The current Action News 5 (WMC-TV) anchor lineup in 2026 features a blend of legendary Memphis veterans and dynamic journalists, led by senior anchor Joe Birch and evening anchor Joy Redmond. The team also includes morning anchors Kontji Hennecy and Bria Jones, along with Chief Meteorologist Ron Childers, providing comprehensive coverage across the Mid-South region.
For over seven decades, WMC-TV, the NBC affiliate in Memphis, Tennessee, has served as a primary source of information for residents in West Tennessee, North Mississippi, and East Arkansas. Known as "Action News 5," the station has built its reputation on the reliability and local expertise of its on-air talent. In 2026, the station continues to dominate the regional market through a commitment to investigative journalism, community engagement, and advanced meteorological forecasting. Understanding who these anchors are, their professional backgrounds, and their specific roles is essential for viewers who rely on them for daily news, safety alerts, and civic updates.
The Evening News Team: The Faces of Memphis Journalism
The evening broadcasts at Action News 5 represent the station’s flagship programming. These time slots—typically at 4:00 PM, 5:00 PM, 6:00 PM, and 10:00 PM—are helmed by journalists who have spent decades establishing trust with the Memphis community.
Joe Birch: The Dean of Memphis News
Joe Birch is more than just a news anchor; in 2026, he remains the longest-serving news anchor in the history of Memphis television. Having joined WMC-TV in 1978, Birch has covered every major event in the Mid-South for nearly 50 years. His presence on the 6:00 PM and 10:00 PM broadcasts provides a level of continuity and institutional knowledge that is rare in modern broadcast journalism. Birch is widely recognized for his philanthropic efforts, particularly his long-standing involvement with St. Jude Children's Research Hospital and the annual "Joe Birch 5K." His reporting style is characterized by a deep empathy for the local community and an authoritative yet accessible delivery.
Joy Redmond: Investigative Strength and Evening Leadership
Partnering with Joe Birch and leading several evening segments is Joy Redmond. Redmond brings a sharp investigative edge to the anchor desk. Since joining WMC, she has focused on stories that impact the quality of life for Memphians, including crime prevention, educational reform, and local government accountability. As a lead evening anchor, Redmond is responsible for guiding viewers through the "Action News 5 at 5" and "Action News 5 at 6" broadcasts. Her role involves not only reading the news but also providing context to complex local issues, often conducting live interviews with city leaders and law enforcement officials.
The Morning and Midday Lineup: Starting the Day in the Mid-South
The morning news block is a critical period for WMC-TV, as it captures viewers preparing for work and school. The morning team is tasked with balancing breaking overnight news with traffic updates, weather forecasts every ten minutes, and lighter lifestyle segments.
Kontji Hennecy and the Morning Energy
Kontji Hennecy serves as a primary anchor for the early morning broadcasts, including "Action News 5 This Morning." Known for her vibrant energy and deep community ties, Hennecy has been a staple of the Memphis morning routine for years. Her role extends beyond the desk; she frequently hosts special community segments and is a prominent figure on the station’s social media platforms. In 2026, the morning news has shifted significantly toward digital integration, and Hennecy leads the charge in ensuring that the broadcast remains interactive and responsive to viewer feedback in real-time.
Bria Jones and Arianna Poindexter
The morning team is rounded out by anchors like Bria Jones and Arianna Poindexter, who bring versatility to the midday and weekend slots. These journalists often bridge the gap between hard news reporting and human-interest stories. Their roles involve significant "multi-skilled journalism" (MSJ), where they may report from the field for the morning show before transitioning to the anchor desk for the midday broadcast.
The First Alert Weather Team: Science and Safety
In the Mid-South, weather is often the most critical part of any newscast. The region is prone to severe thunderstorms, tornadoes, and ice storms. The Action News 5 First Alert Weather team is led by Chief Meteorologist Ron Childers, a figure whose career is synonymous with weather safety in Memphis.
Ron Childers: Chief Meteorologist
Ron Childers has led the weather department for over two decades. In 2026, his role has expanded to manage the station's advanced "First Alert" tracking systems, which utilize dual-polarization radar and AI-assisted modeling to predict storm paths with high precision. Childers is known for his calm demeanor during severe weather outbreaks, a trait that has earned him multiple awards from the American Meteorological Society (AMS).
The Weather Specialists: Sagay Galindo and Brittney Bryant
Supporting Childers are meteorologists like Sagay Galindo and Brittney Bryant. Their roles are divided between the morning, weekend, and digital-only "First Alert" streams. Galindo often handles the early morning rush, providing hyper-local "commuter forecasts," while Bryant is a key figure in the weekend broadcasts. In 2026, these meteorologists also serve as environmental reporters, explaining the science behind shifting weather patterns and the impact of climate on the Mississippi River levels—a vital concern for the Memphis economy.
Action News 5 Sports: Coverage of the Grizzlies and Tigers
Memphis is a sports-centric city, and the Action News 5 sports department reflects this passion. The team focuses heavily on the Memphis Grizzlies (NBA), the University of Memphis Tigers, and regional high school athletics.
Doc Holliday and Caleb Noe
"Doc" Holliday is a veteran presence in the Memphis sports scene, known for his deep connections with local coaches and athletes. Alongside journalists like Caleb Noe, the sports team provides more than just scores. In 2026, their coverage includes deep-dive analytics on player performance and the economic impact of sports on the downtown Memphis area. They lead the "Friday Night Overtime" segments, which celebrate local high school football, a cultural cornerstone of the Mid-South.
