TVSpy
Cincinnati’s WXIX is hoping that Ben Swann can provide a spark for its 6 and 10 p.m. newscasts. The Fox-affiliate announced this week that Swann would be joining the station to co-anchor its evening newscasts as well as spearhead the station’s “efforts to develop more signature content.”
Swann comes to WXIX from KTSM, the NBC-affiliate in El Paso, Texas. Swann was a popular figure in El Paso, moving to KTSM in 2008 after a successful stint as morning anchor at area Fox-affiliate KFOX.
Swann will join Tricia Macke at the anchor desk, replacing anchor Dan Carroll, who had been with WXIX since 1993 but left the station in November after management requested that he move from evening anchor to morning reporter.
With Swann’s hiring, WXIX is clearly looking for a fresh start. It has been difficult for the station to bounce back after veteran anchor Jack Atherton jumped to crosstown rival WLWT. Carroll was a logical replacement but ratings dropped during his tenure. Swann has experience not only as an anchor but also a managing editor and photojournalist. His versatile skill set could help WXIX produce unique, multi-platform content and stir up interest among local viewers.
Swann is set to hit the air on December 13.