WMAQ, the NBC-owned station in Chicago, is losing one of its longtime anchors. Rob Elgas has decided to leave the station he’s called home for the past 13 years.
Elgas announced the news of his departure on Facebook on Friday, writing, in part:
I turn 41 next week (yes I’m that old) and my family and I decided this is the perfect time to pursue some new opportunities.
AdvertisementNBC5 has been such a great place to work. Thirteen years ago they found a suburban kid anchoring the news in El Paso, Texas and brought him back home. I’m forever grateful for that. From the top down it’s a terrific place, and I will miss everyone there.
Elgas joined the station as a reporter in 2002, before quickly working his way up the ranks, from weekend morning anchor to weekday morning anchor, to co-anchoring the 4:30 p.m. weekday newscast with Marion Brooks. He also reported on the 10:00 p.m. weekday newscast.
“We appreciate all that Rob has done during his years at NBC,” Frank Whittaker, WMAQ manager and vice president of news, said in a memo to his staff. “Please join me in thanking Rob for his years of service, and offering our best wishes for the future.”
According to Chicago media writer Robert Feder, weekend anchors Dick Johnson and Lauren Jiggetts will alternate alongside Brooks at 4:30 p.m. until the station finds a permanent replacement for Elgas.
Eglas’ last day at WMAQ is March 13.