The local television news industry is currently navigating a period of profound transformation. For viewers in Des Moines, the faces that deliver the nightly news—the anchors and reporters who become part of our daily routines—have been shifting at an unprecedented rate. Recent years have seen a significant turnover at WHO TV 13, raising questions among the audience about why so many familiar personalities are departing.
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The Reality of Modern Broadcast Journalism
To understand why anchors like Elias Johnson, Dan Winters, and many others have moved on, one must look at the structural pressures facing modern newsrooms. Industry insiders describe a landscape that has become increasingly demanding. Reporters and anchors are no longer just delivering the news; they are expected to manage social media presence, produce multiple stories daily, meet rigid key performance indicators (KPIs), and cover high-stress, emotionally taxing events—all while navigating a public that is often increasingly hostile toward the media.
The exhaustion is real. Between the pressure of “sweeps” periods, the 24/7 news cycle, and the erosion of local news budgets, many talented journalists are simply choosing to step away from the industry entirely or transition into public relations and communications. The turnover is not isolated to one station; data suggests that across the major Des Moines outlets, over a dozen prominent figures have exited their roles in the last five years.
Notable Departures and Transitions
The roster of names that have moved on from local news is extensive. From long-time fixtures like Dan Winters, who departed in September 2022, to Elias Johnson, whose tenure at Channel 13 ended in August 2024, the station has seen a continuous reshuffling. Other notable figures who have moved on from the local broadcast landscape over the years include:
- Amber Alexander and Jodi Long
- Dave Price and Sonya Heithusen
- Steve Karlin and Brett McIntyre
- Chris Gloninger and Dave Downey
- Taj Simmons and James Stratton
- Metinka Slayer, Scott Carpenter, and Brad Edwards
- Mark Freund, Nicole Tam, Jeff Dubrof, Erin Kiernan, and Alyssa Gomez
Why Anchors Move On
When an anchor like Elias Johnson—a lifelong newsman who transitioned from WOI Channel 5 to the evening news desk at WHO 13—decides to leave, it often signals a career pivot. For many, the decision is a combination of factors:
- Burnout: The relentless pace of news gathering, coupled with on-call requirements during holidays and weekends, makes long-term sustainability difficult.
- Industry Consolidation: Decisions made by corporate entities thousands of miles away often impact local newsrooms, forcing them to do more with significantly fewer resources.
- Personal Growth: Many journalists reach a point where they seek stability outside the volatile broadcast market, moving into roles that offer better work-life balance.
The Future of Local News
While seeing familiar faces leave the screen can be jarring, it is an inherent part of the modern media ecosystem. The departure of these anchors does not necessarily signal the end of high-quality reporting, but rather a transition period for stations like WHO TV 13. As the industry adapts to digital-first consumption and changing viewer habits, the definition of a “news anchor” is evolving. Viewers today are witnessing a shift where the emphasis is moving toward multi-platform engagement rather than just the traditional 6:00 PM broadcast.
Ultimately, the loss of veteran talent presents an opportunity for a new generation of journalists to step into the spotlight. As local news continues to redefine itself, the community remains the primary focus, ensuring that despite the changing names and faces, the core mission of informing the public remains intact.
