Working at WHIO-TV is a dream come true for me. From the time my father was transferred to Wright-Patterson Air Force Base in the mid-1960s, my family always watched Channel 7.
I finished grade school at St. Helen's in Riverside (formerly Mad River Twp.), then graduated from Carroll High School. I later earned my Bachelor of Arts degree in Broadcasting from the University of Cincinnati. While in the Queen City, my roommate and I would often hop on the bus for a trip down to Riverfront Stadium to watch the Big Red Machine play! My senior year at U.C., I was fortunate to get an internship at WKRC radio where I learned to really apply what I was learning in college. I worked in radio news for three years, with stints at WING radio in Dayton and WCKY in Cincinnati, before landing a job as a reporter at WHIO-TV in August of 1981.
For much of the 1980’s, I covered the Dayton Police/Montgomery County Courts beat, reporting on all kinds of stories from the local criminal justice system. I covered a number of high-profile trials, including the murder trial of Ted Sinks. He was convicted of killing his wife and burying her body on the seventh floor of the Dayton Newspapers Building in downtown Dayton. During those years, I won four Emmy Awards. Three of them were for Spot News (now called Breaking News), including live coverage of a grueling police search for a teenager who was abducted by her mother’s killer. In 1990, I was thrilled to receive an Emmy for Investigative Reporting, for a three-part series on repeat drunk driving offenders.
In 2013, I added two more Emmys for two half hour specials that my co-workers and I produced. One was "Miami Valley Murder Mysteries"; the other was called "PTSD: Invisible Wound"--our goal here was to raise awareness of post-traumatic stress among our military combat veterans. I added two more Emmys in recent years for another “Miami Valley Murder Mysteries” and a special half-hour report about problems at the Dayton VA.
From 1991 through August of 2009, I anchored News Center 7's evening newscasts with my good friend and colleague, Jim Baldridge. He is now enjoying a well-deserved retirement. I'm fortunate that another very hardworking newsman succeeded Jim. James Brown and I are both sticklers for accuracy and grammar, and while we both like to joke around, we take very seriously our responsibility to our viewers here in the Miami Valley. From 1987 through 2014. I co-hosted the Children’s Miracle Network Telethon, which raised money for Dayton Children’s Hospital. I also emcee a number of events every year—including the Dayton Defense Education Gala, the United Way Big Thanks Volunteer Breakfast and the Hundred Club, which recognizes police officers and firefighters who go above and beyond and provides scholarships to children of those who die during their public service.
Between 2007 and 2012, I was fortunate to be honored twice as Best Anchor by the Associated Press and once by the Society of Professional Journalists. Since 2007, I've been honored with induction to the Radio/TV Broadcasters Hall of Fame of Ohio, Carroll High School's Distinguished Alumni Hall of Fame and the Dayton Area Broadcasters Hall of Fame. Three of my co-workers and I also received a regional Edward R. Murrow award for a half-hour special we did in 2010 called "Domestic Violence: Breaking the Cycle."
When I'm not working, I enjoy spending time with my husband, Bob, our daughters, Christina and Maria, and our black Labrador and rescue dog, Missy. I'm a big sports fan, cheering for local high schools, the U.D. Flyers, Wright State Raiders, Ohio State Buckeyes, and Cincinnati Bengals and Reds. I love to exercise, especially running, swimming, and yoga. I enjoy cooking, and my favorite thing to do is relax by the pool with a wonderful book (after swimming my laps, of course!).
Q & A
Where were you born? Charleston, South Carolina
Where did you grow up? In Dayton from the time I was 9 years old. Before that, we lived in Texas, Arizona, and South Carolina. My dad was in the Air Force.
What was your favorite TV show then? Probably Andy Griffith
What was the first thing you ever wanted to be? A nun.
How might someone have described you in high school? Friendly, outgoing, and not very serious.
What was your first job? Serving hamburgers at Hardee's.
What was your first job in television? Anchoring morning cut-ins on WKRC-TV in Cincinnati
What do you like about your job? I love the challenge of communicating the news of the day in a clear, concise manner.
What do you not like about your job? Having to be concerned about hair, makeup, and clothing.
What might people be surprised to know about you? That I'm very athletic and that I can be very silly.
What is the hardest thing you ever did? It's something I still do every day—being a working mother.
What would be a perfect day for you? It would be a day spent doing something fun with my family, where we're all laughing and enjoying each other's company…maybe playing at a water park all day, then getting cleaned up and having a nice dinner out somewhere (any dinner's nice that I don’t have to prepare and clean up!)
What advice would you have for someone wanting to go into the business? Learn how to write well, be curious about the world around you, and pursue your dreams.
If you could only keep one 5-minute tape from your career what would be on it?
A combination of anchoring with Jim Baldridge, and some of my reporting for which I won Emmy awards.
Favorites
Favorite book: The Five People you meet in Heaven by Mitch Albom.
Favorite CBS show: Survivor and 60 Minutes
Favorite food: Chocolate of any kind
Favorite hobby: Reading for pleasure, and exercising—walking, running, swimming
Favorite Miami Valley place: I love all the parks, including Carillon, John Bryan, and Cox Arboretum
I am proud to anchor the 4:30 a.m. news each weekday morning in my hometown and then hit the streets to cover news in your neighborhood. I joined News Center 7 in 1997 as a camera operator with an ambition of one day becoming a reporter and anchor.
Before getting that chance in 2001, I spent 4 years behind the scenes in a number of positions including producer and radio reporter for WHIO Radio. Ironically my very first job was delivering the Dayton Daily News.
I was born in Leesburg, Virginia, but grew up in Dayton, Ohio. I attended Dayton Public Schools, Chaminade-Julienne High School, Sinclair Community College and the University of Dayton. I hold a bachelor’s degree in Communications with an emphasis on New Media from Walden University.
My husband Jeff and I live on a farm just outside Xenia. In addition to having dogs and cats, we own cows, pigs and chickens. I am a proud step-mom and step-grandmother.
On a nice day you'll catch Jeff and I on our motorcycles. I also enjoy running. I've completed two marathons in an effort to raise money and awareness for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society.
Q & A
Where were you born? Leesburg, Virginia
Where did you grow up? Dayton, Ohio (Belmont area)
What was your favorite TV show then? Emergency
What was the first thing you ever wanted to be? Veterinarian
How might someone have described you in high school? Friendly
What was your first job? Paper route
What was your first job in television? I worked in the WHIO-TV studio as a camera operator in 1997.
What do you like about your job? I get to meet new people every day and see some incredible things.
What do you not like about your job? A lot of people like you or dislike you for what you do and they don’t even know you.
What might people be surprised to know about you? I love to ride Harley-Davidson motorcycles, I’m a certified scuba diver and I used to sell cars!
What is the hardest thing you ever did? I worked 3 jobs when I got my first job in TV in order to pay the bills. I was a bank teller, a waitress at Frickers and a camera operator in the WHIO studio all at the same time!
What would be a perfect day for you? The beach, a book and a lemonade or a cabin, the snow and a fire in the fireplace.
What advice would you have for someone wanting to go into the business? Be excited! Learn everything you can from everyone you can. Be ready to work long and weird hours, holidays and weekends. Realize you won’t be able to make everyone happy. Understand being in this business can be one of the hardest, but most amazing experiences you’ll ever have.
If you could only keep one 5-minute tape from your career what would be on it?
I would keep my first live television report in 2000. The report was terrible and I looked terrible but it shows me how far I’ve come. I would also keep the story I did on the last flight of the Hanoi Taxi at Wright Patterson Air Force Base. I got a rare chance to see history. I would love to keep my story about a little dog named “Petey”. Petey couldn’t use his legs and needed a wheelchair. After my story aired he was adopted instead of being euthanized. I would also keep my favorite blooper. A monkey, named Whiplash, who rides a dog during rodeos, showed up during my part of the noon newscast. I had to laugh…and I did…LIVE on air.
I was born in Dayton and grew up in Waynesville; the Miami Valley has been home all my life.
