In the city of St. Louis, the 6 o’clock and 10 o’clock news isn’t just a broadcast; it’s a long-standing “public record.” KSDK Channel 5, known as “5 On Your Side,” has served as the primary “legal jurisdiction” for local information since it first hit the airwaves in 1947. For over eight decades, the station has provided the “testimony” of the city’s history—covering everything from landmark supreme court rulings to local crime waves.
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As a professional writer specializing in Law and Criminology, I view news anchors as the “Chief Justices” of the community. They are the voices that deliver the facts, evaluate the evidence, and hold the “court of public opinion” together. As of February 2026, the KSDK anchor desk remains a formidable lineup of veteran journalists and rising legal-minded reporters.
This article provides a forensic deep-dive into the profiles and careers of the legendary figures behind the Channel 5 news desk.
1. Mike Bush: The “Senior Partner” of St. Louis News
If the St. Louis media landscape had a “Statute of Limitations” on legacy, Mike Bush would have long since surpassed it. Having joined KSDK in 1985, Bush has been a fixture of the station for over four decades—a tenure that is almost unheard of in the “volatile jurisdiction” of modern broadcasting.
Career Trajectory and “Legal Standing”
- The Transition: Mike originally built his “case” as a sports director. In 2003, he made a successful “motion” to move into the news anchor chair, where he has remained a dominant force.
- Specialization: He is widely known for his segment “Making a Difference,” where he acts as a “community advocate,” spotlighting people who work “pro bono” to improve the lives of others in the Lou.
- Awards and Evidence: With over 100 Mid-America Emmy Awards, Mike Bush’s career is an extensive “docket” of excellence. He was recently inducted into the St. Louis Media History Hall of Fame in 2025, solidifying his status as a “living legend.”
2. Anne Allred: The “Lead Counsel” for Evening News
Co-anchoring the 6 p.m. newscast alongside Mike Bush, Anne Allred brings a sharp, investigative “eye” to the desk. Anne joined KSDK in 2002, initially serving as a general assignment reporter—the “discovery phase” of her career where she cut her teeth on hard-hitting local crime and policy stories.
Career Profile
- Tenure: Over 20 years with the 5 On Your Side team.
- Resilience: Much like a tough litigator, Allred has faced significant personal challenges, including a well-documented battle with kidney disease. Her return to the anchor desk was viewed by the community as a “triumph of character,” further bonding her to the viewers.
- Reporting Style: Known for being poised and professional, Allred is often the “primary witness” for breaking national news that impacts the St. Louis metropolitan area.
3. Kelly Jackson: The “Guardian” of the 10 p.m. Final Statement
Kelly Jackson co-anchors the 5 p.m. and 10 p.m. newscasts, often serving as the “closing argument” for the day’s events. Jackson is a veteran journalist whose career is a masterclass in “media longevity.”
Career Profile
- Experience: Before taking her current “seat on the bench,” Jackson worked at several high-stakes news outlets across the country.
- Community Focus: She is deeply involved in animal welfare advocacy, often using her platform to speak for those who cannot provide their own “testimony.”
- Impact: Her calm, authoritative delivery during the 10 p.m. broadcast provides a sense of “order” during times of local crisis or civil unrest.
4. Melanie Johnson: The New “Investigative Litigator”
In a significant “transfer of talent” in late 2025, Melanie Johnson joined the KSDK news team. Having previously worked at rival station KMOV, Johnson’s move was seen as a major “acquisition” for 5 On Your Side.
Career Profile and Specialization
- Community Impact: During her career, Johnson has focused heavily on Social Justice and Crime.
- The “CrimeStoppers” Partnership: She gained national attention for her partnership with St. Louis Regional CrimeStoppers, where she highlighted “unsolved homicides” and gave grieving families a platform to seek “legal redress.”
- Current Role: At KSDK, she serves as a multi-skilled journalist and fill-in anchor, continuing her work as a “trusted voice” for the underrepresented.
5. Michelle Li: The “Voice of Digital Jurisdiction”
As a co-anchor for “Today in St. Louis,” Michelle Li represents the modern, multi-platform era of journalism. Her career is built on the intersection of “traditional news” and “digital advocacy.”
Career Profile
- Advocacy: Li gained international recognition for her “Very Asian” movement, which started as a response to a viewer’s “prejudiced complaint.” She turned a potential “legal grievance” into a global foundation that supports diversity and inclusion.
- Role: She guides the city through its “morning hearings,” providing essential updates on traffic, weather, and the day’s “upcoming docket.”
6. The “Legacy” Bench: Notable Retirements and Changes
In the world of Law and Criminology, we acknowledge that the passing of the torch is inevitable.
- Rene Knott: In late 2025, the station unexpectedly “parted ways” with long-time anchor Rene Knott.
- Deanne Lane: The St. Louis community recently mourned the passing of former KSDK legend Deanne Lane in early 2026, a woman whose “journalistic integrity” set the “precedent” for all who followed her.
7. Comparative Table: The 2026 Anchor Lineup
| Anchor Name | Primary Slot | Year Joined KSDK | Specialization |
| Mike Bush | 5, 6, & 10 p.m. | 1985 | Community Storytelling |
| Anne Allred | 6 p.m. | 2002 | Investigative/Evening News |
| Kelly Jackson | 5 & 10 p.m. | 1998 (Approx.) | Late-Night Authority |
| Michelle Li | Today in St. Louis | 2021 | Diversity & Digital Engagement |
| Melanie Johnson | MMJ / Fill-in | 2025 | Crime & Community Impact |
8. Frequently Asked Questions (The “Cross-Examination”)
Q: Who is the longest-serving anchor at Channel 5 St. Louis?
A: Mike Bush holds the title, having been with the station since 1985. His “tenure” is one of the longest in the history of Missouri broadcasting.
Q: Where did Melanie Johnson work before KSDK?
A: She was a prominent anchor and reporter at KMOV (Channel 4) in St. Louis before making the “strategic move” to Channel 5 in December 2025.
Q: Does KSDK Channel 5 cover “True Crime” specifically?
A: Yes. Through journalists like Melanie Johnson and Mark Maxwell (Political Editor), the station provides in-depth “forensic” coverage of local legal battles, unsolved cases, and legislative changes in the St. Louis area.
Conclusion: The Final Verdict on KSDK News
The Channel 5 St. Louis news anchors are more than just “talking heads”; they are the “record-keepers” of a city that has seen both great triumph and significant social “litigation.” From the veteran “judicial” presence of Mike Bush to the modern, inclusive advocacy of Michelle Li, the team at KSDK provides the “due process” of information that every citizen deserves.
Penulis: marfel
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