Vermont This Week’s longest-serving moderator, Stewart Ledbetter, is stepping down from the role. The veteran news anchor’s last taping as host of the Vermont Public television show will be May 26, the nonprofit media company announced Wednesday.
Ledbetter, 61, said in an interview he had been mulling the decision for months.
“I’ve been thinking that everything, everyone has its cycle,” he said. “And I’ve had a great run for many years, but I thought it was time for someone else to have their shot. It’s a special program to me. And I’m mindful of the history. I think it’s the best side hustle in Vermont journalism.”
He added that he would continue at NBC5, where he has worked since 1984 and currently anchors an early evening newscast and hosts a Sunday public affairs show.
Ledbetter reiterated several times that the decision to leave had been entirely his own — he even said he thought management was “pretty shocked” when he gave his notice. But he also suggested the 2021 merger of Vermont Public Radio and Vermont PBS into Vermont Public might have factored into his decision. (Vermont This Week was originally a Vermont PBS program.)
“I didn’t have the same relationship after the merger that I enjoyed for many years with management at Vermont PBS. It was just a different dynamic, that’s all,” he said, declining to elaborate.
Sarah Ashworth, senior vice president of content for Vermont Public, said through company spokesperson Michelle Owens that she was not available for an interview. Ashworth instead offered a written statement.
“I appreciate Stewart’s observation. Vermont Public is a new organization and therefore naturally different than Vermont PBS or VPR before our merger,” she wrote. “We are grateful to Stewart for all his years of work on Vermont This Week and wish him all the best.”
The program first aired in 1982, according to a company press release, and was modeled after PBS’ Washington Week, which runs immediately after its Vermont counterpart. Every Friday, three journalists from news organizations across the state — often including VTDigger — join the moderator for a conversation about the news of the week in state government and politics.
Ledbetter was the show’s third host. His nearly 17-year run as moderator spanned U.S. Sen. Bernie Sanders’ two presidential runs, the passage of same-sex marriage in Vermont, and landmark gun reform legislation, among other major upheavals.
“For a little state, we’ve had a lot going on, and as you know, [with] Vermont This Week sort of at the nexus with our three panelists,” he said. “It’s been a great run, and I am thrilled that I was part of it for all those years.”
A rotating cast will moderate Vermont This Week starting June 2 while the company searches for a permanent host, according to Vermont Public.
Disclosure: VTDigger has partnered with Vermont Public to share a reporter, starting in July. VTDigger reporters and editors are paid to appear on Vermont This Week.