Laurel Staples is joining KECI, the NBC affiliate for Missoula, MT as morning anchor.

“Laurel brings a wealth of regional knowledge and journalism experience to NBC Montana,” said Chris Grogan, Director of News Operations for NBC Montana.

Staples takes over for Rob Hudson who left KECI for WDAZ in Grand Forks, N.D.  NBC Montana’s morning show, “Montana Today” covers Western and Southwestern Montana on KECI in Missoula, KCFW in Kalispell, MT and KTVM in Butte-Bozeman.

“This is an opportunity for me to work with an impressive news team providing a two hour live show to an extensive broadcast area,” said Staples. “And, on a personal note, it’s a chance for me to serve a region that has played such a huge role in my life.  News is what I love to do and I look forward greeting viewers first thing in the morning and bringing them the information they need to help start their day.”

Staples previously worked at KXLF in Butte, MT.