Channel 2 has picked a familiar face to replace longtime anchor Dennis Richmond rather than going outside of the market for new talent. Frank Somerville will start co-anchoring the 6 and 10 p.m. newscasts on Thursday, May 22, the night after Richmond signs off after 40 years. Somerville grew up in the Bay Area and has been at Channel 2 for 16 years.

The appointment of Somerville ends speculation that KTVU hired Dave Clark away from L.A.’s KCAL/KCBS-TV to replace Richmond. Clark, who now co-anchors Channel 2’s 6-to-8 a.m. news block, suggested he was in line to replace Richmond in an e-mail to friends that made the papers last year.

With Somerville’s appointment, Channel 2 is emphasizing the longevity of its anchor team. Somerville will co-anchor with Julie Haener who has 10 years at KTVU, chief meteorologist Bill Martin (12 years at KTVU) and sports director Mark Ibanez (29 years at KTVU). In addition to the 6 and 10 p.m. newscasts, Somerville will continue to co-anchor the 5 p.m. news with Gasia Mikaelian.

“Frank has really earned his stripes here at KTVU. He has shown tremendous range in anchoring KTVU Mornings on 2 and The KTVU Channel 2 News at 5, in addition to filling in for Dennis over the past three years,” said KTVU Vice President and General Manager Tim McVay. “Frank is at his best during live, breaking news situations.  His knowledge of the history and fabric of the Bay Area has made him invaluable.”