Changes in local news are common, and FOX 17 Morning News has seen its share of anchor transitions․ Several anchors have left FOX 17 in recent years, moving on to new opportunities․
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Recent Departures and New Roles
Tessa DiTirro: In July 2023, Tessa DiTirro, an anchor for FOX 17 Morning News, bid farewell to West Michigan to join a station in Cleveland, OH․
Derek Francis: Derek Francis left FOX 17 after seven years as an anchor․
Other Staff Changes: There have been other staff changes, including reporters and behind-the-scenes personnel․ Layoffs and departures have impacted the team․ For example, a long-time EP and members of the digital team were affected․
New Team Members: While some anchors have left, FOX 17 has also welcomed new members to the team․ These changes reflect the dynamic nature of the news industry․
Updated: 11/17/2025
Changes in local news are common, and FOX 17 Morning News has seen its share of anchor transitions․ Several anchors have left FOX 17 in recent years, moving on to new opportunities․
Tessa DiTirro: In July 2023, Tessa DiTirro, an anchor for FOX 17 Morning News, bid farewell to West Michigan to join a station in Cleveland, OH․
Derek Francis: Derek Francis left FOX 17 after seven years as an anchor․
Other Staff Changes: There have been other staff changes, including reporters and behind-the-scenes personnel․ Layoffs and departures have impacted the team․ For example, a long-time EP and members of the digital team were affected․
New Team Members: While some anchors have left, FOX 17 has also welcomed new members to the team․ These changes reflect the dynamic nature of the news industry․
Updated: 11/17/2025
Current FOX 17 Morning News Team (as of November 2025)
As of today, the FOX 17 Morning News team consists of:
- Waleed Alamleh
- Cassandra Alonso
- Daren Bower
- Julie Dunmire
- Alina Hauter
- Sam Landstra
- Giselle Valentin
- Robb Westaby
This team is dedicated to bringing you the latest news, weather, and traffic updates every morning․ While the faces on your screen may change over time, the commitment to providing quality local news remains constant․
The Impact of Anchor Changes
Anchor changes can sometimes be unsettling for viewers who have grown accustomed to seeing familiar faces․ However, these transitions are often part of a natural career progression or strategic shifts within the news organization․ FOX 17 continues to adapt and evolve to meet the changing needs of its audience and the demands of the evolving media landscape․
Staying Updated
To stay informed about any future anchor changes or news updates, be sure to:
- Watch FOX 17 Morning News regularly․
- Visit the FOX 17 website․
- Follow FOX 17 on social media․
By staying connected, you can remain up-to-date on the latest developments and continue to receive the local news coverage you rely on․
Looking Ahead
The news industry is constantly evolving, and FOX 17 is no exception․ Viewers can anticipate further changes as the station continues to innovate and adapt to the digital age․ This includes experimenting with new formats, engaging with audiences on different platforms, and investing in technology to deliver news more efficiently․
While specific future anchor changes are unknown, it’s likely that FOX 17 will continue to seek talented and dedicated individuals to inform and connect with the West Michigan community․ The station’s focus remains on providing accurate, timely, and relevant news coverage, regardless of who is sitting behind the anchor desk․
Remembering Past Anchors
It’s important to acknowledge the contributions of former FOX 17 anchors․ Their hard work and dedication helped build the station’s reputation and connect with viewers․ While they may have moved on to new opportunities, their impact on the station and the community is remembered․
Many viewers develop a personal connection with their local news anchors, and saying goodbye can be difficult․ However, these changes often bring new perspectives and opportunities for the station to grow and evolve․
The FOX 17 Morning News team has seen several changes in recent years, with anchors moving on to new roles and new faces joining the team․ While change is inevitable, FOX 17 remains committed to providing West Michigan with the local news they need to stay informed․ Stay tuned for more updates and developments as the station continues to evolve and serve the community․
Updated: 11/17/2025
