A longtime television news leader in New Orleans has been recognized for his decades of service to the city and its viewers. As he prepares to retire from broadcast journalism, local leaders honored his impact on the community and the television industry.
WGNO News Director Rick Erbach Honored by New Orleans City Council
Veteran news executive Rick Erbach received a proclamation from the New Orleans City Council on March 12 recognizing his contributions to local journalism.
Erbach spent over 50 years in broadcast news, including 16 and a half years at WGNO-TV, where he served as news director and helped guide coverage of major events affecting the city and region.
City leaders praised his dedication to delivering news to viewers in the Crescent City and shaping the local television news landscape.
Coverage of Major New Orleans Events
During his career in New Orleans, Erbach oversaw and participated in coverage of many significant events that impacted the region.
Some of the major stories covered during his tenure included:
- The Super Bowl XLIV victory by the New Orleans Saints
- The 2022 Arabi tornado in St. Bernard Parish
- The historic New Orleans snowstorm of 2025
- The New Year’s Day Bourbon Street terrorist attack
Through these events and many others, Erbach helped guide the newsroom in delivering timely information to the public.
Creator of ‘News with a Twist’
One of Erbach’s most notable achievements at WGNO was launching the popular television program “News with a Twist.”
The show offered a lighter, more energetic style of news coverage and featured trending stories, entertainment segments, and engaging discussions.
Its unconventional format resonated with audiences and helped the program remain successful for more than a decade.
From Chicago to the Crescent City
Although Erbach is originally from Chicago, he said he quickly fell in love with life in New Orleans.
He originally expected to stay only a short time when he joined WGNO, but the city eventually became home.
Erbach described New Orleans as a place that warmly embraces newcomers and leaves a lasting impression on those who live there.
Looking Ahead to Retirement
As he steps away from his role in television news, Erbach plans to spend more time focusing on another passion — photography.
While his career in journalism has come to an end, he says the memories and relationships formed during his years in New Orleans will stay with him.
He shared that the city will always hold a special place in his heart.
