WMUR News Anchors: The 2026 Guide To New Hampshire’s Most Trusted News Team

WMUR-TV, New Hampshire's sole network affiliate based within the state, continues to serve as the primary source for local news, weather, and political coverage in 2026. As a Hearst Television-owned ABC affiliate, the station maintains a high standard of journalistic integrity, often outperforming Boston-based competitors in the Granite State market. This guide provides an in-depth look at the current roster of anchors and reporters who define the 2026 broadcasting landscape in Manchester and beyond.

The Evolution of Local Journalism: WMUR in 2026

In 2026, the role of a local news anchor has transitioned from a traditional desk-bound presenter to a multi-platform information strategist. WMUR News 9 has successfully integrated its broadcast operations with high-speed digital streaming and AI-assisted data visualization, particularly for its legendary "First Alert Weather" and "Fit for the First" political segments.

The station continues to operate out of its state-of-the-art facility on Elm Street in Manchester. By 2026, the transition to ATSC 3.0 (NextGen TV) has been fully realized, allowing WMUR anchors to be broadcast in native 4K resolution with enhanced emergency alerting capabilities. This technical depth ensures that whether residents are watching on a traditional television or streaming via the Very Local app, the authority and clarity of the News 9 team remain unmatched.

The 2026 WMUR News 9 Anchor Roster

The strength of WMUR lies in the longevity of its personalities. New Hampshire viewers value consistency, and the 2026 lineup reflects a balance of veteran broadcasters and specialized investigative journalists.

Evening and Late-Night Leadership

The flagship evening broadcasts (5:00 PM, 6:00 PM, and 11:00 PM) remain anchored by the station's most recognizable faces. These individuals serve as the primary bridge between the newsroom and the community, often reporting from the field during major statewide events.

• Sean McDonald: A veteran of New Hampshire airwaves, McDonald continues to lead the evening desk. His tenure is marked by a deep understanding of the state’s legislative process and local economy. In 2026, he remains the primary anchor for the 6:00 PM and 11:00 PM broadcasts.
• Erin Fehlau: Anchoring alongside McDonald, Fehlau’s investigative background provides a sharp edge to the evening news. She is also a key figure in the "NH Chronicle" segments, showcasing the culture and people that make the state unique.
• Jean Mackin: Leading the midday and early evening transitions, Mackin’s reporting on consumer advocacy and healthcare has become a staple for NH residents. Her ability to translate complex state policies into actionable information for viewers remains a core asset.

The First Alert Weather Team

Weather is arguably the most critical service provided by WMUR, given New Hampshire's volatile climate. The 2026 team utilizes advanced "Dual-Pol" radar technology and predictive modeling that offers street-level accuracy for snow totals and severe storm tracking.

• Mike Haddad (Chief Meteorologist): With decades of experience in the Manchester market, Haddad’s forecasts are the gold standard for the region. In 2026, his focus has expanded into long-term climate trend analysis affecting the White Mountains and the Seacoast.
• Josh Judge: A specialist in winter weather patterns, Judge remains a favorite for his "Weather at School" programs and his detailed breakdowns of Nor’easters.
• Hayley Lapoint: Known for her technical precision, Lapoint leads the digital weather strategy, ensuring that the First Alert Weather app provides real-time safety data to commuters and outdoor enthusiasts.

Comparative Overview of WMUR News Programming in 2026

The following table outlines the current 2026 broadcast schedule and the lead anchors assigned to each block. This reflects the station's commitment to 24/7 coverage across traditional and digital sub-channels.

Political Reporting: The "Fit for the First" Legacy

As we move through the 2026 midterm election cycle, WMUR’s political team remains the most influential in the Northeast. New Hampshire’s status as a critical political battleground requires anchors who understand the nuances of the "First in the Nation" primary legacy and the local town meeting form of government.

Expert Insight: Navigating New Hampshire Politics in 2026

The Role of Adam Sexton: As the Political Director, Sexton has established a standard for non-partisan, deep-dive analysis. In 2026, his reporting focuses on the "Fit for the First" segments, which provide exhaustive coverage of both local State House sessions in Concord and national figures visiting the state.

Legislative Impact: Unlike Boston stations that cover New Hampshire as a secondary market, WMUR anchors live and work in the communities they cover. This proximity allows for a level of accountability regarding state taxes, northern border security, and energy costs that other outlets cannot match.

