Michelle Mackonochie will join the WRAL-TV evening news anchor team after the start of the new year.
Mackonochie – familiar to WRAL viewers after five years as part of the morning news team – will anchor the 4 p.m. and 5:30 p.m. newscasts with Dan Haggerty, and the 10 p.m. and 11 p.m. newscasts with Gerald Owens.
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“There’s something truly special about seeing the right person for a role come from within your own newsroom,” said Heather Gray, VP and General Manager of WRAL and FOX50.
Over her five years with WRAL, Mackonochie has become a trusted presence during breaking news coverage from the Live Center, recognized for her composure, accuracy and connection with viewers.
“Michelle’s professionalism, warmth and commitment to journalistic excellence represent the very best of WRAL,” Gray said. “We’re thrilled to see her continue to grow her career right here at home.”
Starting Jan. 5, 2026, Mackonochie will join a lineup that brings together some of WRAL’s most experienced and well-known journalists.
- 4 p.m.: Dan Haggerty & Michelle Mackonochie
- 5 p.m.: Gerald Owens & Ashley Rowe
- 5:30 p.m.: Dan Haggerty & Michelle Mackonochie
- 6 p.m.: Gerald Owens & Ashley Rowe
- 7 p.m.: Dan Haggerty & Ashley Rowe
- 10 p.m. & 11 p.m.: Gerald Owens & Michelle Mackonochie
Mackonochie says she’s looking forward to this next chapter in her WRAL career.
“I’m so grateful for the opportunity to continue serving our viewers in this new role,” Mackonochie said. “I’ll miss working with our incredible morning team each day, but I’m excited to join the evenings and keep telling the stories that matter to our community.”
The transition reflects WRAL’s ongoing investment in experienced, viewer-centric journalism — and the kind of connection that defines the station’s relationship with its viewers.
“Michelle’s move to evenings is a natural fit,” said Mike Friedrich, WRAL News Director. “She is a talented journalist with sharp instincts, strong storytelling skills, and a deep commitment to our viewers and to our communities. She will be a great addition to an already exceptional team.”
Mackonochie’s transition underscores WRAL’s commitment to local depth, fact-driven reporting and authentic connection with the community we call home.
“When I shared the news with Gerald, Dan, and Ashley, they were thrilled,” Friedrich said. “They know of Michelle’s commitment to our communities every day to make sure WRAL is our region’s most trusted source for news and content.”