Connecticut News Station Announces Lineup Change

News 12 Connecticut announced this week that Asha McKenzie will be the station's new morning anchor beginning on Monday, while longtime morning anchor Rebecca Surran moves from behind the desk to do more community reporting.

The move will allow Emmy Award-winning Surran to sleep late, and return to her beloved local reporting roots.

"We’re pleased to announce that starting this Monday, @ashamreports will be taking over the morning news anchor desk as @rebeccasurrannews12 steps out into the community to spotlight even more local stories that matter to you," the station wrote on Instagram.

McKenzie, who has been with News12 for nearly a decade, has spent most of her time with the station in New York, reporting on The Bronx and Brooklyn.

"Her passion is to bring change through her work and tell the stories of those who feel voiceless," McKenzie's bio reads.

Surran has worn several hats at the station, as a reporter, producer, anchor and cohost of News 12's live, daily talk show "The Exchange."

The station is expanding its "Made in Connecticut" and "Conversation Connecticut" features, and Surran will be a big part of both efforts.

"There are only so many hours in the day, so we're passing over the anchoring responsibilities of 'Mornings on News12' to anchor Asha McKenzie," Surran said in the Instagram video. "So, I don't have to wake up at 2 a.m. anymore, and Asha will take things over, so we welcome her."

McKenzie added, "Hi, everyone, I am so excited to help you start your day with the news that matter most right here in Connecticut. We got a lot ahead, and we're just getting started."