Fri Jan 23 12:20:00 UTC 2026: ### WFAA’s Marc Istook Announces Departure from ‘Daybreak’ Amidst Newsroom Changes at Tegna Stations

The Story:
Marc Istook, co-anchor of WFAA 8 Dallas-Fort Worth’s morning newscast “Daybreak,” announced his departure, effective February 20, 2026. Istook, who joined “Daybreak” in July 2019, expressed gratitude for his time at WFAA and the support from viewers and his team. His departure coincides with the arrival of Dia Wall and Matt Howerton to WFAA 8 mornings, along with newsroom shifts at Tegna’s Houston sister station, KHOU 11, including the departure of News Director Kathryn Bonfield and Shern-Min Chow. Erica Lopez also joins WFAA 8 DFW.

Key Points:

  • Marc Istook is leaving WFAA 8’s “Daybreak” on February 20, 2026, after joining in July 2019.
  • Istook cited a desire to begin a “new chapter” and hinted at future plans.
  • Dia Wall and Matt Howerton will be joining the WFAA 8 morning team.
  • News Director Kathryn Bonfield and Shern-Min Chow are leaving KHOU 11 Houston, a Tegna sister station.
  • Istook highlighted the “Daybreak” team’s success, including four Emmy wins during his tenure.

Key Takeaways:

  • End of an Era: Istook’s departure marks the end of a significant chapter for “Daybreak” and WFAA 8.
  • Potential Restructuring: The concurrent departures and arrivals across Tegna stations in Texas suggest a potential restructuring or strategic shift within the company.
  • Istook’s Future: The announcement leaves open the question of Istook’s next career move, with potential opportunities in various media fields given his extensive background.

Impact Analysis:

  • Impact on “Daybreak” Viewership: Istook’s popularity may result in a temporary shift in viewership as audiences adjust to the new anchor team.
  • Tegna Strategy: The changes at both WFAA and KHOU could signal a broader strategy by Tegna to revitalize its news programming and adapt to evolving media consumption habits. The addition of Erica Lopez, Dia Wall and Matt Howerton suggest new and different approaches to morning news.

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