WNBC released a statement today after it was reported that the station had declined to renew the contract of longtime anchor Sue Simmons.

“We have tremendous respect and admiration for Sue Simmons,” the statement reads.  “For decades, Sue has been a critical part of New York’s longest tenured anchor team in the city and has more than earned her iconic status.  We have been engaged in ongoing conversations with Sue about her transition from WNBC and will continue to work with her on plans to celebrate her many contributions to WNBC and the New York market.”