Master’s Alumni Profile: Tonia Michele Davis G’22

Tonia Michele Davis G’22

Newhouse Master’s Program: Broadcast and Digital Journalism
Current Position: Meteorologist at WBRC Fox 6 News

How did you obtain your current position?  

My path to WBRC started in the summer of 2022, when I met WBRC FOX6 News anchor Steve Crocker and news director Shannon Isbell at the National Association of Black Journalists convention in Las Vegas. I approached them about my interest in pursuing my meteorology career post-graduate school and I wanted to move to Birmingham to be closer to my fiancé (now husband) and family. I attended the convention thanks to Syracuse University and my position as NABJ SU chapter treasurer. 

What’s an average day like for you on the job?

I kick off my day before 8 a.m., hitting the gym, tackling schoolwork, handling house chores and caring for my dog, Mocha, before my ‘9 to 5’ routine begins. Then, it’s time to head to WBRC where my shift runs from 2 p.m. to 11 p.m., Monday through Friday. Upon arrival, I dive into assembling the day’s forecast, analyzing forecast models and collaborating with my weather producer to fine-tune our 6:30 p.m. weather show.

I kick off the 4 p.m. newscast, delivering the forecast every six minutes. After a brief dinner break at 5 p.m., I return to anchor the 6:30 p.m. weather show. By 7 p.m., I’m recording forecasts for gas station pumps and doctor’s offices, along with managing custom social media updates and push alerts for our WBRC WX app users. By 8:30 p.m. or so, I begin prepping for the 9 p.m. newscast which involves building graphics and refreshing my makeup before going live again every six minutes to provide the latest weather updates. By 10 p.m., I’m wrapping up tasks, sending out updates, responding to emails and planning for the next day. Around 11 p.m., it is time to head home and prepare to do it all over again! 

Tonia Michele Davis (Photo courtesy of Tonia Michele Davis)

How do you feel Newhouse prepared you for your current position?

Newhouse prepared me for my current position by instilling a strong work ethic and the power of consistency and discipline. Through managing heavy workloads and maintaining a healthy work-life balance, I have been able to prioritize tasks effectively. In terms of hard skills, Newhouse equipped me with a comprehensive toolkit for multimedia journalism. I learned how to speak, shoot, edit and write compelling stories, which made me a well-rounded candidate when I applied to WBRC. For instance, I was taught video editing on software like Adobe Premiere, a transferable skill that I now use when editing on CapCut. This skill has allowed me to produce polished content like news packages under tight deadlines for Weather Extra. My editing skills have also allowed me to produce daily content on my social media platforms where I now have over 20 thousand followers combined.

Additionally, Newhouse emphasized the development of soft skills where I learned to focus on progress rather than perfection, understanding that continuous improvement is key to personal and professional growth. Lastly, Newhouse reinforced the importance of time management where I have developed the ability to juggle multiple responsibilities without compromising quality. Overall, the combination of hard and soft skills I acquired at Newhouse has played a significant role in my ability to excel in my current position at WBRC. 

Did Newhouse open your eyes to new professions or aspects of your field?  

Yes! Newhouse broadened my horizons and led me to unexpected paths, including joining the military. Before attending Newhouse, I never imagined myself pursuing a military career. However, the confidence and leadership skills I gained during my time there encouraged me to explore opportunities outside of my comfort zone. 

What unique features of your graduate program drew you to it? 

The first feature of the graduate program that caught my eye was the duration of it. The 13-month program was exactly what I needed, offering a quick pathway into the workforce. It provided everything I needed to know for my big-girl job at the number one station in Birmingham, Alabama, at WBRC. Plus, I was able to have other experiences while at SU like working for Forbes as a paid media intern, serving in organizations on campus like NABJ and Newhouse President, getting a temporary job at KOB4 in Albuquerque, New Mexico, and networking with like-minded individuals. 

Did the Newhouse Career Development Center aid you?

While at SU, I wore many hats as I tried to get my foot in a little bit of everything to seek out my passions. I worked for Forbes as a paid media intern. I also served in organizations on campus like NABJ SU as treasurer and was elected Newhouse president. Additionally, I believe I used the Newhouse Career Development center to get my on-campus job in the financial aid building. I worked as an employee in the office of the financial literacy department guiding students on their financial literacy projects and overseeing the social media page.  

What are some obstacles or misconceptions about your field? 

Graduate school at SU is challenging. You will need to pace yourself and have clear goals daily so you can stay on top of the heavy workload. There will be late nights and hard days, but it is preparing you to be your best self, and you will look back at your journey and be proud. One of the biggest misconceptions is that graduate school gives you more freedom than undergraduate school, so you will have more free time to work other jobs, hang out, etc. This is true only to an extent. There were courses in graduate school that took so much of my time that I had to take off from work just to get my school stuff done. Be careful how much you take on outside of school, because the workload can be a lot. 

What moments in your career have been most exciting or defining thus far? 

My most exciting career moment was working in New Mexico. I worked there for three months. I traveled and explored through the state while my housing, car and flights were paid for by the news station. A highlight of my career and one that still feels like a dream. 

What advice do you have for current or incoming students?

Enjoy life’s journey. Every step, every hour, every day, every week, and every year you get out of life is valuable. There will be storms, but they will pass. So, embrace the hard moments too. Newhouse is such a magical place if you view it that way. I highly recommend taking Olivia Stomski‘s courses. She will bring influential people into her classes to speak about life and work and to motivate and inspire you. Take advantage of those moments too and ask questions. 

And always remember this from your favorite meteorologist (me)…to #fightthestorm