ABC affiliate KMBC 9 has announced the retirement of veteran reporter Johnny Rowlands. After decades of reporting for Kansas City viewers, Rowlands will leave the station, marking the end of an era. His work was praised in a statement given by the station’s president and general manager.
ABC affiliate traffic reporter Johnny Rowlands is retiring from KMBC 9
Johnny Rowlands will retire from ABC affiliate KMBC 9 later this month. The veteran reporter’s final broadcast day will be on November 25, 2026. He has been a trusted presence for many years, helping viewers navigate Kansas City’s morning traffic. He also covered major stories across the Kansas City area.
KMBC 9 President and GM Justin Antoniotti praised Rowlands and highlighted his work as the city’s main airborne traffic reporter. He stated, “Johnny Rowlands is a legend in Kansas City. For decades, he has applied an incredible, unique set of skills and journalistic instincts to KMBC 9. As the city’s main airborne traffic reporter, he’s helped commuters with their morning travels, and he’s kept viewers safe and informed through numerous weather emergencies and other breaking news situations.”
Antoniotti also thanked Rowlands for his years of service, adding, “For so many viewers, Johnny has also been a familiar, reassuring voice throughout the day.” The president and general manager then concluded by saying, “We’re grateful for his many years of service to KMBC 9 and to Kansas City, and we wish him all the best as he retires from KMBC 9.”
Rowlands also helped during major emergencies, including tornadoes and fires. He once guided firefighters to two teenagers trapped atop a burning apartment building. He also promoted tornado safety through school visits.
After joining KMBC 9’s original FirstNews team in the late 1980s, he later became Kansas City’s first airborne traffic reporter and began reporting from the station’s news chopper in 2003.
