Married couple will co-anchor the news on KSHB, Channel 41

How’s this for chitchat on the anchor desk: “Honey, did you remember to take out the trash?”

OK, that probably won’t happen, but it could: KSHB, Channel 41, announced Wednesday that it has hired Rhiannon Ally, wife of new anchor Mike Marusarz — and that the couple will co-anchor the news together. Both are Kansas City area natives.

Husband-and-wife anchor teams aren’t unheard of, but it’s a phenomenon that’s never been seen on Kansas City television before.

Married couples anchor together at WCCO in the Twin Cities, at KTAL in Shreveport, La., and at a Canadian station, CBC Calgary. Years ago, CNN had two such pairings, one of which — Dave Walker and Lois Hart — went on to co-anchor at a Sacramento, Calif., station. Boston used to have a husband-and-wife team too.

Marusarz started as a “41 Action News” anchor in May after leaving a Miami station, where he was an evening anchor. Ally was a morning and noon anchor at a rival Miami station.

Both worked in television here several years ago (Marusarz at Channel 41, Ally at KCTV-5).

Ally, before working at WFOR in Miami, had been an entertainment reporter and morning anchor for WCBS in New York City. A native of Raytown and a graduate of the University of Missouri-Kansas City, she started her TV career at WIBW in Topeka.

KSHB said Ally will “initially” co-anchor with her husband at 5 and 6 p.m. weekdays. She starts June 15.

So what does this mean for Marusarz’s current anchor partners?

Jadiann Thompson, the 6 p.m. co-anchor, left the station last week for a job at NBC affiliate WHDH in Boston. She will work as a weekend evening anchor and weekday reporter. She announced her new job and sent out thanks to Kansas City viewers on Facebook recently.

Christa Dubill, who has been co-anchoring at 5 and 10 p.m., will continue to work with Marusarz at 10 p.m., at least for the time being. She will also start co-anchoring (with Justin Wilfon) KSHB’s low-rated news program “The Now” at 4 p.m.

Dubill anchored solo for several months following the departure of Mark Clegg last summer.

Monday night on her Facebook page, Dubill posted this: “Just a little note to say thank you for letting me be a part of your news team.” That led to speculation among her fans that she was departing, but KSHB says that’s not the case.

Neither Dubill nor news director Carrie Hofmann could be reached for comment.

In a statement, Ally said: “I’ve been fortunate to have some amazing experiences around the country. Now, as we grow our family, I’m excited to experience Kansas City, our hometown, as a mother — with many of our family and friends nearby.” Marusarz and Ally have a 16-month-old son, Roman.

“We can’t wait to show our son all the wonderful things about this area. From the Chiefs and Royals to all the fantastic restaurants, he will get to know an area that is very special to us.”

KSHB said it finished No. 2 at 10 p.m. during the May ratings period, although it was neck and neck with KCTV-5. As usual, KMBC, Channel 9, dominated at 10 p.m.

Wednesday’s announcement represents just one more shakeup on local anchor desks. Ellen McNamara recently replaced Karen Fuller at KCTV, and veteran anchor Kris Ketz moved from mornings to evenings on KMBC.

This story was originally published June 3, 2015 at 2:15 PM with the headline "Married couple will co-anchor the news on KSHB, Channel 41."