KTVZ News promotes Kelsey Merison to Evening Anchor, Assumes new role with Lee Anderson on August 3rd

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) -- KTVZ News is excited to announce the promotion of Kelsey Merison to evening anchor. Merison will begin her new role on Monday, August 3rd.

Since returning to Oregon from Montana, Merison has helped people throughout Central Oregon start their day as co-anchor of KTVZ News at Sunrise. Through her current role, Merison has become a familiar and trusted face for viewers each weekeday morning.

Alongside the Sunrise team, Merison has covered breaking news, severe weather events and stories that have made a meaningful impact across the high desert.

Now, Merison will bring that same commitment and community-focused journalism to KTVZ's evening newscasts, where she will help guide viewers through the day's biggest stories and the issues that matter most to Central Oregon.

"Kelsey has earned the respect of everyone in our newsroom through her professionalism, preparation and unwavering commitment to great journalism," said Gregory Deffenbaugh, News Director of KTVZ News. "She's a natural leader who raises the bar for those around her, mentors younger journalists and approaches every story with integrity and compassion. Her ability to connect with viewers while maintaining the highest journalistic standards makes her an outstanding choice to lead our evening broadcasts."

Merison's promotion reflects KTVZ's ongoing commitment to developing talent from within while continuing to provide viewers with trusted local news coverage across every daypart.

"Kelsey represents everything we value at KTVZ," said Ron Parodi, Vice President and General Manager of KTVZ-TV. "She has built genuine relationships throughout Central Oregon by showing up, listening and engaging with the communities we serve. Whether she's reporting on important local issues, participating in community events or meeting viewers face-to-face, Kelsey has demonstrated an authentic commitment to making Central Oregon a stronger place. We're excited for our audience to continue that connection with her each evening."

Merison said she is grateful for the opportunity to continue serving Central Oregon viewers in her new role.

"It has been an incredible privilege to wake up with our viewers every morning over the past two years," Merison said. "I'm thankful to everyone who has welcomed me into their homes and trusted me to deliver the news that matters most. I'm excited for this next chapter and look forward to continuing to serve our communities each evening alongside our outstanding KTVZ team."

Merison will make her debut as evening anchor on Monday, August 3rd.