PHOENIX – Brahm Resnik, an Arizona journalist turned political commentator and host of 12News’ Square Off, has announced that he will retire in December after a 42-year career in journalism.
Resnik’s Square Off, which airs Sundays at 8 a.m. on Phoenix’s KPNX-TV, has featured a steady lineup of Democratic politicians, political operatives, and lesser-known political consultants. The program has attracted a small but dedicated audience, largely consisting of Arizona political insiders.
Resnik announced his retirement in a message to friends and colleagues:
My friends,
I announced this afternoon that I will be retiring from 12News on Dec. 4 after a 42-year career in journalism.
The decision was my choice and on my timetable.
I leave with a profound feeling of gratitude for the career I’ve had, the people I’ve worked with and the contributions I’ve made as a journalist.
You have all played a part in whatever success I’ve had. You made me – and our viewers — a lot smarter.
My wife, Wendy, and I recently celebrated our 40th anniversary. She has put up with the demanding hours for years.
We plan to travel a bit, and I intend to fully exercise my free speech rights as a private citizen.
Best wishes,
Brahm
The announcement drew a blunt response from an X account associated with Kari Lake, the former television news anchor who now serves as Senior Advisor to the United States Agency for Global Media (USAGM).
The account posted:
Brohm Resnik spent 25 years turning Arizona journalism into activism, smearing conservatives & shielding Democrats.
His unpatriotic behavior made people wonder why he was ever made a citizen. Brohm helped destroy journalism in Arizona.
Good riddance. Go back to Canada, Commie.
Brohm Resnik spent 25 years turning Arizona journalism into activism, smearing conservatives & shielding Democrats.
His unpatriotic behavior made people wonder why he was ever made a citizen. Brohm helped destroy journalism in Arizona.
Good riddance. Go back to Canada, Commie. pic.twitter.com/rNsNqpK3oW
— Kari Lake War Room (@KariLakeWarRoom) November 11, 2026
Before joining 12News, Resnik built his career in print journalism. According to his biography published by the station, he worked at The Milwaukee Journal, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, and Rochester’s Democrat & Chronicle before joining The Arizona Republic in 1999.
Resnik’s Wife Faced Controversy Over Children’s Library Book
Resnik’s wife, Wendy, a longtime Phoenix Public Library employee, found herself at the center of a controversy in July after defending a children’s book that a parent argued was inappropriate for young audiences.
According to AZ Free News, the dispute arose after a parent objected to a Phoenix Public Library storytime featuring What Color Is Your Underwear? by Sam Lloyd.
The book depicts animal characters lifting their clothing to reveal their underwear. The final character is revealed to be wearing no underwear at all.
“Why is it anybody’s business on what color underwear you have on, whether you’re adult or especially a child?” the parent asked in a video that circulated online.
Wendy Resnik defended the book, describing it as harmless entertainment intended for young children.
“Although the title can sound surprising out of context, the content is silly, playful, and widely enjoyed by many families,” said Resnik. “The humor is entirely innocent and geared toward toddlers, focusing on silly visuals like a frog in green briefs or a horse in red boxers.”
However, AZ Free News subsequently questioned the accuracy of her description, pointing out that the book does not feature a frog wearing green briefs and that the word “briefs” does not appear in its text.
The publication wrote:
“It is unclear whether Resnik used AI to craft the email, or simply never reviewed the book herself. The book doesn’t depict a frog wearing green briefs, and nowhere does the word “briefs” appear in the book, though the first page does depict a horse wearing red boxers. The closest depiction to a frog in the book is the turtle character, depicted wearing purple underwear. AI is known for hallucinating information in its responses.”
Wendy Resnik served as youth services coordinator for Phoenix Public Library for more than 14 years.
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