Jason Sandford
Jason Sandford is a reporter, writer, blogger and photographer interested in all things Asheville.
Former WLOS-TV anchor and reporter Russ Bowen, who left Asheville for Seattle’s KOMO three years ago, has announced that he’s set to return to North Carolina. Bowen will be joining WNCN in Raleigh amid big changes at the station. WNCN is changing from an NBC affiliate to a CBS affiliate in Raleigh, while WRAL, a longtime CBS affiliate, moves to become a NBC affiliate.
Bowen is an excellent reporter and anchor. During his 13-year run at WLOS, Bowen lifted the quality of news reporting at the station significantly. His move to the Seattle market showed just how good he was.
In a Facebook post, Bowen talked about the personal reasons motivating his decision to return to the Tar Heel state:
You might have noticed that I’ve been a bit quiet on Facebook for a while. Much of that time has been spent contemplating about what to do next. As many of you know not long after I moved to Seattle my dad was diagnosed with stage three lung cancer and my mom passed away. It’s been incredibly difficult being this far away. I have made some friends for life and worked with some of the best in the business. Honestly, living here has felt like an extended vacation! But, it’s time to go home and be close to my family. I will be co-anchoring the morning and mid-day newscasts Monday through Friday at WNCN in Raleigh. It’s an honor to have the opportunity to do so as WNCN transitions from NBC to CBS. I will miss a lot about Seattle but, I really am looking forward to some Eastern North Carolina BBQ! Besides they have Starbucks in NC too!!!
Welcome back to North Cackalacky, Russ!
Here’s Bowen’s old bio from his time at WLOS:
RUSS BOWEN first came to News 13 in July of 2000. Russ is a co-anchor for News 13 on My40 at 10pm and reports daily for News 13. Before that, he served as anchor for the Saturday and Sunday editions of News 13 at 6pm and 11pm. He started at WLOS as Bureau Chief of the Western Carolina News Center.
Russ broke the story to the nation about a mountain preacher who told his congregation if they voted for John Kerry they needed to “come to the altar and repent or resign”. He was also the first reporter to ever step inside the controversial Washington DC townhouse where several members of congress live. It’s better known as C Street House.
Russ is no stranger to the Tar Heel state. He grew up in Eastern North Carolina. He came to the mountains from WCTI-TV in New Bern. Russ is an 9 time Emmy Award Winner. He’s won four N.C. Associated Press Awards. He’s been honored by the North Carolina Chapter of Mother’s Against Drunk Drivers and Veteran’s of Foreign Wars.
He has a BA from UNC-Wilmington in Mass Communication and a BA in Media Studies with a concentration in Journalism from UNC-Greensboro where he graduated Magna Cum Laude.
Hey Russ! I live in Raleigh. I have been watching each morning. I noticed your name and wondered if you were the son of my former teacher in Plymouth NC. You look a lot like Mrs. Carol Bowen… Just curious! Welcome back to NC….
Thank you guys for the kind words! At the time the Seattle move was the best choice for me. I’ve gotten to work with some of the best in the business and made some great friends here. But, North Carolina will always be my home. I’m incredibly happy to be so close to my family and to be a part of the exciting change that is coming to WNCN.
Russ Bowen
Welcome back to the Tar Heel state, Russ!