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?

Submit your question about Phoenix!

Subscribe to The Watchlist, our Friday media newsletter.

Follow us on X, Instagram and Tik Tok.

Guests: Mary Jo West

Host: Bill Goodykoontz

Producers: Amanda Luberto, Abby Bessinger

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices