Matt Brickman, Kim Johnson Join WCCO This Morning

MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) -- WCCO-TV has announced today that Matt Brickman and Kim Johnson will join Jason DeRusha and Jamie Yuccas on WCCO 4 News This Morning, Minnesota's most-watched morning newscast.

Brickman currently hosts and delivers weather forecasts for WCCO's Saturday Mornings and produces the popular segment "Best of Minnesota." Brickman will succeed Mike Augustyniak as morning meteorologist. Augustyniak has asked for reassignment and will remain full time, both as weekend meteorologist as well as producing weather during weekdays.

"My body doesn't work as well at 3 a.m. as it does at 3 p.m. I'm grateful that we were able to figure out a solution that allowed me to better balance my personal life with my work life," said Augustyniak.

Kim Johnson, who joined the WCCO team in May, currently anchors Saturday Mornings and serves as a reporter on weekdays.

"It's been a dream covering stories in my home state and there's no better place to do that than WCCO," said Johnson, who will continue to anchor and report news and traffic for WCCO 4 News This Morning.

Current morning traffic reporter and anchor Natalie Nyhus will shift to anchoring the station's popular Saturday Mornings show.

"After four awesome years on mornings, I was ready for a new challenge," said Nyhus, "I can't wait to take on the Saturday Mornings show and our 'Best of Minnesota' series when Matt Brickman passes the torch. This is my home state and I'm honored to be able to showcase its brightest spots."

In a letter sent to the WCCO-TV staff, news director Mike Caputa added, "While we know how valuable both have been to our morning show, based on the reason for their ask, we wanted to do our best to make the accommodation. Having a depth of very talented people on staff has made this possible.

"I can say that everyone is excited about their new opportunities and I hope you all wish them well," Caputa added.

These changes will be effective the week of September 1, 2014.