Chris Burrous was a cornerstone of the KTLA 5 Morning News team from 2011 until his death in late 2018. As a weekend anchor and reporter, he became a household name in Southern California, known for his charismatic personality, his "Burrous' Bites" segments, and his pioneering use of social media to engage directly with his audience.
The Professional Journey to KTLA 5
To understand the impact Chris Burrous had on Channel 5, one must first look at the trajectory that brought him to one of the most competitive news markets in the United States. Burrous was a veteran broadcaster who had spent nearly two decades honing his craft across various markets before arriving in Los Angeles.
His career began in Northern California, where he attended Chapman University and started his journey in broadcasting. Early roles took him to stations like KCKT in Great Bend, Kansas, and later to South Dakota. However, much of his foundational work occurred in California’s Central Valley. He worked at KGET in Bakersfield and KGPE in Fresno, where he established a reputation as a newsman who could balance hard-hitting reports with a relatable, down-to-earth demeanor.
Before joining the KTLA 5 family, Burrous made a significant jump to the New York market. He worked at WPIX, which, like KTLA at the time, was a Tribune-owned station. This connection eventually paved the way for his move to Los Angeles in 2011. His experience in New York—a fast-paced, high-pressure media environment—prepared him for the unique demands of the Los Angeles morning news cycle, which requires a blend of entertainment, community awareness, and urgent reporting.
Defining the Weekend Morning News at KTLA
When Chris Burrous joined KTLA 5 in 2011, the weekend morning news landscape was often seen as a secondary thought compared to the weekday "A-team." Burrous, however, did not treat the weekend shift as a stepping stone or a lower-tier assignment. Instead, he worked to transform the Saturday and Sunday morning broadcasts into a destination for viewers.
Burrous brought a high level of energy that matched the frantic pace of the KTLA morning brand. He was instrumental in building a rapport with his co-anchors, most notably Lynette Romero. Their on-air chemistry was a primary driver for the show’s ratings success. They often strayed from the teleprompter, engaging in banter that felt authentic to the "weekend vibe" of Southern California. This authenticity helped KTLA 5 maintain its dominance in the local morning news ratings, even as streaming and digital media began to fragment traditional television audiences.
The Role of Social Media in His Broadcasts
Long before "engagement" became a standard metric for newsrooms, Chris Burrous was using social media to break the fourth wall of television. He was an early adopter of using platforms like Twitter (now X) and Facebook to interact with viewers in real-time during the broadcast.
It was common to see Burrous looking at his phone or a tablet on desk, not out of distraction, but to read comments from viewers live on air. He would often answer questions, acknowledge birthdays, or even pivot the news coverage based on tips sent in by the "KTLA family." This interactive style made viewers feel like they were part of the conversation rather than just passive consumers of information. This strategy was a key factor in his popularity on Channel 5; he made the news feel personal.
Burrous' Bites: Connecting with the Community
One of the most enduring elements of Chris Burrous’ tenure on Channel 5 was the "Burrous' Bites" segment. While KTLA had always featured local businesses, Burrous turned food reporting into a community-centric event.
"Burrous' Bites" wasn't just about reviewing expensive or trendy restaurants. Instead, Chris focused on the "mom and pop" shops—the hidden gems in strip malls, the long-standing family bakeries, and the local diners that served as the backbone of Southern California neighborhoods. By highlighting these small businesses, he provided them with invaluable exposure that often led to "the Burrous bump," where restaurants would see a massive surge in customers immediately following a segment.
His approach to these segments was hands-on. He didn't just stand in front of the camera; he went into the kitchens, joked with the chefs, and genuinely enjoyed the food. This segment served a dual purpose: it provided lighthearted, entertaining content for the weekend morning show and fostered a deep sense of goodwill between the station and the diverse communities of Los Angeles, Orange, and San Bernardino counties.
Significant Career Milestones and Timeline
The following table outlines the professional progression of Chris Burrous leading up to and during his time at KTLA 5.
| Period | Organization / Station | Role | Location |
|---|---|---|---|
| Early Career | Various (KCKT, KNDX) | Reporter/Anchor | Kansas, South Dakota |
| 1999–2005 | KGET / KGPE | Morning Anchor | Bakersfield / Fresno, CA |
| 2005–2010 | KMAX-TV | Anchor, "Good Day Sacramento" | Sacramento, CA |
| 2010–2011 | WPIX-TV | Morning Anchor | New York City, NY |
| 2011–2018 | KTLA 5 | Weekend Morning Anchor / Reporter | Los Angeles, CA |
| 2018 | KTLA 5 | Final Broadcast (Dec 23) | Los Angeles, CA |
The Events of December 2018
The KTLA community and Southern California viewers were shocked on December 27, 2018, when news broke that Chris Burrous had passed away. He was 43 years old.
The circumstances initially involved an emergency call from a Days Inn in Glendale, California. A man who was with Burrous at the hotel called 911 after Burrous became unresponsive. Despite the efforts of first responders and medical staff at a local hospital, he was pronounced dead.
