Rob Hughes
TV Broadcaster, KMBC
Rob Hughes anchors “First News” on KMBC ABC 9/KCWE CW 29 in Kansas City, Missouri, on weekdays from 7 a.m. – 9 a.m., and noon. He previously served as a general assignment reporter and fill-in anchor at KMBC’s sister station, KOCO ABC 5 in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.
Rob has worked as an anchor, reporter, and producer at KSWT CBS 13 in Yuma, Arizona, KRGV ABC 5 in McAllen Texas, and KJCT ABC 8 and KKCO NBC 11, both in Grand Junction, Colorado.
Hughes earned his MBA from Emporia State University. He’s a lifetime member of Beta Gamma Sigma, the premier honorary organization for students in business, and recognized worldwide as an indicator of outstanding achievement. Beta Gamma Sigma chapters are limited to schools of business that are accredited by AACSB International. To earn membership, graduate students must be in the top 20% of their class. Hughes also graduated from the University of Southern California with a Bachelor of Arts degree in political science and communication.
Hughes was on the Dean’s list and a recipient of the Order of Troy presented to the top 140 out of 4,000 graduating seniors for superior academics, leadership, and service.
While at USC, Hughes was the host of “Political Platform” and “CU@USC,” which was voted the best college television talk show by Spin Magazine. The show reaches nearly 2 million homes in the greater Los Angeles area. For his work, Hughes was voted best male host and best senior host. Some of his most memorable interviews include Star Wars creator George Lucas, actors Gary Sinise and Laurence Fishburne, Grammy Award-winning band Train, and former USC quarterback Mark Sanchez.
Hughes serves as an infantry officer in the Kansas Army National Guard. He’s currently a division operation staff officer and previously served as a battalion operations staff officer, human resources/administrative officer, company executive officer, and rifle platoon leader. Hughes deployed to Ukraine in 2016-2017 as part of Operation Atlantic Resolve, European Reassurance Initiative, Joint Multinational Training Group Ukraine, Task Force Tomahawk. Hughes helped train the Ukrainian Army and worked with the Canadian, Polish, Lithuanian, British, and Danish militaries to help build Ukraine’s first-ever Combat Training Center.
His awards and decorations include the Army Commendation Medal, Army Achievement Medal, Armed Forces Reserve Medal with M Device, National Defense Service Medal, Army Service Ribbon, Army Certificate of Achievement, and a Citation of Commendation from the Oklahoma State Senate and Oklahoma House of Representatives for being 1 of 16 out of a total 64 soldiers to graduate from Officer Candidate School, and for his commitment to education.
Hughes emcees multiple charity events annually. He serves on the Board of Directors of the Kansas City Autism Training Center/Astra Day School. Hughes enjoys spending time with his wife Rhea, children Robbie, Rowan, and Rhen. He also enjoys playing guitar, surfing, snowboarding, running, and volunteering.
Location: Kansas City, Missouri, United States
Military Branch: U.S.Army