Mark Hayes leaving Fox 5’s ‘Good Day Atlanta’
Loading ...Mark Hayes, a fixture on Fox 5’s “Good Day Atlanta” since 2002, is voluntarily leaving the show, according to a Fox 5 spokeswoman. Friday is his final day.
The station would have liked him to have stayed on if he had chosen to.
He will make his official announcement Friday morning during the 7 a.m. hour.
UPDATE: At 8:55 a.m. Friday morning, Fox 5 played a tribute video of light-hearted moments from Hayes’ ten years with the show, laughing with a lizard, the Rock, Ryan Seacrest and Terry Bradshaw. He’s seen singing K.C. & the Sunshine Band, dancing Irish Riverdance and cleaning a barbecue.
“This has been an incredibly fast ten years,” Hayes said. “I can’t believe how fast it’s gone by. It’s been an honor and privilege to work with all you guys because you guys are the best in the business. I’m going to miss you guys truly. You guys are friends and family. We’ve done graduations together… My guys were babies when we got here. Now they’re grown and gone. Kenny’s in the Navy and Malcolm is just about grown up. He’s graduating high school in a couple of years. Where does the time go?”
“I leave with a heavy heart but I leave with no regrets, no complaints. This was not an easy decision,” he added. He did not indicate what his future plans are.
Hayes was co-anchor with Suchita Vadlamani for much of that time until she left in late 2010 after some management shifts. (Vadlamani has not returned to TV.). Last year, Hayes was moved to the 5 to 7 a.m. anchoring hours and does reporting from 7 a.m. to 9 a.m. Buck Lanford took his place from 7 to 9 a.m., with Vadlamani’s replacement Gurvir Dhindsa.
“He brought a lot of energy to the mornings,” said Jan Hickel, who was the guest coordinator for several years and left last year. “They had great chemistry. They had fun on air together.”
Brett Martin, the former Fox 5 “Road Warrior” and a friend of Hayes, said he thinks Hayes wants to branch out and do other things. “He wants to grow,” Martin said.
The most recent “Road Warrior” who was let go last year, Stacey Elgin wrote to me that she loved working with him: “Mark was very professional on air and had a huge fan base. He will be missed by so many in the community!”
Bill Schneider, the Fox 5 general manager, released this statement:
“We have enjoyed working with Mark over the past 10 years. He has always demonstrated tremendous enthusiasm for his work and it has resonated well with our viewers. We will miss Mark’s passion and wish him the best of luck in his future.”
Ratings have generally been on the upswing for “Good Day Atlanta,” which battles “The Today Show” for the No. 2 slot in the mornings.
Hayes did not respond to a call and text.
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By Rodney Ho, Radio & TV Talk
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240 comments Add your comment
rabbit
April 6th, 2012
7:45 am
Mark, you definitely will be missed. You are the total package (brilliant and funny)What the He** is FOx 5 doing.
SHill22
April 6th, 2012
7:55 am
First Suchita, now Mark? Ugghhh!!!! They set a standard for local morning shows. Oh well, GMA will have to do. ;-( Best wishes Mark!!!
NEET
April 6th, 2012
7:56 am
I LOVE him, That’s why I watch fox 5 news…. I His so FUNNY.
Disappointed
April 6th, 2012
7:56 am
Noooooooooo. Not Mark!!!! I really loved Fox 5 morning show with Mark, Suchita, and Jeff, and continued to watch when Suchita left, and Jeff was moved, because of Mark and his personality. The morning show will definitely not be the same and do not deserve my participation in watching it. Your beautiful smile Mark, warm personality and enthusiasm in how you presented the news, kept me and my family watching. You will be greatly missed by all of Atlanta. I wish you the very best in your next endeavour`. Fox 5 news was stupid to allow you to get away, but whereever you go it will only be a plus.
Good Bye Fox 5 Morning News. I will be watching the news somewhere else in the morning. I loved Mark Hayes.
Pissed Off To The Highest Pisstivity!!!
