Marcelle Fontenot and Jim Hummel, former KATC anchors & TV icons, to join the News15 team in 2024

LAFAYETTE, LA (EVEN) - Marcelle Fontenot and Jim Hummel, icons of

Acadiana’s television news landscape, will be making the move to a new station in January 2024.

The incomparable team will make their News15 (KADN) debut on Tuesday, January 2, 2024, joining the "most experienced anchor lineup in the Lafayette television market," a release from News15 states.

“I’m excited about what the future holds for me and Jim as we continue doing what we love in this community,” Fontenot stated. “I’m looking forward to returning to the television news anchor desk alongside my colleague and friend Marcelle,” added Hummel.

This comes after Fontenot and Hummel's positions at KATC were stripped, amid changes underway at the station. The team left KATC shortly after KATC's parent company, E.W. Scripps Company, announced format changes to their news product that required adjustments to newsroom roles.

Come Jan. 2, the anchor team will anchor News15's 5:00pm (which is simulcast on KADN-Fox and KLAF-NBC), 6:00pm and 10:00pm newscast (both on KLAF-NBC). Anchors Jeff Horchak, another local favorite and former KLFY anchor, and Lauren Ailles will continue to anchor News15's 9:00pm on FOX 15, and Ailles will join Taylor Trache, another Acadiana favorite, on News15's 4:00pm on FOX 15.

“We’re thrilled that Marcelle and Jim will be switching channels to start the new year by joining the highly experienced team of news anchors at NEWS 15,” said Jim Parker, Executive Director of News & Public Affairs for KADN FOX 15 and KLAF-NBC. “They

have a true commitment and dedication to keeping Acadiana informed and we can’t wait to welcome them to their new home.”

“We know that Acadiana will really enjoy seeing Marcelle and Jim back together again,” said KADN/KLAF Vice President and General Manager Nanette Lavergne. “I can’t wait for January 2."