Shuffling the Anchors in Nashville

There is an interesting Anchor shuffle happening in Nashville and one move might have been a demotion.

Gray's WSMV announced that they have hired former WTVF Anchor Hunter Hoagland to be the station main evening Anchor.

Hoagland left Scripps-owned News Channel 5 a year ago, but now returns to the Music City.

Hoagland posted the news on his Facebook page which is still branded with NC 5. He might want to change that.

But with Hoagland moving into the main Anchor role, some viewers might be wondering what happens to current WSMV evening Anchor Marius Payton?

According to the Gray station, Payton will be, "joining the station’s morning news team, bringing his Nashville-market experience and commitment to telling local stories to the news desk. Payton has served the Middle Tennessee community for the past four years and will join Holly Thompson as Co-Anchor of WSMV4 News Today. He will also report in the field following the morning shows."

Now, if you go from the main evening Anchor, to the morning show, some would look at that move as a demotion. The fact that he is also being sent out back in the field to report, that certainly seems like a demotion.

But, WSMV is trying to play this off as they are "strengthening" their anchor line up.

If it's a demotion, Payton is certainly playing along, “I am really excited about this new move to mornings, and I can’t wait to wake up and spend my mornings with our loyal viewers. On a personal note, it allows me to spend more time with my family. It’s a win-win,” Payton said.

“We are excited to bring Marius’ energy and enthusiasm to the morning show. He’s a natural fit to start your day off with,” said Jasmine Hardin, WSMV4 General Manager and Regional Vice President. “By adding Hunter to the WSMV4 team, we look forward to continuing our commitment to bringing you the news and information you need by people you trust. Hunter’s professionalism and focus on doing journalism the right way makes him a great addition to our team.”