Anchor changes at CBS46 appear complete with Bobby Kaple
By RODNEY HO/ rho@ajc.com, originally filed Thursday May 18, 2015
CBS46 has hired a new morning anchor Bobby Kaple to join fellow newbie Gloria Neal as part of a major turnover of anchors in just a matter of a few months.
Kaple, who starts June 15, was at the CBS affiliate in Los Angeles for three years. He has also worked at stations in West Palm Beach and Des Moines.
The changes leave Tracye Hutchins as the longest-standing anchor on the CBS affiliate. She arrived in the spring of 2007 as part of the morning show. She is currently an evening anchor.
Scott Light, another evening anchor, joined CBS46 in late 2013. His 18 months at the station makes him the second most senior anchor there.
The architects of all the shifts are general manager Mark Pimentel and news director Larry Perret, who arrived last fall.
I presume this will be the last of the major shifts there for awhile. Given owner Meredith's recent track record of impatience, "awhile" means a year or two.
So let's review: new morning hosts are Kaple and Neal, replacing Michelle Burdo.
The new noon anchor is Kim Passoth , taking over for Jocelyn Connell, whose last day is May 29. .
The afternoon and evening anchors are Sharon Reed, Hutchins and Light. Reed replaces Stephany Fisher, whose contract is up soon.
The station also has a new sports anchor (Fred Kalil) and new chief meteorologist (Jim Kosek).
For continuity buffs, at least morning meteorologist Jennifer Valdez is still around!
About the Author
Rodney Ho writes about entertainment for The Atlanta Journal-Constitution including TV, radio, film, comedy and all things in between. A native New Yorker, he has covered education at The Virginian-Pilot, small business for The Wall Street Journal and a host of beats at the AJC over 20-plus years. He loves tennis, pop culture & seeing live events.
