After more than 32 years, our friend and colleague Debra Morgan will step away from the anchor desk next month. Morgan announced Friday that her final day at the anchor desk will be May 21 at 6 p.m.
Over the course of three decades, Morgan became one of the Triangle's most trusted voices, a household name, and a popular evening news companion.
“The people I’ve met and the stories we’ve told are part of my DNA," Morgan said.
"It’s hard to express how thankful I am for those of you who have welcomed me into your homes," she said. "You’ve made me feel like part of your family as we’ve experienced the many challenges and joys in our neighborhoods over these past three decades. It’s been an honor and blessing. I’m forever grateful for your trust and for sharing this journey with me.”
Morgan came to WRAL News in 1993 after reporting stints in Toledo, Ohio, and Jacksonville, Florida.
From interviews with presidents and governors to coverage of hurricanes on our coast and the Carolina Hurricanes’ run for the Stanley Cup, Morgan's reporting has set just the right tone through major breaking news, severe weather, traumatic events and the celebrations and successes of the people of North Carolina and beyond.
Morgan has reported live from Paris in the aftermath of a terrorist attack, and from two Olympics and a Super Bowl.
Her career has been defined by a deep commitment to journalistic integrity, captivating storytelling, and a relentless dedication to public service.
“Debra’s work has helped create the very fabric of trust and integrity that WRAL News symbolizes in the Triangle," said WRAL News Director Mike Friedrich. “She has consistently stood for truth and has been a strong advocate for our communities. Debra has also played a key role in mentoring fellow journalists, upholding WRAL’s high standards to ensure that North Carolinians can trust everything they see — on air, online and across all of our platforms.”
Morgan's contributions to journalism have been recognized with 12 Emmy Awards, several Anchor of the Year awards from the North Carolina Association of Broadcasters and the Radio Television Digital News Association, and numerous industry and civic honors.
“Debra’s contributions to WRAL and our community are immeasurable,” said Heather Gray, vice president and general manager of WRAL-TV. “Her dedication to storytelling and journalistic integrity have set a high standard, and we are deeply grateful for everything she has given to our station and our community."
Gerald Owens, Morgan’s current co-anchor at 5 p.m. and 6 p.m., has worked with Debra for more than two decades. “When you work side by side with someone for 22 years, you get to know them very well — as a colleague, a person and a friend,” Owens said. “I knew this day would come, but I was in denial. As a journalist, she cares more about our community, its people and the content we provide them than anyone I’ve known in my time here.”
Previously, Morgan anchored with legendary WRAL News journalists Charlie Gaddy and David Crabtree. “Debra is the best I ever worked with in my career,” Crabtree said. “The biggest reason for that: we knew how to lean into each other on big stories. It was intuitive, and we trusted each other.”
Former WRAL News Director Rick Gall worked with Morgan for 29 years, first as a fellow colleague in front of the camera, and later behind the scenes. “Over the decades, Debra has established a great connection with viewers. She brings a superb blend of credibility and personality,” said Gall. “Her dedication to outstanding news coverage and impactful community service is unwavering and exemplary. On and off the air, there has been no better ambassador for WRAL.”
Beyond the newsroom, Morgan is intensely passionate about her charitable work. She has supported more than 60 organizations — helping to raise awareness and tens of millions of dollars for vital services and research. Her warmth and generosity have made her not just a respected journalist, but a true pillar of the community.
WRAL News will celebrate Morgan’s career with a special tribute broadcast on May 21, 2025, looking back at her most memorable moments in journalism and highlighting a few of the countless contributions she has made to our area throughout her exceptional career.
