KOAT-7 is pleased to welcome Shelly Ribando to the Action 7 News team. Shelly comes to New Mexico from Orlando, Florida, where she worked as the main anchor for Fox affiliate WOFL.

"After an extensive nationwide search, KOAT is very excited to have found someone with Shelly's journalistic excellence and anchoring experience," said Mary Lynn Roper, President and General Manager of KOAT-7. "She will be a valuable leader in our newsroom and someone our viewers will quickly come to trust and respect."

Shelly has worked at several television stations across the country and has an extensive background in reporting and anchoring. With over 10 years of experience, she brings leadership, integrity and a sincere understanding of what matters to her viewers.

"KOAT is not just a legacy station in New Mexico, it's a legacy station in the country. When I got the call I knew what the reputation was and I was thrilled to go there and check it out," said Shelly. "I'm excited to soon be part of the Action 7 News team."

Departing anchor Cynthia Izaguirre will join Shelly for her debut on Wednesday, December 19th at 5pm.

"I wanted to give KOAT plenty of time to find someone outstanding because I care about my viewers," Cynthia said. "Shelly and I had time to get to know each other and she is a true professional. I know New Mexicans are going to welcome her with open arms just as they did me."

Shelly takes over the main seat and will begin her regular duties with co-anchor Doug Fernandez, Chief Meteorologist Joe Diaz and Sports Director Bob Brown for Action 7 News Live at 5pm, 6pm and 10pm starting December 21st.

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KOAT 7 is owned and operated by Hearst-Argyle Television, Inc., which owns 26 television stations and manages an additional three television and two radio stations, in geographically diverse U.S. markets. The company’s television stations reach approximately 18 percent of U.S. TV households, making it one of America’s largest television station groups.

Hearst-Argyle owns 12 ABC-affiliated stations, manages an additional ABC station owned by the Hearst Corporation, and is the largest ABC affiliate group. The company also owns 10 NBC affiliates, is the second-largest NBC affiliate owner, and owns two CBS affiliates.

Hearst-Argyle also is a leader in the convergence of local broadcast television and the Internet through its partnership with Internet Broadcasting and in the application of digital broadcast spectrum for new local informational services through its Weather Plus partnership with NBC and various NBC affiliate groups. Hearst-Argyle Series A Common Stock trades on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol "HTV." HTV debt is rated investment grade by Moody’s (Baa3), Standard & Poor’s (BBB-) and Fitch (BBB-), each with a stable outlook. The company’s Web address is www.hearstargyle.com.