Recent Anchor Departures: Who Has Left Channel 13 News and Why It Matters

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Understanding Recent Departures from Channel 13 News

Changes in newsroom staff are common, but when familiar faces leave a station like Channel 13 News, loyal viewers naturally want to know why. Recent months have seen several high-profile departures from Channel 13 News affiliates across the United States. These transitions highlight broader trends in journalism, including personal career pivots, industry pressures, and lifestyle considerations. This article examines the most recent and notable Channel 13 News exits, the reasons behind them, and what viewers can do to stay informed and connected.

Notable Recent Departures at Channel 13 News

Several prominent anchors and reporters have left Channel 13 News stations in 2024 and 2025, each with unique stories and new directions. Here are some of the most widely discussed departures:

Elias Johnson (WHO-TV, Des Moines)

After nearly two years at WHO-TV Channel 13 in Des Moines, Elias Johnson chose to step away from his anchor role in August 2024. Johnson had previously held key positions at other local stations and was well known in the community. His decision to leave was driven by a desire to prioritize his family and health after years of working demanding evening and weekend shifts. Johnson has since transitioned into a new career, leading communications at Fareway, a major Midwestern grocery chain. This change allowed him to apply his media skills in a corporate setting while gaining more time with his family and improving his work-life balance [1] .

Johnson’s story is reflective of a larger trend where newsroom professionals seek more stability and flexibility, sometimes stepping out of journalism entirely for opportunities in corporate communications, marketing, or public affairs. For viewers, the departure of a long-time anchor can be surprising, but such moves are increasingly common as media professionals re-evaluate career sustainability and personal commitments.

Jannay Towne (WHO 13, Des Moines)

Another significant exit from WHO 13 News is anchor and reporter Jannay Towne, who announced her departure in August 2025 after an impressive two-decade tenure. Towne joined the station in 2005 and became a familiar face to viewers, covering a wide range of stories and building a reputation for trustworthy, community-focused reporting. While her next professional steps have not been detailed publicly, her departure marks the end of an era for many loyal viewers [2] .

Long-serving journalists like Towne often leave a lasting impact on their communities. When they move on, stations typically introduce new talent or promote from within, giving viewers fresh perspectives and continuing the tradition of local storytelling.

Alex Bozarjian (ABC 13, Houston)

In Houston, ABC 13 recently saw the departure of reporter Alex Bozarjian. Joining the station in August 2023, Bozarjian had previously worked in Detroit and Savannah, gaining national attention for her resilience and professionalism after an on-air incident in 2019. Her departure in 2024 was not accompanied by a public statement from the station, but it was confirmed by the removal of her bio and the absence of on-air appearances. Bozarjian’s exit is part of a series of recent changes at ABC 13 Houston, which has seen multiple departures in a short timeframe [3] .

For professionals like Bozarjian, career moves can be motivated by new opportunities, industry challenges, or personal reasons. When stations do not publicly address these departures, viewers may need to rely on media reports or professional social media profiles for updates.

Why Are News Anchors and Reporters Leaving?

The decision to leave a news station is rarely simple. Common motivations include:

Work-life balance : The demanding hours of television news can make it difficult for anchors and reporters to spend time with family or pursue personal interests. Many professionals, like Elias Johnson, leave to regain balance and prioritize health.
Career advancement : Journalists may seek new challenges or more stable roles outside of the newsroom, such as moving into corporate communications or non-profit work.
Industry changes : The media landscape is evolving quickly. Budget cuts, consolidation, and changing viewer habits can create uncertainty and prompt even established journalists to consider new paths.
Personal reasons : Family concerns, relocation, burnout, or a desire for a different pace of life can motivate career changes, as seen in recent Channel 13 departures.

How to Stay Updated on Newsroom Changes

If you want to keep up with staffing changes at your favorite Channel 13 News station, consider these strategies:

Follow the station’s official website and social media pages for announcements about new hires and departures.
Search for local news reports and media coverage using search terms like “Channel 13 anchor leaves” or “Channel 13 newsroom changes.”
Look for farewell messages or career updates on the personal social media accounts of your favorite anchors and reporters.
If you have questions about specific anchors, you can contact the station directly through its contact page or viewer feedback lines. Search for “Contact [Station Name]” on the station’s official website for the most accurate information.
For broader industry updates, media news outlets such as TVSpy or local journalism associations often report on anchor and reporter moves.

Adapting to Changes in the Local News Industry

Staff turnover is a normal part of the media business, but it can feel disruptive to loyal viewers. Here are some ways to stay connected and informed:

Engage with local news by subscribing to newsletters, watching newscasts, and providing viewer feedback.
Support new on-air talent as they adjust to their roles and bring fresh perspectives to local reporting.
Recognize that career changes for journalists can lead to new opportunities for storytelling, both for the professionals themselves and for the communities they serve.
Stay curious and proactive in seeking information about newsroom changes, using official and reputable local sources.

Step-by-Step Guidance: Staying Informed and Connected

If you are specifically interested in learning about recent or upcoming departures from Channel 13 News, here’s a practical approach:

Visit the official website of your local Channel 13 News affiliate. Look for sections titled “Meet the Team” or “Newsroom Staff” for the most current roster.
Follow the station’s verified social media profiles for real-time updates and announcements.
Search for news articles about specific anchors or reporters using their full names and the phrase “leaves Channel 13 News.” Local newspapers and news websites often report on high-profile departures.
If you don’t find the information online, consider calling the station’s main office or using the contact form on their official website to ask for clarification.
For behind-the-scenes perspectives, follow journalists on LinkedIn and other professional networks, where they may share career updates and next steps.

Alternative Ways to Access Local News

If your preferred anchor has left Channel 13 News, you can continue to stay informed by:

Exploring coverage from other local news outlets in your area for diverse perspectives.
Following former anchors and reporters on professional social media platforms to see where their careers take them next.
Signing up for local news newsletters or listening to news podcasts for ongoing updates.

Summary and Key Takeaways

Recent departures from Channel 13 News, including anchors like Elias Johnson, Jannay Towne, and Alex Bozarjian, reflect both individual career choices and broader trends reshaping local journalism. While these changes may be surprising or disappointing for dedicated viewers, they also open the door for new talent and renewed community engagement. By using the strategies outlined above, you can stay up to date with newsroom transitions and continue to access the information you rely on every day.