Nexstar Anchor Signing off

A longtime anchor and reporter in central Iowa is signing off after two decades at her station. Jannay Towne announced she will be leaving WHO-13, the Nexstar-owned NBC affiliate in Des Moines.

Towne joined the station in 2005 and became a familiar face on the afternoon newscasts. In a Facebook post announcing her departure, she noted that her career involved covering everything from major tornado outbreaks to high-profile court trials. During her tenure, she worked alongside other legacy anchors well-known in the local market, such as Erin Kiernan and Andy Fales.

Her final broadcast is scheduled for August 14.

"It has been a wild ride. It's been a good ride," Towne stated. "But like all things, they always come to an end."

Rod Peterson, the news and content director for WHO-13, praised Towne for her contributions both on-air and off. "She is just the gold standard not only as a journalist but as a person," Peterson said, noting her work ethic and leadership in the community.

While she has not yet announced her next role, Towne confirmed to the Des Moines Register that she plans to exit the broadcast news industry but will continue to live in Iowa.