The recent announcement of a beloved Fox 59 news anchor’s departure has left Indianapolis viewers stunned. After years of delivering trusted news coverage to Central Indiana homes the veteran broadcaster is set to embark on a new chapter in their career.
Local news personalities often become integral parts of their communities and this departure marks a significant change for the Indianapolis media landscape. Fox 59’s news team has built a strong reputation for delivering accurate breaking news and in-depth reporting making this transition particularly noteworthy for loyal viewers who’ve welcomed the anchor into their homes each day.
Breaking News: Beloved Fox 59 Anchor’s Departure
Beairshelle Edmé announced her departure from Fox 59 News on January 15, 2024, marking the end of her three-year tenure as evening news anchor. The Emmy-nominated journalist shared the news through her social media platforms, expressing gratitude to the Indianapolis community.
During her time at Fox 59, Edmé anchored the 5 p.m., 6 p.m., 7 p.m., and 10 p.m. newscasts, delivering critical coverage of:
- State legislative sessions at the Indiana Statehouse
- Major criminal investigations across Central Indiana
- COVID-19 pandemic developments
- Local economic impact stories
Key achievements during her Fox 59 career:
Achievement | Year |
---|---|
Emmy Nomination | 2022 |
Indiana SPJ Award | 2023 |
Community Service Award | 2023 |
Edmé’s professional move takes her to WRAL-TV in Raleigh, North Carolina, where she’ll serve as primary evening anchor. Her last broadcast on Fox 59 aired on January 12, featuring a heartfelt farewell to viewers alongside co-anchor Dan Spehler.
The station management confirms a national search for her replacement remains underway, with interim coverage handled by existing Fox 59 news team members. Station Director Tom Kosowski emphasized maintaining consistent news delivery during this transition period.
Details of the Announcement

Beairshelle Edmé’s departure announcement came through official Fox 59 channels on January 15, 2024, followed by her personal social media posts detailing the transition.
Timeline of the Decision
Fox 59 management received Edmé’s resignation notice in December 2023. Her final broadcast aired on January 12, 2024, at 10 PM EST. The station announced her departure publicly on January 15, 2024, through its evening newscast. WRAL-TV in Raleigh confirmed her appointment as their new primary evening anchor starting February 2024.
Personal Statement from the Anchor
Edmé shared her decision through Instagram posts highlighting her gratitude toward Indianapolis viewers:
“After three incredible years serving Central Indiana, I’m moving to a new chapter. Thank you for welcoming me into your homes each evening. Together, we’ve covered moments that matter—from statehouse sessions to community triumphs.”
- Her appreciation for Indianapolis’s diverse communities
- The professional growth opportunities at Fox 59
- The meaningful connections formed with local leaders
- Her excitement about joining WRAL-TV’s news team
Impact on Fox 59 News Team
The departure of Beairshelle Edmé creates significant changes in Fox 59’s newsroom dynamics. The station’s management implements strategic measures to maintain broadcast quality during this transition period.
Temporary Replacement Plans
Fox 59’s existing news team steps in to fill the evening anchor position temporarily. Angela Ganote leads weekday evening broadcasts from 5-7 p.m., while Dan Spehler continues his co-anchor role during the 10 p.m. newscast. The station’s news director confirms rotating assignments among seasoned reporters to ensure seamless coverage across all time slots.
Newscast Time | Temporary Anchor |
---|---|
5:00-7:00 PM | Angela Ganote |
10:00 PM | Dan Spehler |
- Twitter users express appreciation through #ThankYouBeairshelle hashtag with 3,000+ mentions
- Facebook comments highlight memorable coverage moments including her reporting on:
- State legislative sessions
- COVID-19 updates
- Local economic developments
- Instagram followers share personal stories of meeting Edmé at community events
- Local community leaders post messages acknowledging her contributions to Indianapolis journalism
- Viewers express mixed emotions through:
- Support for her career advancement
- Disappointment in losing a trusted news source
- Curiosity about her successor
Looking Back at Their Career
Beairshelle Edmé’s three-year tenure at Fox 59 demonstrates significant professional achievements in broadcast journalism. Her career highlights include notable coverage of critical events in Central Indiana from 2021 to 2024.
