Craig Cannon, long-time anchor for 40/29 News, announces retirement

Craig Cannon, anchor, reporter and former news director for ABC affiliate 40/29 News, will retire Nov. 25 after 37 years at the station. Cannon announced his retirement Wednesday (Oct. 14).

“Craig’s retirement is well deserved after 37 years at 40/29. He’s shared his knowledge and know-how with countless journalists at 40/29. His input and the context he brings to news coverage have been invaluable,” said Colleen Clement, KHBS/KHOG-TV news director.

Cannon began his career at KHBS/KHOG-TV in October 1983 as news anchor and rose to the rank of news director. He later was named vice president and director of news with the Hernreich Broadcasting Company, KHBS/KHOG’s original owner. At the end of 1998, he retired as news director, but continued anchoring the news.

Cannon’s career includes multiple NATAS Mid-America Chapter EMMY Awards, including for Best Evening Newscast and Special Programming. Additionally, Cannon anchored a 40/29 newscast that won the market’s first Edward R. Murrow award for newscast excellence.

“Craig is a true original. He’s an icon in the business and has been an integral part of our newsroom,” said KHBS/KHOG President and General Manager Bruce Barkley. “Craig is a beloved member of our Fort Smith and Northwest Arkansas communities and will be missed.”

Cannon graduated from Oral Roberts University with a bachelor’s degree in communications in 1981. He started his career as an associate producer, first at KJRH-TV in Tulsa, then as a reporter and news anchor at KOAM-TV in Joplin and KTUL-TV in Tulsa before moving to Fort Smith.

“I can’t believe my time with my co-workers and our loyal 40/29 viewers is coming to an end,” said Cannon. “This decision was so tough for me, but my rewarding 37-year career here at 40/29 and Hearst Television has allowed me to work with some very talented professionals in television news. I will miss the great team I work with here and I’ll always have a deep respect for all the many viewers who’ve supported me for so long.”

Daren Bobb, a long-time anchor at competitor KFSM 5 News, praised Cannon’s longevity.

“I’ve known Craig for 36 years. He is a newsman’s newsman who has been a mainstay in this area for close to 4 decades. Being committed to one location like that says a lot about his character. I’ve always considered Craig a friend despite the competitive business we are in. It won’t be the same without him on the air and I wish him the best in retirement,” Bobb said in a note to Talk Business & Politics.