I got my start at WPFB Radio in Middletown in 1977 after graduating from Eastern Kentucky University. In 1979, I was hired as a news reporter at WHIO radio, and also was the play-by-play voice of the Game of the Week broadcasts. From there, it was a short trip across the newsroom where I became at reporter at WHIO-TV. My beat was city/county government and politics.
I made the move to sports in 1982 and became Sports Director in 1989. I’ve been lucky enough to cover 3 Super Bowls, the 1990 World Series, the 1996 Olympics, and the Dayton Flyers in the NCAA Elite Eight two different times.
When I’m not covering a game, you can probably find me on one of our local golf courses. I’m a very lucky husband and father. My wife Janet, my daughter Jessica, and my grandson Alex. A great family and a hometown career…what more could a guy ask for?
Q & A
Where were you born? Dayton
Where did you grow up? Waynesville
What was your favorite TV show then? Bonanza
What was the first thing you ever wanted to be? Pro Golfer
How might someone have described you in high school? Busy
What was your first job? Mowing Lawns
What was your first job in television? News reporter
What do you like about your job? I get into games for free
What do you not like about your job? Long hours
What might people be surprised to know about you? I'd love to learn how to play the piano, but I just don’t have the patience.
What is the hardest thing you ever did? I cannot think of anything
What would be a perfect day for you? Spending time with my wife and my daughter and working in a round of golf too.
What advice would you have for someone wanting to go into the business? Prepare to work long hours
If you could only keep one 5-minute tape from your career what would be on it?
Super Bowl XVI-my first sports assignment, 1990 World Series, 1996 Olympics, and the 2002 BCS Championship.
Here at News Center 7 we always appreciate your company! I anchor the 5pm, 5:30pm and 6pm newscasts with Cheryl McHenry and the 11 pm with Molly Koweek each weeknight. Prior to anchoring the evening news, I spent six years anchoring the 5 a.m., 6 a.m., 7 a.m. and noon newscasts.
I am a Miami Valley Native. I was born in Wilmington and lived in Lebanon for part of my childhood. My parents eventually moved back to their native Colorado. With no choice but to follow along, I am sure glad I did. Years later I met a young lady in high school. That wonderful woman is now my wife. We have two fabulous children.
Before settling down in Dayton in 2002, my wife and I lived all over the country. I worked for KTUU-TV in Anchorage, Alaska, as the Anchor and Managing Editor. Before that, I was an Anchor/Reporter for WXII-TV in Winston-Salem, North Carolina. Prior to that, I was KTUU-TV's Weekend Anchor and Reporter in the mid 1990's. I got my start in television news as a weekday morning anchor at WRDW-TV in Augusta, Georgia. I have a Bachelor's degree in Speech Communication from Colorado State University, and I also attended the University of Missouri-Columbia as part of a National Student Exchange Program.
When I am not anchoring the evening newscasts, I'm chasing my kids, doing lots of coloring with my daughter, throwing the football with my son, and trying to find a free hour or two to ride my Harley Davidson. There is nothing quite like taking a pre-dawn ride to the Golden Nugget for breakfast, then hitting the country roads in Preble and Darke counties. I’ll tell you, riding down a country road seeing the sun rise, seeing the green cornfields covered with morning dew, and seeing beautiful farm houses peppering the countryside is priceless.
Looking at my life, my greatest accomplishment is my family. My worst fear is my daughter becoming a teenager! If you have any advice on how to prepare me for that one, I am all ears.
And remember, if you ever just want to call and chat about anything, I look forward to visiting with you.
Q & A
Where were you born? Lebanon, Ohio
Where did you grow up? Loveland, Colorado
What was your favorite TV show then? Wide World Of Sports
What was the first thing you ever wanted to be? Howard Cosell and a sportscaster
How might someone have described you in high school? A guy who did not miss any meals. I used to weigh 280-pounds. I blame it on being a football player and a guy who loved his steak and potatoes.
What was your first job? Delivering papers.
What was your first job in television? Ripped news scripts for anchors
What do you like about your job? Getting to meet new people and being able to share their stories with thousands of people
What do you not like about your job? Reporting on crimes where children are the victims
What might people be surprised to know about you? I ride a Harley Davidson, wear all the leather to go along with it, and I wear a helmet.
What is the hardest thing you ever did? Learn how to walk again after I was hurt during a high school football game.
What would be a perfect day for you? I consider everyday perfect. I have a wonderful wife and two beautiful children.
What advice would you have for someone wanting to go into the business?
Don’t forget you put your pants on just like everyone else, one leg at a time.
Read as many newspapers, magazines, etc. as possible.
Don’t ever take your viewers for granted.
Don’t jeopardize your reputation, and always be honest!
If you could only keep one 5-minute tape from your career what would be on it?
It would have to be my hurricane/flooding coverage back in 1999 in North Carolina. I had been on the road covering the disaster for almost a week. The flooding took our crew to a small community between Raleigh and the coast. This was a 500-year flood for the state.
All you could see were the roofs of homes. People lost everything they owned. Many did not have much to begin with. I saw then just how fortunate I was to have a change of clothes, a toothbrush, and a front yard to mow.
During my coverage of the disaster, I got emotional and conveyed this to thousands of viewers. They responded and they, along with countless others, helped raise thousands and thousands of dollars to help people who had nothing but the clothes on their backs.
Favorites
Favorite book: Any book my daughter wants to read to me.
Favorite CBS show: CBS Sunday Morning
Favorite dream car: 1956 Chevy Bel Air
Favorite food: Spaghetti
Favorite hobby: Riding my motorcycle
Favorite Miami Valley place: Any country road on the seat of a Harley Davidson
Born and raised in Dayton, Ohio, Letitia Perry is a product of the public school system. After graduating from Meadowdale High School in Dayton, she went on to earn a Bachelor’s Degree in Broadcast/Cinematic Arts at Central Michigan University in Mount Pleasant. Michigan.
During her final year of study there, she joined the staff of the CMU Public Broadcasting Center; with stations serving central and northern parts of the state, as well as parts of the northern-lower peninsula.
While there, Letitia was a radio host for NPR’s Morning Edition and All Things Considered, as well as various programs on the television site of the operation.
In 1992, Letitia moved to Columbus, Ohio, accepting a news producer position at WCBE-FM; licensed to the Columbus Board of Education. She continued in that capacity until her hometown return in 1996; accepting the position of News Director at WROU-FM and WRNB-FM. She was appointed Director of Community and Public Affairs four years later.
Letitia made the move to WHIO-TV in Spring 2001; as a general assignment reporter. In 2006, she was named co-anchor of the 11 p.m. newscast with long-time anchor Jim Baldridge, and later with James Brown. She currently co-anchors News Center 7 ‘s Daybreak Edition from 5-7 a.m. weekdays and the Noon News on weekdays.
Letitia is a member of St. Luke Missionary Baptist church in Dayton, and serves the community in many capacities. She enjoys traveling, shopping and reading.
Letitia is also the proud mother of twins; Jade and Jewel.
Q&A
Where were you born? Dayton
Where did you grow up? Dayton and Springfield
What was your favorite TV show then? The Brady Bunch
What was the first thing you ever wanted to be? News Anchor
How might someone have described you in high school? Social Organizer
What was your first job? Waitress at Four's Company, a locally owned sub shop
What was your first job in television? Reporter - WHIO-TV
What do you like about your job? The variety of news covered, and the ability to meet people from all walks of life.
What do you not like about your job? Talking to people who have been struck by tragedy.
What might people be surprised to know about you? I have twins
What is the hardest thing you ever did? Held my mom as she went to heaven.
What would be a perfect day for you? Quiet day at the beach with a good book.
What advice would you have for someone wanting to go into the business? Learn the art of persuasion and conversation. Perfect the ability to creatively write in a clear and concise manner, and articulate, enunciate, and appreciate the opportunity.
If you could only keep one 5-minute tape from your career what would be on it?
A mix of reports on breaking news like shootings and fires, weather coverage during a winter storm, one-on-one interview with a political figure, a montage of anchoring, and several public service announcements for community groups.
I am excited to move to Ohio for some warmer weather. That might sound odd, but I've spent the last four years in central Wisconsin working for WAOW.
