KIRO news anchor Kristy Lee is leaving the station and the Pacific Northwest, according to station manager John Woodin. Lee's last day is Jan. 21.

Lee, who joined KIRO in January 2002, is moving back to Boston with her husband and children, Woodin said. Lee came to Seattle from WHDH-TV in Boston, where she had been a morning weekday anchor. She has co-anchored KIRO's evening newscasts alongside Steve Raible for three years.

In other KIRO shifts, the station has announced a new programming schedule starting Jan. 24. "The CBS Evening News with Dan Rather" will move to 5:30 p.m., and KIRO's local newscast will take the 6 p.m. slot.

"Many people aren't available for a full broadcast of local news until 6 p.m.," Woodin said. "It also gives viewers a chance to view the only major network newscast at 5:30 p.m. and the only local newscast at 6 p.m."

Pamela Sitt, Times staff reporter