The news was a massive blow to the KTLA 5 newsroom. The station, which prides itself on being a tight-knit "family," had to report on the death of one of its own. In the days following his death, the weekend morning news became a rolling tribute, with co-anchors and staff sharing stories of his kindness, his professional drive, and his dedication to his daughter, Isabella, and his wife, Mai Do-Burrous.
The Investigation and Findings
Because the death occurred in a hotel and involved a relatively young, healthy public figure, the Glendale Police Department and the Los Angeles County Medical Examiner-Coroner conducted a thorough investigation.
In February 2019, the Los Angeles County Medical Examiner-Coroner released the official report. The cause of death was determined to be methamphetamine toxicity. Other contributing factors included hypertensive and atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease. The death was ruled an accident.
The findings were difficult for many fans and colleagues to reconcile with the upbeat, wholesome image Burrous projected on screen. However, the tragedy also opened up conversations about the hidden pressures of high-stakes public roles and the complexities of substance use. The Burrous family and KTLA handled the revelation with transparency, focusing on the human struggle while continuing to honor the professional contributions he had made to the station.
The Lasting Impact on KTLA and Los Angeles
As of 2026, the legacy of Chris Burrous on Channel 5 is still visible. While the newsroom has moved forward and new anchors have stepped into the weekend morning slots, the "interactive" and "community-first" mold that Burrous helped perfect remains a staple of the KTLA brand.
The Chris Burrous Scholarship and Tributes
Following his death, a GoFundMe was established to support his daughter’s education, which saw an outpouring of support from thousands of viewers, reflecting the deep connection he had forged. Additionally, discussions within the journalism community often cite his work as an example of how to bridge the gap between traditional broadcast and digital audience engagement.
His co-anchor, Lynette Romero, who eventually moved to another station, frequently spoke about how Chris changed her perspective on the "joy" of news. The "Burrous' Bites" format continues to influence how KTLA 5 covers local businesses, emphasizing the human stories behind the shops rather than just the products they sell.
Lessons in Broadcast Journalism
For aspiring journalists, Burrous' time on Channel 5 serves as a case study in:
- Versatility: The ability to pivot from a serious breaking news story to a lighthearted community segment without losing credibility.
- Authenticity: The importance of bringing one’s true personality to the desk, which fosters viewer trust.
- Digital Integration: Using social media not just as a promotional tool, but as a two-way communication channel with the audience.
Remembering the Person Behind the News Desk
Beyond the ratings and the "Burrous' Bites" segments, those who knew Chris Burrous at KTLA 5 remember him as a devoted father and a passionate advocate for the "underdog." He often spent his off-camera time visiting the restaurants he featured or engaging with fans who messaged him with personal struggles.
His death served as a reminder of the "parasocial relationship" viewers have with local news anchors. For many in Los Angeles, Chris wasn't just a face on a screen; he was someone who "sat at their breakfast table" every Saturday and Sunday morning. The sense of loss felt by the community in 2018—and remembered even years later in 2026—is a testament to the power of local journalism when it is practiced with heart and a genuine love for the community.
Frequently Asked Questions
When did Chris Burrous first start at KTLA 5?
Chris Burrous joined the KTLA 5 Morning News team in 2011. He moved to Los Angeles from New York City, where he had been an anchor at WPIX. He quickly became the primary anchor for the weekend morning edition of the news, a role he held until his passing in 2018.
What was "Burrous' Bites"?
"Burrous' Bites" was a popular recurring segment on KTLA 5 where Chris Burrous visited local, often family-owned, restaurants throughout Southern California. The segment was highly regarded for its focus on small businesses and Burrous’ enthusiastic, relatable approach to food and community storytelling.
How did KTLA 5 honor Chris Burrous after his death?
KTLA 5 aired several multi-hour tribute broadcasts dedicated to Burrous’ life and career. The station also supported fundraising efforts for his family and created various video montages that highlighted his best moments on air. To this day, the station occasionally references his impact on the "KTLA family" during anniversary segments.
Who were Chris Burrous' main co-anchors on Channel 5?
While he worked with many members of the KTLA team, his most frequent and well-known on-air partnership was with Lynette Romero. The duo was celebrated for their natural chemistry and their ability to make the morning news feel like a conversation among friends.
What was the official cause of Chris Burrous' death?
According to the Los Angeles County Medical Examiner-Coroner, Chris Burrous died from methamphetamine toxicity. The death was ruled accidental, with hypertensive and atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease listed as contributing factors.
Practical Recommendations for Viewers and Researchers
If you are looking to revisit the work of Chris Burrous or learn more about his impact on Los Angeles broadcasting, consider the following actions:
- Archive Searches: Many of the "Burrous' Bites" segments are archived on the KTLA 5 official website. Searching for "Burrous' Bites" provides a look at Southern California’s culinary landscape between 2011 and 2018.
- Social Media Legacies: Though he is no longer with us, the various memorial pages and the continued comments on his old posts show the evolution of digital mourning and the lasting connection fans feel toward television personalities.
- Support Local Journalism: Chris Burrous was a staunch supporter of local news. Supporting local broadcasters and small businesses in your community is perhaps the most direct way to honor the professional values he championed during his time on Channel 5.
