Northern Michigan University alumnus Ray Kisonas has left his reporter/editor post with The Monroe News after more than 36 years to become vice president of news at NewsNet, a 24-hour national television network based in Farmington Hills. According to a story published in the paper, he will be in charge of the news organization and the content of the network, which is broadcast in 60 markets and on streaming platforms.
"I will always cherish my time and memories at The Monroe News," said Kisonas in the story. "[It] has been a major part of my life for more than three decades and I have made many friends during my time here. I truly enjoyed reporting on the community's events."
Kisonas graduated from NMU in 1986 with a bachelor's degree in environmental conservation. He was hired soon after by what was then called The Monroe Evening News. For the next 32 years, he covered hundreds of stories on a wide range of topics, specializing in breaking news and courts. Others focused on education, politics and features.
In 2018, Kisonas was promoted to regional editor of The Monroe News. Several months later, he was also named regional editor of Adrian's Daily Telegram. In addition to his duties as editor, Kisonas has written a weekly column since 1997, and said he hopes to continue to write them occasionally.