Brian Abel to leave WXYZ-TV for CNN

Brian Abel, a news anchor for WXYZ-TV (Channel 7), announced Tuesday that he's leaving the Detroit news station for a role as a correspondent for CNN Newsource in Washington, D.C.

"The time has come Detroit, and what a ride it was," Abel said on X, formerly Twitter. "This city and its people are incredible, making what comes next bittersweet. I will be leaving WXYZ in just a few weeks."

Abel is slated to join CNN Newsource as a correspondent in Washington, where he will report for the network’s more than 1,000 affiliate partners, a CNN release said.

"Words can’t do justice the feeling of reaching what you’ve dreamt of for so long," Abel said. "CNN, particularly in D.C. has been that dream (see swag/art collection!) that’s become reality, and I cannot wait to get started with CNNNewsource!"

Abel joined "7 Action News," Detroit's ABC affiliate, in 2017 as a morning reporter, according to the post. He was born and raised in Lowell, about 18 miles east of Grand Rapids, according to his biography.

During his time at WXYZ, he covered politics and interviewed presidential candidates during the 2020 election. He also has covered breaking news stories, including the plot to kidnap Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer and the deadly mass shootings at Oxford High School and Michigan State University.

In 2020, Abel was honored with an Emmy award by the Michigan chapter of the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences for his reporting in "Connected in Crime: Detroit to West Virginia," where he highlighted the consequences and prevention efforts of a drug pipeline, his biography said.

"To the people of Detroit. Thank you," Abel said. "Thank you for sharing your stories. Thank you for all of the kind words over the years, and thank you for the opportunities you’ve given. You will truly be missed."