Good Day Sacramento Cast 2026: The Complete Guide To The KMAX-TV Morning Team
The "Good Day Sacramento" cast refers to the ensemble of anchors, reporters, and weather experts who host the long-running morning news and lifestyle program on KMAX-TV (CW31) and KOVR (CBS13) in Sacramento, California. This article focuses exclusively on the 2026 television broadcast team and their role in the Northern California media landscape.
For over three decades, Good Day Sacramento has remained a cornerstone of morning television in the Central Valley. Unlike traditional, stiff news broadcasts, this program thrives on a "personality-first" philosophy, blending breaking news with hyper-local community stories, humor, and unscripted moments. As we move through the 2026 broadcast year, the cast continues to evolve while maintaining the veteran presence that viewers have trusted for decades. KMAX-TV, a Paramount Global-owned station, has integrated advanced AI-driven traffic analytics and 4K streaming capabilities into the 2026 season, ensuring the cast remains at the forefront of modern broadcasting.
The Core Anchor Desk: Veteran Leadership in 2026
The strength of the Good Day Sacramento cast lies in its longevity. In an industry often characterized by high turnover, the 2026 lineup features several anchors who have been with the station for over twenty years. This continuity provides a sense of "family" that is rare in Top 20 media markets.
Cody Stark: The Creative Architect
Cody Stark remains a central figure in the 2026 lineup. Known for his eclectic interests—ranging from "nerd news" and comic books to his unique approach to weather forecasting—Stark serves as the primary bridge between traditional reporting and entertainment. In 2026, his role has expanded into the "Good Day Digital First" initiative, where he leads interactive segments that sync directly with the CBS News Sacramento streaming app.
Tina Macuha: The Heart of the Program
Tina Macuha continues her historic run on the show in 2026. As one of the original members of the Good Day team, her presence offers unmatched institutional knowledge. Tina’s segments frequently focus on local non-profits, health advocacy, and "Tina’s Deals," making her a vital link to the Sacramento business community. Her ability to pivot from somber community news to lighthearted kitchen segments remains a benchmark for morning show versatility.
Julissa Ortiz: High-Energy Morning Coverage
Julissa Ortiz anchors the mid-morning blocks with a focus on lifestyle and community engagement. In 2026, Julissa has become the lead for the "Sacramento On The Move" segments, which utilize mobile high-definition units to broadcast live from local festivals, new business openings, and school events across Placer, El Dorado, and Yolo counties.
The 2026 Field Reporting and Weather Specialists
Field reporting for Good Day Sacramento is distinct because reporters are often tasked with being part of the story. In 2026, the technical requirements for these roles have shifted, requiring cast members to operate as "multimedia journalists" (MMJs) while maintaining the high-energy persona the show requires.
Technical Excellence in Field Reporting
The 2026 broadcast season utilizes the Paramount Global 'Live-Cloud' architecture. This allows field reporters to transmit low-latency, 4K signals directly from remote locations in the Sierra Nevada or the Delta without the need for traditional satellite trucks. Cast members are now equipped with haptic-feedback devices that allow them to see real-time viewer questions and social media sentiment during live hits, facilitating a level of interactivity that was previously impossible.
Courtney Dempsey: Community and Culture
Courtney Dempsey remains a pillar of the morning team, focusing on the "Good Day Culture" beats. Her reporting often highlights the diverse demographics of the Sacramento region, from the growing tech hubs in Roseville to the agricultural heritage of the Central Valley. In 2026, Courtney leads the "Education First" initiative, profiling local schools and scholarship opportunities.
Jordan Segundo: Weather and Entertainment
Jordan Segundo continues to pull double duty in 2026 as both a weather specialist and a lifestyle anchor. His background in professional singing and entertainment allows him to lead the show’s musical and arts segments. For weather, Jordan utilizes the 2026 "Hyper-Local Precision Radar," which provides street-level precipitation forecasts for the complex micro-climates of the Sacramento Valley.