April 6th, 2012
8:01 am
The management @ Fox 5 must NOT realize how much we as viewers become attached to the people who bring us the news. Since I moved back to Atlanta, my morning routine has consisted of turning off my alarm and then turning on my television to watch “Good Day Atlanta” with Mark Hayes. I enjoyed his energy and enthusiasm everyday, and his goofy quips and facial expressions to the offbeat stories. He will be missed, and I may just start watching another channel as a part of my morning routine. I guess this is the time to do it, now that my favorite morning anchor is leaving.
THANKS FOX5 (MIS) MANAGEMENT!!!!
Pissed Off To The Highest Pisstivity!!!
April 6th, 2012
8:03 am
And I wish you continued success and happiness, Mark!!!
Cold Front
April 6th, 2012
8:05 am
Where is he going.
Aquagirl
April 6th, 2012
8:06 am
106 comments and only one other person noticed the guy constantly gasps like a fish in a dirty pond? He seems nice but c’mon….if you can’t read the news without sounding like an asthmatic stuck in summer traffic, maybe it’s time for a new career.
Steve
April 6th, 2012
8:07 am
I think Mark did well in that spot on the hand I think they should have left Buck as a sportscaster where he did extremely well. He doesn’t seem like he enjoys the morning show. I liked Gurvir before she left. She is really thin and doesn’t have the energy she had before. Brett Martin was a funny guy; it seems like all the good ones are gone. The only one I didn’t care for was Suchita. She seemed like a snob!
i knew it
April 6th, 2012
8:09 am
Don”t surprise me, with all the changes they made. i’m surprised he stayed this long! Mark, Suchita and Jeff got may day started with great humor!
SAB
April 6th, 2012
8:13 am
OH NO !!! Just when I found my home boy from Detroit, & now he’s leaving
. He will be missed…where U going Mark? Suchita & Mark what a wonderful combination.. too bad..best wishes.
mike
April 6th, 2012
8:16 am
Interesting comment aquagirl. Curious how Mark has had a long career in tv news as well as a long list of other accomplishments. And yet your only focus is the way you think this man should be breathing. I am pretty sure Mark is not staying up at night worrying or wondering why folks are being concerned about the way he breathes. What a waste of time in your life.
Sudoko Princess
April 6th, 2012
8:17 am
Mark – you will be sorely missed. I still remember the promo when you first came to Fox 5 – you and a camera – and your sincereness showed in that 15 to 30 seconds. I have watched – and enjoyed – your professionalism, sense of humor, and connections for over 10 years. Fox 5’s management changes will prove itself in the long run. Hope you land a gig in Atlanta – I will switch immediately once announced. Stay strong brother – bigger things are coming!!!!!!
Rhonda
April 6th, 2012
8:25 am
Sad to see Mark go. He’s become an Atlanta media favorite. I wish him well!
Nicole
April 6th, 2012
8:29 am
It’s a wrap….first Suchita….then Jeff and now Mark. Good luck Fox 5. You just dismantled the most entertaining morning news crew. That old crew was the reason I loved to watch…with all the wrong going on in the world they knew just how to make the viewer smile!
Huh?
April 6th, 2012
8:30 am
I’m really gonna miss Mark Hayes, I was through when I saw that he was leaving on the show this morning. I wish him nothing but blessings and the best! Fox lost a good one!
Disappointed
April 6th, 2012
8:32 am
Would love to know where Mark will be next. I will continue to be a fan and a follower.
Hate to say this, but I never liked Gurvier as a replacement for Suchita. The morning show will never tbe the same. The feeling of family that made the show what it was is no longer there.
Not Surprised
April 6th, 2012
8:34 am
First Suchita, then Stacy and now Mark! Don’t become the Road Runner, it’s the end of a job on Fox 5.
