Ben Kaplan grew up in southern California. He traded the beach for the big sky when he studied at the University of Montana, where he graduated at the top of his class.

He first delved into the world of sports journalism, working at Fox Sports in Los Angeles for two years.

Ben spent nearly five years at KXLY, in Spokane, Washington, where he was the sports director. He was nominated for a Regional Emmy for his series on individuals using sports to overcome personal and physical obstacles.

He made stops at WWSB in Sarasota, Fla., KFBB in Great Falls, Mt., and WCTV in Tallahassee, Fla., before landing at KCCI in Des Moines, Iowa, where he anchors the 6, 9 and 10 p.m. newscasts.

Community involvement is very important to Ben. He spent three years as the Chair for the American Cancer Society’s Leon/Havana Relay For Life in Tallahassee, helping to turn it into the largest fundraising event of its kind in north Florida. He also co-created a special military Veterans broadcast special called, ‘It’s Our Honor,’ which raised more than $15,000 to send Florida Veterans on the Honor Flight in 2023. Ben has also volunteered as a Big Brother for Big Brothers Big Sisters of America.

An outdoorsman who enjoys a thrill, Ben has completed a tri-state bike trip, beginning at sea level in Anacortes, Wa., climbing an elevation to more than a mile and ending in Trout Creek, Mt. He has climbed a glacier in the Cascade Mountain range and spent summers sailing the San Juan Islands north of Seattle.

He is also a big Cubs fan... and is always hoping 'this is their year'… again.