Bob Donaldson leaves Fox59, remains anchor on CBS4

Veteran news anchor Bob Donaldson will leave the 10 p.m. newscast at WXIN-TV Fox59 but continue at sister station CBS4Indy, where he already co-anchors three evening broadcasts with Debby Knox.

Donaldson joined Fox59 in 1991. On its website, the station said he was “instrumental” in the launch of its 10 p.m. newscast. In addition, Donaldson has helped launch each of the station’s other early newscasts, including shows at 4 p.m., 5 p.m., 6 p.m. and 7 p.m.

“It’s been the thrill of a lifetime watching FOX59 News grow from a single half hour newscast to become one of the leading TV news organizations in the country,” Donaldson said on the station’s website.

Donaldson made the move to WTTV-TV Channel 4 when the station picked up the CBS affiliation from WISH-TV at the beginning of 2015. Both CBS4 and FOX59 are owned by The Tribune Co. and are located in the same building on the city’s northwest side. Donaldson was able to move from one set to another easily as he anchored for both stations each night.

Dan Spehler will now join Fanchon Stinger as anchors of Fox59’s 10 p.m. newscast. Already, the pair anchor the station’s 5 p.m., 6 p.m. and 7 p.m. shows.

“Dan and I have worked closely together over the years,” Donaldson said on the Fox59 site. “Central Indiana is fortunate to have a journalist with his talent and credibility to take over the 10 p.m. franchise with Fanchon.”