I co-anchor News Center 7 Saturday. During the weekdays you can catch my reports on News Center 7 at Noon, 5:00, 5:30, and 6:00.
I love exploring new places. I already have a bucket list which includes catching a Dayton Dragons game, following a Dayton donut tour, and kayaking in the Miami Valley.
I grew up in a small town in upstate New York and graduated from Boston University with a degree in Broadcast Journalism.
Please send your story ideas and brunch suggestions my way!
Born and raised in West Chester, Ohio, I feel there's nothing like covering news near home in the Miami Valley.
After graduating from Lakota East High School, I earned my Bachelor's Degree in Journalism with a minor in Radio/Television from Northern Kentucky University.
My real education in broadcast journalism began days after graduation with my first anchor/reporter position for KWCH-TV in Wichita, Kansas.
After earning four Kansas Association of Broadcasters awards, I gladly accepted a position at WCPO-TV in Cincinnati. This was an easy decision considering my step-father spent nearly 40 years at WCPO as a photographer.
I covered the Tri-State news at WCPO-TV for nearly 7 years as a reporter and anchor before joining the team here at WHIO-TV.
It’s an honor and pleasure to anchor News Center 7 ‘s Daybreak Edition from 5-7 a.m. weekdays.
I joined WHIO's team in September 2019. You can catch me on News Center 7 when I anchor Saturdays at 6 a.m., 8 a.m. and Noon, Sundays at 6 and 11 p.m., and while I am reporting during the week. I was born in Atlanta, Georgia. I grew up in the Knoxville, TN area until I moved to Chillicothe, Ohio in high school. I realized my passion for journalism when I took a broadcast journalism class at Chillicothe High School. That led me to the Scripps School of Journalism at Ohio University, where I earned a Bachelor of Science degree in broadcast journalism with a minor in political science. During my college years, I interned at WSYX and WBNS in Columbus, Ohio. I also studied abroad in Germany and worked for the U.S. Soccer Team during the World Cup in Sao Paulo, Brazil. I started my career as a weekend anchor and reporter at WSAZ in Charleston, WV. I then worked at WVNS in Beckley, WV as the morning anchor. While working in the Mountain State, I earned many accolades including Best Investigative Journalist, Best In-Depth Report and was recognized for Best Light Feature by the Associated Press of The Virginias. I am excited to be back in the Buckeye State to work at WHIO! When I am not working,
I enjoy traveling, trying new foods and hanging out with my husband Tim and English Bulldog named Maggie. I have covered hundreds of stories from Presidential visits to deadly floods. I am honored to be able share each and every story.
If you have a story idea for me, please email me at katy.andersen@cmg.com.
BIO QUESTIONS:
Where were you born? Atlanta, GA.
Where did you grow up? Knoxville, TN area
What was your favorite TV show then? Anything on Disney!
What was the first thing you ever wanted to be? A ballerina and violinist
How might someone have described you in high school? Talkative! I used to get in trouble for talking too much in class.. but hey, it worked out for me!
Were you involved in any high school sports? Cheerleading and track
What was your first journalism job? Weekend Anchor/Reporter at WSAZ in Charleston, WV
What do you like about your job? Meeting new people every day and sharing their stories.
What don't you like about your job? Tight deadlines.
If not working, what could someone find you doing on a weekend or time off? Hanging out with my husband, Tim, and my English Bulldog Maggie.
What might people be surprised to know about me? I'm a dare devil - I love to sky dive, white water raft, and rollercoasters- anything that gets my adrenaline going!
What would be a perfect day for you? Sleeping in and exploring a new city.
What advice would give someone who wants to be a meteorologist? Hope your good at math!
Favorite book: I hate to admit I am not an avid reader, any book suggestions?
Favorite CBS show: The Price Is Right! I actually won the showcase on the show in LA. It aired on Memorial Day 2016.
Favorite Food: Indian and Mexican
Food Favorite Hobby: Traveling and trying new food
Favorite movie: Anything Pixar!
Favorite music: I seriously love all genres of music!
Favorite travel destination: Visiting family in San Diego, CA or Greece
Becoming one of News Center 7’s most experienced reporters wasn’t easy. In a world where moving up can often mean moving on, I’m proud to say I did it all right here.
Yes, I spent my entire news career right here in Dayton at WHIO-TV, filling almost every news position imaginable. This has helped tremendously in reporting on my adopted hometown. I graduated from high school in Ypsilanti, Michigan in 1982 and then graduated with a bachelor’s degree from Cedarville University right here in the Miami Valley in 1986.
My career at WHIO-TV began in late 1986 when I was hired as a news editor. Things moved pretty quickly from there as I was given new opportunities and responsibilities. I became a news photographer in 1988 and spent several years behind the camera. I then moved to working as a night-time assignment manager for about a year. Following that, it was time for another move as I was asked to report on weekends and also produce medical reports for the station.
I eventually moved to a full-time news reporter position about ten years ago. I spent several years as a general assignment reporter. About five years ago I was asked to fill the role of lead reporter on the station’s expanding morning newscasts. I continue to work in that role today, teaming with John Paul and Letitia Perry on Miami Valley’s number one morning newscast.
Along the way, I’ve covered just about every story you can imagine. Some of the more memorable events include Republican and Democratic National political conventions, tornadoes in Xenia, Blue Ash, and the Northern Miami Valley, the incredible events and changes brought on by 9/11 and the economic upheaval in Dayton as auto manufacturing jobs slip away and cities and families struggle to adjust. Through it all, I’ve forged strong ties to the Dayton region. I’ve been blessed to raise two college-aged sons here, 20-year-old Anthony and 18-year-old Nick. I’ve also received a new double blessing recently, marrying my awesome wife Christine and being privileged to become stepdad to 8-year-old Ashley.
I look forward to serving the Miami Valley every day. The best way I see to do that is working very hard to keep WHIO-TV’s viewers informed of the news in our community and explaining what impact those events will have on our lives.
Q & A
Where were you born? Michigan
Where did you grow up? West side of Michigan between Lansing and Grand Rapids
What was your favorite TV show then? Hill Street Blues
What was the first thing you ever wanted to be? Professional Athlete (didn’t everyone?)
How might someone have described you in high school? Athletic, Outgoing
What was your first job? Grocery store stock boy
What was your first job in television? Part-time Video editor, WHIO-TV
What do you like about your job? Meeting people, finding out how and why things are not working as they should or working exactly as they should.
What do you not like about your job? We never have enough time to tell all the great stories we uncover. There are always some great things we have to leave out.
What might people be surprised to know about you? I’m a huge University of Michigan fan (not always popular in Ohio) because my Dad went there.
What is the hardest thing you ever did? Serving as a pallbearer at my Grandfather’s funeral, a great man that’s still missed by everyone in my family.
What would be a perfect day for you? If money was not an issue, then I’d watch one of my children’s sporting events, and then fly my wife Christine and I to a beach to take a sunset walk at the ocean’s edge.
What advice would you have for someone wanting to go into the business?
I might advise them to try something else first! But if they were determined I’d tell them to learn to write…that is the key…and also to read a lot, especially reading people with viewpoints that are different than their own.
If you could only keep one 5-minute tape from your career what would be on it?
I think I’d probably keep the reports that I did at the Dayton Airport on the morning of 9/11. As we detailed how things literally changed minute-by-minute all of us and the passengers and people here and around the country realized the fact that the world was changing in a major way.
Favorites
Favorite book: Purpose Driven Life by Rick Warren, Anything by Harlan Coben
Favorite CBS show: Criminal Minds
Favorite dream car: Vintage Mustangs
Favorite food: Pasta, Spaghetti tops the chart
Favorite hobby: Working out, Reading, Watching my Kids Play Sports
Favorite Miami Valley place: The Greene
Favorite movie: Saw
Favorite music: R & B, Christian Contemporary, Jazz
Favorite travel destination: Antigua, In-country I like Chicago or New York
Originally from Virginia, I spent the last three years as a reporter and weekend morning anchor at WVIR-TV, the NBC affiliate in Charlottesville, Virginia, which is also where I grew up. I graduated from American University in Washington, D.C. in 2014 with a bachelor’s degree in broadcast journalism and political science. During my time at American, I also interned with the Washington Bureau for Cox Media Group, the parent company of WHIO-TV. When I’m not “on the job,” you’ll probably find me trying out a restaurant in town, or cheering on one of my beloved New England sports teams -- the Red Sox and Patriots. I’m looking forward to telling stories that matter to you.
