Larry Conners,the KMOV anchor who said on facebook the IRS targeted him after an interview with President Obama last year, is off the air until further notice.

“He’s not suspended. We just all thought it made sense (for him) to take a few days off,” Sean McLaughlin, news director for the St. Louis CBS affiliate, told the St. Louis Post-Dispatch. “We take this very seriously, and we don’t expect this to drag on. We’re still looking into the situation and weighing our options.”

>UPDATE: Conners’ attorney told TVSpy in a statement, “As the attorney for Larry Conners, I am constrained to advise you that he is barred by corporate from making statements, posting on Facebook, or participating in interviews on the IRS issue. That is the only reason for his silence.” Read more

Chris Stanford will join St. Louis CBS affiliate KMOV as evening weekend anchor.

Stanford posted the news to his facebook page, “It’s been a great year and a half here at WCCO-TV. I feel I’ve learned a great deal and have worked with so many talented people. So, “where are you going”, you ask? St. Louis!! I start Monday at the CBS affiliate KMOV.”

Stanford comes to KMOV from WCCO in Minneapolis where he has been the morning anchor since August 2011.  He previously worked at WQOW in Eau Claire, WI.

News director Sean McLaughlin told the St. Louis Post-Dispatch Stanford will anchor his first newscast next weekend.

Lauren Trager, weekend anchor for Little Rock NBC affiliate KARK, has announced she will be joining KMOV in St. Louis, MO.

KMOV news director Sean McLaughlin confirmed with TVSpy, Trager will join the St. Louis CBS affiliate as a general assignment reporter.

Trager made the announcement on her facebook page saying, “It is with very mixed emotions I make this announcement to you all: I’m leaving KARK. Thank you for all the kindness you have shown me here. I’ll always be so fond of my time in Arkansas. Best wishes to you all!”

Trager, who started at KARK in 2008, said her last day at KARK will be Wednesday.

[Arkansas TV News]

If viewers of St.Louis CBS affiliate KMOV have been wondering what happened to anchor Larry Conners, they can wonder no more.

According to the St. Louis Post-Dispatch, Conners has been out of action after a second rotator cuff surgery. He posted the slow progress of his recovery on facebook last week saying,

Pain meds not working again but think infection is improving. Seeing doctor tomorrow. Still hoping [t]o be back on air soon. As always thanks for prayers and don’t forget those much worse off. Read more

KMOV will begin airing a Saturday morning news show beginning tomorrow.

Sean McLaughlin, executive news director for the St. Louis CBS affiliate, told the Post-Dispatch, “We started the KMOV Sunday Morning News in September. Saturday mornings is the next logical step.”

Diana Zoga and Meteorologist Kristen Cornett will anchor the show which airs from 5 to 6 a.m. and again from 7 to 8 a.m.

KMOV has announced Katie Horner will join the St. Louis CBS affiliate on January 7.

“I have spent 17 years studying, forecasting and helping people through every aspect of Missouri weather from ice storms, heat waves, floods and tornadoes,” Horner said. “It’s an honor to join KMOV’s team of dedicated, skilled meteorologists led by Steve Templeton.”

Over the summer, Horner announced she was leaving Kansas City’s KCTV to spend more time with her daughters. When she left the station last month, she said, “I still don’t know what I’m going to do when I leave KCTV 5.”

“There are few people who have the credentials Katie will bring to News 4,” said Sean McLaughlin, executive news director at KMOV. “She is a severe weather expert and will bolster our already strong weather team.”

Horner will forecast the weather on the Noon and 5 p.m. newscasts.

Sharon Reed has joined KMOV, the St. Louis CBS affiliate as anchor for the 6 p.m. and 10 p.m. news.

“In my career, I’ve enjoyed digging for stories and delivering exclusives.  It’s not a job… it’s my absolute passion,” Reed said in a statement posted to the station’s website.  “I also believe in tackling assignments from a fresh perspective and with a different approach.  It’s made me a better journalist and, I’d like to think, it’s helped the people who watch look at some things in a whole new way.”

Reed, who last worked for WOIO in Cleveland, may be best known for participating in a nude photo as part of a story she was covering about artist Spencer Tunick‘s photography installation.  She has also been rumored to have been linked with NBA star Le Bron James.

Read more

St. Louis CBS-affiliate KMOV is launching two Sunday morning newscasts, according to the St. Louis Post-Dispatch.

“Sunday mornings are important and successful for KMOV, so this is a perfect place to increase our news presence,” executive news director Sean McLaughlin said. “This newscast will have a similar look and feel to what we bring viewers in weekday mornings already.”

The newscasts, which are slated for a July premiere, will air from 7 to 8 a.m. and 10:30 to 11 a.m. John Knicely and Diana Zoga will anchor, with meteorologist Kristin Cornett on weather.

Melanie Streeper was preparing to start her new job as traffic reporter with KMOV when she learned that the job no longer existed.  And now she’s suing the St. Louis CBS-affiliate for breach of contract.

According to STLtoday.com, Streeper filed suit in St. Louis Circuit Court this week and is seeking a judgment “in excess of $82,000.”  Included in the court documents is a letter from KMOV news director Sean McLaughlin that includes the line “I am pleased to offer you the position of traffic reporter for KMOV.”

McLaughlin tells STLtoday.com that there “was never a signed contract.” Read more