WFAA’s Marc Istook Announces Departure, Erica Lopez Joins Daybreak Team
Fort Worth native and beloved WFAA-TV (Channel 8) Daybreak anchor, Marc Istook, announced his departure on February 20th. Istook, who joined the station in 2019, shared the news with his viewers on Monday, expressing deep gratitude for the opportunity.
“As a kid, I dreamed of getting to work for WFAA and am eternally grateful for having had this opportunity. To the viewers — I’m humbled to have been welcomed into your home, bright and early, day after day,” Istook wrote on social media. He also praised the dedication of the Daybreak team, acknowledging their tireless efforts and often nocturnal preparations for each morning broadcast as “extraordinary.”
In a heartfelt video accompanying his announcement, Istook reflected on his time at WFAA with a touch of humor, quantifying his experience with some unique metrics: 1,057 alarms set for 2 a.m., 1,603 cups of coffee consumed, four memorable Halloween scares, and two signature dance moves. The video montage showcased highlights from his tenure, including coverage of two presidential elections, a severe winter storm, and the historic Texas Rangers’ World Series victory.
A New Face Joins Daybreak: Erica Lopez
As Istook prepares for his next chapter, WFAA’s Daybreak team welcomes a fresh addition: Erica Lopez. Lopez joins the program as the new traffic anchor, bringing experience from her previous role at 9News (KUSA-TV) in Denver, where she served as both an anchor and traffic reporter.
“I try to plan my whole life around not being stuck in traffic,” Lopez shared in her introductory video for WFAA, hinting at her commitment to keeping viewers informed and on schedule.
Istook’s announcement was met with an outpouring of support and well wishes from viewers, many expressing how much they will miss his presence on their daily routine. He assured his audience that this isn’t a goodbye, but rather the closing of one chapter and the exciting beginning of another, promising to share details about his future endeavors soon.
Stay tuned for updates on Istook’s next move and welcome Erica Lopez to the WFAA Daybreak team!
Source: WFAA.com
