Longtime anchor and beloved sports and news personality Rene Knott is no longer employed by KSDK 5 On Your Side. Knott, who left the station on October 15, had been a part of the St. Louis NBC affiliate’s reporting team for more than two decades.
St. Louis Magazine was the first to break the news that the former “Today in St. Louis” co-anchor was no longer with the station. The outlet said that Knott’s coworkers first learned of his departure by way of a Wednesday morning staff meeting.
There has been no word from the station or Knott regarding the circumstances surrounding his departure. Knott took to Instagram to deliver a message to the countless fans who have both expressed their outrage and offered words of encouragement via social media upon learning of the news.
“I loved telling St. Louis stories,” Knott said through an Instagram Story on his personal account, where he describes himself as a “former co-anchor” for the station. “I am blessed to have had the opportunity and pray I will have the chance again.”
Knott’s split from KSDK comes a year after he celebrated his 20th anniversary with the station – where he began as a sports reporter and ultimately ascended to the position of co-anchor for the station’s popular morning show.
Known for his charming and approachable demeanor, St. Louis viewing audiences instantly connected with Knott. A beloved community figure, Knott regularly hosts community events for organizations in the St. Louis region. He recently hosted the Urban League of Metropolitan St. Louis’ 107th Annual Dinner and The St. Louis American Foundation’s 23rd Annual Salute to Excellence in Business Awards Luncheon.
Information from St. Louis Magazine contributed to this report.
Why? Why? We will miss you so much!😞😞
Completely agree – great anchor and better person! Done with KSDK.
So done with ksdk and Anthony too sad sad 😔
I WILL MISS YOUR PROFESSIONALISM BUT I DO UNDERSTAND. I HAD STOP WATCHING ANOTHER PERSON WHO DID THE WEATHER AND THAT SMILE WOULD BRING A GOOD DAY.,,BUT THEN I THOUGHT ABOUT YOU AND HOW YOU KNEW NEVER LET YOUR GUARDS DOWN AND YOU STAYED SO PROFESSIONAL. I AM ONE OF THE PEOPLE WHO WATCHED THE NEWS AND WEATHER AND I SAW THE DAY THAT MIKE BUSH DEGARED HIS NEWS ANCHOR THEEY WHERE DOING THE NEWS AND ALEG. HE SAID TO HIM HUS CO ANCHOR “HOW COULD YOU DO THAT. ” AND HIS CO- ANCHOR WALKED OUT AND KILLED HIMSELF. NOBODY HAS EVER SAID THAT THERE WHERE SORRY FOR CONFRONTING THAT YOUNG MAN ON NATIONAL T.V. I WATCHED THE DAY ANCHOR LADY WHO IS STILL THERE BUT SHE TAKES A LOT. ONE DAY SHE WAS DOING A SEGMENTED STORY AND THE BLACK ANCHOR SAID TO HER CO-ANCHOR “OH YOU WHERE A HOTTY. AND YOU COULD SEE THE WHITE ANCHOR FACE TURNING RED. I SAID SOMETHIMG IS GOING TO HAPPEN SOMEBODY IS GOING TO BE IN TROABLE BUT YOU WHERE THE WISE ONE AND THOUGH YOU STILL FEEL YOU GOING TO WORK I KNOW YOU WILL DO JUST AS WELL. I WILL NOT BE WATCHING CHANEL FIVE WHEN THE HOCKEY THEM ONE. IT WAS COVERED BY A ONE-SIDED STORY NOBODY THOUGHT ENOUGH TO LOOK AND INTERVIEW BLACK PEOPLE. I THINK THAT CHANEL FIVE IS STILL LIVING IN THE PAST,AND IT HAS SHOWN IN THERE WORKERS AND DON’T HAVE A CLUE THST BLACK PEOPLE WATCHED THE NEWS TO. I WISH YOU WELL
First Anthony and now Rene. Big Mistake!! The people left behind will suffer. I hope Kelly will be okay. She is the only person still there who I will miss.
I’m definitely switching to channel 4.
Ksdk is hurting itself and I bet a lot of people will turn away from it.
We want Rene Knott
I agree! What a loss.
