If you’ve turned on the news in Atlanta lately and felt like someone was missing, you aren't imagining things. The anchor desk looks a little different. For years, Shon Gables was the face of evening news at WANF (formerly CBS46), bringing a specific kind of intensity and warmth that made her a household name. But then, she just... vanished. One day she was reporting the headlines, and the next, her seat was empty.
Honestly, the "missing in action" phase felt like it dragged on forever for loyal viewers. We finally got some clarity late in 2025, but it wasn't exactly the news fans were hoping for. If you're wondering where is Shon Gables now, the short answer is that she has officially closed her chapter in broadcast news—at least for the moment.
The Sudden Exit from Atlanta News First
Life in the newsroom moved fast, but Gables’ departure felt like it happened in slow motion. She went on a leave of absence in February 2024, and for months, the station was pretty vague about it. People kept asking on social media, "Is Shon coming back?" or "Is she okay?" Management at WANF eventually confirmed in July 2025 that she was on a personal leave, but even then, there was a glimmer of hope she might return to her evening slot.
That hope evaporated in August 2025.
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution reported that after seven years, Gables was officially out. No big televised farewell. No montage of her best reporting moments. Just a statement from her and the station manager confirming she was moving on.
"Atlanta, WANF and Gray Media have been very good to me, and I'm grateful for the time I've spent here," Gables said in a statement. "Due to ongoing personal matters, I will not be providing further comment."
It’s a bit of a bummer for people who grew used to her style. Gables joined the station under incredibly difficult circumstances back in 2018, stepping in after the sudden and tragic passing of the legendary Amanda Davis. To see her leave so quietly feels like a strange end to a very high-profile run.
Why Shon Gables Stepped Away
Gables has always been pretty protective of her private life, and she’s sticking to that. In her exit statement, she explicitly asked for privacy for herself and her family. We know she’s a mother of three and has a pretty complex family dynamic, but she hasn't spilled the tea on what exactly these "personal matters" are.
It’s worth noting that the TV news industry is a total grind. Gables had been at it for decades, working her way through markets like Detroit, Dallas, New York, and Shreveport before landing the primary anchor chair in Atlanta. By the time she left, she was 54. Sometimes, after thirty years of chasing deadlines and staying up for the 11 p.m. broadcast, people just need to breathe.
A Career Defined by Resilience
To understand where she is now, you have to look at where she’s been. Gables wasn't just a "teleprompter reader." She’s a veteran with:
- An Economics degree from the University of Oklahoma.
- An Executive MBA from Louisiana Tech.
- Seven years of service in the U.S. Army Reserves.
She’s basically a powerhouse. She didn’t just report on business; she understood it. She hosted the Black Enterprise Business Report years ago and even produced her own film, Lord Help Us. She’s always had interests that went way beyond the local news desk.
What Is Shon Gables Doing in 2026?
Since leaving the anchor desk, Shon has stayed mostly off the radar. Her social media, which used to be filled with "behind the scenes" looks at the newsroom, has shifted.
- Family First: Based on her rare updates, she’s leaning heavily into her role as a mom. Her Instagram has featured more posts about her kids and less about the hustle of the news cycle.
- Motivational Speaking: Gables has a long history with the Texas Speakers Bureau and various leadership organizations. She’s often been sought out for "Vision Casting" and helping people through career "refreshes." It’s highly likely she’s focusing on these corporate and leadership consulting gigs where she can set her own hours.
- Community Board Work: She’s still listed as being involved with the Eagle Academy in the Bronx and the Network For Teaching Entrepreneurship (NFTE).
Basically, she's traded the 24/7 news cycle for a life that’s more on her own terms.
Will She Return to TV?
In the world of broadcasting, you never say never. We’ve seen anchors take a "sabbatical" only to pop up in a different city or on a national network two years later. However, the way she left WANF felt very final. Usually, when an anchor is just changing stations, there’s a "non-compete" period where they stay quiet before announcing a new gig. But with Gables specifically citing "personal matters" and asking for privacy, this feels more like a lifestyle shift than a career move.
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Atlanta News First has moved on, too. They’ve reshuffled their lineup, and the station itself has gone through massive changes, including dropping its CBS affiliation to go independent. The Shon Gables era of Atlanta news is officially in the rearview mirror.
Moving Forward Without the Anchor Desk
If you were a fan of Shon’s work, the best way to keep up with her is likely through her LinkedIn or her speaking engagements. She’s always been passionate about financial literacy and empowerment—specifically for the Black community.
Don't expect her to be back on your TV screen at 6 p.m. tonight. But don't be surprised if you see her name attached to a new business venture or a leadership summit soon. She’s a survivor and a veteran; she isn't the type to just sit around and do nothing.
Next Steps for Fans:
If you want to stay in the loop, you should follow her verified LinkedIn profile. That is where she typically shares professional updates regarding her consulting work or any new board positions she takes on. Also, keep an eye on local Atlanta community events—she has deep ties to the city and often appears at charity functions even when she isn't on the air.