Dynamic Duo Host KTLA’s Rose Parade Coverage in Shadow of Bob Eubanks and Stephanie Edwards Legacy

The annual Rose Parade, a cherished New Year’s Day tradition in Pasadena, is not just a showcase of breathtaking floats, spirited bands, and majestic horses; it’s also a reflection of tradition, community, and the enduring spirit of America. 

Leading the broadcast for KTLA on Jan. 1 are hosts Leeza Gibbons and Mark Steines, who took the reins from the iconic Bob Eubanks and Stephanie Edwards in 2017.

The transition from the beloved veteran hosts posed a unique challenge for Gibbons and Steines, but the duo embraced the opportunity to infuse new energy and perspective into the parade’s presentation. 

“Taking over for Bob and Stephanie challenged us to not only show respect and appreciation for the enormous brand they had built but also to find our own way to fit into this annual celebration,” said Gibbons. 

Mark Steines, speaking about the challenge, acknowledges the monumental task of following in the footsteps of the iconic former hosts. 

“It’s always a challenge to try or attempt to fill the shoes of somebody who’s as iconic as Stephanie and Bob were,” Steines admits. “I’m not even sure we have accomplished that, and I don’t know if we ever will.” 

One of the standout moments in their hosting tenure was the cancellation of the parade in 2021 due to the COVID-19 pandemic, a historic occurrence that left a significant void. 

“We were included in that collection of people who that year were left stranded without a parade,” Steines reflects. “Even though I’ve been doing this for a relatively short period of time, there was a pretty big void I think that year for us.” 

For Gibbons and Steines, hosting the Rose Parade is a unique experience compared to their previous roles in broadcasting. Gibbons said there’s a delicate balance between giving information and allowing the parade to breathe, while Steines said he applauds KTLA’s two-hour commercial-free uninterrupted live coverage, and the network’s local commitment to the Rose Parade over several decades.

As they prepare for each Rose Parade, the hosts also have their own rituals and routines.

“I enjoy my Peloton and I always get on the bike in the morning before leaving to really sort of take the cobwebs out to make me feel like this isn’t 4 a.m. and that it’s closer to midday because you just want to be awake,” said Steines. 

Reflecting on the enduring popularity of the Rose Parade, Gibbons notes the Rose Parade “celebrates the best of us.” 

“There’s an innocence to it that reminds us of the fact that we all want to be proud of who we are, what we’ve accomplished, and where we’re going,” Steines adds. “It’s a testament to really what those in the origins of it put it all together. But seeing the vision that they had and how that has remained a constant really speaks to the importance of what we as a nation, as a group of people around the world, want to come together and unify.”

“It symbolized family coming togetherness,” Gibbons said. “It reminded me of always having my favorite cousins coming over on New Year’s Day, and that was always playing in the background. So it really brings a sort of a security blanket.”

Despite the challenges and responsibilities, both hosts express their love for the Rose Parade. Steines shares his favorite parade moments, including the iconic B-2 Bomber flyover and the emotional Donate Life float. On the other hand, Gibbons reflects on the parade’s deeper meaning.

“Traditions are the things that ground us in the security of our commonality and remind us of our collective ability to move forward together,” she said. 

Leeza Gibbons and Mark Steines both agree that it’s the spirit, tradition, and optimism that define the Rose Parade as a grand celebration. They’re also both dedicated to delivering a captivating broadcast to ensure that millions of viewers nationwide can welcome the New Year with the same sense of joy and anticipation that has marked the Rose Parade for over a century.

“I can’t believe I’m lucky enough to be a part of it,” says Gibbons. “And being part of KTLA means we get to relive the magic all day long with the encore presentations!”