Brad Bell Will Retire From WJLA After 35 Years
The veteran reporter plans to end his three-decade career at the Washington television station in 2026.
Updated on Sept. 23, 2026 in Television
Longtime journalist Brad Bell will retire from WJLA-TV in 2026 after a tenure spanning 35 years. The reporter joined the Washington-based news team in 1991.
Why it matters
Bell served as a prominent presence in the regional media landscape for over three decades, shaping local coverage across the Washington and Maryland areas. His departure marks the end of a significant era for the station's reporting staff.
Throughout his career, Bell has earned more than 12 Emmy Awards for his investigative reporting and field work. He previously worked at Maryland Public Television for two years before his five-year stint at WMAR-TV.
The players
Brad Bell
He is a veteran journalist and news reporter who has spent over three decades covering stories in the Washington and Maryland regions.
WJLA-TV
It is a Washington-based television station that has served as the primary news home for Brad Bell since 1991.
The details
Before joining the WJLA team, Bell honed his journalistic skills during a two-year tenure at Maryland Public Television. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in English from the University of Maryland.
Timeline
Brad Bell began his work at WMAR-TV in Baltimore in 1986.
Bell officially joined the WJLA news team in 1991.
The veteran reporter will retire from WJLA-TV in 2026.
Industry Dynamics
This transition follows the pattern of generational shifts in local newsrooms as long-tenured journalists conclude their careers. It underscores the broader trend of changing leadership and reporting voices in the competitive landscape of local television broadcasts.
Viewers who rely on Bell for regional news will see a change in the station's reporting lineup starting in 2026. This transition may influence how local events in the Washington and Maryland corridors are covered and presented to the public.
The takeaway
Bell represents a legacy of consistent reporting within the Washington and Maryland news cycle. Readers looking to follow his career path can look toward local journalism degree programs at institutions like the University of Maryland.
Further reading
For more on the changing landscape of local broadcasting, visit Television.
Source note: This article includes information reported by The MoCo Show.
