Monday, Dec. 9 update:WCPO-TV anchor Ryan Houston is heading to Pittsburgh's WPXI-TV (Channel 11), the NBC affiliate owned by Cox Media Group.
Channel 9's morning and noon anchor will have "a similar role" at WPXI-TV starting the end of December, the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reported.
"We are excited to have someone with his experience, and passion to help people, join our newsroom. Whether on the anchor desk or reporting in the field, Ryan will become a valuable member of our team of dedicated journalists," said Scott Trabandt, WPXI-TV news director, to the Pittsburgh paper.
Pittsburgh is the 24th largest TV market, according to the Nielsen Company. Cincinnati is No. 37.
Original story Tuesday, Dec. 4: WCPO-TV morning and noon anchor Ryan Houston is heading to Pittsburgh.
"This wasn't an easy decision because I've grown to love all things Cincinnati," said the Arkansas native in a Facebook post Tuesday morning.
"This new opportunity is something that will allow me to grow professionally," said Houston, who came to Cincinnati three years ago from WAPT-TV in Jackson, Miss.
Houston is the second anchor planning to leave WCPO-TV this month. Sports Director John Poppvich retires after 40 years on Dec. 27.
Hired in January 2017, Houston replaced Julie Dolan as anchor of the 4 p.m. Now Cincinnati. He later moved to the morning and noon newscasts. He also reports a trouble-shooting segment called "Houston, We Have A Problem." On his WCPO-TV bio, Houston noted: "I love the fact that my job gives us the power to hold the powerful accountable."
He leaves the station Monday, Dec. 9, according to the Cincinnati Herald, which broke the story Monday. Houston starts as a Pittsburgh anchor-reporter Dec. 31.
The 2010 University of Central Arkansas graduate also has worked for WALB-TV in Albany, Ga., and WRDW-TV in Augusta, Ga. He noted on his WCPO-TV bio that Cincinnati "is the biggest city I've ever lived in."
Pittsburgh is bigger. It is the 24th largest TV market, according to the Nielsen Company. Cincinnati is No. 37.
"You all stuck with me in the evenings when I first started at WCPO and then dealt with me early in the mornings and for that, I'm forever grateful," Houston said.
"I still have friends in the area and plan to come back to visit them regularly…. I hate goodbyes, so I'll just say see you later."
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