Please feel free to connect with me on Facebook, or Twitter, or shoot me an email, if you ever hear about something I should look into.
Q&A:
Where were you born? Fairfax County, Virginia
Where did you grow up? Charlottesville, Virginia
What is your favorite TV show? Suits
What was the first thing you ever wanted to be? A news reporter!
How might someone have described you in high school? The guy on the newspaper staff
What was your first job? Lifeguard
What was your first job in television? Reporter and weekend morning anchor at WVIR-TV in Charlottesville, VA
What do you like about your job? Getting to do something different every day
What do you not like about your job? The deadlines can be tight!
What might people be surprised to know about you? I competed on the swim team all four years in college
What advice would you have for someone wanting to go into the business? Intern, and not just at places that “look good” on your resume. Pick a place where you’ll get to learn ‘hands-on.
If you could only keep one 5-minute tape from your career what would be on it? My live shots from the middle of the huge January 2016 snowstorm we got in Virginia. My photographer and I had a lot of fun with our live updates…even though we were freezing.
Favorites
Favorite book: The Outliers, by Malcolm Gladwell
Favorite CBS show: The NFL on CBS
Favorite food: BBQ – any style!
Favorite hobby: Rooting for the Red Sox & Patriots
Favorite music: Country (much to the chagrin of my family)
Jim Otte has been investigating government spending since joining WHIO-TV in 1988.
A native of Cincinnati, Otte began his career at radio stations in Oxford, Hamilton and Columbus. During that time he covered Ohio politics for National Public Radio. At WHIO-TV, he began the "Wastebusters" segment on Channel 7, focusing on waste, fraud and abuse of taxpayers' money throughout the Miami Valley. As a member of the I-Team, Otte enjoys interviewing the people who are impacted by government spending decisions. He is a two-time winner of the Ohio Associated Press "Best Reporter Award," in 2009 and 2012. Jim and his wife, Cindy, have three children.
Q & A
How did you get into broadcast journalism?
It all began at a little radio station in Oxford, Ohio. While I was a student at Miami University, I fell in love with the news business. Like much else in life, it is an acquired taste. It was a departure from my upbringing in the quiet suburbs of Cincinnati. On the news beat, days are often filled with politics and personalities, courts and criminals, floods and fires. I thought, "What better way to be a part of history than to spend a lifetime watching it happen and telling other people all about it?" From college, I moved to commercial radio in Oxford and Hamilton. Later I moved closer to the action in Columbus. I began covering the Ohio Statehouse in late 1982.
I have seen a lot of Governors come and go. Who was my favorite to cover? Dick Celeste. He knew how to communicate, whether the news was good or bad. After six years with the Public Radio and TV Bureau at the Statehouse, I joined WHIO-TV. Over the years, my most memorable story has been the Lucasville prison riot. I spent the better part of two weeks standing in a field outside the prison as troopers and national guardsmen tried to figure out what to do next.
I tell people wherever I go; the best part of the job is meeting people who have grown up watching Channel 7. They are an amazing bunch of people. Also, along the way, I have been blessed to win my share of awards from the Associated Press and Society of Professional Journalists.
Yes, the news is not often very enjoyable. But I've always thought that reporters get to see people at their very best, too. That's the part that keeps me going.
And between stories I do have a private life. When I'm not paddling my kayak on a lake or stream in Ohio, I'm working with my wife on our house or visiting our kids. Luckily they live close enough to see them for family events on weekends and holidays.
Where were you born? Cincinnati. The west side is filled with my immediate family and countless cousins, aunts and uncles.
Where did you grow up? Cincinnati. Monfort Heights, to be exact. It's a Western Hills suburb.
What was your favorite TV show then? If it was on TV in the 60's, it was my favorite. From news and sports to Hogan's Heroes.
What was the first thing you ever wanted to be? A carpenter, like my dad.
How might someone have described you in high school? Geek. And they would be correct.
What was your first job? I worked for my dad's company in high school and college. Carpenter, roofer, truck driver, crane operator and a lot of other things.
What was your first job in television? My first job in TV was floor director for the university station. My first paying job was reporter for the Public TV Bureau at the Ohio Statehouse.
What do you like about your job? You never know where this job will take you or who you will talk to throughout the day. I've interviewed big names in politics and sports. I've met a lot of great people along the way who have made this job a real adventure.
What do you not like about your job? I spend a lot of time away from my family.
What might people be surprised to know about you? I broke my arm playing soccer in an adult recreation league in the mid-90s. I returned to play another season, but was forced into retirement by my wife.
What is the hardest thing you ever did? One of the many hard things you have to do on rare occasions as a reporter is approach the family members of a victim involved in a terrible tragedy. I try my best to respect people's privacy.
What would be a perfect day for you? My perfect day is breaking a big story, beating the competition, going home to get my kayak and hit the water with my family.
What advice would you have for someone wanting to go into the business?
Be ready for anything. Joy, sadness, triumph and tragedy.
If you could only keep one 5-minute tape from your career what would be on it?
The Lucasville prison riot of 1993. I spent a lot of time there during the riot and afterwards. Being a part of history is one of the best parts of this job.
Looking back, April of 1980 was a big moment in my life. That's when I joined WHIO-TV as a part-time stringer. I had been covering the Miami Valley since 1970 for WPTW AM/FM radio in Piqua, and I was excited to take what I learned in radio news, and go to work for the legendary News Center 7. That's where I fell in love with television news; telling stories with videotape.
Since 1983, I've provided full-time coverage for News Center 7 as a "one-man band," which means I not only write and report the news you see each night, but I shoot and edit everything myself! In 1987, when WHIO-TV wanted to open a Northern Bureau in Troy, I was proud to get the call. Today, as the Northern Bureau reporter, I cover the great region of Miami, Darke, Shelby, Mercer, and Auglaize counties.
In addition to my professional work, I serve on the Boards of Directors for Leadership Troy; the Lehman Catholic High School Foundation; and Riverside of Miami County MR/DD, among others. Over the years I've proudly received several awards, including the National Leadership Award. I also hold commendations from the Ohio New Photographers Association, Queen City Society of Professional Journalists, National Commission Against Drunk Driving, Ohio Association of Chiefs of Police, and the Ohio House of Representatives.
I'm a graduate of Brunnerdale High School in Canton, and I attended Edison Community College and Wright State University.
Q & A
Where were you born? Good Samaritan, Dayton… A "Good Sam Baby".
Where did you grow up? Dayton
What was your favorite TV show then? Uncle Orrie and Nosey the Clown
What was the first thing you ever wanted to be? Fireman
How might someone have described you in high school? Serious
What was your first job? Working at WPTW Radio - Piqua
What was your first job in television? Photographer / Reporter / One-man band
What do you like about your job? Daily variety; and being a "one-man band".
What do you not like about your job? I love my job!!
What might people be surprised to know about you? As a kid, I hung out at Fire Station 20 at the corner of Fairview and Catalpa in Dayton. Even got to ride on a fire truck a few times! I'm preparing for life after TV news... helping at a local funeral home.
What is the hardest thing you ever did? Making the decision whether to go to the hospital for the birth of my son... or... to cover a homicide for the news.
What would be a perfect day for you? A busy news day followed by dinner at the Wooden Shoe in Minster.
What advice would you have for someone wanting to go into the business? Be willing to work long hours and be dedicated to your work. If you are looking for a job that is 9 to 5, off week-ends and holidays... don't get into this [news] business!
If you could only keep one 5-minute tape from your career what would be on it?
Captured by my camera: the confession of a 17-year-old who robbed a bank in Pleasant Hill, killed two people and wounded another. As deputies brought him out of a house, the kid was crying and said he didn't mean to do it.
On "take your daughter to work day," I approached my daughter at the school bus stop as she awaited the bus to take her to the junior high school... and... with camera rolling... asked if she wanted to spend the day with me instead of going to school. Her answer was "no". "What about next year?" I asked. Steph said, "I doubt it!"
