The anchor desk at KSDK 5 On Your Side in St. Louis has undergone a massive wave of transformation. Viewers tuning into the NBC affiliate have noticed major faces missing, alongside new journalists stepping into prominent roles. This shift reflects a broader generational transition across local television, driven by planned retirements, contract shifts, and unexpected departures.
If you are trying to keep track of who is still anchoring your favorite broadcasts and who has permanently signed off, here is the clear breakdown of the current KSDK newsroom lineup.
Major Departures: Who Left KSDK
Several foundational names that viewers associated with Channel 5 for decades have exited the station. These departures reshaped both the evening lineup and the morning team.
Mike Bush
After an incredible 41-year run at KSDK, legendary sports and news anchor Mike Bush retired. Bush anchored his final newscast in August 2026, closing out a historic era for St. Louis broadcast journalism. His presence on the evening desk set a standard for local reporting, making his retirement one of the most significant transitions in the station's history.
Rene Knott
In October 2025, longtime morning co-anchor and sports personality Rene Knott unexpectedly parted ways with the station. Knott, who spent over two decades with KSDK, left following an internal human resources inquiry that resulted in his resignation. His sudden exit from Today in St. Louis prompted widespread viewer reaction across the region.
Kay Quinn
Veteran journalist and anchor Kay Quinn signed off from KSDK for the final time in July 2025. Quinn was a familiar and trusted face on the midday and afternoon broadcasts for years, and her retirement marked another major loss of institutional knowledge within the newsroom.
New Faces: Who Joined the Lineup
To fill the massive voids left by retirements and sudden exits, station leadership brought in experienced regional broadcasters.
Steve Savard
Stepping into the enormous shoes left by Mike Bush is local media veteran Steve Savard. Savard took over as the main evening anchor in August 2026. Known to St. Louis audiences from his extensive background in local sports, including years as the radio voice of the St. Louis Rams and anchoring at competing local stations, Savard brings instant name recognition to the prime evening slot.
Landon Burke
The morning show Today in St. Louis added Landon Burke to the anchor desk. Burke joined the morning broadcast team to help stabilize the early-morning slot following previous shifts, bringing fresh energy to the wake-up programming.
Who Is Staying at KSDK
Despite the heavy turnover, several core anchors remain at the station to maintain continuity for loyal viewers.
- Anne Allred: Continues to anchor key evening broadcasts, providing a steady, familiar presence during prime time.
- Kelly Jackson: Remains a prominent fixture across KSDK programming, bringing years of dedicated reporting to the St. Louis community.
The blend of long-standing anchors and fresh arrivals means the station looks markedly different than it did a couple of years ago. While losing veteran talent is always jarring for a local audience, the incoming roster aims to secure the station's footing for the future.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did Rene Knott leave KSDK?
Rene Knott left the station in October 2025 after more than 20 years on air. He stated that he resigned at the station's request following an internal human resources inquiry.
Who replaced Mike Bush on the evening news?
Steve Savard took over as the main evening anchor following Mike Bush's retirement in August 2026. Savard is a veteran St. Louis broadcaster with a deep history in local news and sports.
Is KSDK still an NBC affiliate?
Yes, KSDK Channel 5 remains a primary NBC affiliate serving the Greater St. Louis metropolitan area and parts of Illinois.
Where can I check current daily schedule updates?
You can find the most up-to-date daily anchor schedules and reporter bios directly on the KSDK Official Website. Additional media industry movements are frequently tracked by outlets like NewscastStudio.
