Longtime WRAL News Anchor Debra Morgan continues extraordinary run; Journalist Ashley Rowe joins WRAL News Team
WRAL, part of Capitol Broadcasting Company (CBC), announced on-air anchor lineup adjustments for their award-winning, ratings leading WRAL News team on Wednesday. Longtime anchor Debra Morgan extends her extraordinary 30-year run on the anchor desk, moving to daytime, and continuing to helm the anchor desk for WRAL News at 5 and 6 p.m.
Beloved in the Triangle community, Morgan recently surpassed the three-decade mark at WRAL, a feat almost unheard of in the local media industry. Beginning May 25, 2023, Morgan will shift her role, coming off the anchor desk at 7 and 11 p.m. and shifting to a new dayside schedule.
Morgan explains the move, “For the better part of 35 years, over 30 with WRAL, I’ve loved being completely immersed in the news and serving our community. During this most recent conversation with the station about my future with WRAL, I felt certain I wasn’t finished with this part of my life but was looking for some balance outside of the newsroom. When WRAL presented me with the opportunity to continue to do what I love but with a slightly better schedule, I couldn’t pass it up. It’s exceptionally rare in this business, and I’m grateful. I’m looking forward to spending evenings with my husband for the first time in our marriage and thrilled to still be a part of your WRAL family on the 5 p.m. and 6 p.m. newscasts!”
WRAL News Director Rick Gall emphasized the impact Morgan has on the newsroom. “While working a shorter day, there’s no doubt that Debra will remain fully engaged in editorial discussions, breaking news, continuous coverage, big events, community appearances, etc. She’s played a huge role in our success over the years, and we look forward to more of that!”
Morgan is a 10-time regional Emmy Award winner, was 2017 NC Association of Broadcasters Anchor of the Year and 2015 RTDNAC Anchor of the Year. Off the anchor desk, she is involved in variety of community organizations including, JDRF, ALS Association, American Heart Association and more.
Continuing to anchor beside Morgan on the anchor desk is another longtime WRAL News journalist – Gerald Owens. The two anchors combined have 50+ years as the on-air “faces” of WRAL News, speaking to the deep experience and trust they bring to Triangle news viewers every night.
“Debra and Gerald have been a part of a team of journalists who create the most watched newscasts in the Triangle, and we are thrilled Debra will continue to help lead that team,” said WRAL & FOX 50 Vice President & General Manager Joel Davis. “Historically, WRAL has benefited by introducing new team members while our veterans are leading the way, and that will be the case again here.”
Ashley Rowe joins WRAL News anchor team
Joining the WRAL News team is anchor/reporter Ashley Rowe. Rowe joins WRAL from WKBW-TV in Buffalo, NY, where she worked as a weekday anchor. Prior to Buffalo, Rowe worked for CTV News in Toronto. She is a graduate of the University of Western Ontario. Her first day on air will be May 25, 2023.
Rowe will primarily anchor the 7 p.m. newscast with Dan Haggerty and 11 p.m. newscast alongside Gerald Owens. Dan, Lena Tillett and Chris Lovingood will continue their current assignments on WRAL News at 4, 5:30, 7 and 10 p.m., and Mark Boyle continues as the evening WRAL Live Center anchor.
“I am beyond thrilled to be joining an extraordinary team of journalists at WRAL,” said Rowe on the move. “This news organization is not only market-leading, but also in many ways industry leading. It is an honor to work with this group of journalists every day.”
“We’re excited to have Ashley on board. She brings a wealth of talent and experience that will surely benefit us and viewers,” said WRAL News Director Rick Gall.
Here is the full anchor lineup for WRAL News:
- 4 p.m.: Lena Tillett, Dan Haggerty, Mark Boyle and Kat Campbell
- 4:30 p.m.: Lena Tillett, Chris Lovingood, Mark Boyle and Kat Campbell
- 5 p.m.: Debra Morgan, Gerald Owens, Mark Boyle and Mike Maze
- 5:30 p.m.: Lena Tillett, Dan Haggerty, Mark Boyle and Kat Campbell
- 6 p.m.: Debra Morgan, Gerald Owens, Mark Boyle and Mike Maze
- 7 p.m.: Ashley Rowe, Dan Haggerty, Mark Boyle and Kat Campbell
- 10 p.m.: Lena Tillett, Gerald Owens, Mark Boyle and Mike Maze
- 10:30 p.m.: Lena Tillett, Chris Lovingood, Mark Boyle and Mike Maze
- 11 p.m.: Ashley Rowe, Gerald Owens, Mark Boyle and Mike Maze
Thanks to WRAL.com for this Capcom story & for these Capcom graphics.
