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  • The Des Moines Register

    Chenue Her, known for being country's first Hmong anchorman, is leaving Local 5 News

    By Victoria Reyna-Rodriguez, Des Moines Register,

    2024-08-21

    America's first Hmong anchorman is saying goodbye to his seat on Local 5's "Good Morning Iowa." Chenue Her, a St. Paul, Minnesota native, is wrapping up three years in Iowa on Aug. 30.

    Why is Chenue Her leaving 'Good Morning Iowa'?

    Her said his decision to leave Local 5 was not one he took lightly.

    "My station, my news director, they were very patient with me as I went back and forth, just deciding what I wanted to do next," Her said.

    At the end of the day, Her said he decided to pursue other TV news opportunities.

    More: New anchor joins WOI's 'Good Morning Iowa' this week

    Iowa was an experience unlike anything other, for first Hmong anchorman

    Her said his experience in Iowa has been unlike anything he's experienced. From the kindness he's received from strangers to the impactful stories he's been able to tell. His favorite stories to cover have been those following the AAPI refugee and immigrant community, he said.

    "Outside of stories, just being able to work alongside some people that have really taught me a lot about Iowa and what Iowans are all about," Her said. "It's been great. I've been really just blessed in that sense."

    Local 5 and its parent company, Tegna, extended thanks and best wishes to Her in an email to the Register, calling him an integral part of the team.

    "He’s made an indelible mark on our team and the community we serve," Perry Pace, WOI news director said. "His contributions went beyond delivering the news, he connected with viewers on a personal level, bringing stories that matter to light with great empathy and insight.”

    Chenue Her's departure is the latest staff change at Local 5's 'Good Morning Iowa'

    Her will depart just two weeks after a new co-anchor, Joseph Holloway, joined the show. His previous co-anchor, Samantha Mesa, left the station in May . The show's meteorologist, Brandon Lawrence, left in March and joined DART as a communications specialist.

    Victoria Reyna-Rodriguez is a general assignment reporter for the Register. Reach her at vreynarodriguez@registermedia.com or follow her on Twitter @VictoriaReynaR .

    This article originally appeared on Des Moines Register: Chenue Her, known for being country's first Hmong anchorman, is leaving Local 5 News

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