The 5 Most Influential & Charismatic Albuquerque News Anchors To Watch In 2025
The landscape of local news in Albuquerque, New Mexico, remains highly competitive in 2025, with three major stations—KOB 4, KRQE 13, and KOAT 7—vying for the attention of viewers across the Land of Enchantment. While the term "hottest" is subjective, in broadcast journalism, it translates to the most popular, charismatic, and influential personalities who drive viewer engagement and local conversation. This list focuses on the anchors whose professional excellence, longevity, and strong connection to the community make them the most watched and talked-about figures on Albuquerque's airwaves right now.
This comprehensive guide, updated for December 21, 2025, spotlights the anchors who are not only delivering the evening and morning news but are also shaping the narrative of the Duke City. From Emmy Award-winning investigative journalists to Albuquerque natives who know the community best, these are the faces of New Mexico broadcast journalism.
The Most Prominent News Anchors in Albuquerque, New Mexico (2025)
The following list details the biographies and key career highlights of the most influential news anchors currently leading the broadcasts at KOB 4, KRQE 13, and KOAT 7.
- Doug Fernandez (KOAT 7)
- Station: KOAT Action 7 News (ABC Affiliate)
- Role: Weekday Evening Anchor/Co-Anchor
- Key Highlights: A veteran in the Albuquerque market, Fernandez is the face of KOAT’s evening coverage, co-anchoring the critical 5 p.m., 6 p.m., and 10 p.m. newscasts. He is known for his authoritative delivery and has served as a key moderator for high-profile political debates, including the 2025 Albuquerque Mayoral Debate. His long tenure and consistent presence make him one of the most trusted voices in the market.
- Dean Staley (KRQE 13)
- Station: KRQE News 13 (CBS/FOX Affiliate)
- Role: Principal Anchor and Special Assignment Reporter
- Key Highlights: Dean Staley is a genuine Albuquerque native and one of the market's most recognizable male anchors. His career path includes significant anchoring and reporting roles in larger markets like Seattle (KING 5 News) and Minneapolis, before returning home to New Mexico. Staley’s role as Principal Anchor means he often leads the station's most crucial coverage, frequently partnering with co-anchors like Jessica Garate on major events and debates. His deep local roots provide significant topical authority.
- Jessica Garate (KRQE 13)
- Station: KRQE News 13 (CBS/FOX Affiliate)
- Role: Anchor and Journalist
- Key Highlights: Jessica Garate is celebrated for her influence both on and off the air. She was recently recognized by Albuquerque Business First as one of the state's most influential women, highlighting her impact beyond the news desk. As a prominent female anchor at KRQE, she co-moderates political forums and is a key figure in the station's evening news programming, often working alongside Dean Staley.
- Colton Shone (KOB 4)
- Station: KOB 4 (NBC Affiliate)
- Role: Morning News Anchor
- Key Highlights: Colton Shone is a dynamic and award-winning journalist, known for anchoring the early morning news at KOB 4. He is a 3x Emmy Award-winner, underscoring his professional excellence. Shone is also a proud Diné (Navajo) journalist, bringing a unique and important perspective to New Mexico news coverage, particularly on stories affecting the Navajo Nation and other tribal communities. His engaging style has made him a favorite among morning viewers.
- Shelly Ribando (KOAT 7)
- Station: KOAT Action 7 News (ABC Affiliate)
- Role: Anchor and Reporter
- Key Highlights: Shelly Ribando is another highly visible female anchor at KOAT 7, frequently co-anchoring major broadcasts and special events. She co-moderated the 2025 Albuquerque Mayoral Debate with Doug Fernandez, demonstrating her role as a central figure in the station's political and community coverage. Her presence on the Action 7 News team ensures a consistent and reliable delivery of local and national news to the Albuquerque market.
The Rise of Albuquerque's Local News Stars
The local news ecosystem in Albuquerque is uniquely defined by a strong emphasis on community connection and local heritage. Unlike larger markets, anchors here often stay for long periods, becoming genuine fixtures in the lives of New Mexico residents. This longevity contributes significantly to their popularity and perceived charisma, as viewers develop a long-standing trust with the people delivering their daily news.
The success of anchors like Dean Staley, an Albuquerque native, speaks directly to this trend. His background allows him to cover the nuances of local issues—from the challenges of the Rio Grande to the cultural fabric of Old Town—with an authenticity that resonates deeply with the audience. This local knowledge is a major factor in determining who the "hottest" or most engaging personalities are.
Furthermore, the three main stations—KOB 4, KRQE 13, and KOAT 7—are constantly competing, which pushes their on-air talent to excel. This rivalry fosters a high standard of broadcast journalism in the city, with many anchors bringing Emmy award-winning experience to their roles, such as Colton Shone.
Why Charisma and Credibility Define the 'Hottest' Anchors
In the digital age, being a top-tier news anchor requires more than just reading a teleprompter; it demands a strong digital presence and the ability to connect emotionally with the audience. The most popular Albuquerque news anchors utilize social media platforms to engage with viewers, offering behind-the-scenes looks and responding to community feedback. This level of interaction transforms them from distant figures to trusted community members.
Jessica Garate's recognition as a "Woman of Influence" by Albuquerque Business First highlights this shift. Her influence stems not just from her time on KRQE News 13 but from her overall impact as a New Mexico broadcast journalism personality. Similarly, the work of anchors like Doug Fernandez and Shelly Ribando in moderating crucial political debates for KOAT 7 positions them as civic leaders, adding a layer of credibility and gravitas that viewers find compelling.
The morning news anchors, like KOB 4's Colton Shone, face a unique challenge: they must be energetic and engaging before the sun is up. Their ability to deliver important headlines with warmth and personality is what makes them popular with the early-bird audience. Shone’s identity as a Diné journalist also provides a vital connection to the state's large Native American population, enhancing his topical authority and appeal across diverse New Mexico communities.
The Future of Broadcast Talent in the Duke City
As the media landscape evolves, Albuquerque continues to be a crucial stepping stone for broadcast talent, though many of the most beloved figures are Albuquerque natives who choose to stay. The current team of anchors at KOB 4, KRQE 13, and KOAT 7 represents a blend of seasoned veterans and dynamic younger journalists who are committed to local reporting.
For viewers in the Land of Enchantment, the most influential anchors are those who consistently demonstrate professionalism, a deep understanding of New Mexico issues, and a genuine connection to the people they serve. Whether they are covering breaking news, severe weather, or local human-interest stories, the anchors listed above are the definitive faces of Albuquerque's broadcast journalism in 2025.
Key Entities and Topical Keywords:
- Doug Fernandez
- Dean Staley
- Colton Shone
- Jessica Garate
- Shelly Ribando
- KOB 4 News (NBC)
- KRQE 13 News (CBS/FOX)
- KOAT 7 Action News (ABC)
- Albuquerque, New Mexico
- New Mexico broadcast journalism
- Diné journalist
- Emmy Award-winning
- Albuquerque native
- Evening News Anchor
- Morning News Anchor
- Albuquerque Business First
- Action 7 News Live
- Special Assignment Reporter
- Duke City
- Land of Enchantment
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