Stories Of Women Former Keloland News Anchors Who Made A Mark

It's truly something to consider the impact of individuals who shaped how we get our local news, especially those who pioneered new paths. For many years, the faces we saw bringing us the daily happenings were mostly men, but that, you know, has steadily changed. This piece takes a look back at some of the remarkable women former Keloland news anchors who left their significant mark on local television.

We’re talking about individuals whose voices became familiar parts of our homes, sharing important updates and helping us understand what was happening around us. These women, in a way, broke ground in a field that was, for a long time, not as open to female voices in prominent roles. Their work helped pave the way for others.

So, as we think about the history of television news in our area, it's really important to remember these trailblazers. They brought dedication and skill to their roles, shaping how local stories were told and how information reached the community, and stuff. They were, in some respects, at the forefront of a change that has continued to evolve.

Table of Contents

• A Look Back at Trailblazing Voices
  • Joan Russell: A True Pioneer
  • Lower: A Long-Standing Presence
• The Evolving Role of Women in News
  • Early Days and Progress
  • Beyond the Broadcast: Community Impact
• Frequently Asked Questions About Keloland's Female Anchors
• Their Lasting Contributions to Local News

A Look Back at Trailblazing Voices

When you think about the history of local television news, particularly at a station like Keloland, it's pretty clear that certain individuals truly stand out. These were the people who brought us the news day in and day out, building a connection with viewers. Among them, some women made a particularly notable difference, kind of setting the stage for future generations of broadcasters.

It's interesting to consider how the landscape of television news has shifted over the years. For quite a while, seeing women in prominent anchoring positions was, honestly, less common. But, as a matter of fact, the women we’re talking about here were among the first to hold those significant roles, showing everyone what was possible and how capable they truly were.

Their commitment to their work and to the community was, you know, something special. They didn't just read the news; they were deeply involved in telling the stories that mattered most to the people watching at home. This kind of dedication really helped to shape the identity of Keloland's news coverage for many years.

Joan Russell: A True Pioneer

One name that often comes up when discussing the early female anchors in local television is Joan Russell. She was, in a way, one of the first women to truly anchor news in our area, which is a pretty big deal if you ask me. Her presence on screen was, you know, something many people remembered for a long time.

Joan Russell, who grew up in Scotland, brought her unique background and skills to the news desk. She was a familiar face for many viewers, sharing important information and connecting with the community through her work. Her time at Keloland was, as a matter of fact, a significant period for the station and for local news in general.

Sadly, Joan Russell passed away at 64 years old after battling cancer, which happened on a Wednesday night. Her passing, just recently on September 7, 2023, was a moment of reflection for many who remembered her contributions. People really felt her loss, and it was, you know, a reminder of her lasting impact.

Her story is a good example of how much women have contributed to television news, even when their efforts might have been overlooked in the broader historical accounts. Remembering Joan Russell means acknowledging a true pioneer in the field. She was, quite literally, a part of the station's history for a good while.

Here’s a quick look at some details about Joan Russell, based on what we know:

Lower: A Long-Standing Presence

Another notable figure from Keloland's past news team is Lower. She was, in fact, a part of the KELO TV news team for a really long stretch, from 1980 all the way through 1998. That's nearly two decades of dedicated service, which is, you know, quite impressive for anyone in broadcasting.

During her time there, Lower took on several key roles, showing her versatility and commitment. She anchored the morning show, helping people start their day with the latest news. Then, she would also share the noon weather updates, giving viewers important information about the day's forecast. She was, essentially, a very busy person there.

Beyond the studio, Lower also covered the Minnehaha area, bringing local stories directly to the community. This kind of hands-on reporting really connects anchors with the places and people they serve. It shows, in a way, a deeper commitment to local journalism, which is pretty important for a station like Keloland.

Her long tenure means that many people in the area grew up watching her, relying on her for their daily dose of news and weather. This kind of consistent presence builds trust and familiarity with the audience. So, her contribution was, arguably, a significant part of Keloland's identity during those years, too.

Lower’s career at Keloland truly highlights the enduring impact some anchors have on their local communities. She was, basically, a constant presence for almost two decades, which speaks volumes about her dedication and the trust she built with viewers. That, you know, is a legacy worth remembering.

The Evolving Role of Women in News

It's interesting to consider how the presence of women in television news has shifted over time. Women have, as a matter of fact, been a part of television news since its very beginning. However, it’s only more recently that women have truly held prominent positions, like news anchors, in the United States. This change has been, you know, a gradual one.

For centuries, it's been a common pattern for society to, in a way, undervalue the work women perform, and their accomplishments have often been overlooked or simply not included in historical records. This pattern, frankly, extends to many fields, including media. So, when we talk about pioneers like Joan Russell and Lower, we're talking about individuals who were, arguably, pushing against these long-standing norms.

Today, organizations like UN Women, which will celebrate its 15th year in 2025, are a global force working for women’s rights and gender equality, driving change in various sectors. This broader movement for equality helps to set the stage for more women to take on visible and influential roles, like those in news broadcasting. It’s all, you know, connected in some respects.

