KTXS News anchor Wayne McCormick announced today he will retire at the end of June. McCormick has anchored KTXS News at six and ten for 23 years. He told staff members that it was a difficult decision to make, but said, “It’s time for me to make some changes that allow me more time to pursue other interests.”

“I’m thankful for a good, long run at KTXS. Over the past 23 years, I’ve had the opportunity to work with, and help mentor, many talented young journalists - a number of whom have gone on to successful careers at the networks and in top 10 television markets. I will always value the relationships and friends I’ve made in Abilene. I would like to thank everyone who has tuned in over the years and helped make KTXS the most popular and most respected news station in the Big Country,” said McCormick.

McCormick has been a cornerstone at KTXS News for two decades, having started his career in radio in 1973 in Marshalltown, Iowa. Among his many assignments during his tenure at KTXS, McCormick has covered the NATO-led Stabilization Force (SFOR) and U.S. Air Force participation in Bosnia and Herzegovina in 1996. He also covered relief efforts in New Orleans following Hurricane Katrina in 2005. His reporting on that story earned an Edward R. Murrow Award.

While McCormick spent two decades in the anchor chair, he also hosted the weekly KTXS Academic Challenge, a popular show that featured high school academic teams, for 12 years.

“Wayne’s contributions to KTXS are enormous. He is the longest tenured news anchor in the history of KTXS. His 23 years of expertise in working with reporters, tracking down facts and making sure our newscasts are fair, accurate and balanced has been tremendous. We will miss Wayne but wish him the absolute best in his retirement,” said KTXS Vice President & General Manager, Albert Brown.

Before joining KTXS in 1992, McCormick served as news director and news anchor at KREX-TV in Grand Junction, Colorado. In the early '90s he worked as news director and news anchor at a TV station in Sterling, Colorado. From 1984 to 1988, he was general manager of KSMT-FM in Breckenridge, Colorado.

Previously, he served as program director and operations manager for Curt Gowdy Broadcasting stations in Laramie, Wyoming, and worked with KVOR-AM and KSPZ-FM in Colorado Springs, Colorado.

“All TV stations have cameras, live equipment, and computers - the people are what make the difference, and Wayne McCormick has made a tremendous difference since his arrival in 1992. Wayne knows the Big Country like no one else. On a daily basis, our news team benefits from his knowledge. Wayne has been invaluable at helping reporters, producers, and other staff members, many of whom are new to the Abilene-area, get acclimated to our wonderful region. We are sad to see him go, but excited for him in the many adventures he will have during his retirement,” said Jason Goodwin, KTXS news director.

Despite his retirement, McCormick hasn’t ruled out future projects with KTXS. He says he wants to travel, and then see what’s next.

KTXS will celebrate McCormick’s last day on the air at 6 p.m. on June 30.

via: KTXS Press Release

From everyone at Townsquare Media in Abilene...Good Luck, Wayne. You're one of the best we've ever known.

More From 92.5 The Ranch