WKBW is changing the direction of its morning newscast after the departure of anchor Laura Gray.
“Most of you have heard that I’m no longer with 7,” Gray wrote on her facebook page. “It’s been an honor to have been in your homes for the past year again. I’m staying in the area, so I’ll see you all around!”
The Buffalo ABC affiliate confirmed with the Buffalo News that Gray will be replaced by Katie Morse, who started at the station last year. Morse will be joined by her weekend co-anchor Ed Drantch who will become a breaking news reporter.
Station gm Mike Nurse told Buffalo News media writer Alan Pergament the station is moving away from its weather-centered morning newscast.
“We were proud to have had the opportunity to pilot a different type of morning program,” said Nurse. “It became clear that the audience ultimately desired a better balance of news and weather to start their day.”
Andy Parker will be the solo weather anchor, with Autumn Lewandowski shifting from weather to replacing Desiree Wiley on traffic in the morning. Lewandowski also will do the noon weather.
Wiley and Matthew Bove will be reporters in the morning.
Hannah Buehler will add the 6 p.m. and 11 p.m. anchor duties on Sunday to her Saturday anchor duties.
Rachel Elzufon, who had been a morning reporter, will anchor the noon newscast and report dayside.
Nurse said reporter Jaclyn Asztalos requested and received a part-time shift for family reasons.