Anchor Roles and Programming Schedule 2026
The following table outlines the primary anchors and their typical broadcast assignments as of early 2026. Note that assignments may shift during breaking news events or holiday rotations.
| Anchor/Specialist | Primary Role | Key Time Slots |
|---|---|---|
| Joe Birch | Senior Anchor | 6:00 PM, 10:00 PM |
| Joy Redmond | Evening Anchor | 5:00 PM, 6:00 PM, 10:00 PM |
| Kontji Hennecy | Morning Anchor | 5:00 AM - 7:00 AM, 9:00 AM |
| Bria Jones | Morning/Midday Anchor | 7:00 AM - 9:00 AM, 12:00 PM |
| Ron Childers | Chief Meteorologist | 4:00 PM, 5:00 PM, 6:00 PM, 10:00 PM |
| Sagay Galindo | Morning Meteorologist | 4:30 AM - 9:00 AM |
| Doc Holliday | Sports Director | 6:00 PM, 10:00 PM |
| Arianna Poindexter | Weekend Anchor / Reporter | Saturday & Sunday Evenings |
The Evolution of the "Action News" Format in Memphis
The "Action News" branding used by WMC-TV is part of a specific journalistic philosophy that emphasizes fast-paced, film-at-five, community-oriented reporting. Originally developed in the 1970s, this format was adopted by WMC to distinguish itself from more traditional, slower-paced broadcasts.
In 2026, the Action News 5 anchors operate in a "digital-first" environment. This means that while the 6:00 PM broadcast remains the "program of record," the anchors are constantly updating the Action News 5 website and mobile app throughout the day. The anchors are no longer stationary figures behind a desk; they are required to be active participants in the news-gathering process, often filming "digital extras" or hosting live streams on social media platforms to provide deeper context to the stories they cover.
Historical Legacy: Former Anchors of WMC-TV
To understand the current team, one must acknowledge the giants who came before them. WMC-TV has been a training ground and a home for some of the most respected names in Southern broadcasting.
- Dave Woloshin: A legendary figure in Memphis sports who spent years at WMC before focusing on radio play-by-play for the Tigers.
- Mearl Purvis: A long-time evening anchor who, along with Joe Birch, formed one of the most stable and successful anchor pairings in the history of the market.
- Dick Williams: Known as "Magicland" Dick, he represented the era of television where anchors were also local celebrities and entertainers.
- Peggy Burch: A pioneer for female journalists in the Memphis market.
The current 2026 roster views themselves as stewards of this legacy. The transition of power at local stations is often a decade-long process, where younger reporters are mentored by veterans like Birch to ensure the "voice" of the station remains consistent.
Technical Infrastructure Supporting the Anchors
In 2026, the anchors at WMC-TV utilize state-of-the-art technology that enhances their storytelling capabilities. The station operates from its historic studios on Union Avenue, but the technology inside is cutting-edge.
- ATSC 3.0 (NextGen TV): This broadcasting standard allows Action News 5 anchors to deliver 4K resolution content and interactive features directly to smart TVs.
- Augmented Reality (AR) Graphics: During weather and election coverage, anchors like Ron Childers use AR to project 3D data onto the studio floor, making complex information easier for the audience to visualize.
- Mobile Journalism Units: Most reporters and anchors are equipped with high-definition mobile transmission kits, allowing them to go live from anywhere in the Mid-South instantly via 5G and 6 networks.
How to Interact with Action News 5 Anchors
One of the primary goals of the 2026 news team is accessibility. Viewers have several ways to engage with the anchors:
- The "Breakdown" Segment: A feature where anchors take viewer questions submitted via the WMC5 app and answer them live on air.
- Community Events: Anchors are frequently seen emceeing charity galas, visiting local schools, and participating in town hall meetings.
- Social Media: Most anchors maintain active profiles on platforms like X (formerly Twitter), Facebook, and Instagram, where they share behind-the-scenes content and real-time news updates.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is the longest-serving anchor at Action News 5?
Joe Birch is the longest-serving anchor at WMC-TV Action News 5. He joined the station in 1978 as a reporter and eventually rose to the position of lead evening anchor. His career has spanned nearly five decades, making him one of the most recognizable and trusted figures in Tennessee broadcasting.
How can I find the full list of Action News 5 reporters?
The most accurate and up-to-date list of all on-air talent, including reporters and multi-skilled journalists not mentioned in the primary anchor list, can be found on the Action News 5 Meet the Team page. This page includes biographies, social media links, and contact information for each staff member.
Is Ron Childers still the Chief Meteorologist in 2026?
Yes, as of 2026, Ron Childers continues to serve as the Chief Meteorologist for Action News 5. He leads the First Alert Weather team and is responsible for all major weather branding and forecasting strategies for the station.
Where are the Action News 5 studios located?
WMC-TV Action News 5 is located at 1960 Union Avenue, Memphis, TN 38104. The station has operated from this iconic Midtown location for most of its history, and it remains the hub for all live news broadcasts.
How do I submit a news tip to the anchors?
Viewers can submit news tips directly through the Action News 5 website or by emailing the newsroom at newsdesk@wmcactionnews5.com. For urgent breaking news, the station maintains a tip line available on their official contact page.
Final Recommendation for Viewers
To stay best informed in the Memphis area, viewers should utilize a multi-platform approach. While the television broadcasts at 6:00 PM and 10:00 PM offer the most polished summaries of the day's events, the Action News 5 First Alert Weather app and the WMC 5 News app provide the most immediate updates for breaking news and severe weather alerts. Following individual anchors like Joe Birch and Joy Redmond on social media provides additional layers of context and a more personal connection to the stories shaping the Mid-South in 2026.
