KXLY Spokane Adds Derek Deis To Evening News

Derek Deis

After 12 years anchoring Good Morning Northwest on Morgan Murphy-owned ABC affiliate KXLY Spokane, Wash., Derek Deis is changing shifts and will join Kirstin O’Connor on 4 News Now at 5, 6 and Nightside.

He joins the team which also includes chief meteorologist Kris Crocker and sports director Julian Mininsohn. His first day on the evening news is Oct. 23.

“We’re excited for Derek to join our talented evening team,” said KXLY General Manager Teddie Gibbon. “With years of experience and a commitment to excellence, Derek brings a wealth of knowledge to our evening newscasts.”

Deis has been with KXLY since 2009. He first joined the team as sports director before making the switch to morning news in 2011. During his time on Good Morning Northwest, Deis, Robyn Nance and Mark Peterson “enjoyed steady ratings growth and garnered a reputation for straight-forward, trusted broadcasts,” the station said.

Deis has spent his entire career in Eastern Washington. He’s a graduate of Washington State University’s Edward R. Murrow College of Communication. Prior to coming to KXLY, Deis worked at KNDU Tri-Cities, KNDO Yakima and KHQ Spokane.

He won an Emmy for sports reporting and also serves on the broadcast team for WSU Athletics.

“Derek’s experience and knowledge of the Inland Northwest is such an asset to our newsroom,” said 4 News Now News Director Melissa Luck. “This region is home for Derek and he takes a lot of pride in providing relatable, accurate and trustworthy news to his community. When you know your family and friends are watching you, there’s a special motivation make sure you get it right.”

Derek is a proud father of two sons and spends much of his free time watching them play sports.

The search for a new anchor for Good Morning Northwest is underway.