ST. LOUIS — Reporter Robert Townsend and multi-skilled journalist Laura Barczewski have been promoted and will add weekend anchoring to their duties.
Beginning Sept. 14, Townsend will anchor the 5, 6, and 10 p.m. Saturday evening newscasts. He will continue to work as a general assignment reporter during the week.
Townsend came to 5 On Your Side in May 2019. A native of St. Louis, he has earned various professional accolades, including a 2022 Regional Edward R. Murrow Award, a 2022 Missouri Broadcasters Award, and a 2022 Excellence in Communication Award of Merit from the Urban League of St. Louis. He’s a member of the National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences Mid-America Chapter, and the National Association of Black Journalists.
“I am excited and thrilled for the opportunity to keep growing at KSDK after nearly five years,” said Townsend. “Expanding my wings as our new Saturday anchor will allow me to further share my journalistic skills, utilize my knowledge as a St. Louis native and continue making a difference in our community. Additionally, being tapped now as a reporter/anchor is a childhood dream come true.”
“Robert has been telling stories in the St. Louis market for decades, his dedication and passion for the area has earned him great respect in his hometown,” said Director of Content Morgan Schaab. “His deep connection to St. Louis and award-winning experience make him the perfect fit for the anchor desk.”
Beginning Sept. 22, Barczewski will co-anchor the Sunday 5 p.m. newscast alongside Mike Bush, and report for the 10 p.m. newscast. She will continue to report for the evening newscasts throughout the week.
Barczewski has worked at 5 On Your Side since May 2022 and is a native of the St. Louis region.
“I am so excited about this opportunity to anchor with Mike Bush on Sundays,” said Barczewski. “He is someone I look up to and has been a very encouraging mentor here at KSDK. I cannot wait to take this next step in my career here at the station I grew up watching. I appreciate everyone in the newsroom and beyond who believes in me and has helped me on my journey to be the best journalist for the community I love very much.”
“We are excited to expand Laura’s presence here at 5 On Your Side. Her integrity and versatility make her a strong addition to the Sunday lineup, and we’re excited to see her continue to grow,” said Schaab. “Both Robert and Laura grew up here in St. Louis bringing an invaluable perspective to the stories that matter most to our audience. It's important we elevate those whose passion for journalism is rooted in a genuine love for this city.”
About 5 On Your Side
5 On Your Side is the NBC affiliate in St. Louis, Missouri and has been a leader in local news, information, and community involvement for more than seven decades. 5 On Your Side is owned by TEGNA Inc. (NYSE: TGNA), an innovative media company that owns and operates 64 television stations in 51 markets. To learn more about 5 On Your Side, please visit KSDK.com.
For more information contact:
Alicia Elsner, 314-444-5256
