• by Val Brickates Kennedy , February 12, 2014

The revolving door continues to turn at WCVB Channel 5 in Boston.

SportCenter 5's long-time co-anchor, Mike Dowling, announced Tuesday that his last broadcast will be on Feb. 21. Dowling, who has been with the ABC affiliate for 28 years, didn't announce any immediate plans other than stating he was looking forward to spending more time with his family.

Dowling's departure comes just days after anchor Bianca de la Garza announced she'll be leaving the news team in May. De la Garza said she's creating a Boston-based entertainment and lifestyle show through her production company, Lucky Gal Productions LLC, that she hopes will air on the station. 

Meanwhile, de la Garza's midday co-anchor, Boston broadcast fixture Susan Wornick, is also on the way out. Wornick, who announced her impending retirement last summer, will sign off for the last time on Feb. 28. She'll be replaced by newcomer Erika Tarantal. Last fall, the station likewise said goodbye to 20-year veteran anchor Liz Brunner. 

So who's coming in?

WCVB has said it plans to bring back former weekend anchor Emily Riemer, although it's still unclear where she'll appear in the lineup. The station recently hired a new morning traffic reporter, Olessa Stepanova. And last year it brought in anchor Phil Lipof from WABC New York and meteorologist Cindy Fitzgibbon from Fox 25 Boston.

According to a recent interview with the Boston Business Journal, WCVB General Manager Bill Fine said the station's goal is to put a team in place that "can carry us for the next 20 years."

Stay tuned...