BOISE -- For 16 years she’s co-anchored Idaho’s #1 morning newscast on Idaho’s News Channel 7. But this month Maggie O’Mara is taking time away from television to welcome a baby boy to her growing family. So who will fill her chair in the mornings? Maggie called on her friends in broadcasting to join #TeamMaggie and take a turn in her seat on Today’s Morning News.
“I am so proud of my work family,” Maggie explains. “Doug, Larry, Joe, producers Tess and Megan, and our editor Nick put in hours of work before most people wake up. Together this year we were honored with the Idaho State Broadcasters Association and the Northwest Regional Emmy awards for best morning newscast. Knowing the pride they take in this newscast, I am pleased to say they will be in good hands while I am away. I know #TeamMaggie will take good care of our viewers and our morning team. And you know I am going to be watching from home!”
November 1 - 4
Andrea Dearden is back to co-anchor with Doug for #TeamMaggie. Andrea worked at KTVB from 2003 to 2007 as a weekend anchor and crime reporter. She is now the Director of Communications with the Ada County Sheriff's Office. She is also married to KTVB's Brian Holmes.
On her first day back, it was like riding a bike!
On her second day, Andrea gave Larry his first ever Pilates lesson.
Andrea also gave Doug Petcash and Larry Gebert a lesson in cake decorating - another one of her hobbies.
On her final day as guest anchor, Andrea called TV news her "first love."
Nov. 14-18
KTVB's own Carolyn Holly returned to the air Monday, Nov. 14 to fill in for Maggie. Carolyn retired from TV news in February after 33 years at Channel 7.
But with Maggie on leave, Carolyn took a break from her new job at St. Alphonsus Health System to host Today's Morning News alongside Doug and Larry. Carolyn will be here all week!
Nov 21- 23
Former KTVB reporter Ysabel Bilbao is the latest to take the anchor chair while Maggie is on leave. Ysabel worked at Channel 7 from 2004 to 2010. Even though she has left the news business, Ysabel and Maggie remain close friends.
Ysabel even jokes that she is "100 percent responsible" for Maggie's growing family - she introduced Maggie and husband James, and even served as the maid of honor in their wedding!
So who will be next? We’ll reveal the identity of each #TeamMaggie guest host on Today’s Morning News the day before their first morning newscast from October 26 through November 25. Loyal KTVB watchers will recognize some familiar faces, including a few they may not have seen in a while. So stay tuned!
Today’s Morning News airs weekday mornings from 5 a.m. to 7 a.m. on KTVB, and 7 a.m. to 8 a.m. on Idaho’s Very Own 24/7 (Digital 7.2, Cable 13).