As ABC’s parent company Disney continues to cut costs, you continue to see some longtime staffers headed for the exit.

WTVD (Raleigh) General Manager Rob Elmore announced he will be joining that list after the November book.

Here is the internal email he sent to the staff.

From: Elmore, Rob
Sent: Monday, October 5, 2026 1:42 PM
Subject: A Personal Note to the ABC11 Team

Team,

After 28 and a half years with two great ABC Owned Television Stations, WTVD and KABC, I have decided to retire, effective at the end of November.

This is a deeply personal decision, and one I make with enormous gratitude. I am especially thankful to Debra OConnell and Chad Matthews for their support of my decision and for their leadership and friendship.

Most of all, I am grateful to all of you here at ABC11, and to the extraordinary colleagues I had the privilege of working alongside in Los Angeles. Throughout my career, I have seen firsthand the relentless commitment our teams bring every day to serving audiences with the very best in local news and community service. It has been an honor to be part of that work.

Over the years, I have often said, “If it was easy, anyone could do it.” Thankfully, I wasn’t working with just anyone. I was working with the very best people in our business.

I have also had the privilege of working for several great leaders during my nearly 30 years with OTV. I have every confidence that Chad will identify the right next leader for ABC11, someone who will build on this station’s success and lead it confidently into the future.

Leaving a career and a company that have meant so much to me is bittersweet. But what I will remember most is the people: your talent, your resilience, your passion for journalism and your commitment to the communities we serve. I am incredibly proud of what we have accomplished together, and even more grateful for the friendships and memories I will carry with me.

Thank you for everything. It has truly been the privilege of a lifetime.

Rob

Rob Elmore
General Manager | ABC11/WTVD-TV Raleigh-Durham-Fayetteville
ABC Owned Television Stations