Longtime CT News Anchor Announces Retirement

Longtime WTNH-TV anchor and reporter Darren Kramer announced he will retire later this month after more than 25 years with the station.

Kramer joined the ABC affiliate in the summer of 1998 and has anchored newscasts in nearly every time slot, most recently News 8 at 4 p.m. and 5 p.m. His final broadcast is scheduled for Friday, Nov. 21.

"It has been my great honor to meet so many people and have a front-row seat to the first draft of Connecticut history," Kramer said in a statement released by the station. "I want to thank everyone who has put their trust in our team and allowed us into their homes to share the good days and the difficult ones."

During his tenure, Kramer hosted several of the station’s special programs, including coverage of the Greater New Haven St. Patrick’s Day Parade, the New Haven Tree Lighting, and a number of political debates. He has also been active in charitable work, supporting organizations such as the Connecticut Multiple Sclerosis Society.

In a Facebook post on Tuesday, Kramer called his career a "fascinating, wonderful ride!"

"For more than 25 years, people across Connecticut have trusted and turned to Darren for their news," WTNH Vice President and General Manager Rich Graziano said. "Darren’s commitment to the people of Connecticut is unmatched, and we wish him the best as he enters this next chapter of his life."

Kramer began his broadcast career in 1987 in Wausau, Wisconsin, and went on to work in Springfield, Massachusetts; Spokane, Washington; St. Louis, Missouri; and Chicago, Illinois, before joining WTNH. In all, Kramer has spent 38 years in front of the camera.

"I am looking forward to traveling with my wife, Jill, and spending more time with our family," Kramer said. "I will always cherish my time at WTNH, and I make the transition from news team member to viewer knowing we are in good hands. News 8 remains the most experienced group of journalists in Connecticut."