Major Stories and Achievements
- Earned an Emmy nomination in 2022 for excellence in news reporting
- Led coverage of 3 state legislative sessions focusing on education reform bills
- Investigated 12 major criminal cases with statewide implications
- Produced in-depth reporting on COVID-19 vaccination rollouts reaching 2.5 million viewers
- Received the Indiana Broadcasters Association Award for community service in 2023
- Conducted 45 exclusive interviews with state officials on economic development
- Anchored 7-hour live coverage during the 2022 downtown Indianapolis flooding emergency
- Moderated 4 town halls addressing racial equity in Central Indiana
- Created “Voices of Change” series featuring 24 community leaders
- Hosted annual “Pack the Pantries” food drive raising $125,000 for local food banks
- Delivered breaking news coverage of the FedEx facility tragedy in April 2021
- Partnered with 15 local organizations for education initiatives
- Led special coverage of the 2023 Indiana State Fair reaching 1.8 million households
What’s Next for the Departing Anchor
Beairshelle Edmé embarks on a prominent role at WRAL-TV in Raleigh, North Carolina, starting February 2024. The move positions her as the primary evening anchor at one of the Southeast’s leading news stations, reaching over 2.1 million viewers across central North Carolina.
Her new position includes:
- Anchoring weeknight newscasts at 5, 6 & 11 p.m.
- Leading special coverage of state government reporting
- Developing investigative series focused on community issues
- Hosting monthly public affairs programming
WRAL-TV’s expanded platform offers:
- Coverage of 23 counties in the Research Triangle region
- Access to advanced broadcasting technology
- Collaboration with NBC News network resources
- Integration with digital streaming platforms
Career Advancement Metrics | Previous Role (Fox 59) | New Role (WRAL-TV) |
---|---|---|
Market Size Rank | #25 | #20 |
Viewing Audience | 1.1M | 2.1M |
News Programs Per Day | 3 | 4 |
Coverage Area Counties | 8 | 23 |
The transition aligns with Edmé’s professional trajectory focusing on larger market opportunities. Her expertise in legislative reporting proves valuable in North Carolina’s capital city, where state government coverage forms a cornerstone of local news programming.
Fox 59’s Search for a New Lead Anchor
Fox 59 launched a comprehensive search process for their next lead anchor following Beairshelle Edmé’s departure. The station’s recruitment strategy focuses on identifying candidates with 5+ years of prime-time anchoring experience in top-30 media markets.
The selection criteria includes:
- Demonstrated investigative reporting background
- Experience covering state legislature proceedings
- Track record of community engagement initiatives
- Multi-platform broadcasting capabilities
- Strong digital presence across social media channels
Current recruitment timeline:
Phase | Timeline | Status |
---|---|---|
Initial Applications | Jan 15-31, 2024 | In Progress |
First Round Interviews | Feb 1-15, 2024 | Upcoming |
Screen Tests | Feb 16-28, 2024 | Pending |
Final Selection | March 2024 | Planned |
The station partners with three national broadcasting recruitment firms to identify qualified candidates:
- Napoli Management Group
- MediaStaff Network
- TV News Talent Search
Fox 59’s news director confirms 15 internal applications from current reporters seeking promotion to the anchor position. The station received 45 external applications from journalists across 12 different states within the first week of posting.
The interview panel includes:
- Station General Manager
- News Director
- Executive Producer
- Community Advisory Board representative
- Sinclair Broadcasting Group executive
Fox 59 maintains regular operations through interim arrangements while conducting their search. Angela Ganote leads the 5-7 p.m. broadcasts with Dan Spehler continuing the 10 p.m. slot.
The station plans to announce the new lead anchor by April 2024 following background checks successful negotiations with the selected candidate.
Conclusion
Beairshelle Edmé’s departure from Fox 59 marks the end of an era in Indianapolis broadcasting. Her impact on local journalism and community engagement has left an indelible mark reflected in viewer reactions and industry recognition.
While Fox 59 moves forward with its search for a new lead anchor viewers can anticipate continued quality coverage through the interim team. Meanwhile Edmé’s new role at WRAL-TV represents an exciting advancement in her career serving a larger market with expanded opportunities.
The station’s commitment to finding a qualified successor demonstrates their dedication to maintaining the high standards of journalism that viewers have come to expect. This transition period highlights both the challenging nature of change in broadcast media and the promising opportunities that lie ahead for all parties involved.