13 WREX’s Kristin Crowley Named Investigative Reporter at WXIA-TV in Atlanta

ROCKFORD, Ill. – After nearly eight years on the anchor desk at 13 WREX, evening news anchor Kristin Crowley has been named the next investigative reporter at WXIA-TV in Atlanta.

WXIA, better known as “11Alive” in the local news business, is an NBC-affiliate in Atlanta, Ga., the seventh-largest market in the country. It’s known nationally for its dedication to investigative reporting.

“I’m incredibly honored to join the investigative team at 11Alive,” Crowley said. “Their unrelenting work to find justice and truth is what journalism is all about and it’s exactly what I want to be a part of.”

Crowley will also contribute to 11Alive’s award-winning, and nationally recognized, weekly program, The Reveal. The Reveal is an investigative show exposing inequality, injustice and ineptitude created by people in power throughout Georgia and across the country.

Crowley is no stranger to investigative reporting, helping launch Rockford’s only investigative reporting team back in 2018, 13 Investigates. Since that time, Crowley, her co-anchor James Stratton and investigative reporter Mary Sugden, have revealed major stories to the Rockford area.

“From exposing unfair billing practices to shedding light on police misconduct, working on these stories with our talented team at 13 WREX has truly been the opportunity of a lifetime,” Crowley said. “13 Investigates will never stop fighting for justice.”

Crowley, who has been an INBA member for several years, has received numerous awards for her investigative work, including a Regional Edward R. Murrow Award, six Illinois Silver Dome Awards and five Illinois Associated Press Awards. She has also won five Regional Emmy Awards, dozens of other statewide awards, and had her work recognized as part of
13 WREX’s National Edward R. Murrow Award in 2018.

“Kristin has helped transform the way we do news here at 13 WREX,” said News Director, Audrey Moon. “We have undertaken several significant changes to our editorial process over the years and she has been a leader in making those changes impactful and meaningful to our viewers. Her expertise and ambition will be sorely missed.”

Crowley says working at a small market television station is like working with family. A family she has grown close to and relied on for support several times over the years.

“The people I work with are more than colleagues, they’re family,” Crowley said. “Their support, and genuine care, is what makes our team so special. I will miss them more than they will ever know.”

Crowley will join 13 WREX alumnus, and Chief Investigator at 11Alive, Brendan Keefe. Keefe began his broadcast career at 13 WREX back in 1991.

“Brendan is someone I’ve admired as a journalist for years,” Crowley added. “He has helped mentor me and has challenged me to reach new heights. Our shared connection of 13 WREX just goes to show what a small world, and small business, this really is!”

Crowley’s last day on the air at 13 WREX will be Wednesday, Mar. 31.