BOISE, Idaho — After 16 years with KTVB Idaho's News Channel 7, Doug Petcash announced Monday that he is leaving later this summer for a new job in Ohio.
Petcash joined KTVB in August 2007 as the morning news co-anchor. For the next 14 years, six months and four days, he worked alongside current "Wake Up Idaho" co-anchor Maggie O'Mara and the late meteorologist Larry Gebert. Following the retirement of Mark Johnson, Petcash moved to an afternoon and evening news anchor position in 2022. He has also hosted KTVB's long-running public affairs program, "Viewpoint," for eight years.
“When I came to KTVB in 2007 I had very high expectations about what the station would mean for my career, but my time here has been an experience beyond my wildest professional dreams," Petcash said. "I have made some of the best friends of my life, whom I will always cherish, and worked with the some of the most dedicated and talented people in every position in the station. With their support and collaboration I feel I have done the best work of my career and have grown so much as a journalist and a person. It’s been such an honor and privilege to part of this team for so many years.”
Petcash has been honored with several Regional Edward R. Murrow Awards and two Emmy awards with the "Wake Up Idaho" morning news team during his time at KTVB, and six more awards from his previous work. The Idaho State Historical Society honored Petcash as "Outstanding Partner" at the 2021 Esto Perpetua Awards.
A calm, confident style has been Petcash's signature trait in presenting the news and conducting interviews with newsmakers. Another hallmark of his time at KTVB has been his connection with the people of Idaho, whether through television, community service with organizations like the Meridian Food Bank, or his performances as a singer-songwriter.
“The people here are some of the nicest, most welcoming I have ever met. Thank you to all the viewers who have let me into their homes at all times of the day; morning, noon, afternoon and evenings," Petcash said. "I have truly enjoyed meeting so many of you when I’m out and about, and can honestly say I don’t remember a negative interaction. Everyone has always been so nice.”
The video below is from Doug's last day as KTVB morning anchor in 2022, with a special message from Larry Gebert, who passed away on April 1 of that year.
Petcash's last day with KTVB will be Aug. 24.
Before coming to KTVB, Petcash worked as an anchor and reporter in eastern Idaho in the late 1990s, then worked for eight years in northern Michigan before returning to the Gem State.
“I’ll miss Idaho, but at least I know I’ve been to every part of the state and enjoyed its trails, ski hills, rivers, mountains, towns, cities and history. It will always hold a special place in my heart,” Petcash said.
In his new role, Petcash will be lead political reporter and Sunday morning public affairs anchor, among other responsibilities, at WBNS in Columbus, Ohio.
“I believe I have found the perfect fit at WBNS for the next challenge in my career. I’ve been able to focus a lot on politics and government here, and I’ll get to do even more of that there. Columbus is also a capital city, so it’s an exciting opportunity to lead political coverage of state politics and be part of covering the presidential race because Ohio is always a key state,” Petcash said.
Petcash's new job will bring him closer to his home state of Pennsylvania. He was born and raised in a suburb of Pittsburgh, and he earned his Bachelor of Arts degree in journalism at Penn State University.
WBNS, a CBS affiliate and a sister station to KTVB under parent company TEGNA, has a solid reputation for journalism and involvement in the community.
“I’ve lived that philosophy here at KTVB for 16 years, and it’s great to know I’m joining a station with the same commitment," Petcash said. "They have a great team of talented journalists who care about and are part of their community.”
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