Reporter Walks Away from News Career to Follow Study the Bible

A Nashville television reporter is walking away from the fast-paced world of local news — and she says she is doing it for a much higher calling.

Sophia Petrovich, a reporter for WKRN, the ABC affiliate in Nashville, Tennessee, announced that she is leaving the news industry after roughly six years in journalism so she can focus on Bible studies, ministry work and sharing her faith.

Her message was simple, bold and refreshingly unapologetic.

“I just trust Jesus to open and close doors!” Petrovich wrote in an emotional Instagram post Sunday.

Petrovich, who spent more than a year at WKRN, said she has loved her time in news. From telling community stories to working alongside talented journalists and meeting unforgettable people, she said the job had filled her heart.

But over the last year, something changed.

Her heart, she said, became consumed with Scripture.

“I have loved news for so many years. Getting to tell stories, be so ingrained in my community and work alongside some of the best in the business has filled my heart to the brim! Not to mention, getting to meet some of the coolest people ever!!” she wrote.

Then came the part that stunned and inspired many of her followers.

“But over the last year, my heart has fallen in love with the Bible and all I want to do is study His word, and make sense of the radical love story that is the gospel,” Petrovich continued. “So although I’ll always love news, the sole desire of my heart is to minister to people, share Jesus and study His word!”

At a time when many public figures are careful, polished and afraid to speak openly about faith, Petrovich did not hide where her heart is leading her.

She admitted she does not know exactly what comes next, but said she is trusting God to guide her.

“I’m not sure what the future holds for me and my love for ministry, but not a lot of people in the Bible knew what they were being called to until they were there,” she wrote. “I just trust Jesus to open and close doors! He is FAITHFUL! I can’t wait for the journey ahead!”

The announcement quickly drew warm support from colleagues, fellow reporters and friends, many of whom praised her courage.

“No better reason to change careers! I’m in full support!” Fox News reporter Olivianna Calmes wrote.

Joe Breezy, an on-air radio personality for 99.7 Atlanta, also cheered her on.

“Good for you for being courageous enough to follow your path! Wishing you all the best!!” he wrote.

Her WKRN colleague Katelyn Quisenberry added, “Miss you already…But so excited for you!!!”

Before joining WKRN, Petrovich worked at WSPA 7NEWS, a CBS affiliate serving parts of North Carolina and South Carolina. She joined the station after graduating from Clemson University in 2020.

In recent months, Petrovich has appeared to be shifting toward faith-based content on social media. Since February, she has posted videos about the Bible, Christian living and spiritual questions, including premarital counseling, being “clothed with Christ” and “end-times theories.”

In one video, she said she had been reading the Bible “every single day” for the past six months.

For Petrovich, leaving journalism does not appear to be a retreat. It appears to be a leap of faith.

After years of chasing stories, cameras and deadlines, the Nashville reporter is now choosing a very different mission: studying Scripture, ministering to others and sharing Jesus with whoever is willing to listen.