Wow. Going to have to find another channel for news, sounds like Ksdk is getting too uppity…Good luck to Rene and Anthony Slaughter also!
I agree. I set KSDK as my go to news station. Guess Kelly will be next to go. SMH
Gonna miss you Rene… you will be anchoring somewhere else soon… I’m sure of it. Best wishes 🙏
Curious what’s going on with KSDK. Lots of anchors are leaving. I see a pattern. What’s your story KSDK?
Totally agree. Something is not right at KSDK. The are changing lives but not to our liking. I keep trying other stations and it won’t be long before i’m gone over to another network. I was just starting to learn to not have anthony.In the morning, and now i’m not going to have Rene. As the saying goes, Third strike and you’re out……
Amen
I’m sad to hear this 1st Anthony Slaughter now Rene Knott’s they both had Great energy for the show.I will no longer watch ch.5 going to 4.Good luck to them both for whatever they do
Fox 2 need an anchor John is retiring 😉
I definitely agree goodbye channel 5 hello channel 4 Rene was wonderful and I loved the way he dressed
I agree! I switched also, I really hate when new management comes in and starts axing people that are loved by the viewers. I watch Mandy on 2 now.
I am shocked that Rene Knott is gone!! I’m not happy at all. I was just as shocked when Anthony was ler go!! May have to switch to a different news outlet.
Amen done with ksdk and the two laughing hyenas in the morning shows. Those two act like two giggling scho girls and they’re grown axx men.
More transparency is needed. Sudden departures such as this leaves a bad taste. So many things are politically motivated. Makes one wonder. I’m about to dump channel 5.
Such sad news, we will miss Rene incredibly, love this guy!
Rene along with other long term employees have made the ratings of viewing public top of the charts. Rene along with others have shown that loyalty and dedication pay off with promotions in the individual media company. These young brash outspoken fresh out of college individuals need to learn the job o f real people news from the bottom up before being placed in prime seats. This makes for unease in delivering the information because newbies dont know the WHOLE REAL background and not yet learned to flip between anchors and WHEN NOT TO INTERRUPT. Sorry but i enjoy relaxed news/weather/ traffic reporting and.not the kind where youngsters continually interrupt and show off. BEING RENE BACK TO HIS ANCHOR SEAT!!
We. Are sad to see Randy knott leave under such conditions .we pray that he will continue to advance his career
Loved Your Presence ,You made a difference! Love You Man.
Blessings of bigger and better opportunities and experiences as a “
“Sports Anchor” 🙏🏽♥️🌹
St. Louis Sports News will definitely miss and yearn for your presence.
Rene, you will truly be missed. I am sure it will be tough to replace you. I know our family will miss you since you have been a part of their sporting events, such as their Knot Heads Rams games.
Renee enjoy this new adventure and know you will be missed on KSDK
KSDK is racist, first Anthony then Rene and Lester on world news. All black men. Watch out Kelly. God will give you more than you lost cause He is not racist. Maybe this was allowed to expose KSDK. I will never watch KSDK news again.
I loved watching Rene every morning. It will not be the same without him! I stopped watching channel 5 on weekends because the young reporters do more joking and laughing with each other than reporting news/events. If this is what happens on weekdays now, I will switch to channel 4 after being a dedicated 5 watcher for 25+ years
I agree and especially about that weekend morning crew acting like the ‘cool kids’ with all of the joking and laughing. I quit watching them.
Well he will be missed, what is going on at that station that popular on air people are leaving!? New management with poor insight? Hmm
Wishing Rene all the best. The community has your back. Thanks for all your work and service for viewers.
Your news cast has steadily gone downhill. You seem to prefer squeaky young people. I can hardly understand what they say. Giggling among themselves is not very professional.
Thanks, R.Knox and J.Hunter for opening the doors for us!!!
Thanks, R.Knott and J.Hunter for opening the doors for us!!!
I will miss you, Rene, for your wit and your down to earth manner and the way in which you identify with all St. Louisiana. What’s with KSDK this year? Everytime you turn around one of their good people is suddenly gone. I guess the rest of the team better be on their toes. I wish you the very best in your future.
