Burke Griffin Back on Air After Long Hiatus
After being off the air at WFRV-TV since August, sports director Burke Griffin is back in the game. He returned to the 6 p.m. newscast on May 11 alongside news anchors Tom Zalaski and Staci Engebretson. During the broadcast, he briefly spoke with them about his extended absence.
“Had some health issues ... getting old, that kind of fun stuff, but back in the saddle, as they like to say,” Griffin said. “No, I’m just excited to get going again.”
With that, he went about delivering the night's sports news. His return was first announced a night earlier during a segment on “Sunday Sports Xtra,” the weekly WFRV show Griffin has hosted since 1999. In that segment, he told co-host and sports reporter Kyle Malzhan that he had been dealing with a foot issue. He also thanked his medical team and his WFRV colleagues who stepped in to help out while he was away.

Griffin missed the entire Green Bay Packers season last year and also the arrival of Engebretson as Zalaski’s new evening co-anchor in October. The 6 p.m. newscast was the first with the three of them together at the anchor desk. This marked a significant moment for the team, as it brought together long-time members and new additions.
Burke Griffin, a Racine native and a University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh graduate, has been at the Green Bay station since 1995. Over the years, he has become a familiar and trusted voice in local sports coverage. His return to the airwaves was met with enthusiasm from viewers and colleagues alike.
Here are some key points about Griffin's return:
- Health Challenges: Griffin shared that his absence was due to health issues, specifically a foot problem. He described it as "getting old," which many people can relate to.
- Support System: He expressed gratitude to his medical team and his WFRV colleagues, who helped cover his responsibilities during his time away.
- Team Dynamics: The 6 p.m. newscast featured a new lineup, including Staci Engebretson as the evening co-anchor. This marked a fresh start for the team.
- Long-Term Commitment: With over two decades of experience at WFRV-TV, Griffin has built a strong connection with the local community.
Griffin's return to the 6 p.m. newscast highlights his dedication to his work and his passion for sports journalism. It also underscores the importance of having a strong support system in place during times of personal challenges.
For those interested in more updates about local media, here are some recent developments:
- WFRV-TV welcomes new anchor after Kaitlin Corbett's departure
- Reader asks about the status of Chris Havel on WDUZ sports radio
Kendra Meinert is an entertainment and feature writer at the Green Bay Press-Gazette. Contact her at 920-431-8347 or kmeinert@greenbay.gannett.com. Follow her on X @KendraMeinert.