Digital Engagement: By 2026, the political team utilizes interactive town-hall formats via social streaming, allowing viewers to submit questions directly to gubernatorial and congressional candidates in real-time.

Technical Specifications and Broadcast Standards

For viewers and technical enthusiasts, WMUR’s 2026 operations adhere to strict industry standards to ensure maximum accessibility and reliability, especially during emergency weather events.

1. Resolution and Quality: Broadcasts are transmitted in 1080i HD via satellite and cable, with a 4K UHD stream available for users with ATSC 3.0 compatible tuners.
2. Emergency Alert System (EAS): WMUR is the primary entry point for the New Hampshire State Emergency Alert System. The anchors are trained in immediate-response protocols for flash floods, blizzards, and civil emergencies.
3. Closed Captioning: In compliance with FCC standards, 100% of live broadcasts feature real-time, low-latency closed captioning for the hearing impaired, with secondary audio programming (SAP) options in Spanish.
4. Signal Range: The station’s transmitter located on South Mountain in Deerfield provides coverage to all ten counties in New Hampshire, as well as parts of northern Massachusetts and southern Maine.

Pros and Cons of Local Broadcast Consumption in 2026

While WMUR remains the dominant force in New Hampshire media, the landscape of 2026 presents both advantages and challenges for the station and its audience.

Pros:

• Hyper-Local Focus: No other station provides the same depth of coverage for New Hampshire-specific issues like the opioid crisis response, property tax shifts, and local high school sports (High School Quiz Show).
• Trust and Reliability: In an era of misinformation, the WMUR news brand carries significant weight due to its Hearst Television backing and long-standing community ties.
• First Alert Weather: The station’s investment in local meteorology remains superior to national weather apps which often miss the micro-climates of the Lakes Region and the White Mountains.

Cons:

• Commercial Density: Traditional broadcast models still rely heavily on commercial breaks, which can be a deterrent for younger audiences accustomed to ad-free streaming.
• Geographic Limitations: While the signal covers NH, viewers in the extreme North Country may still experience signal degradation without a robust high-speed internet connection for streaming.

Frequently Asked Questions about WMUR Anchors

Who is the longest-serving anchor currently at WMUR in 2026? Sean McDonald and Erin Fehlau share the distinction of being the most tenured primary anchors at the station. Their combined decades of experience provide the station with a level of institutional knowledge that is rare in modern broadcast journalism, specifically regarding New Hampshire's unique political and social history.

How can I contact a WMUR anchor with a news tip? Viewers are encouraged to use the "U-Report" feature on the WMUR mobile app or email the newsroom directly. For investigative pieces, many anchors maintain encrypted communication channels for whistleblowers, ensuring that sensitive information regarding state government or corporate malpractice is handled with the highest level of security.

Does WMUR have anchors dedicated specifically to sports? Yes, the sports department, led by veterans like Jamie Staton, focuses heavily on local New Hampshire interests. This includes extensive coverage of UNH Wildcats athletics, the New Hampshire Fisher Cats, and the unique "NH High School Sports" highlights that are a staple of the weekend broadcasts.

Are the anchors actually located in New Hampshire? Absolutely. Unlike some regional networks that centralize their talent in large hubs like Boston or New York, all WMUR news anchors and reporters are based in the Granite State. The main studios are in Manchester, but the station maintains bureaus in the Seacoast and North Country to ensure rapid on-site reporting.

What happened to retired anchors like Ray Brewer? Legacy anchors who have retired or moved on remain part of the WMUR family through special "Chronicle" appearances or community advisory roles. The station frequently honors its alumni, recognizing their contribution to the "News 9" brand identity that has persisted since 1954.

Engaging with the WMUR Team

In 2026, the connection between anchor and audience extends beyond the 6:00 PM news. The News 9 team is active in community service, supporting organizations such as the New Hampshire Food Bank and local literacy programs. For the most up-to-date information on anchor appearances and community events, residents should follow the official WMUR social media channels, which offer behind-the-scenes content and real-time updates on breaking news stories.

Whether you are a lifelong New Hampshire resident or a newcomer to the state, the WMUR news team remains your most reliable resource for navigating the complexities of life in the Granite State. Their commitment to accuracy, local relevance, and technical excellence ensures that Channel 9 will remain the "Heart of New Hampshire" for years to come.