WCIA’s Benton Stepping Down From The Anchor Desk
Dave Benton, in a visit with Illinois Public Media last December. (Jeff Bossert/WILL)
Monday night's newscasts will be the last regular broadcasts for WCIA-TV anchor Dave Benton, who’s battling brain cancer.
In a message on his Facebook page Monday, Benton said he learned two weeks ago that his tumor has grown, and it’s affecting his ability to anchor the news. He plans to announce his decision to viewers during the 6 p.m. newscast.
Last fall, he told viewers during a broadcast that he had months to live. He spoke with Illinois Public Media in December.
The anchor who’s been with Champaign station since 2005 says he hopes to continue with his Crime Watch stories on WCIA.
Champaign County Crimestoppers named a ‘crimefighter’ award after him, after serving as a board member with Crime Stoppers and hosting a series of programs aimed at solving crimes.
Benton said, "Thank you for all your support, prayers, and well wishes. It's been an "interesting" year and a half. My goal was to be in the anchor seat and do a good job. I hope I've done that. Now it's time for the next step."