Jeff Hogan to join WRAL Morning News team

Jeff Hogan, an award-winning reporter and anchor who spent the past 20 years at WBNS in Columbus, Ohio, will join the WRAL Morning News team in January, and will take the baton from Bill Leslie when he retires next summer.

Hogan is a graduate of the University of Rhode Island who started his career as a sports reporter, working in New Jersey, New York, Texas and Virginia before landing in Columbus.

"Jeff is a seasoned and accomplished anchor who has a real passion for news. He excels during breaking news and continuous coverage, and I’m confident viewers will find him to be personable and engaging. We’re really excited about adding him to the morning team," said WRAL-TV News Director Rick Gall.

Hogan's morning news philosophy is to deliver necessary information without wasting precious time.

"Some of the most important aspects of morning news include getting your day started with information that is going to serve you throughout your day," he says. "News you shouldn't be without, news that will make you smarter, more insightful and maybe even help you win a bet at work."

WRAL-TV General Manager Steve Hammel said, "Our morning team is dynamic. Jeff’s addition to our team will give viewers yet another reason to get their day going in an upbeat, enjoyable way. We are delighted Jeff is joining the WRAL family."

Hogan is married with two teen daughters, and is also a self-confessed "avid endurance junkie" and finisher of triathlons and ultra-marathons.

"I once ran 100 miles in a day and thought it was fun," he says. "I plan to continue punishing myself in North Carolina.

"I am most looking forward to becoming an active part of the Raleigh community as well as meeting and telling the stories of as many of the fine folks of North Carolina as possible, closely followed by becoming an expert NC foodie (practice, practice, practice) and touring beaches, mountains and trails around the state."

Hogan's first day at WRAL will be Jan. 29.