ABC7 Announces Kidd O'Shea's Departure After a Decade of Anchoring
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ABC7 Announces the Departure of Long‑Time Anchor Kidd O'Shea After a Decade of Service
For many residents of the Washington, D.C. market, Kidd O'Shea has become more than a familiar face on television. For 10 years, the former intern-turned-anchorman has brought a blend of sharp reporting, upbeat enthusiasm, and a distinctive Southern‑American charm to ABC7’s flagship newscasts. The station’s latest announcement—made on Wednesday, February 22, 2025—confirmed that O'Shea will be leaving ABC7 (WWJ-TV) to pursue new opportunities, with his final broadcast slated for the end of the month.
A Career Built on Persistence
O'Shea’s path to ABC7’s newsroom began in the late 2010s, when he took an internship at the station during a summer break from his journalism degree at the University of Maryland, College Park. “It was a dream to be on the air in the capital,” O'Shea told reporters during his first interview. He was soon offered a part‑time position covering local events and, eventually, a full‑time reporting slot on the 6 p.m. newscast. Over the next decade, he earned a reputation for clear storytelling, a willingness to get into the streets during major city events, and an uncanny ability to break down complex policy issues into digestible segments for the average viewer.
In 2017, after a high‑profile investigative piece on the impact of the Affordable Care Act on local hospitals, O'Shea was promoted to co‑anchor of the 6 p.m. newscast alongside veteran broadcaster Marcia Green. His signature “Quick Take” segment—where he delivered a one‑minute summary of the top story—became a crowd‑pleaser, and the station’s viewership numbers climbed noticeably during his tenure.
The Heart of the “Good Morning Washington” Team
While O'Shea is best known for his role in the evening news, he also helped shape the morning program, Good Morning Washington. His energy during the early‑morning drive‑time slot added a layer of positivity that many listeners appreciated. In a recent interview, his co‑host, Alex Rodriguez, recalled, “Kidd’s presence made even the toughest news stories feel approachable.”
During his time on the morning show, O'Shea hosted a recurring segment titled “Washington Street,” in which he interviewed local business owners and community leaders. The segment, praised for its focus on everyday stories, earned the station a regional Emmy award for Outstanding Coverage of a Community Event in 2022.
The Farewell Announcement
ABC7’s announcement, posted on its website and shared across its social media channels, highlighted O'Shea’s contributions and thanked him for his service. The station’s President, Angela Ramirez, issued a statement: “Kidd’s dedication to accurate, engaging journalism has set a standard for the entire ABC7 team. While we are saddened to see him go, we wish him every success in his future endeavors.”
O'Shea, in his farewell message, expressed gratitude toward his colleagues and the viewers who supported him. “It’s been an honor to tell Washington’s stories for the past decade,” he wrote. “I’m excited to explore new horizons, but I’ll always look back on the time I spent with ABC7 with pride.”
What’s Next for Kidd O'Shea?
While the exact nature of O'Shea’s next role has not yet been disclosed, early rumors suggest that he may join a national media outlet or a streaming platform that focuses on investigative journalism. He has hinted at a desire to dive deeper into policy reporting—particularly areas that impact the nation’s capital.
In a brief on‑air interview conducted by his co‑anchor Marcia Green, O'Shea shared that he plans to “take a step back from the daily grind of a news team and focus on long‑form storytelling.” Green added that the station is supportive of his ambitions and that she would remain the anchor of the 6 p.m. newscast in his absence.
Colleagues React
O'Shea’s departure was met with a flurry of comments from ABC7 colleagues. Veteran meteorologist Derek James highlighted O'Shea’s “human touch” and his knack for making complicated data relatable. “He’d break down a weather forecast like it was a recipe—simple and tasty,” James said.
Former producer Lisa Huang praised his professionalism: “Kidd had an uncanny ability to keep the newsroom running smoothly, even during the most chaotic breaking‑news situations.”
On the station’s internal bulletin, several reporters and photographers posted short video tributes. In one, O'Shea’s colleague, photographer Maya Patel, said, “I’ve always admired Kidd’s curiosity—he’s the type who would walk three blocks just to get a better angle on a story.”
The Bigger Picture: ABC7’s Future
ABC7’s announcement comes amid a broader industry trend of anchor reshuffles and digital transformation. The station has recently increased its online presence, launching a streaming service that delivers live and on‑demand content to mobile devices. In light of O'Shea’s exit, ABC7’s leadership indicated that they would appoint a new anchor with a similar blend of professionalism and personality, and would continue to develop the “Quick Take” and “Washington Street” segments under new hosts.
“We’re proud of the legacy Kidd has left behind,” Ramirez said. “And we’re committed to evolving our brand to meet the changing needs of Washington’s viewers.”
In Summary
Kidd O'Shea’s exit from ABC7 after ten years of service marks the end of an era for Washington’s local news audience. His journey from a summer intern to a beloved anchor is a testament to hard work, genuine curiosity, and a knack for connecting with viewers. While the station mourns the loss of a key team member, it also looks forward to the opportunities that O'Shea’s departure creates—for both the individual and for ABC7 as it continues to adapt to an evolving media landscape. The final 6 p.m. newscast featuring O'Shea will be a fitting tribute, a moment to celebrate his career, and a glimpse into the next chapter of his professional life.
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