Camera rolling as a liquor agent approached me and tried to confiscate my camera and video as I was taping a liquor raid.
I was covering an accident on I-75 when another vehicle spun out of control and nearly hit me.
Sustaining a shoulder injury and at another time, a knee injury, in falls with my camera while shooting a story.
Favorites
Favorite book: Webster's Thesaurus
Favorite CBS show: Two-and-a-half Men
Favorite dream car: A well-equipped news car
Favorite food: Fried chicken
Favorite hobby: Wood carving; working Sudoku puzzles
Favorite Miami Valley place: News Center 7 Northern Bureau – Troy
Favorite movie: Anchorman
Favorite music: Country
Favorite travel destination: Minster, Ohio. (I don't like to travel out of the Northern Bureau territory!)
I've been with Cox Media Group since November 2018.
I come to WHIO with more than 8 years of reporting experience under my belt. I previously worked at KAKE News in Wichita, Kansas for 4.5 years. During my time there I covered anything from politics, natural disasters, crime and sports. One reporting experience I'll never forget during my time there was traveling to Texas to cover Hurricane Harvey in Houston.
My resume also includes working at KAGS-HD News in Bryan/College Station, TX and KSNT in Topeka, KS.
I'm a native Texan, born and raised in Houston. I'm Houston proud! So how did I get into the TV business? Growing up, every morning before school my parents ALWAYS had the news on. After school, the TV was on the local news. That's when I realized I wanted to be a journalist. I love being able to share someone's story.
I graduated from Kansas State University in 2010 with a major in broadcast journalism and minor in leadership studies.
While I'm far from home now, you can count on me rooting on my Houston Astros (2017 World Series Champs!), Texans (Who doesn't love JJ Watt?) and the Rockets. You'll even spot me wearing Kansas State Wildcats gear! If you can't tell, I LOVE sports.
When I'm not watching sports, I love checking out local eateries and traveling to visit family and friends.
If you have any story ideas feel free to email her at monica.castro@cmg.com.
I joined the WHIO NewsCenter7 team in September 2019 as a dayside reporter, but I am no stranger to CoxMediaGroup!
My first TV job was WPXI-TV in Pittsburgh where I started as a production assistant. From there I quickly moved up the ranks and worked as an entertainment reporter for WPXI’s show ‘See and Be Seen’ where I interviewed celebrities like Tyra Banks and covered big events like The Stanley Cup Finals for the Penguins!
Prior to joining WHIO, I was a reporter/anchor for WBOY-TV in Clarksburg West Virginia. Prior to WBOY I was an apprentice producer for KDKA-TV.
I’m a proud alumnus of Thiel College, where I graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in Media Communications. During my time at Thiel College, I was the meteorologist/reporter for the campus news.
Through my media career, I have also had the pleasure of being co-host for internationally-known WWE podcast 'Chair Shot Reality' and a IBS 'Golden Mic' award-winning station manager for 88.1FM WXTC.
When I’m not in the newsroom, I like to spend time bowling, traveling, doing voiceover projects, going to pro wrestling shows and motivating people as an ordained minister. Feel free to contact me with story ideas! I would love to talk to you!
Get to Know Ronnell:
Where was I born?
Pittsburgh, PA
Where did I grow up?
New Castle, PA
What was your favorite TV show then?
Rocket Power
What was the first thing you ever wanted to be?
Computer Engineer
How might someone have described you in high school?
Big ball of energy! lol
What was your first job?
Cashier at Wal-Mart
What was your first job in television?
Production Assistant at WPXI-TV (Cox Media Group station in Pittsburgh)
What do you like about your job?
To tell the stories of people that do not feel their voice is heard. I love helping people get a solution to their problems.
What do you not like about your job?
The amount of coffee I drink!! lol
What might people be surprised to know about you?
I’ve been a professional wrestler for 8+ years, Have been an actor on multiple movies and shows including a Lifetime TV show with Toni Braxton, Stephen King’s ‘Castle Rock’, and Denzel Washington’s ‘Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom’. I am also a Reverend.
What is the hardest thing you ever did?
Do the food eating challenge on FearFactor Live at Universal Studios in Orlando Florida….Yucky!!
What would be a perfect day for you?
A perfect day for me would be waking up and going to the gym, getting ice cream and binge watching Disney Channel movies!
What advice would you have for someone wanting to go into the business:
Stick to your dreams no matter how long it takes. Make sure you love the business because it will be hard at times, but well worth it!
If you could only keep one 5-minute tape from your career, what would be on it?
My interview with Tyra Banks and my entertainment story I did with the Pittsburgh Penguins during Stanley Cup Finals.
FAVORITES:
Favorite Book: ‘Sun Stand Still’ by Steven Furtick
Favorite CBS Show: N.C.I.S
Favorite Dream Car: 2020 Ferrari 812
Favorite Food: I love ALL FOOD, but I can happily live my life on HotDogs!! (Zombie Dogs took my love to a whole new level since I moved to Ohio!)
Favorite Hobby: Bowling and Fishing
Favorite Miami Valley Place: Still exploring the area, but always up for recommendations of places to visit.
Favorite Movie: High School Musical
Favorite Music: I love all music and listen to pretty much everything.
Favorite Travel Destination: Aruba and Puerto Rico
I was born in Virginia and have moved several times in my life as a member of an Air Force family. I've lived in Virginia, California, Germany, England, and Ohio. I graduated from Centerville High School and then went on to attend Ball State University where I graduated with a bachelor's degree. After college I got a job at WLIO-TV up in Lima, Ohio where I spent nearly three years covering sports at the station. I then got a job back in Dayton as a sports reporter and anchor. After more than five years covering sports in the Miami Valley I'm happy to be back in television working at WHIO. I've been lucky enough to cover some amazing stories in my time in TV when I'm not working I'm likely watching sports, planning my next trip, or enjoying one of my favorite restaurants.
Q&A
Where were you born? Springfield, VA
Where did you grow up? Centerville, OH
What was your favorite TV show then? As a kid my favorite TV show was probably Mighty Morphin Power Rangers
How might someone have described you in high school? Friendly
What was your first job? I worked at Arby's
What was your first job in television? Sports Reporter at WLIO-TV in Lima, OH
What do you like about your job? I love telling stories and the most memorable things I've done in my time in television can be traced back to people and getting the opportunity to tell their stories.
What might people be surprised to know about you? That I've lived in three different countries and have visited 30 different states
If you could only keep one 5-minute tape from your career, what would be on it? Probably a highlight reel of as many stories and moments as I could fit in 5 minutes.
FAVORITES
Favorite book: Of Mice and Men
Favorite CBS Show: The Big Bang Theory
Favorite food: Cheeseburgers or Pizza
Favorite movie: Remember the Titans
Favorite music: Depends on the mood I have a very eclectic taste
I’ve been with Cox Media Group Ohio since April of 2010.
I worked as a news anchor, reporter and host for News 95.7 and AM 1290 WHIO before I made the switch to WHIO-TV and News Center 7 in April of 2011.
You can still listen to me on WHIO’s airwaves hosting Flyer Feedback during our postgame coverage of University of Dayton men’s basketball.
As a native Northeast Ohioan, I hail from one Ohio’s other valleys—The Cuyahoga Valley. I was born in Akron and grew up in nearby Cuyahoga Falls and Stow, Ohio.
Growing up, I wanted to play second base for the Cleveland Indians. But around fifth grade, I realized that wasn’t the most realistic career path for me. That’s when I fell in love with radio and TV. It’s all I’ve wanted to do since.
I graduated Cum Laude from The University of Dayton in 2010 with a Bachelor’s degree in communication with a concentration in electronic media. I also hold a minor in sales management.
I’m one of the most passionate Cleveland sports fans you’ll ever meet. I live and die with my Indians, Cavs and Browns. Growing up just two hours north of Columbus, I’m also a big Ohio State football fan. And of course, I love my Flyers!
I’m also an American history buff. It was always my favorite subject in school. Both my grandfathers were World War II veterans, which started my interest in that era.
