Stone Grissom leaving News 12 Long Island

Stone Grissom, the veteran News 12 Long Island anchor who's been a fixture at 5 p.m. and in primetime for nine years, is leaving the channel, he announced. His last day is Friday.

In a brief statement, Altice USA said, "We thank Stone Grissom for his many contributions to News 12 over his nine year tenure with the network and wish him all the best in the future."

An unusual hybrid anchor-author, Grissom has written a novel ("A Cry for Justice") and is nearing completion on a second, according to his website. He was formerly a civil rights and criminal defense attorney, with a law degree from Notre Dame. Per News 12's bio on him,  "Grissom has been involved as an anchor and executive producer in the start ups of two news operations, and has appeared as a legal analyst on numerous local and national stations, including Court TV, MSNBC, 'Nancy Grace,' CNN and Fox."

Grissom has also worked as an associate professor at  Farmingdale State College, teaching news media and news writing.

In a statement, Grissom told Newsday:

"Nine years ago, Pat Dolan [then News 12's news director, now Newsday Media Group owner] welcomed me into the News 12 family. It has been a privilege to be the evening anchor for Long Island. We’ve all shared so much together; the Island’s heartbreaks and heartwarming moments. I have had the honor of working with some of the best journalists in the country and I’m so appreciative to have been welcomed into your homes every day and every evening. Whatever my future holds, I have already been blessed by getting to be a part of the Long Island family."