Samantha Chaney Announces WBZ-TV Exit After Two Years in Boston
WBZ-TV reporter Samantha Chaney has announced her departure from the Boston CBS affiliate, wrapping up a two-year stint that saw her cover everything from local breaking news to human-interest features. Chaney shared the news on her Instagram account last Friday, July 17, 2026, posting a heartfelt farewell and confirming that her last day with the station had arrived.
"All I can say is: thank you, thank you, thank you!" Chaney wrote in a caption accompanying a photo of herself in the field. "To the work friends who became family, the journalists who taught me so much, and most importantly, the people who opened their homes and hearts to me, trusting me with their stories. Each of you have made the past two years so special and I am forever grateful."
Chaney, who joined WBZ in 2024, did not specify where she is headed next, only teasing that she is "so excited for where the journey takes me next." The announcement has sparked curiosity among Boston media watchers, who note that her departure comes at a time of flux in the local television news market.
A Father’s Legacy and a Reporter’s Dream
In her social media post, Chaney touched on a deeply personal motivation behind her career. She said being a reporter has been a dream since she was a "little girl jumping into my dad’s news van after school & tagging along with him on stories." Her father, Dave Chaney, spent 46 years as a photojournalist for WCCO in Minneapolis before retiring in 2024. That family connection to journalism clearly influenced Samantha’s path, and her tribute to him resonated with colleagues and viewers alike.
During her brief time at WBZ, Chaney built a reputation for compassionate storytelling and tenacity in the field. She covered a wide range of stories, from community celebrations to the aftermath of severe weather events. Her departure leaves a gap in the station’s reporting roster, though WBZ has not yet announced a replacement or a timeline for filling the position.
Why Her Move Matters in a Shifting Boston Media Landscape
Chaney’s exit is the latest in a series of high-profile departures and arrivals in Boston television news. The market, long considered competitive and insular, is seeing a generational turnover as veteran anchors and reporters retire or move to national roles. Meanwhile, digital-first outlets and streaming services are luring talent away from traditional broadcast.
Just last week, former WCVB reporter Matt Reed announced he will join NECN as an anchor for its upcoming relaunch, signaling that stations are investing in familiar faces to boost ratings. Chaney’s departure, by contrast, leaves an open slot at a time when WBZ is working to solidify its audience amid cord-cutting and the rise of local news aggregators.
The uncertainty surrounding Chaney’s next step adds an element of suspense. She could follow her father’s path into a long tenure at a single station, or she might be eyeing a national platform. Some industry insiders speculate she could join a network news division or move into a lifestyle or entertainment beat, given her strong social media presence. Others point to the growing trend of journalists leaving traditional TV for independent content creation or public media.
The Broader Trend: Journalists Leaving Local TV
Chaney is not alone in reevaluating her career path. Across the country, local TV reporters are increasingly departing stations for roles in digital media, communications, or even entirely different industries. Burnout, low pay relative to cost of living, and the pressure to produce constant content for multiple platforms are pushing many to seek alternatives. According to a 2025 report by the Pew Research Center, local TV news employment has declined by nearly 10% since 2020, even as the number of available channels has grown.
At the same time, the rise of influencer culture has blurred the lines between journalism and personal branding. Chaney’s Instagram following, while not enormous, is engaged — a fact that may serve her well if she chooses to launch her own media venture or join a digital-native outlet.
What’s Next for Samantha Chaney and WBZ?
For now, Chaney is keeping her plans under wraps. Her Instagram post was warm but vague, leaving fans and colleagues to speculate. The comment section filled with well-wishes from former coworkers, sources, and viewers who praised her work.
WBZ, meanwhile, is likely to begin a search for a new reporter. The station did not respond to a request for comment on Chaney’s departure or its hiring plans. In the short term, other reporters on staff will likely absorb her beat, which included general assignment reporting and some feature work.
Chaney’s story also highlights the enduring pull of family legacy in journalism. Her father’s decades-long career at WCCO set an example of dedication and service that clearly shaped her own ambitions. Whether she ends up at another station, a network, or a completely different field, that foundation will remain.
As for viewers who followed her work in Boston, they can only wait and watch. If Chaney’s gratitude-filled farewell is any indication, her next move will be made with the same thoughtfulness she brought to every story.
This article was updated to include context about the Boston TV market and national trends in local journalism.
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