Dec 19, 2022
With Rhonda Walker, News Anchor at WDIV-TV 4 Detroit
Our local morning news anchors are one of the constants in our daily lives. We rely on them for breaking news stories, weather, and traffic updates. Our day wouldn’t be the same without their reassuring voices and friendly banter. Aside from the smiling faces we see on TV, how well do we really know our favorite news personalities? If they have to be on-air before dawn, what time do they get up in the morning? And how does their challenging schedule impact family and social commitments? What do they like to do in their free time? How do they use their public persona and platform to sponsor charitable causes or hobbies that they are passionate about?
Today we’re speaking to Rhonda Walker, the award-winning early morning news anchor at WDIV-TV 4 Detroit. In addition to anchoring the morning news for the past 20 years, Rhonda has been a beacon of light serving the city by establishing her own charity and giving her time and attention to numerous other boards and community organizations.
She’s here to give us a glimpse into her very busy day and life; especially what it’s really like to be a local media personality and community leader. And of course. tell us all about the Rhonda Walker Foundation.
What You’ll Hear in This Episode:
- What did Rhonda do before becoming a morning news anchor?
- How did Rhonda decide to become a news anchor?
- Who writes the copy for traffic and weather reporters?
- What are Rhonda’s ties to Detroit?
- What time does Rhonda go to bed and wake up in the morning?
- What is the process like to get ready for the morning news?
- How does Rhonda’s schedule impact her personal and family life?
- Does Rhonda keep the same schedule on the weekends?
- What would viewers be most surprised to learn about Rhonda?
- What’s the hardest part of Rhonda’s job?
- How does Rhonda deal with the emotional toll of tragic stories?
- What is Rhonda’s health and fitness routine like?
- All about the Rhonda Walker Foundation and its mentoring programs.
- Where and how does Rhonda do her fundraising?
Today’s Takeaway:
From the outside looking in, the job of a TV news anchor appears to be glamorous and exciting. But we also need to recognize the hard work and sacrifices that go into being a TV journalist. It can be quite difficult to remain professional and hold emotions at bay while reporting on tragic stories. It’s also a job that brings great visibility and a powerful voice to shed light on important issues. As the saying goes, “With great power or privilege comes great responsibility.” Rhonda has taken on that challenge by using her power and platform to improve the lives of others. Having the ability to make a positive impact on someone else is really a gift. And Rhonda is able to do that through her service to the community. Whether it’s through her charitable foundation or acting as a spokesperson and community liaison, she truly is an amazing role model for all of us. Today is a gift. Rhonda showed us how we should make every day a gift through kindness, giving back, and doing something we truly love to do. I’m Florine Mark and that’s “Today’s Takeaway.”
Quotes:
- “In television, there has to be a lot of balance; you want to be able to appeal to your audience.” — Rhonda
- “I’m one of those kinds of people that will master whatever the job entails, and so I made sure that I was the best.” — Rhonda
- “The hardest part of the day is just being able to wake up at that hour.” — Rhonda
- “I am a very emotional person, and I tend to feel the emotion of the people that are going through the news that we’re reporting.” — Rhonda
- “It’s a hard business. There are times where it’s just exhausting and upsetting.” — Rhonda
- “We’re people too. We have a job to do and we have to separate that sometimes.” — Rhonda
- “For me, I’m just trying to pay it forward.” — Rhonda
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