South Bend’s Top Anchors Drive Local News with Health, Economy, and Justice Coverage

For decades, Channel 22 South Bend has stood as a trusted voice in Northwest Indiana, delivering real-time updates and in-depth analysis shaped by its experienced news anchors. From breaking weather alerts to breaking stories on local government and community impact, the station’s talent pool remains a cornerstone of regional public service. At the helm, the top anchors blend journalistic rigor with deep local connection—effectively translating complex issues into accessible narratives that resonate across generations.

The Heart of South Bend News: Anchors as Community Storytellers

Channel 22’s on-air leadership—beginning with veteran anchor Ashley Morgan and joined by rising star Marcus Reed—epitomizes the station’s commitment to hard-hitting yet empathetic reporting. Their coverage goes beyond headlines, connecting South Bend residents with critical developments affecting their daily lives. Morgan, whose tenure spans over 15 years, emphasizes storytelling rooted in lived experience.

“We don’t just report the news—we help people understand what it means to live here,” Morgan stated during a recent interview. “Whether it’s rising healthcare costs or the county’s evolving economic landscape, we aim to give context, not just facts.” Reed, joining the team two years ago, brings a sharp focus on emerging local issues, particularly in education and public safety. His segments often highlight underreported voices, including students navigating school district transitions and families impacted by criminal justice reforms.

Healthcare: A Pressing Concern in South Bend – Anchors Spotlight Critical Gaps

South Bend’s anchor team continues to prioritize health policy as a central beat, reflecting growing local anxiety over access to care and affordability. Recent reports have exposed shortages at major regional hospitals, delayed specialist appointments, and rising prescription costs—all unpacked with clarity and urgency. During a special hour-long broadcast, Morgan led coverage of a newly released county health assessment, revealing disparities in primary care availability across North County.

Her probing questions challenged administrators to address systemic delays. Reed followed with human-interest pieces on residents facing long waits at clinics or managing chronic illness without reliable insurance. The anchors consistently collaborate with medical experts and public health officials, ensuring balanced reporting.

In a recent segment, Morgan said, “We hear from patients who’ve waited weeks for routine care. Our job isn’t to diagnose but to hold institutions accountable—so no one feels overlooked.” This approach has earned recognition from local health advocates, who praise the station for elevating critical conversations long sidelined in broader regional media.

Economic Shifts: Jobs, Growth, and the Struggle to Revitalize South Bend

Beyond health, Channel 22 anchors are foregrounding South Bend’s economic evolution—its challenges and emerging opportunities.

The post-industrial transformation of the city demands nuanced storytelling, a mission the team delivers through consistent data-driven reporting and candid interviews with business leaders, workers, and policymakers. Morgan’s in-depth series on downtown revitalization explored both progress and pitfalls. From the redevelopment of the South Bend Commons to the pushback from small business owners over rising rents, her reporting captured the tension between progress and equity.

Reed amplified this narrative by profiling entrepreneurs leveraging state incentives and community land trusts to maintain affordable commercial space. “Local economic health affects everyone,” Reed noted in a segment examining labor trends. “We’re tracking shifts in manufacturing, healthcare employment, and clean energy jobs—because understanding where the economy is going helps leaders and residents prepare.” Their work has sparked city council reviews and public forums, demonstrating media’s real-world impact.

Justice and Accountability: Holding Power to Task

Investigating government transparency and law enforcement practices remains a defining strength of Channel 22’s journalism. The anchors consistently hold power to account, whether scrutinizing municipal policies or amplifying community calls for reform. Morgan’s coverage of recent criminal justice reforms underscored both progress and persistent gaps, featuring testimonials from reform advocates and frontline officers alike.

Reed’s report on police accountability—highlighting body camera misuse and community distrust—sparked a dialogue with city officials, leading to proposed policy changes now under review. Experienced reporter, Morgan said, “Journalism isn’t just about revealing truth—it’s about creating space for dialogue.” This ethos defines the anchors’ approach: balanced, rigorous, and relentlessly focused on public interest.

What Makes the Top 22 Anchors Uniquely Impactful?

The lasting influence of Channel 22’s anchors stems from a rare blend of journalistic discipline, regional empathy, and relentless curiosity.

Their storytelling meets communities where they are, avoiding overly technical jargon while demanding institutional transparency. Their coverage reflects Northwest Indiana’s diverse landscape—urban and suburban, rural and industrial—giving voice to perspectives often missing in national news cycles. By anchoring high-stakes topics with clarity and respect, they foster informed civic engagement.

“People tune in not just for the news, but to feel seen,” Morgan remarked. “When you cover a story that mirrors your neighborhood, your fears, your hopes—you build trust.” That trust fuels a larger mission: a better-informed public ready to shape the future.

Looking Ahead: The Role of Local Journalism in a Changing South Bend

As South Bend continues to evolve, Channel 22’s top anchors remain its most reliable guide.

Their commitment to accuracy, context, and real impact ensures that residents stay not just informed—but engaged. In an era of fragmented media, their steady presence offers a rare anchor of reliability. Each broadcast isn’t just reporting news; it’s strengthening the city’s social fabric—one story at a time.