Ted Simons, 18-year host of ‘Arizona Horizon,’ to retire from Arizona PBS

Ted Simons is retiring as host of Arizona PBS’ “Arizona Horizon,” ending a nearly two-decade run interviewing prominent leaders and helping viewers understand issues affecting the state.

Arizona PBS is seeking a new host for the daily news and public affairs program, which has provided in-depth coverage of Arizona issues for 40 years.

Simons, an award-winning journalist, became the show’s host and managing editor in 2008, according to a Monday announcement from Arizona State University, which houses the Arizona PBS studio. Before that, he hosted the afternoon drive news and talk show on KTAR News.

What was ‘Arizona Horizon’ host Ted Simons famous for?

During his tenure, Simons interviewed state and national leaders, including President Jimmy Carter, U.S. Sen. John McCain and former U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton. He also moderated the 2022 Arizona U.S. Senate debate featuring incumbent Sen. Mark Kelly and Republican challenger Blake Masters.

Most recently, he hosted a forum between Secretary of State candidates Adrian Fontes and Alexander Kolodin.

Scott Woelfel, the station’s general manager, said there’s no way to overstate Simons’ impact on the local community.

“Despite our increasingly polarized political climate, Ted is trusted by viewers on both sides of the political aisle — and his commitment to keeping those viewers informed has had a really positive effect on civic engagement across the Valley and beyond,” Woelfel said in the announcement.

Phoenix Mayor Kate Gallego said Simons will be missed.

“For nearly two decades, Ted Simons has been a trusted voice as host of ‘Arizona Horizon.’ He’s fair, principled, and never shies away from the tough questions that deserve answers,” Gallego said on social media. “Phoenix will miss him on the air, but I wish him all the best in this next chapter.”

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