Veteran journalist Darren Kramer—a name just about everyone in Connecticut news knows—has signed off from his anchor desk at WTNH News8 in New Haven. After an impressive 40-year career in television journalism, with more than 25 years spent covering stories from New Haven, Hartford, Bridgeport, and beyond, Kramer’s retirement really does feel like the end of an era for viewers across the state.
His last broadcast aired on Friday, November 21, 2025. That moment landed hard with locals who’d welcomed him into their homes on countless afternoons.
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A Career Rooted in Community
Kramer joined WTNH in the summer of 1998. He quickly became one of Connecticut’s most recognizable anchors.
Over the years, his steady presence kept audiences in places like Stamford, Norwalk, and Danbury in the loop. Folks relied on him to make sense of what mattered most.
He anchored the 4 p.m. and 5 p.m. newscasts. His warm, authoritative style made even the trickiest stories feel understandable and, honestly, pretty relatable.
Beyond the Evening News
Kramer’s impact reached well beyond the daily headlines. He hosted WTNH specials like the Greater New Haven St. Patrick’s Day Parade coverage, drawing viewers from Hamden, Milford, and nearby towns.
He also brought political debates to life, helping voters get a closer look at leaders and issues. These events showed off not just his journalistic chops but his commitment to respectful conversation and local traditions.
A Journey Spanning States and Stories
Before Connecticut, Kramer’s path took him across the country. He got his start in Wisconsin back in 1987, learning the ropes in cities far from his eventual home in Waterbury.
He picked up experience in Massachusetts, Washington, Missouri, and Illinois. Each stop added something different, and by the time he landed at WTNH, he’d built a toolkit that fit Connecticut’s fast-paced news scene.
Professionalism and Public Trust
Kramer’s time at WTNH stood out for his professionalism, integrity, and just being approachable. People knew they could count on him during breaking news—whether it was severe weather in Hartford County or a major mess on I-95 near Bridgeport.
Colleagues often pointed out his calm authority in every broadcast. That kind of steadiness matters, especially in local newsrooms where trust isn’t optional.
Retirement Announcement and Legacy
Nexstar Media Group Inc., which owns WTNH, announced Kramer’s retirement. For a station built on real relationships with its viewers, saying goodbye to such a familiar anchor was bittersweet, to say the least.
As he steps into whatever comes next, his influence lingers—shaping both seasoned journalists and those just starting out in New London, Torrington, and all over Connecticut.
Connecticut Viewers Share Reflections
In towns like Middletown and Greenwich, social media filled up with gratitude and well wishes. People remembered all those evenings spent watching Kramer, and the stories that stuck with them long after the news ended.
His knack for balancing local reporting with a sense of compassion won him fans across generations. That’s not something you see every day in the news business.
A Look Back at Career Highlights
Some key moments from Kramer’s career include:
- Anchoring coverage of historic Connecticut weather events, including blizzards and hurricanes.
- Moderating high-profile political debates during gubernatorial and mayoral races.
- Leading live coverage of the Greater New Haven St. Patrick’s Day Parade.
- Providing breaking news updates during national events with local impact.
- Mentoring young journalists at WTNH and other regional stations.
The End of an Era
With his retirement, Connecticut loses one of its most enduring media figures. But honestly, his work’s influence isn’t going anywhere soon.
Darren Kramer shaped how news gets delivered across the state. His decades of service show just how much local news matters for keeping communities informed and connected.
From the bustle of Bridgeport to the calm shores of Old Saybrook, Darren Kramer’s voice became part of Connecticut’s daily rhythm. Now, as he steps back from the newsroom grind, his legacy lingers—a reminder of what trusted local news can, and maybe should, look like.
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Here is the source article for this story: WTNH anchor Darren Kramer’s last day was Friday after more than 25 years on CT airwaves
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