Veteran Lafayette News Anchors Marcelle Fontenot and Jim Hummel Set to Depart KATC TV-3 This Week

In a joint bombshell announcement poised to change the landscape of local television in Acadiana, veteran news anchors Marcelle Fontenot and Jim Hummel announced that they will be leaving KATC TV-3. The pair shared the news on Sunday, September 24th and revealed that their final broadcast will be this coming Friday, September 29th.

Fontenot and Hummel have been an enduring on-air tandem, helming the 5 p.m., 6 p.m., and 10 p.m. weekday news broadcasts on KATC. Fontenot, who has been a fixture on Acadiana's television screens for 19 years, shared an emotional video message with her social media followers. "Just so you know, they’re not mad at me, I’m not mad at them," Fontenot clarified, adding that, "Life happens. Change is inevitable. This is just one of those things."

Jim Hummel, Fontenot's co-anchor for over a decade, posted a heartfelt message almost simultaneously. Hummel moved to Lafayette in 2009 and found himself captivated by the local culture. "I thought I would be here for two years and then move on, but I soon realized how special this place is," he wrote.

Both anchors expressed immense gratitude towards their audience. "Thank you for trusting me. Thank you for trusting us," Fontenot articulated. Hummel mirrored the sentiment, stating, "Thank you for your trust and friendship over the past 14+ years."

The sudden announcement triggered a cascade of mixed reactions online. While some viewers shared messages of support and congratulations, others expressed shock at the departure of two of KATC's top anchors. As of now, there is no official information regarding where Fontenot and Hummel will be heading next, though both hinted that they would share their future plans soon.

KATC has yet to comment on the impending departure of the iconic anchor duo. We’ve reached out for a statement and will update this story as more information becomes available.

This development undeniably signifies a major upheaval not only for KATC TV-3 but for the local broadcasting market as a whole, leaving viewers awaiting what’s next for the anchors and the station.