Cynthia Fodor, a journalist with a broadcasting career stretching across four decades and three states, is signing off from KCCI, Hearst’s CBS affiliate in Des Moines, Iowa, on June 1.
Cynthia Fodor, a journalist with a broadcasting career stretching across four decades and three states, is signing off from KCCI, Hearst’s CBS affiliate in Des Moines, Iowa, on June 1.
Fodor started at KCCI in 1994, anchoring evening newscasts and the 5 p.m. news for 23 years.
She made a personal connection with thousands of Iowans while co-anchoring KCCI 8 News at 5 – Live from the Iowa State Fair.
“I loved every single moment of travelling across the state and telling the stories of Iowans every day,” Fodar says. “It has been a wild and wonderful adventure covering every aspect of life from chasing tornadoes to being blown away by blizzards, interviewing politicians and parades of presidential candidates, to bungee jumping live and sampling new favorite foods at the Iowa State Fair.”
In 2015, she transitioned to her current role of chief political reporter. She became a regular and respected presence at the Iowa State Capitol. Fodor interviewed numerous future presidents and presidential candidates (including the current president) while covering the Iowa Caucuses.
“Cynthia has an enduring legacy in this newsroom,” says Allison Smith, KCCI’s news director. “She sets a high standard for writing and storytelling. When I was a young producer at KCCI, she taught me how to tell stories succinctly and made me a better writer and journalist.”
Fodor won a regional Edward R. Murrow award in 2004 for her story Big Flag and is a two-time regional Emmy Award winner. She was also honored with the National Transportation Highway Safety Media Award for best reporting on traffic safety issues. She has also received statewide awards from the Iowa Associated Press and the Iowa Broadcast News Association.
“Cynthia is a living example of what it means to be Iowa’s News Leader,” says Brian Sather, KCCI’s GM. “For decades, she has developed sources, covered stories where they happen, and earned respect from politicians on both sides while holding them accountable.”
Fodor is a Pittsburgh native and received her degree in journalism from Ohio University in Athens. She spent five years as a reporter in her hometown at WPXI Pittsburgh and worked at WTEN Albany, N.Y.
A highlight of Cynthia’s career was her experience with ABC News in New York, London and Washington, where she worked as Peter Jennings’ researcher.
“I have had a front row seat to every aspect of life and a meaningful career beyond what I ever imagined,” Fodar says. “I hate the word “retire” and can’t wait to recreate, reinvent and hit reset to see what adventure lies ahead.”
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