Detroit WXYZ Anchor/Reporter Brian Abel Headed to CNN

Brian Abel

WXYZ anchor and reporter Brian Abel is leaving the station after seven years to join CNN. He'll be based in Washington, D.C.

"The time has come Detroit, and what a ride it was," Abel posted on X. "The city and its people are incredible, making what comes next bittersweet. I'll be leaving WXYZ in just a few weeks. I came here in 2017 as a morning reporter and quickly learned the journalism community here is filled with outstanding people."

CNN announced on Tuesday:

Brian Abel joins CNN as a correspondent for CNN Newsource, reporting for the network’s more than 1,000 affiliate partners, the network announced today. 

Abel graduated from Western Michigan with a degree in journalism.

Before coming to WXYZ, he reported for KSHB in Kansas City, WDAY in Fargo, N.D. and WDAZ in Gand Forks, N.D. In 2020, at WXYZ, he earned an Emmy Award from the Michigan chapter of the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences for  highlighting the issues involving a drug pipeline in “Connected in Crime: Detroit to West Virginia.”

"To the people of Detroit. Thank you," he wrote on X. "Thank you for sharing your stories. Thank you for all the kind words over the years, and Thank you for the opportunities you've given. You will be truly missed."