WBA Newsroom
Diana Gutiérrez is the new co-anchor of “WISN 12 News at 10:00 p.m.,” effective Nov. 20. On weeknights, she will work alongside co-anchor Patrick Paolantonio, meteorologist Mark Baden, and Sports Director Dario Melendez. Gutiérrez will also serve in an enhanced reporting role on “WISN 12 News at 6:00 p.m.”
“Diana has made many meaningful connections with viewers all across our community,” said Jan Wade, president and general manager of WISN 12. “She’s also known for her gifted storytelling, thorough reporting, and infectious energy. Diana’ has done an incredible job on “12 News This Morning” plus our midday newscast and will be a great addition to our late evening team, as well!”
Since January 2021, Gutiérrez has served as co-anchor of “WISN 12 News This Morning,” as well as the anchor of “WISN 12 News at 11:00 a.m.,” on weekdays. The move for Gutiérrez follows the September decision by Joyce Garbaciak – the previous co-anchor of the 10:00 p.m. weekday newscast – to co-anchor “WISN 12 News at 6:00 p.m.” exclusively.
“I am truly honored to step into the role of 10 p.m. news anchor, following the footsteps of my respected colleague, Joyce Garbaciak, who’s dedicated numerous years to WISN 12 News. I’m excited for this new chapter and I look forward to continuing our commitment of delivering quality news to our viewers,” Gutiérrez said.
Gutiérrez is an award-winning journalist, having received numerous honors from a variety of prestigious organizations. The Wisconsin Broadcasters Association recognized WISN 12 News This Morning, with Gutiérrez as co-anchor, as the ‘Best Morning Newscast’ in 2021 and 2022. In addition, she is the recipient of both an Emmy Award and a regional Edward R. Murrow Award for her contributions to WISN’s coverage of the Waukesha Parade Tragedy.
Through various leadership roles, Gutiérrez also stands out as a prominent member of the community. She was recently recognized as one of ‘Wisconsin’s 40 Most Influential Latino Leaders’ by Madison 365, a statewide online news outlet. Gutiérrez is also a regional director of the National Association of Hispanic Journalists (NAHJ) and serves as an executive board member of the Daisie Foundation, a nonprofit organization that provides support for inner city families.
Prior to WISN 12 News, Gutiérrez worked in a variety of anchor and reporter positions at WCIU-TV in Illinois and WBND-TV in Indiana. Gutiérrez is a Mexican-American Chicago native who is bilingual and speaks fluent Spanish, having developed a passion for journalism after studying abroad in Madrid, Spain.
WISN 12 will be conducting a search to replace Gutiérrez as a weekday co-anchor of “WISN 12 News This Morning” and anchor of “WISN 12 News at 11:00 a.m.” That journalist will join the existing team on “WISN 12 News This Morning,” including co-anchor Gerron Jordan, live desk anchor Mallory Anderson, meteorologist Lindsey Slater, and Matt Salemme in News Chopper 12.
From Nov. 20, through Nov. 22, Gutiérrez will co-anchor both “WISN 12 News at 10:00 p.m.” and “WISN 12 News This Morning” to assist with the transition. She will be full-time on “WISN 12 News at 10:00 p.m.” starting on Nov. 29.