 9th, 2011
11:43 am
Sorry to learn Stacey Elgin’s contract was not renewed. I don’t wish unemployment on anyone. Now Fox should consider bringing back Brett Martin as the Road Warrior. He was the best! Fox should also return Mark Hayes to the Good Day Atlanta host desk for the full show. Mark connected with the rest of the team and looked very comfortable in the role. Buck Lanford is a good sports anchor. At Good Day Atlanta Buck seems to be just delivering the news–there is no personality and no connection with the team. I used to watch Good Day Atlanta every weekday morning, but rarely tune in since Buck’s arrival.
Jamie
September 9th, 2011
11:49 am
I, like many others, hope Fox is reading these comments. Buck Lanford needs to go! (back to sports). Bring back Mark Hayes and Suchita for GDA. Let Gurvir do something else and definitely bring Brett Martin back. He was the best road warrior. I hate when business owners don’t want to spend the money required to have a successful business.
Aaaaah
September 9th, 2011
12:01 pm
Good luck Stacey. I really enjoyed waking up and seeing your beautiful smile. “One door closes and another will open”.
Tim
September 9th, 2011
12:02 pm
Lets start a Bring Brett Back letter to Fox. Email me if you are interested.
bulldogbubba
September 9th, 2011
12:11 pm
Just one more reason 100,000 Atlanta households no longer have tv’s.Local news has become PITIFUL!!!Brett was a natural being the RW.When Stacy took over she was not so great,but in time I think she became more comfortable doing the job and became entertaining.If local stations want to cut back then turn those transmitters off at midnight and back on at 5 a.m. Save that overnight programming for daytime and cut back on the 6-8 hours of local news.Soon channel’s 5 and 11 will look like channel 46 and thats scary!!! GO DAWGS!!!
B-Real
September 9th, 2011
12:12 pm
Mark and Jeff are not the same with the changes! Fox 5 was fun to watch, now everyone looks uptight! So now i watch 46.
DeDe
September 9th, 2011
12:27 pm
Brett Martin, you were the best! You made it look so easy. It hasn’t been the same since you left. You always put a smile on the faces that watched you (expecially that early in the morning). I just wish you and yours all the best!!!
Brett Martin
September 9th, 2011
1:16 pm
I just spoke with Rodney Ho.
He wanted to let me know all the nice things that were being said about me here.
Very cool, thank you for all the kind words.
If you want to reach out you can find my website here on Rodney’s site…in the “blogroll” area.
Hey, if someone wants to do a petition to bring me back I fully support it, it would be a hoot.
Also, Rodney’s blog, like my own, can detect if someone is stacking the “complements” pile. Each and every computer has a unique IP address. Somewhat like a phone number. It is nearly impossible to SPAM a blog like this without being detected. Trust me, I an not that narcissistic. The compliments here are genuine, I know it, Rodney knows it…nuff said….and with that…on with the show !
Voice of Reason
September 9th, 2011
1:59 pm
What kind of dork goes back to a job that he got FIRED from? Get some pride man. Geez.
william r. west
September 9th, 2011
2:06 pm
boo thats bad stacy was a great road warrior reporter fun to watch please bring her back my fox atlanta please wake up to what you are doing stacy hang in there you will be back soon god bless you stacy congrates on your upcoming births of your sons
the ghost of Jim Axel
September 9th, 2011
2:18 pm
1. Stacey was sweet and hot but not so great at live TV.
2. Suchita was hot but incredibly self-centered. Fox 5 people are happy she’s gone.
3. Gurvir is awesome.
4. Brett Martin was gross. Ugh.
5. The next Road Warrior will get fired, like the rest of them have. Don’t do it, Mark!
Vivelena
September 9th, 2011
2:25 pm
Personally, I think Buck has a very cute personality! He had to make a transition from sports to regular news. Fox had things going good for awhile with their news team. The only advice i have for them is — IF IT AINT BROKE -DONT FIX IT!! Whoever is in charge over there – needs to get reassigned!!
Can's get over it
September 9th, 2011
3:08 pm
Fox5 kicked Brett Martin to the curb like Stacy. I may have to throw Fox 5 under the bus, especially if Russ and Ken Rod are shown the door.
Lincoln Bates
September 9th, 2011
3:15 pm
Karen Graham w/o the makeup is hard on my eyes so put her on the midnight shift or radio. Put Stacy Elgin on at 4:30-6a then bring in Mark and Gurvir.
malleesmom
September 9th, 2011
3:54 pm
Sorry to say, will not miss Stacey Elgin one bit. Not a fan. Hopefully she finds something else in another market.
