Gutiérrez named co-anchor of ‘WISN 12 News at 6 p.m.’

Diana Gutiérrez will be the new co-anchor of ‘WISN 12 News at 6 p.m.,’ effective June 3. She joins co-anchor Patrick Paolantonio, Chief Meteorologist Mark Baden, and Sports Director Dario Melendez on the weekday evening newscast. In addition to this new role, Gutiérrez continues to serve as co-anchor of ‘WISN 12 News at 10 p.m.’

“Diana is an extremely gifted journalist, and a wonderful storyteller,” said Jan Wade, President and General Manager of WISN 12. “She enjoys a wonderful connection with our viewers and has quickly become a staple of our station and within our community.”

The expanded role for Gutiérrez follows the announcement that Joyce Garbaciak is transitioning to a limited “special projects” position at the station. Garbaciak had previously co-anchored ‘WISN 12 News at 6 p.m.’ with Paolantonio since 2018.

“Joyce paved the way for journalists like me,” Gutiérrez said. “I’m humbled to help carry on her legacy of important local coverage that’s filled with depth, put into perspective with context, and grounded with compassion.”

Gutiérrez first joined the station in January 2021 as a the “live desk” anchor of ‘WISN 12 News This Morning’ and co-anchor of ‘WISN 12 News at 11 a.m.’ In November 2023, she shifted to being a co-anchor of ‘WISN 12 News at 10 p.m.’ and a reporter during weekday evenings.

“In these past few years, I’ve found a true home in the Milwaukee area,” Gutiérrez said. “There’s this overwhelming feeling of community, connection, and camaraderie. It’s infectious and gives greater purpose to the essential work that journalists take on each and every day.”

An award-winning journalist, Gutiérrez has been honored with an Emmy Award and a regional Edward R. Murrow Award for her coverage of the Waukesha Parade Tragedy. While serving as co-anchor, the Wisconsin Broadcasters Association recognized ‘WISN 12 News This Morning’ as the ‘Best Morning Newscast’ in both 2021 and 2022.

Along with those accolades, Gutiérrez has been recognized as one of ‘Wisconsin’s 40 Most Influential Latino Leaders’ by Madison 365, a statewide online news outlet. She is also a regional director of the National Association of Hispanic Journalists (NAHJ) and an executive board member of the Daisie Foundation, a nonprofit organization that provides support for inner city families.

Before coming to WISN 12, Gutiérrez served in various anchor and reporter positions at WCIU-TV in Chicago and WBND-TV in South Bend, Indiana. She 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.