Rachel Polansky returns to NewsChannel 9 as co-anchor of The Morning News

SYRACUSE, N.Y. (WSYR-TV) — Former NewsChannel 9 journalist Rachel Polansky is returning to WSYR-TV as the new co-anchor of The Morning News. Rachel will be joining Ryan Dean and Storm Team Meteorologist Kate Thornton weekday mornings from 4:30 to 7:00 a.m. beginning at the end of March.

Rachel will succeed Nicole Sommavilla, who departed NewsChannel 9 at the end of February 2024.

Rachel is a 5-time Edward R. Murrow and 2-time Emmy award-winning journalist. Rachel has worked in newsrooms across the country including Fort Myers, Florida, Cleveland, Ohio, and most recently, Atlanta, Georgia.

“This is a full circle moment for my family and me. I started my career as a reporter at NewsChannel 9. Coming back as an anchor for The Morning News is an opportunity to come home. It’s a privilege to inform our audience and I can’t wait to do so each morning alongside Ryan and Kate!

As a young reporter, I was fortunate to learn from Carrie Lazarus, Rod Wood, Christie Casciano, and Jeff Kulikowsky. Now, I look forward to guiding the next generation of journalists.”

The Morning News co-anchor Ryan Dean said, “Rachel has a very impressive resume. She’s a seasoned journalist who will be an asset to this station and community. You can tell she has passion and care for those she helps in her storytelling. She will be a great addition to The Morning News.”

VP and General Manager of WSYR-TV Syracuse Bill Evans said, “We are thrilled to welcome Rachel back into the NewsChannel 9 family. Rachel has done some amazing work since leaving NewsChannel 9, and I cannot wait to see what the future holds as she takes on her new role as morning co-anchor.”

Rachel and her husband Dominic are looking forward to returning to Central New York and raising their 4-month-old daughter Brooklyn in the community they love.