Turner Promoted to Evening News Anchor at KNWA

Source: KNWA Press Release KNWA-TV / KFTA-TV today announced the promotion of Matt Turner from Sports Anchor to Evening Co-Anchor of KNWA Northwest Arkansas News. The announcement was made by Blake Russell, Vice President and General Manager of the television stations.

“It's always a great feeling when we can promote from within,” said Mr. Russell. “Matt has impressed us with his work ethic and his 'can do attitude' covering sports, and we know he'll bring that energy and enthusiasm to the newsroom every day.”

"This is a terrific opportunity for me," said Mr. Turner. "Being a part of the Razorback Nation franchise and watching it grow has been very exciting. But having a chance to co-anchor the newscasts every night - is a dream come true."

Mr. Turner joined the station's Razorback Nation team in 2003 as Weekend Sports Anchor. He's originally from Arkadelphia, AR and is a graduate of Ouachita Baptist University in Arkadelphia, where he also played quarterback for the Tigers.

Mr. Turner caught the eye of many managers when he went to Little Rock to cover former University of Arkansas Basketball Coach Nolan Richardson's race discrimination trial. "Many times sports anchors are comfortable covering games. But when sports transcends into news, it makes them a little uncomfortable," said Mr. Russell. "Not so with Matt. He did a wonderful job updating viewers on what was going on in that courtroom, which proved he could eventually make this transition to the anchor desk."

Before joining KNWA, Mr. Turner worked in radio covering Arkadelphia High School and Ouachita Baptist sports. He also interned at Hooten's Arkansas Football Magazine and at KATV-TV in Little Rock. He and his fiancée Julee Bell, who is also an Arkadelphia native, are planning to be married in January.