Detroit news director exits after less than a year on the job

Fox 2 News Director Brooks Blanton is stepping down less than a year after taking over the newsroom at the Detroit, Michigan, station.

Blanton joined WJBK in October 2025 and announced his departure Aug. 24, 2026. 

“After much thought and reflection, I have come to the decision to step aside as Fox 2’s news director,” Blanton said in a statement to Deadline Detroit. “As my time here comes to an end, I want to express my sincere gratitude to each of you for your dedication, hard work and camaraderie. I will miss you all.”

Before joining Fox 2, Blanton served as news director at WZZM, the ABC affiliate that brands on-air as “13 On Your Side” in Grand Rapids, Michigan. He previously worked at several other television stations.

Blanton graduated from Michigan State University in 1993 with a journalism degree.

“As a valued member of our Fox 2 team, Brooks will be missed,” Fox 2 General Manager Paul McGonagle said. “We are grateful for his contributions and wish him nothing but the best in his next chapter.”

Fox 2 plans to conduct both an internal and external search for its next news director.

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