Bouncing Out in Bean Town

After nearly a decade on the front lines of New England news, veteran reporter Drew Karedes is stepping away from the WFXT airwaves. Karedes announced his departure via social media Tuesday, marking the end of a nine-year tenure with the station. A North Shore native, Karedes joined WFXT as a general assignment reporter in March 2017, a move that brought his career full circle after years of "criss-crossing the country."

His journey in the industry began 19 years ago in Green Bay, Wisconsin, eventually leading him back to his home market where he became a fixture in the community. During his time at WFXT, Karedes was known for his boots-on-the-ground reporting, covering everything from high-stakes ICE arrests in Lynn to the persistent quality-of-life and safety concerns in downtown Boston. His work often focused on the intersection of local policy and its impact on the daily lives of residents.

In his farewell message to viewers and colleagues, Karedes reflected on the fundamental mission of the craft, stating that he never lost sight of his purpose as a reporter. He emphasized that while the media landscape has evolved significantly during his nearly two decades in the business, the essential value of local journalism remains unchanged.