Another Legendary South Louisiana News Anchor Announces Retirement After 50 Years in the Business

LAKE CHARLES, La. (KPEL-FM) - It's been a tough stretch these last few months watching legendary television broadcasters hang it up after long and illustrious careers. Recently, greats like Darla Montgomery and Agnes Derouen have called it quits, and now another television legend has announced his upcoming retirement.

Which Louisiana television anchor is set to retire?

Longtime KPLC morning news anchor John Bridges says he plans to retire after more than three decades with the Lake Charles-based TV station.

Bridges joined the 7News team back in 1992, but he's spent almost 50 years in the broadcasting industry.

“I’ve been in broadcasting for 50 years in May, 33 years here at KPLC, and feel it’s time to relax just a bit and not wake up at 2 a.m. each day,” Bridges said. “I’m not going to disappear and plan to stay active in the community. I’ll always love my time at KPLC.”

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John Bridge's beginnings in the broadcasting industry

Bridges got an early start in broadcasting, landing a job at the age of 15 at KIKS-AM radio station in Sulphur, and later moved on to become news director at Q101-FM and KYKZ-FM.

In 1992, he started at KPLC as an assignments director. He later anchored weekend newscasts before joining the 7News Sunrise team in 1996.

A benchmark in which John Bridges will forever be known for

One of the signature segments John Bridges produced was the weekly "Hometown Heroes."

“Interviewing WWII veterans has always been rewarding,” Bridges said, reflecting on his time at KPLC. “Staying behind and covering hurricanes Rita and Laura while they were hitting SWLA was challenging. But knowing we were helping keep everyone informed made it worthwhile.”

Bridges has garnered several accolades over the years, including being recognized by the Associated Press and the Louisiana Association of Broadcasters.

When will John Bridges officially retire?

Viewers still have a little time to enjoy John Bridges as part of their morning routine. He'll stay alongside Rhonda Kitchens on 7News Sunrise through June 2025.

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