April 14, 2025 • 17 mins
Few people know the power of local TV more than Mary Jo West. She was a Phoenix news anchor for years, which of course cemented a place for her in the Valley's consciousness.
She was the Valley's first woman news anchor, co-anchoring with Phoenix legend Bill Close — who was not thrilled about having her around. She battled sexual harassment, depression and more. But West is far more than all of that.
This week on Valley 101, a podcast by The Arizona Republic and azcentral.com, we answer the question: What was it really like for the first female news anchor in Phoenix?
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Guests: Mary Jo West
Host: Bill Goodykoontz
Producers: Amanda Luberto, Abby Bessinger
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