Ann
September 9th, 2011
4:17 pm
Bad, Bad, Bad! Stacey was the only reason I watched Fox5.
ilka
September 10th, 2011
7:27 am
Gurvir needs to go…..she doesn’t fit in. Her only interest seems to be segments where she can refer to her kids. Yet she acts like she’s too good to read the birthday names. She’s so DRY
Stories Posted Friday, September 9, 2011 : Media News At This Hour
September 10th, 2011
9:30 am
[...] market – Stacey Elgin is out as ‘Good Day Atlanta’ Road Warrior. According to Roney Ho at AJC, Stacey Elgin, who has been the Fox 5 Road Warrior on [...]
Eric
September 10th, 2011
6:59 pm
5 used to be good, back in the old days… before 5 took FOX away from 36, ending its 45-year union with CBS. Good Day Atlanta used to be very good in the old days as well. Still remember the original Good Day team of Amanda Davis and Paul Ossmann.
Amanda moved to the evening news… after Brenda jumped over to 11. Paul would later jump over to 11 as well.
Brett Martin was a very likeable Road Worrier reporter. Stacey Elgin was somewhat okay. Mark Hyman didn’t really seem to click. I think Buck Lanford and Karen Graham do a much better job as sports anchors/reporters. Jeff Hill is a good weather forecaster. I like Cheryl White as traffic reporter, as well as fill-in weather forecaster. Both Jeff and Cheryl have lasted the longest at Good Day. I remember other Good Day talents that have come and gone… Ken MacLeod, Nancy Loveland, Christy Henderson, Marc Bailey, Janette Smith, and the late Keith Kalland. Suchita was very likeable. Gurvir discribed Good Day as the best job that she’s ever had, and came back to Good Day. Mark Hayes is pretty good too.
The TRUTH
September 11th, 2011
8:32 am
JOE — Was it Stacey or the other blonde that kept you up ALL NIGHT LOOOOOOONNNNGGGGGGGG??
J-pooh
September 11th, 2011
10:31 pm
Stacey, I wish you the best. I really stopped watching Fox -5 RW after Brett left. Fox 5 you have really messed up a good thing. Put Mark back in his spot, bring Brett and Suchita back. Send Girvir back because she is not as interesting as she use to be.
Tiffany
September 12th, 2011
10:28 am
Can’t stand Mark Hayes. Was never a fan of Suchita. Only watched because I like Brett Martin…down to earth and could relate to people. So I don’t watch anymore. If Brett Martin Comes back I will watch!! Best wishes to you Brett!
The Rock
September 12th, 2011
1:08 pm
The Rock says that the Jabronis at Fox 5 are idiots! Who, in their right mind, would dismiss Suchita Vadlamani? Some people just don’t get it: she was the reason we tuned in to Good Day Atlanta everyday. The chemistry between Mark, Suchita, Jeff and Cheryl was great! Why did you mess with a good thing managers? Stacy was a hottie too. Gurvir’s lisp get’s on my last nerve. The management is screwing up Good Day Atlanta.
chris
September 12th, 2011
7:12 pm
Well my tv will be on 46 for now on in the morning,
Rhonda Cobb
September 13th, 2011
1:32 pm
Brett Martin you were the best Road Warrior, after you left they should have changed the name. I do miss the old line up also. Fox5 you really upset your fans when you move people around like that.
BUCK
September 13th, 2011
8:44 pm
The last name is Lanford, not Langford.
Asweppl
September 13th, 2011
8:46 pm
Who cares about the blonds. You may think their hair is pretty, but their faces generally are ugly.
Banned Poster
September 15th, 2011
11:05 pm
All of this over a morning show field reporter? I liked watching her and thought she put on a good face and fun reporting. However, the morning show at Fox 5 is not as top notch as it could be. Gurvir worked there before when the morning show was “innovative”. Mark Hayes is probably being bounced around until a more “primetime” anchor spot opens up (can you say 4pm newscast?). With sports being more focused on local acts such as high school and college sports and less on the pro teams, Buck is trying out something new and I believe he does a very good job at it. Fox5 does very good on its newscasts (notice how very little turnover has been in the PM slots over the last decade) and will eventually find the right mix for the morning show.
Good luck to Stacy, but folks understand that renewing a contract requires a commitment from both the employer and employee. She was obviously going to be out of work for a considerable amount of time and the employer felt it was in their best interests to go in another direction. I am sure she will be just fine in the area of compensation. I feel for her too and congratulate her on the news of twins, but this was strictly a business decision.
And to keep up with the theme of this board, Brett Martin was awesome as Road Warrior and will definitely be checking out his site.
william r west
September 16th, 2011
2:46 pm
fox 5 atlanta bring back stacy elgin the road warrior please fox 5 wake up you are getting rid of your best reporters and people god bless u stacy i know you will find work on another atlanta tv station god bless u stacy we will miss you on fox 5 atlanta you where a great reporter and fun to watch
Leslie Anderson
September 20th, 2011
10:45 am
Too many changes on GDA I loved Stacy Elgin. I really liked the way Mark Hayes and the weather guy teased and Suchita, and Cheryl White handled herself, they were a great team. management there is jackin the show up. I no longer like it!