The SSS
April 6th, 2012
8:36 am
It’s clear fox is making a move in another direction. Please replace with someone energetic
Eye candy wouldn’t hurt
Tuck the Law Dog
April 6th, 2012
8:37 am
Good luck Mark. Anything is better than being associated with this boring show!
carte
April 6th, 2012
8:38 am
R M i am out
J-J
April 6th, 2012
8:39 am
GMA for sure!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
S2C
April 6th, 2012
8:41 am
I’m like many of the viewers here: Mark was the reason that I watched the Fox 5 affiliate. He brought a lot energy and enthusiasm to the morning slot. I hated Suchita’s leaving and now Mark. It’s back to Good Morning America and channel 2!!!!!!!!
aaa
April 6th, 2012
8:42 am
No reason to watch Ch 5 now. Karen Graham can barely make it through a sentence without flubbing it, Buck Lanford is just plain boring, Gurvir Dhinsa is not interesting and Suchita is gone. Mark Hayes was entertaining They’ve made some terrible decisions. I’ll get my weather from the weather channel and check AJC and WSB for news.
Aint that a blimp
April 6th, 2012
8:43 am
He will truly be missed. I loved him and Suchita together. I really haven’t watched since she has been gone. I looked up and saw the other woman and thought…this can’t be her replacement. Because I know Fox reads these boards, all I have to say is…you had something that worked. Suchita and Mark’s energy was amazing. Your only hope is to find that in someone else with their same qualities. I remember this road warrior dude…I always thought he was too over the top. The new host of the show are just a little bland/no flava. Move Karen into the spot, she’d do a way better job if those two are our only options. Anyway, Mark has great experience an I pray that he is blessed in whatever he does. Last comment is for you 40 drinking hood rat fools that are calling Mark a sell-out. You need to learn what professional looks like. Just because he wasn’t using all your slang and ebonics does not make him a sell out or an Uncle Tom. If that’s thetype of entertainment and bafoonery you are looking for keep looking at Basketball Wives or Real Housewives of Atlanta to get your fix. Best wishes Mark!! Onward and upward!!
Aquagirl
April 6th, 2012
8:44 am
And yet your only focus is the way you think this man should be breathing.
Yeah, how he does his job is pretty much all I notice. I don’t sit around reading his resume. And I certainly hope he’s not lying awake worrying about anything, period, he seems like a nice guy who has an annoying on-air habit.
Sorry I offended your fanboi heart, but you might want to switch to decaf or something.
BDH
April 6th, 2012
8:48 am
Say it not so! Mark you were great, where ever you go will be a good place for you. Altho when you, Suchita, and Jeff were together, that was a team, you knew how to have fun and be professional at the same time. I’ll miss seeing you. Good luck to you and your family wherever you go. Gotta fine another channel, but there’s nothing out there.
Carl H. Bradford
April 6th, 2012
8:50 am
Wow, Mark,
I am sad to see you go but I understand how TV is and maybe its time we see your face doing something different. I knew when Suchitha left you wouldn’t be far behind. You 2 brought such an energy to the network that I woke up watching Fox 5 instead of the network where I worked. Good Luck to you man!
Marsha "RadioLady"
April 6th, 2012
8:52 am
An Excellent Broadcaster! Will miss seeing him on the show. Quette Sister.
Vivian
April 6th, 2012
8:52 am
I’m like Hilary, I don’t like the changes that Fox 5 has made. I thought that Suchita, Mark and Jeff were a wonderful team!!!! I’m out Fox 5 I won’t be your fan of the day.
Gwen
April 6th, 2012
8:56 am
Just got the news, I’m saddened to see him go. I pray him much success in his future. Now I got to find another down to earth News show. I am about to cry while he is saying his goodbye.
G
April 6th, 2012
8:58 am
Suchita and Mark were a great team. I tried to keep following Fox 5 after Suchita left, but it wasn’t working for me. I haven’t watched Fox 5 since.
INTERNET RADIO LISTENER
April 6th, 2012
9:00 am
somebody feed gurvir…by the way you do know gurviv is scandelous.
buck langford is a punk..PUT ME ON THE SHOW
Really?