Q & A
Where were you born? Akron, Ohio
Where did you grow up? Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio and Stow, Ohio.
What was your favorite TV show then? Sesame Street and The Muppet Show.
What was the first thing you ever wanted to be? A construction worker.
How might have someone described you in high school? Extroverted.
What was your first job? A lifeguard.
What was your first job in television? As a producer at UD's campus TV station.
What do you like about your job?
Writing. Also, I love meeting people the Miami Valley and sharing their stories with our viewers.
What do you not like about your job?
Snow stories. I grew up in the Snow Belt so I can handle the snow, but I’m not a fan of winter weather.
What might people be surprised to know about you?
I’m a great swimmer. I was an American Red Cross-certified lifeguard since in high school and college.
What is the hardest thing you’ve ever had to do?
Standing in the Humanities Plaza at UD after class one Friday in October my freshman year and listening to my mom tell me over the phone that she had been diagnosed with breast cancer.
What would be the perfect day for you?
I have four, in this order: Watching the Browns win the Super Bowl, the Indians win the World Series, the Cavs win the NBA Finals, and the Flyers win the NCAA Tournament.
What advice would you have for someone wanting to go into the business?
Network, network, network! I got my interview at News 95.7 WHIO because one of my professors at UD had a lead on the job and let me know about the opening.
Favorites
Favorite Book: The Catcher in the Rye, Moneyball
Favorite CBS Show: 60 Minutes
Favorite Dream Car: The getaway SWAT truck from Ocean's 11: it's got $160 million in it
I was born and raised in a small town just north of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania and decided as a child I was going to be a news reporter.
I attended Robert Morris University where I earned a bachelor's degree in journalism and a minor in American history in May 2015.
I made the move to Gillette, Wyoming as a reporter just weeks after graduation and have since lived and worked as a reporter in Rapid City, South Dakota and most recently, anchored a morning show in Lake Charles, Louisiana.
Although the warmer weather was nice, I couldn't pass up the opportunity to join the WHIO team and work closer to home.
When I'm not reporting, I'm with my furbabies, Louie and Gabana Grace, visiting family back home or exploring one of the many parks in Dayton.
I grew up right in the middle of WHIO's coverage area – Springfield, OH! And yes, I'm a big fan of all things 'Springfield,' including Schuler's and the Clark County Fair.
A career in journalism never really was a serious thought for me until I was about to graduate from high school. I swear, you just have epiphanies that come to you sometimes, and that's the only way I can explain why I got into this line of work – but I'm happier for it!
I graduated from Southeastern High School (Go Trojans!) in South Charleston with a close family of 48 students. From there, I did a complete 360 size-wise and went on to attend THE Ohio State University in Columbus to study Public Affairs Journalism and Criminology, which was one of the best experiences of my life. Anybody remember the 2016 OSU/Michigan game? I cried after Curtis Samuel scored the winning touchdown, and that's when you know you're truly a Buckeye.
During my time at OSU, I spent a lot of time at The Lantern, OSU's student media group, writing articles, making TV packages and creating some incredible memories. I also interned at WBNS-10TV, which was great exposure to how to make a name for yourself in a big market.
After graduating summa cum laude with over 11,000 of my best friends on the planet, I got my first journalism job at Cox Media Group in Dayton in the Digital Department where I managed websites and social media pages for multiple Cox brands. I learned a lot about incorporating social media and digital storytelling, which has only helped me for the job I have now.
Drumroll…
With that said, I'm SO glad to be back home, working as an All-Media Journalist at WHIO's Springfield Bureau. What's that mean? Well, I write, shoot, edit and appear on-air for WHIO-TV, write articles for Springfield News-Sun and contribute content online and for WHIO-Radio.
Working in the place I grew up is an absolute blessing, and I can't wait to tell your stories, Clark and Champaign counties! Let's do this thing.
Q&A
Where were you born? Springfield, OH
Where did you grow up? Springfield, OH
What was your favorite TV show then? Power Puff Girls and anything involving princesses, then high school came around and there was One Tree Hill with Chad Michael Murray (swoon).
How might someone have described you in high school? Smart and fun to be around
What was your first job? Serving up ice cream at The Polar Bar in South Charleston. I still can't stay away from those coney dogs…
What was your first job in television? Here we are! All Media-Journalist at WHIO-TV
What do you like about your job? I'm never at my desk all day. I'm out meeting new people and allowing myself to be creative in every daily task. Plus, it's cool to walk away with something concrete at the end of the work day.
What do you not like about your job? We deal with a lot of difficult situations, so it's hard to watch other people go through grief and pain. But their insight is important, and their voice should be heard – which is why we do what we do.
What might people be surprised to know about you? I won my school spelling bee in fifth grade on the word, 'bacciferous' and it is still one of the proudest moments of my entire life.
What is the hardest thing you ever did? As I've gotten older, I've had to say goodbye to a lot of my closest friends as they moved away to start their lives. I hate not living 10 minutes away from some of the people I call my family, but that means lots of road trips!
What would be a perfect day for you? I'd wake up and get a work out in, lay by the pool, get some sun and end the day with some drinks around a bonfire (the kind where you wear shorts and a hoodie) surrounded by some of my best friends.
What advice would you have for someone wanting to go into the business? Make sure you're always asking questions from a reader or viewer's perspective. What does the family on the couch at 5 p.m. want to know from your story? Don't forget who you're working for! Also, REAL PEOPLE ARE EVERYTHING. They add life to the story and bring a human element that's critical to a good story.
If you could only keep one 5-minute tape from your career, what would be on it? Easy – first, I'd use a story I did in college. Brutus Buckeye visited newborn babies in the OSU Wexner Medical Center's NICU for his 50th birthday. It really put into perspective how much impact that a cultural icon like Brutus has on the greater community. If I still had room, I'd put a story I did when I first started for WHIO about Jaxon Menda, a Springfield four-year-old who suffers from a rare disease. He's only likely to live into his twenties, but his family was so positive and uplifting. We take so much for granted. And like I said earlier, real people are everything.
FAVORITES
Favorite book: A Mother's Reckoning: Living in the Aftermath of Tragedy by Sue Klebold
Favorite CBS Show: Big Brother
Favorite food: Spaghetti
Favorite hobby: Trying new things – restaurants, activities, places
Favorite Miami Valley place: Yellow Springs
Favorite movie: Holes with Shia LaBeouf
Favorite music: Country, the music for all possible emotions
Favorite travel destination: ANYWHERE ON A BEACH! Sunshine and sand -- I’m always in.
I could not be prouder to lead the I-Team, News Center 7's investigative and special reports unit. I say that with so much humbleness. During my more than 20 years working in the TV news business, I've always admired WHIO-TV, America's #1 CBS affiliate, as one of the best in the business. In early 2019, I could not resist the opportunity when WHIO-TV recruited me to join their management team as Special Projects Executive Producer. One thing I particularly love about my role is it allows me to work one-on-one with some of the business' best reporters while also continuing my first journalism love: reporting and storytelling. Therefore, I get the honor of also being a contributing I-Team reporter. You can watch my in-depth I-team reports regularly on News Center 7.
I guess you could say my journalism passion was unearthed in my hometown of Mountain Brook, AL, which is a suburb of Birmingham. Thanks to my high school's work study program, I was fortunate to be able to start my TV news career at 16, spending the next two years with WVTM-TV. More than 20 years later, my journalism journey has taken me on a path from Alabama to Alaska to Ohio, with career stops in Missouri, Kansas, North Carolina and Wisconsin along with way. That means I have the added experience of doing just about every job a TV newsroom can offer.
I am an extra proud University of Missouri School of Journalism graduate. Go Tigers! While at MU, I focused my studies on investigative journalism (the world's premier investigative journalism organization, Investigative Reporters and Editors [IRE], is located at Mizzou). I spent all four of my college years working for the university-owned NBC affiliate KOMU-TV, where I helped start the station's Target 8 consumer/investigative unit, which is still in existence today.
Ask anyone who knows me well, and they'll tell you I'm one of the most passionate folks you'll ever meet when it comes to advocating journalism's founding principal of being a government watchdog. I have a long track record of reporting on government waste, holding people in power accountable, giving those that feel they do not have one a voice an outlet and uncovering personal stories behind trends.
