Yup, Tracy Rowlett at KTVT-Channel 11 this morning announced that when his current contract expires in July 2008, he's out the door, bringing to a close a career on Dallas-Fort Worth television that began in April 1974, when he moved from Oklahoma City to become an investigative reporter for WFAA-Channel 8, before becoming its anchor in August 1975. Rowlett jumped from 8 to 11 in April 1999, and before he leaves in July of '08, he'll scale back his anchor duties to the 5 and 6 p.m. newscasts beginning in March. KTVT management says he'll be replaced by Doug Dunbar, who will anchor the 4 and 10 p.m. newscasts.
The full release follows, but in it, Rowlett says, "Retirement for me will just be a reassignment," Rowlett said. "CBS 11 has been very supportive of my family and me, and I will remain part of the Channel 11 family always." And, like, ours too. Oh, and the same release says Jody Dean's leaving 11 too. About that, we're not so busted up. --Robert Wilonsky
TRACY ROWLETT ANNOUNCES PLANS TO RETIRE IN JULY 2008Rowlett to scale back anchoring duties to 5 and 6 p.m. newscasts beginning next month; Doug Dunbar to begin co-anchoring the CBS 11 News at 4 and 10 p.m.
Dallas/Fort Worth - CBS 11 Anchor and Managing Editor Tracy Rowlett has announced plans to retire at the conclusion of his current contract in July 2008.
CBS 11 President and General Manager Steve Mauldin said he is grateful to Rowlett. "We are truly blessed to have such a strong group of on-air talent here at CBS 11," Mauldin said. "This television station would not be where it is today without the presence of Tracy Rowlett. He has made -- and continues to make -- significant contributions toward the success of our news operation."
Until his retirement, Rowlett will remain co-anchor of CBS 11's 5 and 6 p.m. newscasts. He will also have a continued presence on the CBS 11 News at 10 with frequent commentary and special reports. CBS 11 News Anchor Doug Dunbar will begin co-anchoring the CBS 11 News at 10 with Karen Borta, as well as the CBS 11 News at 4 with Maria Arita beginning in March.
"Doug Dunbar is an excellent and experienced anchor with a bright future in the Dallas/Fort Worth market," Rowlett said. "Doug has many talents he'll bring to the late news desk, including an unparalleled ability to report breaking news."
Mauldin says, "Doug has done a wonderful job co-anchoring our morning show the last three years, and I am excited about his future at CBS 11. Doug is filling some big shoes, and I know he has great respect for Tracy."
Dunbar says it is an exciting, yet humbling opportunity. "Tracy is a news icon in North Texas," Dunbar said. "I am honored to have his wisdom and support to build upon his tradition of excellence, in all aspects of the news CBS 11 delivers to North Texans."
Current CBS 11 News at 4 Co-anchor Jody Dean will be leaving the anchor chair on March 2 to focus on his role as host of "Jody Dean and the Morning Team" on 98.7 KLUV.
"We are all sad to say goodbye to Jody," Mauldin said, "but we understand how important he is to CBS Radio, and especially, to KLUV. We wish him well and hope he doesn't let his beard grow too long -- or his hair!"
