San Francisco journalist Reggie Aqui has captured the hearts of viewers with his poignant farewell during a recent broadcast on ABC7 News Bay Area. On the special occasion of his 10th anniversary with the network, Aqui announced his departure, leaving his audience both appreciative and emotional. Despite not providing a specific reason for his exit, he shared heartfelt moments reflecting on his decade-long journey.
During the September 30 episode, Aqui humorously likened his 10-year tenure to the aging of a dog, stating, “10 years is a long time. In dog years, that’s like going from a puppy to a senior.” He continued with a lighthearted comment about anniversary gifts, comparing this milestone to a tin wedding anniversary and expressing his bittersweet feelings about leaving the network. “Had I been good at math and science, I could’ve been a doctor or a scientist in those 10 years,” he added, demonstrating both his wit and his affection for his time at ABC7.
Emphasizing the importance of relationships built throughout his career, Aqui expressed that his proudest achievement was not an award but the connections he formed with colleagues and viewers. He referred to his audience as his “co-anchors”, acknowledging their role in making the news more enjoyable. “I’m including you because you are always a part of this. Of course, I don’t know all your names. But when I meet you on the street, at the store or in my DMs, you tell me that we make your day just a little bit better,” he said, clearly moved.
Aqui joined ABC7 in October 2015 after working at a station in Oregon and has created lasting memories, including a highlight interview with country music icon Dolly Parton. As he wrapped up his announcement, Aqui expressed the conflicting emotions of joy and sadness, stating, “I’m so happy it happened. I am sad that it’s over, and that’s perfect because that is my favorite kind of emotion: happy and sad.”
His departure marks another recent change at ABC7, coinciding with the announcement from Julian Glover, another anchor, who also shared his plans to leave the station after contributing significantly over six years. Glover has expressed his intention to return to Washington, D.C., summarizing his time in California as a rewarding adventure.
As for Aqui, he concluded his emotional address by reflecting on the unknown future ahead. He humorously noted his immediate plans include “a much-deserved nap” while expressing gratitude to his viewers for their support throughout his career. His touching speech not only highlighted his time at ABC7 but also left the door open for new adventures, inspiring hope among fans as they look forward to his next chapter.