Local TV station announces new host for public affairs program. Here’s when she’ll start
A Triangle TV news station announced a new host for its weekly public affairs program.
The new host will replace Loretta Boniti, who left Spectrum News 1 North Carolina in late January to take a position with the North Carolina Department of State Treasurer, The News & Observer previously reported.
Sarah Rudlang, who may be familiar to Spectrum News viewers, will host “In Focus North Carolina.” Rudlang has been with the station since 2021 and will continue her work as a weekend anchor in addition to the new assignment.
“My plate is very full. I think for me, there’s just never going to be a dull moment,” she told The N&O in a phone interview. “... Getting to do both is kind of the best of both worlds for me.”
Rudlang, who is an adjunct professor at the UNC-Chapel Hill Hussman School of Journalism and Media, worked at ABC affiliate WDAY in North Dakota as a morning anchor before joining Spectrum News. She also was an assignment editor at WCCO and a reporter, anchor and producer at UTVS in Minnesota, her home state.
She earned a degree in broadcast journalism from St. Cloud State University.
Here’s what to know about the show.
How & when to watch ‘In Focus North Carolina’
Spectrum News 1 has been showing episodes of “In Focus North Carolina” that Boniti, the previous host, recorded before she left the station.
Rudlang’s first episode as host will air at 11:30 a.m. Sunday, March 9 on Spectrum News 1 (available on channel 1 in North Carolina and on the Spectrum News app).
“There’s no shortage of important topics to discuss, from education and economic development to health care and infrastructure,” she said. “So I’m eager to dive into the issues that directly impact our communities.”
The first 30-minute show will feature Gov. Josh Stein and House Speaker Destin Hall, who will discuss top priorities for state leaders during this legislative session.
“I just want viewers to know that I’m deeply committed to storytelling that informs and connects,” Rudlang said.
Recent changes at Triangle TV news stations
- Spectrum News meteorologist Lee Ringer has been absent from live broadcasts as he recovers from surgery to remove skin cancer. But he will be on camera again soon.
- Gilbert Baez left WRAL as the station’s longtime Fayetteville reporter in January, after his contract was not renewed. Here’s what he’ll do next.
