In a major move at WBAY-TV, longtime sports director Chris Roth has officially stepped into a prominent new role as co-anchor of the station’s 5 p.m. and 6 p.m. newscasts, joining veteran journalist Cami Rapson. This transition follows the retirement of beloved anchor Bill Jartz, marking the end of a broadcasting era and the beginning of a fresh chapter for Action 2 News.
Bill Jartz, a trusted voice in Northeast Wisconsin households for over four decades, signed off for the final time last week. His retirement opened the door for Roth, who first joined WBAY-TV in 1999 as Sports Director, to take on a leading news role. Roth will now anchor both the 4:30 p.m. and early evening newscasts, solidifying his presence in the station’s daily lineup.
The decision reflects a long-standing WBAY tradition of transitioning sports anchors into lead news positions. Both Bill Jartz and Chuck Ramsay took similar paths in their careers, moving from the sports desk to the news desk and earning viewer loyalty along the way. Roth is expected to continue that legacy.
“I’m incredibly honored to sit alongside Cami Rapson during our 5 and 6 p.m. newscasts,” Roth shared in an internal statement. “This station has always felt like home, and I’m excited to take on this new challenge with someone I’ve admired for years.”
Cami Rapson, who has been with WBAY since 1993, is one of the most experienced and recognizable faces in Wisconsin broadcast journalism. Over her 30+ year tenure, she has earned a reputation for delivering clear, compassionate, and impactful reporting. With Roth joining her, the new anchor duo promises to deliver a strong mix of credibility, familiarity, and fresh energy to WBAY’s evening broadcasts.
Roth’s on-air experience and rapport with viewers have grown steadily since he began co-anchoring the 4:30 p.m. newscast in 2020. His shift into this expanded role was a natural progression for the station, according to WBAY management.
Viewers across Northeast Wisconsin can expect a seamless transition. Both anchors are familiar faces who bring years of journalistic integrity and deep community roots to the screen. The station’s leadership sees this as an opportunity to further strengthen its position as a trusted source for local news.
Outside the newsroom, WBAY-TV remains one of the most-watched stations in the region, known for its consistent commitment to local coverage, investigative reporting, and community involvement. As the station continues to evolve with viewer needs, the pairing of Roth and Rapson is viewed as a strategic step toward reinforcing that mission.
In addition to his duties at WBAY, Chris Roth has covered some of the region’s biggest sports stories and events, including Green Bay Packers coverage and local high school championships. His ability to connect with viewers and adapt to new formats has been well-recognized over the years.
This anchor shift also follows a broader industry trend where sports journalists move into news anchor positions, especially those who have built strong viewer relationships and have a deep understanding of the local landscape.
To follow updates from WBAY-TV and check for upcoming programming changes, viewers can visit the official Federal Communications Commission (FCC) site for licensed station details or stay informed through USA.gov, the U.S. government’s official web portal.
