KWWL Dedicates Newsroom to Legendary News Anchor Ron Steele

Back in February, loyal KWWL viewers were surprised when longtime news anchor Ron Steele announced he'd be leaving the network in short order.

The news came following his evening newscast on February 11th, 2025 when Ron Steele ended the program by announcing his departure and thanking KWWL after more than five decades with the network. He started with KWWL all the way back in 1974, working as a sports director, and has become beloved by Iowans over the course of over 50 years.

Now, KWWL is honoring him in a way that most broadcasters could only dream.

READ MORE: Legendary Iowa Journalist/Anchor Ron Steele Exiting KWWL

In a surprise ceremony on Tuesday, July 22nd, Steele was embraced by members of the KWWL staff as well as several of his family members. They all took it upon themselves to reveal a special plague designating the space he called his workplace for 51 years as the "Ron Steele Newsroom."

Again, what a tremendous honor for a tremendous person, who has lived quite a life both in front of and away from the camera.

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Ron Steele was at the White House when American hostages came home from Iran in 1981. He covered the Persian Gulf War Conflict live from Saudi Arabia, right in the middle of Desert Storm. In 2013, he hosted a Sunday morning program called The Steele Report, which revolved around Iowans making waves in their home-state ad beyond, as well as current topics impacting those across the state.

KWWL News Director Andrew Altenbern said it best: "Ron is an icon among Iowans with an undeniable legacy."

Lisa Burger, Regional News Director for KWWL, told Steele how much he meant to the network:

We just wanted you to know how much you are loved and how much your legacy will live on at KWWL. You will always be a part of the KWWL family - Lisa Burger, KWWL Regional News Director, per KWWL

Steele was born in Washington, IA in 1950. He grew up in Wapello, and is a graduate of the University of Iowa, class of 1973. Him and his wife, Candy, have been married 51 years and have three grown children, along with nine grandchildren.

READ MORE: Iowa Senator Congratulates KWWL's Ron Steele on Journalism Career

See Ron Steele's reaction to the KWWL newsroom now being known as the "Ron Steele Newsroom" on KWWL's website.