KVOA names Steve Ryan as new anchor

He is replacing Tom McNamara, who is leaving KVOA in mid-December after more than 17 years as a co-anchor to pursue a career in real estate.

Ryan joins the station from KTVK-TV in Phoenix, where he was an anchor and reporter since May 2011, according to a news release.

“We are very fortunate to get a journalist of Steve’s caliber to help lead our newsroom,” said Cathie Batbie, KVOA news director.

“Not only has he been on the big stage covering major stories that have captivated our nation’s attention, but he’s also worked extensively on the local level,” Batbie said in the release.

Before working in Phoenix, Ryan worked in Las Vegas as an anchor and reporter for KTNV-TV. He was a reporter at WBBH-TV in Fort Myers, Florida, at WALB-TV in Albany, Georgia, and at WECT-TV in Wilmington, North Carolina. Ryan also was a writer and Web reporter for CNN Headline News in Atlanta, according to the release.

Bill Shaw, KVOA president and general manager, said a regional and national search was conducted for the anchor position. “Steve was head and shoulders above the pack. He’s got great on-air energy, and he’s not only a great addition to our team but a great fit for the Tucson community,” Shaw said in the release.

“I’m honored, grateful and humbled to join the News 4 Tucson team,” Ryan said. “The station has a long, proven track record of award-winning journalism and in-depth investigations.”