Mike Royer Steps Down As Managing Editor at Tuscaloosa’s WVUA 23

Veteran TV newsman Mike Royer has resigned as the managing editor at Tuscaloosa's WVUA 23, the Thread has confirmed.

Royer, who was named to the position in 2016, stepped down earlier this week and told the Thread he is not necessarily looking to retire, but said it was time for something different.

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“The University of Alabama has a valuable asset in WVUA 23. I’ve loved the opportunity to help students achieve success in broadcast journalism for 7 years," Royer told the Thread." As I worked with this class of graduating seniors for the past year, I started talking with my family about the possibility of starting a new chapter.”

“I’m so proud of our students. Seeing them grow and achieve their goals has been the highlight of my career. My son graduated from UA and worked at WVUA. We know how important the program is in developing the next generation of broadcasters," he said.

Royer was a longtime lead anchor at WVTM 13 in Birmingham before joining WVUA in 2016. He has spent almost five decades in television journalism.

“I’ve worked in newsrooms nearly every day of my life since 1974. I’ve been blessed beyond measure," Royer said. "I know now is the right time to explore what life has to offer outside of a daily deadline. I look forward to exploring new ways to serve The University of Alabama and make an impact wherever I’m needed. That has always been my goal. I’m not sure if I’ll ever fully retire. But nearly 50 years in our industry is plenty. I am excited to start a new chapter.”

WVUA 23 is owned and operated by the University of Alabama and has been providing local news coverage while training young journalists since 2002.

Editor's note: an earlier version of this story incorrectly said Royer's title was news director at WVUA - he was its managing editor.