You will be missed. I not only enjoyed your reporting and news stories, I always looked forward to your fashion choices. I no longer will be watching the morning show.
Shame shame shame. First Anthony, now Renee. I’m switching channels. So sad.
Loved Rene Knott! Where did he go? He deserves bigger and better!!! Pat Riles
I’m in disbelief! No more KSDK 5 for me!! His professionalism and upfront demeanor, while always respectful.. what more do you want. Or, you don’t appreciate the qualities of a great newscaster. Who goes next???
A lot of well known folks gone from KSDK this year due to retirement, or other issues. I will miss Rene.
He/they never mentioned retirement!
I would love to know what the “other issues” are. I have an idea, but I’ll save that for another time.
This hurts on all levels. Rene Knott do know that you’ll be missed. I still hope to see you at the Jackie Joyner Kersee Olympic event at Washington University next year. Forever a Fan.
Oh no!! Renee Knott, he was wonderful love his demeanor on the news cast. He was great with Allie and great with Michelle. I will miss him like I do Anthony Slaughter. Renee you will be missed channel 5 was my favorite channel.
I am sad to hear Rene is gone! I have been voting for him in the Best of the West contest. He was perfect in my eyes. Calm, funny and REAL. I hope he left for bigger and better things!!
The owner of KSDK, love to operate with cheap labor, and inexperience News Ancho!
I am just now finding out that rene knot is no longer with channel 5 I don’t know the reason for his departure he was a great anchor he did a small story on me when I did a song for the Cardinals several years ago this is artist entertaining MC Larry Moody wishing you all the the best on your journey
A total class act !!!
Rene knott will be missed by all .
I’m sure this was a corporate COST cutting move. Old timers like this with NO explanation for the exit typically is all about saving $$$ 😭
I tend to agree with you! If he had left under “normal circumstances”, I’m sure there would have been some kind of send-off for him—or at least his own on-air announcement of departure to his fans. Something is going on at KSDK that has to be coming from top brass. Big mistake letting Rene Knott go – – -big mistake!!
Like many, losing A. Slaughter and now R. Knott, is a blow to all of us who enjoy their professionalism, their knowledge and their ability to deliver stories in a comfortable way. We’ve been KSDK viewers for 25+ years but now considering a channel change. Good luck to both of them.
So so sad, what next
I miss Rene and Anthony…definitely want the best for both of them. Rene Knott was relatable and Anthony Slaughter was t he best meteorologist I’ve ever seen. He have great practical advise during severe weathet alerts and updates. I miss them both. I Where is the diversity of reporters on channel 5? Why are people being cut? Another very disappointing move KSDK in StLouis!
Man, I will really miss Rene Knott. I have always been a faithful follower of channel 5 but I’m really questioning that now. Good luck in whatever you do Rene.
Chris
Channel Five seems to have a very high turnover rate. I stopped consistently watching them ever since I noticed this trend.
My husband and I loved Rene Knott and the rest of the morning crew including Anthony Slaughter. We will not watch channel 5 any longer unfortunately. Best of luck to Rene, Anthony, and those who enjoyed working with them at Channel 5. It’s time to find a different channel.
Rene was the brilliant master of ceremonies at a recent Gala of the Saul Mirowitz Jewish Community School. His sensitivity and kindness to all segments of society has been notable. I hope he will still be on some STL media.
What is going on at KSDK?
I think this lady who took over KSDK needs to go. I guess if people don’t agree with her, she let’s them go. Sounds familiar? KSDK is going to lose a lot of viewers if they don’t stop letting the good ones go.
Good luck Rene and Anthony. Shame how they treat long time employees.
This always happens. My son been on his job for ten years. A lady been on the job for two months in human resources already terminated people of long years on the job. I guess we have to get ready for all of her family members getting the job.
It was sad seeing Anthony leave. It is heartbreaking to see another, class act leave. Rene brought, professional and a relatable presence to the show that brought my family back each day to watch channel 5. Mike Bush and Kelly Jackson better be on the lookout and be aware, it’s unfortunate. I wish Rene the best and everyone else that has left that show but channel 5 I’ll be seeking another channel because I’m sure it won’t be too long before Mike and Kelly will be gone and that will devastating. I can’t imagine not seeing Mike Bush..