The labor force participation among women has, too, seen its ups and downs, even starting to fall again in 2025. This shows that the journey towards full equality and recognition is an ongoing one, with various challenges. Nevertheless, the stories of women in media, like those at Keloland, stand as examples of progress and determination.

We can, you know, explore biographies and articles about women making history in many fields, from arts to science to politics. These stories often reveal how women's contributions have been significant but perhaps not always celebrated as widely as they should be. The situation in news, honestly, mirrors some of these larger societal trends.

Early Days and Progress

In the early days of television, the news desk was, more or less, a male-dominated space. Women were often relegated to more supportive roles, or perhaps lighter segments. But, as I was saying, figures like Joan Russell and Lower were among those who stepped into the anchor chair, proving their capability and commanding respect.

Their presence on screen was, in a way, a quiet but powerful statement about the changing times. It showed viewers that women could deliver serious news with authority and grace. This was, you know, a pretty important step in breaking down traditional barriers in the industry, and stuff.

The journey for women to hold prominent positions has been, honestly, a long one, but it has definitely seen significant progress. The fact that we can now look back and highlight these women former Keloland news anchors means that their efforts were not in vain. They helped to normalize the idea of women as trusted news sources.

Today, you often see women in key anchoring roles across various news outlets, including Keloland, with people like Bridget Bennett serving as an evening anchor. Bridget, you know, is an American anchor/reporter working with Keloland News in Sioux Falls, and she enjoys spending time with her family, which is nice. This shows how far things have come.

Angela Kennecke, for instance, is another American news anchor, also an investigative journalist, a philanthropist, and an author. Her diverse contributions highlight the expanded roles women now play in media and beyond. These examples, basically, build upon the groundwork laid by earlier pioneers like Joan Russell and Lower.

Beyond the Broadcast: Community Impact

The influence of news anchors, especially those who stay in a community for a long time, extends far beyond just reading the daily headlines. They become, in a way, a part of the community's fabric, trusted voices during times of calm and during moments of crisis. This is, you know, especially true for learn more about women in media history.

When you hear about an anchor like Joan Russell, who passed away after battling cancer, it’s not just a news item; it’s a personal loss for many who felt they knew her. The Keloland anchor and his wife, for example, have good hearts, as reported in January 2023, showing the personal connection people feel to these figures. It’s about people's lives, truly.

These women, in their roles, often did more than just report. They became faces of reliability and understanding. They had to, you know, put business aside and realize that their work was about peoples lives, which is a very human way to approach news. This kind of empathy makes a big difference.

The fact that Keloland Media Group employs around 60 people, and you can reveal contacts of top managers and employees, shows it’s a significant local institution. The women who anchored there were, basically, at the forefront of this organization’s public face. Their work helped shape the station’s reputation and connection to the community.

Their contributions helped to build a foundation of trust and information that served the Sioux Falls area for decades. It’s a good reminder that the people behind the news desk are, honestly, more than just broadcasters; they are members of the community, too, making a real difference.

Frequently Asked Questions About Keloland's Female Anchors

People often have questions about the history of local news and the individuals who shaped it. Here are some common inquiries about women who have anchored at Keloland, reflecting the kind of things people are, you know, curious about.

1. Who was one of the first female anchors at Keloland to pass away recently?

Joan Russell, who was truly one of the first female anchors in local television, passed away recently at the age of 64. She died on a Wednesday night after battling cancer, with news of her passing shared around September 7, 2023. She was, you know, a very memorable figure for many viewers.

2. How long was Lower part of the Keloland news team?

Lower was a part of the KELO TV news team for a significant period, from 1980 all the way to 1998. That's a total of 18 years, during which she held various roles like anchoring the morning show and doing the noon weather. She was, you know, a very consistent presence for a long time.

3. Have women always held prominent news anchor positions in the United States?

No, not really. While women have been involved in television news since it began, it's only more recently that they have held truly prominent positions as news anchors in the United States. Pioneers like Joan Russell helped to, in a way, change that landscape, opening doors for others. It's a journey that's still, you know, progressing.

Their Lasting Contributions to Local News

The legacy of women former Keloland news anchors is, truly, an important part of the station's history and the broader story of women in media. Their work helped to shape how news was delivered and how communities received information. It’s a reflection of dedication and, honestly, a lot of hard work.

These women, like Joan Russell and Lower, were not just reading scripts; they were connecting with people, sharing stories, and becoming trusted voices in countless homes. Their presence on screen, you know, normalized the idea of women in positions of authority and expertise in broadcasting. This was a pretty big deal for the time.

The impact of these individuals extends beyond their time on air. They inspired others, both within the industry and among the general public, to see what was possible. Their stories remind us that contributions, even at a local level, can have a far-reaching and lasting effect. It's, basically, a testament to their enduring influence.

As we look at the state of news today, with figures like Bridget Bennett and Angela Kennecke continuing to serve as anchors and journalists, it's clear that the path laid by these earlier women has led to significant progress. They were, in a way, true pioneers who helped to build the foundation for the diverse news teams we see now. Their efforts are, you know, truly worth remembering and appreciating.