Longtime Louisiana TV Anchor Announces Retirement

Lake Charles, Louisiana (KNGT-FM) - On Wednesday Morning, it was announced that a familiar face in Southwest Louisiana is getting ready to sign off for the last time. John Bridges, who has been part of KPLC’s 7News Sunrise for decades, has announced he will retire in the coming months.

Bridges has been with KPLC since 1992, but his love for broadcasting started way before that. He remembers looking out the window of Muller’s department store in downtown Lake Charles when he was just 7 years old. Across the street, he saw the KPLC building—and that moment changed everything.

“I walked across the street and was smitten by the announcers on the old KPLC radio,” he said.

At just 15 years old, Bridges got his first job at KIKS-AM radio in Sulphur. He joined KPLC as an assignments editor and later became the weekend news anchor. In 1996, he joined the 7News Sunrise team and started a special weekly segment honoring “Hometown Heroes.”

Over the years, Bridges has earned awards from the Associated Press and the Louisiana Association of Broadcasters. He was also voted “Most Popular Media Personality” by Lagniappe magazine.

Now, after nearly 50 years in broadcasting and 33 years at KPLC, Bridges says it’s time to take it easy.

“I feel it’s time to relax a bit and not wake up at 2 a.m. each day,” he said. “But I’m not going to disappear. I plan to stay active in the community, and I’ll always love my time at KPLC.”

CLICK HERE to view the story from John Bridges and KPLC.

John Bridges will continue to co-anchor 7News Sunrise with Rhonda Kitchens until June 2025. His presence will be missed, but his legacy will live on in the hearts of viewers all across Southwest Louisiana.

Speaking from personal experience, John is one of the best humans I have ever met. I know many others in SWLA will be sad to see John leave TV, but good for him that he is able to get some more sleep!