My move to Dayton comes after spending the last five years in Wisconsin. For the last three years I worked for News Center 7's CBS sister station in the small north central city of Wausau at WSAW-TV. I was hired to start the station's investigative unit and served for three years as WSAW's senior investigative reporter along with anchoring the 4 p.m. newscast. Our I-Team's reporting highlights included exposing a crisis and government coverup inside the state's juvenile justice system, loopholes impacting veterans' emergency care, and the lack of resources for families battling the opioid crisis, which received an Edward R. Murrow regional award of excellence for best series. I'm humbled to say numerous other stories our team put together were honored by the Midwest Broadcast Journalism Association and Wisconsin Broadcasters Association.
My first two years in Wisconsin were spent at Madison's WISC-TV, where my investigative reporting on gangs and the opioid epidemic received a regional EMMY award for Outstanding Achievement for Media Interactivity. I was also part of the investigative team honored by the Wisconsin Broadcasters Association for exposing how emergency radio failures were putting first responders' lives at risk.
Oh yeah! There's Alaska. It will always be a second home to me. I spent seven years there at KTVA-TV and later KTUU-TV, primarily as a political and investigative reporter. Yes, before you ask, this included covering Sarah Palin's administration. Prior to KTVA-TV, I worked as a general assignment reporter at KAKE-TV (ABC) in Wichita, Kansas, where among much crime news I covered the infamous BTK serial killer's reemergence and capture. My resume also includes news reporter roles at Raleigh/Durham, North Carolina's Spectrum Cable News and Montgomery, AL's WSFA-TV.
Most importantly I truly appreciate life and love those important loved ones in my life. I say that with the perspective of surviving both testicular cancer at 21 years old, and a massive "widowmaker" heart attack when I was 35 years old. I think health education and taking care of yourself is so important. I'm constantly on a mission to find healthy food that doesn't taste healthy. You'll find me working out most mornings. My husband and I love traveling, catching up on our backlog of DVR shows, and being fur dads to our three dogs. To no one's surprise I'm also a proud news junkie. We're glad to now call the Miami Valley home, and look forward to getting to know our new neighbors.
Q & A
Where were you born? Gillette, Wyoming
Where did you grow up? Mountain Brook, Alabama
What was your favorite TV show then? The local news 😊
What was the first thing you ever wanted to be? A news anchor – since I was a little kid.
How might someone have described you in high school? The news guy. I anchored our school's TV newscast, and worked for our local NBC station.
What was your first job? Intern at WVTM-TV
What was your first job in television? Promotions producer at WVTM-TV
What do you like about your job? Give those that feel they do not have one a voice an outlet, and being able to act as a check and balance on government leaders.
What do you not like about your job? Anytime someone is a victim – especially children – it deeply bothers me.
What might people be surprised to know about you? I've survived a massive heart attack. It took them a while to figure the cause out because I was healthy at the time. I have a rare genetic condition that causes my cells to be too small, leading to plaque buildup.
What is the hardest thing you ever did? Recovering from my heart attack. It sidelined me for seven months. I had to rebuild my body's strength.
What would be a perfect day for you? Getting to sleep in late. I'm always in a better mood. And any time with dogs is also a win in my book.
What advice would you have for someone wanting to go into the business?
- Have an ethical backbone! Ethical standards are key to making sure we do our jobs right daily.
- Read a lot. Make sure you are a passionate news consumer, and understand what is happening in your community and the world.
- Be a good story idea generator. This means being involved in your community and understanding the context behind issues.
- Learn best practices for storytelling. Being a great storyteller helps any topic, no matter how difficult it is to understand, easier to explain. And never forget journalism is about people and relevance to their lives.
If you could only keep one 5-minute tape from your career what would be on it? I'd make something similar to a resume reel. The stories where I think we've made a difference by exposing corruption or helping people would be the key saves on this reel.
Favorites
Favorite book: Tied: To Kill A Mockingbird by Harper Lee or The Power of One by Bryce Courtney
Favorite CBS show: 60 Minutes
Favorite dream car: Range Rover
Favorite food: Thai
Favorite hobby: Traveling
Favorite Miami Valley place: Subject to change, but so far Dayton's Oregon District.
Favorite movie: Crazy In Alabama
Favorite music: I'm eclectic. From oldies, to classic rock to Top 40. I like it all. Mostly. Not the biggest country fan. (Sorry!)
McCall Vrydaghs was named Chief Meteorologist of WHIO's Storm Center 7 team of Meteorologists in November 2018. Vrydaghs joined the team in 2012 and has covered a variety of weather events in the Miami Valley since then. She alerted the public to dangerous weather during the Vandalia, Cedarville and Beavercreek tornadoes, the 100-year-flood on I-70 in 2014, and the tornado outbreak of 2016. Most notably, on Memorial Day 2019, she tracked 15 tornadoes for nearly 4 hours as they ripped across the Miami Valley, included three EF3 tornadoes and one devastating EF4. Due to her proven track record in tracking severe storms and winter weather in the Miami Valley, she earned the coveted Certified Broadcast Meteorologist seal from the American Meteorological Society. Some of her other achievements include being awarded an EMMY from the Ohio Valley Chapter of the National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences in 2017 and to have been nominated in 2016 and 2019. She’s placed 1st in the Ohio Regional APME Awards for ‘Best Weathercast’ in 2017, and placed 2nd for 2015, 2016 and 2018. Before moving to Ohio, Vrydaghs worked for Verizon FiOS1 News. Her forecasts were aired in New Jersey and across Long Island, NY. She also had the pleasure of broadcasting weather for the Yankees on the YES Network and for the Jets and Giants home games at MetLife stadium. Vrydaghs earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Meteorology from SUNY Oswego, New York in 2005. You can watch Chief Meteorologist McCall Vrydaghs on WHIO-TV at 5-6:30pm and 11pm, Monday through Friday. OrderedDict([('b', 'Q & A')]) OrderedDict([('b', 'Favorite Things')])
I joined the News Center 7 team as a weekend meteorologist in September 2018. As an Indiana native, I am excited to be back in the Midwest and calling Ohio home! I graduated from Ball State University, with a bachelor of science degree in Meteorology and Climatology. While in college I began interning at News Center 7, where I learned about more about weather patterns, and how that plays a significant role in forecasting for the Miami Valley. Before coming to Dayton, I spent months in Charleston, WV at WOWK, covering everything from severe weather to catastrophic flooding’s. In addition to forecasting and on-air duties at WHIO, I enjoy speaking to local schools and various groups about the weather, and careers in television. In my spare time, you can catch me at the pool, traveling and exploring all the city has to offer! OrderedDict([('b', OrderedDict([('u', 'Q & A')]))]) Where were you born? o Richmond, IN Where did you grow up? o Richmond, IN What was your favorite tv show back then? o Full House What was the first thing you ever wanted to be? o Actually, a meteorologist! How might someone have described you in high school? o Outgoing, and kind. What was your first job? o A waitress at Bob Evans. What was your first job in television? o Weekend Meteorologist at WOWK. What do you like about your job? o The ability to take difficult weather phenomena, and explain it in a way that you understand. What do you not like about your job? o Working long hours, and not getting much sleep. What might people be surprised to know about you? o I am not a crafty person. I can’t paint a good picture, or do any decent looking DIY projects. Even my pumpkin carving skills are not the greatest! What is the hardest thing you ever did? o Growing up and leaving my family. What would be a perfect day for you? o Going on an adventure with my husband, Mitchell! Visiting a place we’ve never been before and finding something fun to do. What advice would you have for someone wanting to go into the business? o Have a passion for weather, and use it to the best of your ability. Your passion will show in your work, and it’ll take you places you couldn’t imagine going. Just like Benjamin Franklin once said, “You can do anything you set your mind to.” If you could only keep one 5-minute tape from your career what would be on it? o Being handed my meteorology degree at graduation, the first time being on tv, and my first day here at WHIO. OrderedDict([('b', 'Favorite book:')]) o The Hunger Games series. OrderedDict([('b', 'Favorite CBS show:')]) o The Price is Right, and Criminal Minds. OrderedDict([('b', 'Favorite food:')]) o Italian! Pasta, and pizza. OrderedDict([('b', 'Favorite hobby:')]) o Baking OrderedDict([('b', 'Favorite movie:')]) o Bridesmaids, Grease, or any Marvel movie. OrderedDict([('b', 'Favorite music:')]) o This is hard because I love country, and 80s hits. OrderedDict([('b', 'Favorite travel destination:')]) o The Great Plains. When I went storm chasing in the summer at Ball State, I saw the beauty out west has to offer! Highly suggest going on an adventure!
