NEWS anchor Heather Kovar has revealed why she appeared to slur her words in a botched broadcast.

The WRGB-Albany presenter, who has since been suspended, seemed disheveled while on the air on July 9.

Kovar told The Sun that she was sleep-deprived and exhausted after returning to the network early following the death of her dad Willie.

Kovar was due to work the 6am and evening shifts on Saturday.

She revealed that she would not be renewing her contract when it expires on July 31.

Robert Croteau, the vice president and general manager of WRGB-Albany, told the Times Union: “Heather Kovar has been suspended pending our internal investigation.

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Anchor is suspended after botched broadcast where she slurred words

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“We have no further comment at this time.”

Kovar seemed jittery and incoherent at times as she stumbled over her words.

She said: “And so, moving on tonight, is we have to tell you also, you know, like other news that’s happening in the area, and across the area, in the nation.”

At one point, Kovar attempted to introduce meteorologist Craig Gold but she accidentally called him “Craig Adams.”

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Trying to correct her mistake, she said: “Why did I say that?”  “And of course, just like me, meteorologist Craig Gold is working a double shift and so, uh, he’s in…”

The anchor also tried to discuss an explosion at a natural-gas plant in Oklahoma but was having trouble getting through her words.

Suddenly, she changed subjects during the report, strangely announcing, “Well, hello! Good afternoon!”

“Like, I was telling you this morning, if you watched us this morning starting at 6am, 7am, I told you, you know what?

"Today, what a beautiful day outside! It is just amazing. And so, a great time for outdoor music.”

Kovar also seemed to have technical issues during the segment and could be seen holding a wire during the broadcast before she was cut off while speaking mid-sentence.

She said she would be on the air on Sunday, but was instead replaced by Emma Quinn.

Kovar revealed on May 18 that Willie had passed away.

She shared a series of emotional throwback snaps as she paid a glowing tribute.

Kovar said Willie "served and protected his family until the end".

He worked for the Houston Police Department from 1958-80, before serving for the Caldwell PD, Burleson County Sheriff's Office, and the Lee County Sheriff's Office.

An online obit said Willie served as a law enforcement officer in Texas for 40 years.

In May, she revealed that the network had "graciously allowed" her some time off to be with her dad.

Kovar has worked for CBS6/WRGB for more than five years.

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