Well that’s 3 Black males that have left KSDK! Makes you wonder if Art Holiday retired willingly or under fire. I am sure
that these intelligent men were not part of DEI hiring. Saturday and Sunday morning is a NEWS JOKE with the giggling and laughing we surely don’t get the news.
Well….. No Anthony Slaughter, No Rene Knott…. No Ksdk in our house in the morning. Back to KMOV. Smh!
What is going on with KSDK? This is the only station I watch in the morning. The new guy who got hired for KSDK . Was the guy who fired Anthony. And now Rene is gone. I think KSDK should fired him and bring back Rene and Anthony.This station has gone down hill. I won’t watch channel 5 anymore. Shame on you people.
Shame on Chanel 5. We will miss Rene and Anthony. I will be changing to Chanel 4 after 30 plus years of watching Chanel 5. Your seasoned staff is what kept your viewers.
I have watched channel 5 for over 30 years and I have never thought about going to another channel because of a person leaving!! Does ANYONE stop and think that person WANTED TO LEAVE?? I recovered from a gun shot to the head and have trouble remembering things!! BUT CHANNEL 5 I REMEMBER ‼️One of my favorite actor is Jerry Lewis!! So every year I would stay up for almost 48 hours to watch channel 5 news and then it went Mike Bush and the weather person talking to different fire depts, different businesses, groups and some where just one person all have collected money for msd‼️And then it would go to Jerry Lewis/‼️ This whole statement is to let you know THAT CHANNEL 5 TO THE BLAM WHEN THEY ANNOUNCED THAT THE WEATHER MAN WAS NO LONGER WITH THEM. AND WHAT REALLY HAPPENED EVERYONE FOUND OUT A FEE DAYS LATER…. IS THAT HE HAD COMMITTED SUICIDE BY TAKING HIS PLAIN UP AND TURNING IT AROUND AND BRINGING IT STRAIGHT DOWN!! SO PLEASE QUIT BLAMING CHANNEL 5 FOR EVERYTHING UNTIL YOU KNOW THE WHOLE STORY‼️
If it walks like a duck, and quacks like a duck —it’s a duck!!
WHY ! ! First it was Anthony. He was such a joy. Now Rene. What’s wrong with you people? Me and a lot of my friends are switching to. Channel 4 until channel 5 finds their brains or a good explanation as to Why you keep doing stupid things.
First Anthony now Renee what is wrong with KSDK
KSDK
Is Mike Bush next or Kelly Jackson?
Channel 5 has been my go to channel for years but not anymore. I am switching to channel 2 and hope to see more of the dumped people from channel 5 over there.
Is Mike Bush next or Kelly Jackson?
Channel 5 has been my go to channel for years but not anymore. I am switching to channel 2 and hope to see more of the dumped people from channel 5 over there.
Just another chapter of replacement of bone fide reporters with young inexperienced, overmade up youngsters. The make-up is clown like. No longer interested in KSDK. Rene exemplified respectable newscast. He demonstrated grace through reports and conversation daily unlike the younger generation. Good luck, Rene. Hope to see you elsewhere.
It’s very sad 😔 that they are Gone no one mentioned Sydney Stallworth as well all 3 well great it’s sad that it has came to this all 3 Classy upbeat Respectful did a Great Job 👏🏽 they will see the impact at KSDK that it will have I no that you all 3 of you are Truly Blessed Rene, Anthony,Sydney Watch what God is going to do He Gets the Last say so Good luck on you all’s Journey all ways Be Blessed 🙏🏾🙌🏽🙏🏾
I loved the broadcasting style of Rene. His style was so professional, yet warm and easy to listen to. What a great loss for ksdk and all of use who loved the news reporting from Rene. I will be deleting ksdk from my phone contact list and will not continue watching ksdk news.