OrderedDict([('br', None), ('#text', 'I am thrilled wake up early to be a part of the Storm Center 7 team as the morning meteorologist for Channel 7 and AM 1290/News 95.7 WHIO radio. Growing up in Cleveland, I was exposed to all that Ohio weather has to offer from strong storms to lake-effect snow. It made me curious at a young age to learn why we see the weather we see. That urge to challenge myself and find the answers is something I continue to work towards in each forecast. I graduated from Ohio University with a degree in Broadcast News and a Meteorology specialization. I also completed Mississippi State University’s Broadcast Meteorology Certificate Program and then continued my education further to finish a degree in Geosciences with a concentration in Broadcast and Operational Meteorology. I am a member of the National Weather Association. In 2017, I am proud to say that I took home an Ohio Valley Regional Emmy award for my work on our team’s severe weather special, “Surviving the Storm.” We also took home a second place award for that same special in the “best documentary” category from the Society of Professional Journalists.\xa0Right after graduation I accepted a job in Youngstown, Ohio at WKBN/WYTV as a weekend meteorologist and weekday video journalist. Forecasting for a region greatly influenced by Lake Erie was a wonderful challenge and helped me grow professionally. Between severe weather season and lake-effect snow in the winter, there was never a dull moment. If I’m not in the weather center I am probably outside enjoying the day or looking for a new restaurant to try.')]) OrderedDict([('b', [None, 'Favorites'])])
I am very excited to be back in my home state and it is an honor to be a part of the award-winning Storm Center 7 team. Growing up in Akron, I had a chance to experience anything from copious amounts of lake effect snow to searing summers with severe thunderstorms. In fact, it is those thunderstorms that sparked my interest in weather. I’ve always been a news junkie, even at an early age and wanted to be a news anchor then decided that I would blend my weather and anchoring desires and become a broadcast meteorologist. I graduated from The Ohio State University with a B.S. in Atmospheric Sciences. Soon after graduating, I became a Weekend Meteorologist for The Ohio News Network, based in Columbus. After spending some time with ONN, I accepted a position as the Weekday Morning and Noon Meteorologist for WNCT-TV9 in Greenville, North Carolina (near the Outer Banks). While there, I had the chance to track hurricanes and other tropical systems. After spending the last 5 and a half years in eastern North Carolina, enjoying the warm climate and the beaches, I felt the call to come back home to the Buckeye State and the Birthplace of Aviation. While most of my time has been spent in northeast Ohio and central Ohio, I am thrilled about getting to know the people and places of the Miami Valley. OrderedDict([('b', 'Q&A')]) OrderedDict([('span', OrderedDict([('@id', 'U71072367784SlL'), ('b', 'Favorite Things')]))])
Hello, Dayton! I’ve made a short trip from the north to join Storm Center 7 for my second job as an on air meteorologist. I started my career at WLIO in Lima, OH where I climbed to the position of Chief Meteorologist. You'll now find me on Channel 7 as the Weekend Meteorologist. I was born in Lima, but grew up in Columbus Grove, OH. I graduated from Columbus Grove High School in 2010, then shortly after moved to Columbus, OH to attend the Ohio State University. At OSU I earned my bachelor's degree in Atmospheric Science. After my sophomore year in college I joined the Ohio Army National Guard and fulfilled a three year contract. Some of my favorite hobbies include fantasy baseball, lifting weights, and collecting coins. I'm a huge fan of playing and watching all kinds of sports, but football and baseball are probably at the top of my list. By far, my absolute greatest passion is weather. From a young age I have had a huge interest in the weather and climate. With a proper education and understanding of how weather works, my passion has grown beyond a hobby into a career. I’m excited to join and contribute to an excellent team of meteorologists as we work to keep all of you safe.
Jacqueline Fell came to the Washington Bureau in June 2012 from Orlando, Florida.
As Cox Media Group's Washington Correspondent, she's responsible for covering important local stories in Congress, the White House and explaining how decisions made by federal agencies impact viewers.
Jacqueline enjoys focusing on matters related to aviation and transportation, as well as veterans issues.
While in DC, Jacqueline has covered some major news stories, including President Obama's second inauguration, the Pope's visit and the Navy Yard mass shooting. She also was at the Supreme Court when major rulings came down on the Affordable Care Act, gay marriage, and immigration.
Growing up in Baltimore, Md., she had an early interest in journalism and hosted a news magazine show in high school. Jacqueline reported and anchored in upstate New York, Flint, Mich. and Dayton, Ohio. She spent much of her career in Orlando as the lead reporter on the Casey Anthony case.
Jacqueline's inside-the-courtroom-Twitter coverage has been recognized with various industry award nominations.
Samantha Manning joined Cox Media Group's Washington D.C. Bureau in October 2019.
She's responsible for covering important developments from Capitol Hill, federal agencies and the White House that impact local viewers.
Samantha previously worked as a reporter for the Cox station in Orlando (WFTV), and as an investigative reporter for the Cox station in Jacksonville, Florida (WJAX/WFOX). During her five years in Florida, Samantha covered the 2016 Republican National Convention and the 2016 Democratic National Convention. She also provided in-depth coverage of the multiple recounts in contested Florida races in the 2018 midterm elections which led to recognition by the Florida Society of Professional Journalists for best political coverage.
Samantha was a political reporter in Knoxville, Tennessee covering the Tennessee General Assembly prior to her time in Florida. She also often hosted a weekly political affairs show that dove into political topics and held lawmakers accountable.
Samantha is a New York City native having grown up in Brooklyn and Staten Island. She attended Hofstra University.
Blair Miller can be seen weekdays covering news from Washington, D.C. Prior to joining the Washington Bureau, Blair was a weeknight anchor in Boston. Blair covered the 2016 Presidential election extensively, reporting from both political conventions and traveling across the country to report live from the Presidential Debates and primaries. Blair regularly reports from the White House and Capitol, covering President Donald Trump.
He recently produced and anchored primetime programs, "Boston's Bravest" that focused on occupational cancer in the fire service and the Emmy Award-winning "Deep Sea Drug War" that took Blair to the Pacific Ocean with the US Coast Guard to see their crackdown on major drug cartels. Blair recently appeared as a guest on the Dr. Oz show and was invited to the White House to talk about his reporting in "Boston's Bravest."
Prior to being in Boston, Blair was a main evening anchor in Charlotte, North Carolina. Blair's reporting has taken him to the scene of major news stories including the Boston Marathon Bombings, the Virginia Tech Shootings, and the Super Bowl. In addition to covering live breaking news events, he has traveled the world with the US Military reporting from Afghanistan, Sarajevo, Bosnia and Ramstein, Germany. Blair has also landed numerous exclusive interviews with newsmakers including Presidents and political candidates.
Blair has received many honors for his reporting and anchoring including seven Emmy awards. He has been honored extensively by local fire departments for his coverage of "Boston's Bravest." He was also named Anchor of the Year by the North Carolina Association of Broadcasters.
Blair recently joined the Board of Directors of the Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption, a charity for Wendy's that focuses on help foster care find families across the United States and Canada. It's a passion that hits close home for Blair, considering he and his husband adopted their three children. Blair also sits on the Board of Directors for the Rescue Ranch in Statesville, NC, a non-profit foundation by NASCAR driver Ryan Newman and his wife, Krissie to help improve the lives of animals and educate the public.
Blair is a graduate of Bowling Green State University in Bowling Green, Ohio. He lives in Northern Virginia with his husband, along with their three children and boxer dog, Laguna.
