9NEWS Mornings has hired reporter Mackenzie Stafford to join its news team in Denver, Colorado [1, 2].
The addition of Stafford brings a journalist with deep local ties to the station's morning broadcast, aiming to strengthen its coverage of the region.
Stafford previously worked at KRDO in Colorado Springs [1, 2]. Her transition to the Denver station marks a return to the area where she grew up, specifically south of Denver [1, 2]. This move aligns her professional experience in Colorado broadcasting with her personal history in the state.
Stafford joined the station in August 2026 [1]. She said the station was a staple in her household during her upbringing.
"I am ecstatic to be working at the station my family always watched," Stafford said [1].
As a member of the 9NEWS Mornings team, Stafford will contribute to the early-hour reporting that serves the Denver metropolitan area. Her background at KRDO provides her with established experience in the Colorado media market, which the station views as a benefit for its morning audience.
The hire comes as local stations continue to prioritize reporters who possess an inherent understanding of the community's geography, and culture. By recruiting talent from within the state, 9NEWS maintains a focus on local expertise to drive its morning news cycle.
“"I am ecstatic to be working at the station my family always watched."”
The hiring of Mackenzie Stafford reflects a strategic preference for 'hyper-local' talent in regional broadcasting. By employing a journalist who grew up in the Denver area and has already worked within the Colorado market at KRDO, 9NEWS reduces the onboarding curve and increases the authenticity of its reporting for a local audience.