April 6th, 2012
9:00 am
How is it that a person on television can get on your nerves? People, get a life.
Donnie A. Bryant
April 6th, 2012
9:04 am
As a black male, anyone calling Mark Hayes an uncle Tom, is in need of deep thought and prayer. If being an uncle Tom means that you can clearly enunciate your words, and can think logically, then we are all doomed. Mark was fantastic, he brought humor, and he was great in the session with Lauren Simmonetti, I will now call her for you Mark, best of luck, Roo frat.
Leo
April 6th, 2012
9:04 am
Really Fox 5! You couldn’t even let the man have the last show?!?! Even if he didn’t want to, he should have been doing the entire show because he is a Atlanta icon. I’ve watched Fox 5 because of Mark, Jeff and Sucitha. You move one and get rid of two. To Mark, thank you for the memories. To Fox 5 goodbye. Thanks for the memories. I guess other stations will get my attention in the mornings.
Marcia Kouns
April 6th, 2012
9:05 am
Somebody at Fox 5 should have seriously begged him to stay. Mark is irreplaceable.
sheilA
April 6th, 2012
9:05 am
i’m sooo sad to see mark hayes leave he and Suchita was great together i missed her to so now that he is gone i will not watch to show any more because that other lady that is on now whats her name Gurvier she is soooo LAME and borning and don’t forget FAKE HA HA so good luck MARK i know who ever gets you neat they will be very pleased to have you on there team. so i will not watch good day atlanta any more….it weill be to BORRING.. don’t like the others that are left….hello today show
dpv
April 6th, 2012
9:09 am
too bad, I am going to miss him in the morning.
Maria M
April 6th, 2012
9:17 am
Good Luck Mark!!!
Chacha
April 6th, 2012
9:20 am
I was shocked to hear this morning that Mark Hayes is leaving. Love his sense of humor and bright smile. He will be sorely missed. Loved the rapport Mark and Jeff Hill had; good clean fun. Will have to find another station..definitely not Channel 2. Carol Sbarge’s plastic smile and rigid body motions drive me crazy. The Channel 11 crew are all teeny boppers; wouldn’t trust a thing they say. They are all trying to outdo each other. Good luck, Mark. You have made my mornings for many years.
Ginger
April 6th, 2012
9:23 am
I’m out as well. I miss Suchita so much and was so disappointed when you cut Mark’s time on the air. Without him, your show has nothing to offer me. Good luck, Mark. You will truly be missed.
Elaine Byrd
April 6th, 2012
9:24 am
We are going to miss you, Mark. You are a class act. Best of luck in your future endeavors.
Really
April 6th, 2012
9:27 am
First Suchita now Mark. I will need a new show to watch in thr
William Barber
April 6th, 2012
9:28 am
Man he was the cool cat on the TV and always was a joy to watch… We will miss you, good luck in what the next big thing you do, I know you will rock it…
Ms D
April 6th, 2012
9:31 am
BIG MISTAKE…I am going to miss him in the morning. I loved waking up and turning on the news with Mark Hayes and Suchita. It was sad to see her go and now with Mark gone, I’ll have to find another news station to watch in the morning. Good luck to you Mark!
MardiBug
April 6th, 2012
9:40 am
What a shock! Best of luck to you, Mark – we’ll miss you!
Will Miss Him Though!
April 6th, 2012
9:43 am
Although he appeared to be a sweetheart, he was hard on the eyes.
John
April 6th, 2012
9:45 am
Mark, I will miss you and I know you will go on to bigger and better things. I miss your chemistry with Suchita. I understand that life must go on but I hope you and Suchita work together again. I must admit you were a very good anchor/host eventhough you graduated from the second best HBCU. I know it was hard for you to rep HU in the mecca of HBCU’s but you did a great job. God Bless you Brother.
J.Nash
April 6th, 2012
9:46 am
I will miss u Mark. Fox5 needs a Black man on in the am to connect with the public and early viewers.