Tegna Anchor Calling it Quits

Longtime KSDK (St. Louis) Anchor Mike Bush has announced he will retire in August 2026, concluding a career at the Tegna-owned NBC affiliate that has spanned more than four decades. Bush, who has been a cornerstone of the St. Louis market since the mid-1980s, intends to remain behind the desk through several major broadcast milestones, including the station's move to a modernized newsroom in early 2026 and the network’s coverage of the Super Bowl and the Winter Olympics.

Bush originally joined KSDK as a sports reporter in 1985 and was promoted to sports director the following year. After nearly two decades in the sports department, he transitioned to the news desk in 2002, where he has anchored the station’s primary afternoon and evening newscasts ever since. In a statement regarding his decision, Bush noted that despite receiving opportunities to move to other markets over the years, he prioritized "planting roots" at the Tegna station.

KSDK General Manager Alicia Elsner and News Director Tim Geraghty both acknowledged the significance of Bush's departure, describing him as the "heart and soul" of the "5 On Your Side" brand. Geraghty confirmed that while the station will eventually name a successor to co-anchor its evening broadcasts, the transition process is in its early stages.

The announcement comes on the heels of Bush's most recent induction into the St. Louis Media History Hall of Fame in April 2025. Throughout his tenure, he became widely recognized in the industry for his "Making a Difference" franchise, a long-running series of human-interest stories that focused on community impact and personal resilience. Bush attributed his longevity and the success of his reporting to the collaborative nature of the KSDK newsroom, stating that television news remains a team effort.