The Great Anchor Exodus: 5 Major LEX 18 News Anchors Who Have Left And Where They Are Now

The landscape of Central Kentucky local news has undergone a seismic shift, with a wave of high-profile departures rocking the anchor desks at WLEX-TV (LEX 18) over the past couple of years. As of this current date, December 17, 2025, viewers continue to reel from the loss of several long-time, familiar faces who defined the station’s identity for decades, prompting questions about the future direction of the Lexington NBC affiliate. These exits, ranging from planned retirements to career changes and even controversial dismissals, represent a significant turnover in the station's on-air talent.

The cumulative effect of these goodbyes has fundamentally changed the viewing experience for thousands of loyal Central Kentucky residents. This deep dive explores the most significant LEX 18 news anchors who have left the station, detailing the reasons behind their departures and revealing the intriguing next chapters in their professional lives.

The Pillars of LEX 18: Biography and Departure Profiles

The recent history of LEX 18 has been marked by the simultaneous exit of several journalistic stalwarts. These individuals were not just anchors; they were trusted figures in the community, whose daily presence provided a sense of stability and connection for over two decades. The following is a detailed look at the most notable anchors who have departed.

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• Nancy Cox: A true icon of Kentucky journalism, Cox retired after an incredible 31-year career at LEX 18. Her departure was a massive story in the local media landscape. Her long tenure made her the longest-serving news anchor in the Lexington market, earning her multiple awards and accolades. Her retirement was announced following a brief leave of absence.
• Dia Davidson: A beloved morning anchor, Davidson signed off after more than 22 years of faithful service to the station and the Central Kentucky community. Her departure was a planned career transition, moving away from the demanding schedule of early morning news.
• Kevin Christopher: Another long-time fixture, Christopher retired in August after 20 years on the air, a move that broke up the longest-running news team in Lexington TV. He co-anchored many broadcasts, including the nightly news, leaving a significant void in the station’s lineup.
• Lee Cruse: Cruse's departure was the most controversial. He was dismissed from LEX 18 after more than 20 years following inappropriate and racially charged comments made on the air. His exit was abrupt and generated significant public discussion and media coverage.
• Lauren Minor: A more recent and transitional figure, Minor joined WLEX-TV after abruptly leaving WXIX-TV in Cincinnati. She spent a period co-anchoring evening newscasts in Lexington before moving back to her hometown market.

Where Are They Now? The Next Chapter for Lexington's News Icons

One of the most common questions following a high-profile departure is what the anchor will do next. For the former LEX 18 team, their post-television careers have taken them in diverse and fascinating directions, from full retirement to new roles in education and rival markets.

Nancy Cox: Embracing Retirement and Personal Life

After a 31-year career that earned her the status of a local media legend, Nancy Cox has fully embraced retirement. Her decision was driven by a desire to step away from the daily grind and focus on her personal life and future plans. Her retirement in the mid-2020s marked the end of an era for the station. The widespread viewer reaction to her exit underscored the deep community connection she forged over three decades. Cox, who was known for her dedication to journalism and her on-air professionalism, is now enjoying a well-deserved rest from the anchor desk.

Dia Davidson: A Shift to Education and Community Service

Dia Davidson’s career change was a notable one, as she left the demanding world of broadcast journalism entirely. After more than 22 years of setting the early-morning alarm, she transitioned to a role in public education. Davidson joined the staff of Fayette County Public Schools, taking on a new opportunity that allows her to continue serving the Central Kentucky community in a different capacity. This move demonstrates a commitment to community impact, a theme that often resonated during her time as a news anchor.

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The Latest Movement: Lauren Minor's Return to Cincinnati TV

The most recent significant personnel shift involves Lauren Minor. After a brief tenure at WLEX-TV, where she anchored evening newscasts, Minor made the decision to return to her hometown market. She joined WCPO, the Scripps-owned ABC affiliate in Cincinnati, Ohio, taking on the role of weekend morning news anchor and reporter. This move highlights the fluidity of the modern news industry, where anchors often move between sister stations and regional markets, often seeking opportunities closer to family or in larger metropolitan areas. Minor's departure from Lexington’s WLEX-TV (a Scripps station) to Cincinnati’s WCPO (also a Scripps station) is a classic example of internal corporate movement.

The Ripple Effect: Impact on LEX 18 and Viewer Trust

The simultaneous departure of multiple veteran anchors—especially those with a combined tenure of over 70 years like Cox, Davidson, and Christopher—has had a profound ripple effect on WLEX-TV and its audience. The station has been forced to quickly integrate new talent into key roles, a challenge for any local news organization.

• Topical Authority and Stability: The loss of long-time anchors like Nancy Cox and Kevin Christopher, who were the face of the station for decades, impacts the perceived stability and topical authority of the news team. Viewers often build strong, personal trust with anchors over many years.
• New Talent Integration: The station has brought in new anchors, such as Jennifer Smith, to fill the massive void left by Cox and others. Smith, for example, stepped in to co-anchor the nightly news programs at 5, 6, and 11 p.m. The success of these new teams in maintaining ratings and viewer loyalty is a key focus for the station's management.
• Controversy and Public Image: The dismissal of Lee Cruse due to his controversial on-air remarks created a public relations challenge for the station. WLEX-TV's swift action to dismiss the host after his comments were deemed inappropriate was a strong statement about their commitment to community standards and professional conduct.
• Market Competition: In the competitive Lexington news market, high-profile departures at one station can create opportunities for rivals like WKYT and WTVQ to attract new viewers. The ability of LEX 18 to seamlessly transition its lineup while maintaining its dominant position is a major test of its organizational strength.

In conclusion, the recent exodus of news anchors from LEX 18 represents more than just personnel changes; it signals a generational shift in Central Kentucky media. While the departures of Nancy Cox and Kevin Christopher were celebrated retirements marking the end of legendary careers, the transitions of Dia Davidson and Lauren Minor, alongside the controversial dismissal of Lee Cruse, paint a picture of a dynamic and evolving local news environment. The new team at WLEX-TV faces the significant task of earning the same level of trust and loyalty that their predecessors cultivated over decades.

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