WFAA Daybreak anchor Kara Sewell announces departure

Sewell to take maternity leave, return with new anchor role and schedule

Feb. 3, 2026 at 11:31pm

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Kara Sewell, the longtime anchor of WFAA 8's morning newscast Daybreak in Dallas-Fort Worth, announced she is leaving the show for maternity leave. When she returns in June, Sewell will have a new anchor role and schedule, including primarily anchoring the station's digital newscast from 7-9am and then anchoring the noon broadcast.

Why it matters

Sewell's departure and return with a revised role represents a significant shift in WFAA's morning news lineup, as her co-anchor Mark Istook is also leaving the station. The changes come as morning news viewership and formats continue to evolve across the industry.

The details

Sewell has been an anchor on Daybreak for the past eight years. When she returns from maternity leave, she will primarily anchor the 7-9am digital newscast, and then anchor the noon broadcast. This represents a change from her previous full-time Daybreak anchor role. Sewell's co-anchor Mark Istook is also departing WFAA on February 20th, with Dia Wall and Matt Howerton taking over as the new Daybreak anchors three days later.

  • Kara Sewell announced her departure from Daybreak on February 4, 2026.
  • Mark Istook's last day at WFAA is February 20, 2026.
  • Dia Wall and Matt Howerton take over as Daybreak anchors on February 23, 2026.
  • Kara Sewell is expected to return to WFAA in June 2026 in her new anchor role.

The players

Kara Sewell

The longtime anchor of WFAA 8's morning newscast Daybreak in Dallas-Fort Worth, who is departing the show for maternity leave and will return in a revised anchor role.

Mark Istook

Sewell's co-anchor on Daybreak, who is also departing WFAA on February 20, 2026.

Dia Wall

The new co-anchor of Daybreak, taking over the show on February 23, 2026.

Matt Howerton

The new co-anchor of Daybreak, taking over the show on February 23, 2026.

WFAA 8

The Dallas-Fort Worth ABC affiliate where Kara Sewell and the other anchors work.

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What they’re saying

“Kara Sewell announced today she is leaving WFAA 8 Dallas-Fort Worth's morning newscast Daybreak for maternity leave, and that her work schedule won't look the same when she returns after her second daughter is born.”

— Kara Sewell (blogspot.com)

What’s next

Kara Sewell is expected to return to WFAA in June 2026 in her new anchor role, which will include primarily anchoring the station's digital newscast from 7-9am and then anchoring the noon broadcast.

The takeaway

Kara Sewell's departure and return with a revised role at WFAA represents a significant shift in the station's morning news lineup, as her co-anchor Mark Istook is also leaving. These changes come as morning news viewership and formats continue to evolve across the industry, highlighting the need for stations to adapt to changing audience preferences and consumption habits.