SAN DIEGO — A childhood dream has come true for one of our own here at CBS 8.
In this Zevely Zone, I profile the new producer of our 6 pm newscast.
On May 27th, 31-year-old Bryan Kugler became the producer of our 6 o'clock show. CBS 8 is proud to promote this homegrown talent. To watch Bryan produce the six o'clock news, you'd think he'd been doing it his whole life. The reality is he's been 'dreaming' of this moment for his entire life but just now got the job.
"Welcome to my office," laughed Bryan who worked hard for his new position. "Yes, I have, long countless hours," said Bryan.
He grew up in Santee. We have a picture of Bryan as a nine-year-old attending 'Weather Wednesdays' hosted by longtime CBS 8 meteorologist Matt Baylow.
Bryan didn't grow up to become a weatherman, but he did meet one on his first week at CBS 8 in 2017.
"Bryan how are you? Nice to meet you," said Matt Baylow. Seven years ago, Matt tried to become Bryan's agent. "You understand that a manager usually gets 10 percent. I found him."
In high school Bryan picked up a camera, then it was off to Hofstra University to study journalism.
I featured Bryan in the Zevely Zone in 2017 and put together a side-by-side 'Then and Now' comparison.
"I can't help but notice how much your look has changed," I joked.
Bryan responded, "Yes, in terms of everything."
Bryan has a new hairstyle, mustache and tattoos.
"I want to say I've gotten nine since working here. This one is definitely my favorite," said Bryan. "It was the first one I got after my whole bout with cancer."
Five years ago, Bryan had his thyroid removed and 31 lymph nodes and has the scars to prove it. "I like to tell people I got this from a real cutthroat game of poker," said Bryan.
He's now cancer-free and ready for his new job.
I asked former 6 pm producer Kurt Boyd to offer Bryan some advice. Kurt moved to Los Angeles to produce at another television station and pursue his acting career. Kurt sent Bryan a video message.
"Congratulations on being my successor, but now that you are the six o'clock producer let me give you some advice when Carlo and Marcella chat too long in a double box say wrap!" laughed Kurt.
"Last but not least I hope the six o'clock brings you another one of these." Kurt held up his Emmy.
"Oh yes that is right, I would love that," said Bryan.
He hopes to win many more Emmys, and now you'll know who is writing your hometown headlines behind the scenes. "This light is very bright and I do like being behind the cameras a lot more than being in front," laughed Bryan.
Bryan hopes to produce the 6 pm news for years to come but remains open to leaving San Diego to work in larger television markets.