The following is text from station general manager Henry Maldonado's editorial:

I want to talk to you today about my friend Mark McEwen.

Many of you know him as our morning news anchor. You know he suffered a stroke a while ago and you know that he's been working really hard to get back to you -- his viewers.

I have good news for you. Mark is healthy. And you will be seeing him soon on WKMG.

But, I have decided that he will not be anchoring in the near future.

Mark still needs to focus on his recovery and the daily pressure of an anchoring schedule is not something we need to demand of him right now. However, you will see him as the spokesman of a year-long series on health.

As matter of fact, you may see Mark more than you have before. He will be doing news reports, public service announcements and special programs that we hope will keep you and your loved ones from suffering what Mark has endured.

As far as the morning news, it is impossible for me to imagine some stranger from out of town sitting in for him. So, I have asked our friend Lauren Rowe to do us the honor of co-anchoring that newscast.

I wanted you to hear it from me.

Mark came to Orlando for personal reasons. I know he had many choices and he chose us for reasons that make him one of us. He came to Orlando for family, for peace of mind and for a quality of life we should all be thankful for.

And, I have always been very appreciative and complimented that he chose us.

I love Mark McEwen. I love the life that he has made for himself and his family.

There is greatness in that man's smile, along with warmth, understanding, courage and good intentions.

And if this is how God has chosen for Mark to achieve his greatness, so be it. As for me, I will be with him all the way.

So Mark, let's get to work.