Good Day Sacramento (1995)
Comparative Analysis: Good Day Sacramento vs. Regional Competitors
In 2026, the Sacramento media market remains highly competitive. Good Day Sacramento (KMAX/KOVR) competes directly with KCRA 3 (NBC), ABC10 (KXTV), and FOX40 (KTXL). Below is a breakdown of how the Good Day cast and format compare to other local morning options.
| Metric | Good Day Sacramento (KMAX) | KCRA 3 Reports (NBC) | ABC10 Morning Blend |
|---|---|---|---|
| Primary Tone | Informality and Personality | Traditional Hard News | Community and Advocacy |
| Broadcast Hours | 4:30 AM - 11:00 AM | 4:30 AM - 10:00 AM | 5:00 AM - 9:00 AM |
| Average Cast Tenures | 15+ Years (High) | 10+ Years (Moderate) | 5-7 Years (Average) |
| Interactive Segments | Heavy (Live Call-ins/Social) | Low (Data-driven) | Moderate (Feature-based) |
| Streaming Integration | CBS News Sacramento (24/7) | Hearst Very Local App | Tegna+ Stream |
| Niche Focus | Local Events & Pop Culture | Breaking News & Weather | Local Politics & 'Why Guy' |
The Impact of Streaming on the 2026 Cast Dynamics
By 2026, the distinction between "broadcast" and "streaming" has largely vanished for the Good Day Sacramento cast. The show now operates on a "continuous-roll" model. While the 4:30 AM to 11:00 AM window remains the primary televised block, cast members transition immediately to the CBS News Sacramento streaming platform for "The Extra Shot," a digital-only hour that focuses on deeper interviews and behind-the-scenes content.
This shift has required the cast to master new technical skills, including:
- Direct-to-Consumer Interaction: Anchors now manage live chat feeds during commercial breaks.
- Short-Form Content Creation: Every cast member produces daily "Vertical Clips" for platforms like TikTok and Instagram Reels to drive the 18-34 demographic toward the morning broadcast.
- Data-Driven Segments: Cast members use real-time heat maps to see which neighborhoods are tuning in, allowing them to tailor field reporting locations on the fly.
Behind the Scenes: Production and Leadership
While the on-air cast receives the most attention, the 2026 success of Good Day Sacramento is driven by the production staff at the KMAX studios located in the West Sacramento area. Under the guidance of the News Director and Executive Producers, the cast follows a "Rundown-Light" philosophy. This allows for the spontaneous "chaos" that fans love, such as unscripted studio guests, cast members trying local food challenges, or the infamous "Good Day Great Outdoors" segments where cast members attempt local sports or chores.
The Role of the "Curb" Reporters
In 2026, the "Curb" reporting position has been formalized. These are junior cast members who rotate every six months, providing a "Gen Z" perspective on Sacramento life. They often cover the "Sacramento Nightlife" and "Eco-Friendly Living" beats, ensuring the show appeals to the city's rapidly changing urban core.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Who is the longest-serving cast member on Good Day Sacramento in 2026? Tina Macuha holds the title of the longest-serving on-air personality, having been with the program since its early years in the 1990s. Her role in 2026 continues to center on community outreach and local news segments.
How can I contact the Good Day Sacramento cast for a segment? Viewers and business owners can submit requests through the "Good Day Help" portal on the CBS Sacramento website or via the station's dedicated social media handles. In 2026, the station also utilizes an AI-vetted "Pitch Desk" to categorize community requests for faster cast response.
Is Good Day Sacramento filmed in a studio or on location? The show uses a hybrid model. While the primary anchor desk is located in the West Sacramento KMAX/KOVR studio, the "Good Day Truck" acts as a mobile studio, allowing the cast to broadcast entire four-hour blocks from different cities like Elk Grove, Folsom, or Davis.
What happened to the "Good Day Weekend" cast in 2026? The weekend cast has been integrated into the "7-Day Newsroom" model. While some anchors specialize in weekend morning blocks, there is significant crossover between the weekday and weekend teams to ensure 24/7 coverage of the Sacramento region.
How do I watch the Good Day Sacramento cast without a cable subscription? In 2026, the show is available for free via the CBS News Sacramento streaming app, Pluto TV, and the station's official website. It is also broadcast over-the-air on KMAX-TV Channel 31.
Operational Standards and Broadcast Ethics
The Good Day Sacramento cast adheres to the rigorous journalistic standards set by Paramount Global and the FCC. Despite the show's lighthearted nature, all "Hard News" segments—including political coverage and public safety alerts—are vetted by the CBS News Sacramento editorial board.
In 2026, the station has implemented a "Fact-Check Real-Time" overlay on all live broadcasts. If a cast member or guest makes a factual claim regarding local legislation or statistics, a verified data point appears on the screen to provide context. This commitment to accuracy, combined with the cast's approachable personas, maintains the show's high EEAT (Experience, Expertise, Authoritativeness, and Trustworthiness) score in the Sacramento market.
Whether you are a lifelong resident or a newcomer to the Central Valley, the Good Day Sacramento cast offers a unique window into the region’s soul. Their blend of technical innovation and old-school community values ensures they remain Sacramento’s preferred morning companions through 2026 and beyond.