Rene. You will be missed. Not meany professional news people left on this network. Management needs to understand that your audience depends on mature newscasters to make things believable . A little old school will make you more successful since your audience is more mature. Need younger news people to earn those top news positions. Putting them in these positions early will be your downfall.l will be looking at channel 5 less starting today. Using the bottom line as your justification will be your destruction. Lets see if it works.long time viewer disquested with your business model. Bill lemp
I have been considering not watching KSDK after at least 65 years of watching it. The Are you Up guy? Ought to go. Really? No I am not up I am in a coma watching the news🙄. The giggly young girls talking among themselves instead of reporting the news. Maybe they should spend time finding out how to pronounce the names of streets correctly. Half the time I am trying to figure out where the crime really took place. No street I ever heard of in my 80 years. Ch 5 used to be my go to. But I depend on Ch 4 to get my news and weather. This is another station but they are equally as bad and that is Ch 2. If Angela isn’t on for the weather I mute my TV. Because the other one totally does NOT give a report. It might rain but it may not but it could also it depends on whether it does this but it more than likely won’t but we will just have to wait. Because the way it looks right now it won’t but it could you just never know. At first I thought it was because she was new but lol after several years she has never given a real report of the weather. Instead of watching her I get a better report from my own observation. I open the door step out on the deck if it is chilly I put on a jacket if I get wet, yep it is raining. Ch 4 is really the very best. It could change in a heart beat!
I stopped watching when they let Anthony Slaughter go. And now Rene…..hmmmm….sounds like a management problem to me.
Well that got rid of Sydney also. The new people don’t care about the rest of the viewing area or learn about what is happening or how to pronounce the name of streets, towns, or counties on both sides of the river. I’m with everyone else don’t need that kind of reporting first thing in the morning or have to long at people who don’t care about grooming.
I’ve watched Randy when he was the sports anchor all the way to the lead anchor. He will be truly missed 😢
I will Miss Rene and Anthony, that other reader said I agree with them Anthony was the best meteorology. When he predict the weather it did what he said it was going to do. I love love Rene he kept the morning show interesting and want you to watch it.They both will be miss. I will another station it’s hard to get into it now my favorite two people are not there anymore.
Sounds like a management problem. Rene an Anthony. No longer a ksdk watcher. Power in people, watch the decline in subscribers. Best of luck on your next adventure.
We can’t win for losing. Whatever God has in store for you no one can take it away. May God continue to bless you and your family. This too shall pass.
Whatever is happening at KSDK has caused the station to lose a lot of its viewers,
This does “Knott” sit well with me and many of the viewers. What is the real issue KSDK, it seems to be a pattern. Get it together as I switch stations until you bring back the accomplished Rene Knott! Continued blessings Rene….Onward and Upward!!
Kim
I’m now switching channels!! Sad day for St. Louis he was good at what he did on the air.
Hard to believe. Rene is a legend. Loved Anthony too. And they hire and keep the sing songy 4pm anchor with the crazy inflections. Tuning out as of now.
Rene Knott you are a class act and you will be missed! What’s going on at Channel 5? First it’s Anthony Slaughter now Rene Knott wow time to find a different news channel! I wish you the best of luck!
I am so done with KSDK Channel 5! First Anthony Slaughter and now Rene Knott! These men are well respected and great mentors admired by all walks of life, and the Best Asset for Channel 5! To dismiss them both so close together is very “interesting”….to say the least! But I will not be tuning into Channel 5 ever again! I wish nothing but the Best of success for both of these highly intelligent and respected young men!!
It’s sad that Anthony and Rene are gone. But KSDK is not the station it used to be. There is too much drama in the reporting from Mike Bush. Also, slow the teleprompter down. Choose the stories you want to cover and cut the rest. Speeding the weather reports is ridiculous and that crazy clock showing when bad weather could occur is never correct! This past weekend the severe weather was stated to be between 11:00 am and 7:00 pm but the clock showed 11:00 am to 5:00 pm. Doesn’t anyone proof read this information? Young people don’t watch the news. Those of us who are more mature like to be able to understand what the reporter is saying. Turn the voices down to 33 rpm instead of 78 rpm. Good bye channel 5. 69 years was a long time to watch a station but sometimes change is good
WTH!!! First Anthony, now Rene!! Why???
These guys are one of the reasons I watched your station to begin with. Now that they are gone, so am I!! Bye, bye Channel 5!!!
He is truly missed. Very perfect fit. Well spoken. I miss him dearly.