The Inside Story: Where Are Neil Orne And Dawn Davenport Now After Leaving WKRN News 2?
The departures of Neil Orne and Dawn Davenport from WKRN News 2 marked the end of an era for Nashville morning television, leaving a significant void in the *Good Morning Nashville* lineup. As of late 2025, the beloved former co-anchors have both embarked on ambitious new professional chapters, trading the early morning news desk for high-profile ventures in sports media, entrepreneurship, and personal reinvention.
Their on-screen chemistry and decades of experience made them staples of Middle Tennessee journalism. Viewers who tuned in daily to WKRN News 2 are now keenly following their separate, thriving careers, which include national sports broadcasting and a deep dive into the world of fitness and media entrepreneurship.
Complete Biography & Professional Profile: Neil Orne and Dawn Davenport
Neil Orne: The Veteran Anchor Turned Media Entrepreneur
- Full Name: Neil Orne
- Hometown/Education: University of Denver Alumni.
- WKRN Tenure: Nearly three decades (29 years), starting in 1995.
- Key Roles at WKRN: Anchor/Reporter for *Good Morning Nashville*, helped launch the morning news show.
- Accolades: Two-time Emmy Award-winning journalist.
- Former Spouse: Heather Orne (also a news anchor).
- Current Spouse: Karen Higbee (former News 2 reporter, currently at DVL Seigenthaler).
- Departure from WKRN: Late 2023/Early 2024.
- Current Ventures: Media Entrepreneur, Executive, Storyteller, and Ironman athlete.
Dawn Davenport: The Morning Anchor Turned SEC Sideline Star
- Full Name: Dawn Davenport
- Born: Plano, Texas.
- Raised: Atlanta, Georgia.
- Education: Honors graduate from Auburn University (2002) with a degree in Mass Communications.
- WKRN Tenure: Approximately 10 years.
- Key Roles at WKRN: Morning show co-anchor for WKRN News 2.
- Family: Mother of four children (through birth and international adoption).
- Departure from WKRN: Circa 2014-2015 (to transition to sports media full-time).
- Current Ventures: Sideline Reporter for ESPN and the SEC Network, Nashville’s first full-time female sports radio personality at 104.5 The Zone (WGFX).
Neil Orne’s Bold New Chapter: Ironman, Executive, and Storyteller
Neil Orne’s decision to walk away from the WKRN anchor desk after almost 30 years was a major event in the Nashville media landscape. His departure in late 2023/early 2024 was driven by a desire to redefine his purpose and pursue new passions outside the constraints of local television news.
The veteran journalist, known for his Emmy Award-winning work, has since transitioned into a multifaceted career as a media entrepreneur and executive.
The Life of an Ironman and Entrepreneur
Orne has embraced a life of "hustle, heart, and humor," leaning heavily into fitness and storytelling. He has taken on the challenging title of an Ironman athlete, dedicating himself to intense physical training, which he shares with his audience.
His new ventures involve building a personal brand and exploring the challenges of the modern media landscape, a topic he often discusses in his new storytelling roles. He has also been involved in executive roles, leveraging his decades of experience in the broadcast industry.
Neil Orne’s current life is a compelling example of a successful career pivot, moving from a traditional news role to a dynamic, entrepreneurial path that focuses on his personal interests and media consultancy. His wife, Karen Higbee, a former News 2 reporter, continues her career in public relations at DVL Seigenthaler, maintaining their connection to the Nashville media world.
Dawn Davenport: From Nashville News to SEC Sideline Superstar
Dawn Davenport’s career trajectory is a remarkable success story in sports broadcasting. After a decade as a familiar face on *Good Morning Nashville* at WKRN News 2, she made a strategic shift to become Nashville's first full-time female sports radio personality, joining 104.5 The Zone (WGFX).
This move allowed her to fully dedicate herself to her lifelong passion for sports, which began with her roots in Atlanta and her time as an honors graduate of Auburn University.
National Exposure on ESPN and SEC Network
The highlight of Davenport’s current career is her prominent role as a sideline reporter for ESPN and the SEC Network. She covers major college football games, including high-stakes events like the 2025 SEC Championship Game.
Her work involves traveling across the Southeast, covering the biggest outposts of the Southeastern Conference (SEC) and providing crucial on-field reports. This national exposure has cemented her status as one of the most recognized female voices in college sports broadcasting.
In addition to her SEC duties, Davenport has also been honored for her distinguished service, including her broadcasting roles for TSSAA championships, further highlighting her deep involvement in Tennessee sports media.
The Legacy of the WKRN News 2 Morning Team
The shared tenure of Neil Orne and Dawn Davenport on the *Good Morning Nashville* set is often remembered by Middle Tennessee viewers as a golden age of local news. Their chemistry, along with other popular WKRN figures like Justin Bruce, created a loyal following.
Their departures, though a loss for the station, paved the way for new talent, including anchors like Blake Eason and Nickelle Smith, and co-anchors such as Nikki Burdine (who also later left).
The duo’s legacy is one of professionalism and community involvement, exemplified by their participation in local campaigns like the "BEE A FRIEND Campaign."
A New Era of Media Careers
Ultimately, the paths of Neil Orne and Dawn Davenport demonstrate the evolving nature of the media industry. Orne’s pivot to entrepreneurial storytelling, fitness, and executive consulting reflects a growing trend of broadcasters building personal brands outside of traditional newsrooms. Davenport’s successful transition into full-time, high-level sports broadcasting showcases the power of specialization and seizing national opportunities. Both are thriving in their respective new roles, proving that leaving the anchor desk was just the beginning of their most exciting careers.
Detail Author:
- Name : Alivia Green II
- Username : daphne12
- Email : yschneider@cruickshank.com
- Birthdate : 1990-04-25
- Address : 823 Major Spur Apt. 464 Monafort, NV 70261-3667
- Phone : 620-845-3612
- Company : Wuckert, Gislason and Greenfelder
- Job : Lodging Manager
- Bio : Ducimus exercitationem ut magnam impedit et. Facilis qui est omnis eos. Reiciendis totam quidem et odio eveniet et. Nihil officiis libero dolores aut numquam ut.
Socials
twitter:
- url : https://twitter.com/jmoore
- username : jmoore
- bio : Dolor ad eaque ut. Molestiae officia voluptas pariatur. Laudantium minima ea et et est dolorum sunt est.
- followers : 1772
- following : 1200
linkedin:
- url : https://linkedin.com/in/jacinthe_official
- username : jacinthe_official
- bio : Consequuntur nam enim et.
- followers : 5808
- following : 1566
instagram:
- url : https://instagram.com/jacinthe_id
- username : jacinthe_id
- bio : Laboriosam corporis autem odio et voluptas ex ipsum. Omnis possimus non cumque cumque.
- followers : 4692
- following : 741
facebook:
- url : https://facebook.com/jacinthe.moore
- username : jacinthe.moore
- bio : Voluptate voluptas corrupti possimus eligendi amet necessitatibus commodi.
- followers : 3276
- following : 2213
