Several well known anchors have left WHO TV 13 in recent months, sparking questions about stability and direction at the Des Moines newsroom. Viewers tuning in each evening notice on camera changes and wonder about the reasons behind these high profile exits.
This overview organizes current information about the departures, including roles, timelines, and what the moves mean for WHO TV 13 news operations moving forward.
| Anchor | Role at WHO TV 13 | Departure Date | Next Role |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jordan Bascue | Evening Anchor | March 2024 | National Network News |
| Megan Sherwin | Morning & Noon Anchor | June 2024 | Regional Cable News |
| Chris Garcia | Lead Reporter & Fill-In Anchor | September 2024 | Digital News Startup |
| Lisa Nguyen | Political & Investigative Reporter | December 2024 | Statehouse Bureau Chief |
Anchor Departure Timeline and Impact on WHO TV 13
The anchor departure timeline at WHO TV 13 accelerated during 2024, with multiple on camera personalities announcing moves within a nine month span. Each exit created an immediate vacancy that required reassignment of reporting duties and, in some cases, temporary consolidation of segments. Newsroom insiders note that these high profile changes can affect viewer loyalty, especially during competitive sweeps periods.
Behind the Scenes: Reasons for Leaving
Behind the scenes, industry sources attribute the wave of departures to a mix of national opportunities, better compensation packages, and shifts in local ownership priorities. Several departing anchors cite professional growth and the chance to work in larger markets as decisive factors. For WHO TV 13, this means ramping up internal training and cross training to maintain consistent coverage without relying on familiar faces.
Current Anchors and Rotating Presenters
With several seats open, WHO TV 13 has leaned on senior correspondents and rotating presenters to fill prime hours. Anchors remaining on staff have taken on expanded duties, including breaking news coverage and live field reports when resources are stretched. The station continues to invest in updated graphics and remote studio tools to keep the viewer experience polished despite frequent lineup adjustments.
Station Response and Future Plans
Station leadership has emphasized stability in behind the scenes operations, even as on camera staff continues to evolve. New recruitment efforts focus on younger journalists with digital versatility, aiming to blend traditional broadcast skills with social media storytelling. Strategic planning documents indicate that WHO TV 13 is weighing schedule formats, including the potential for streamlined weekday blocks and expanded weekend morning programming.
Key Takeaways for Viewers and Industry Watchers
- Four prominent on air personalities have exited WHO TV 13 between March and December 2024.
- Reasons include national career moves, compensation, and evolving station strategy.
- Current anchors are handling expanded roles to maintain coverage continuity.
- Future hiring focuses on digital savvy journalists who can work across multiple platforms.
- Viewers can expect schedule adjustments, new talent, and continued investment in newsroom technology.
FAQ
Reader questions
Why did the evening anchor leave WHO TV 13 in March 2024?
The evening anchor who departed in March 2024 accepted a national network news position that offered broader visibility and a larger production team.
What happened to the morning and noon shows after the anchor departed in June 2024?
After the morning and noon anchor left in June 2024, senior reporters rotated into those time slots while the station conducted a nationwide search for a permanent replacement.
Did the investigative reporter departure affect political coverage at WHO TV 13?
Yes, when the investigative reporter specializing in political affairs left in December 2024, the newsroom temporarily reassigned political beat stories to a mix of veteran correspondents and digital producers.
How is WHO TV 13 planning to replace the talent that has left?
The station plans to replace departing talent through a combination of external hiring and internal promotions, with an emphasis on digital first skills and audience engagement.