WMAR Begins Airing Anchorless Newscasts as Scripps Reshapes Local News Model
WMAR in Baltimore started airing some evening newscasts without live anchors as E.W. Scripps rolls out a prerecorded, streaming-oriented production model. Programs open with weather, then move through graphics and prerecorded local and national segments, with occasional dead air. The shift follows layoffs and reduced staffing; longtime anchor Kelly Swoope did not appear in the affected broadcasts, though other newscasts still use anchors.