Stay Tuned features WNWO's Anna Kooiman

WNWO-TV morning anchor and reporter Anna Kooiman.

You ve heard their voices on the radio and seen their faces on TV. Now Blade media columnist Ron Musselman goes behind the scenes to introduce you to your favorite media personalities. Stay Tuned will appear the third Monday of every month.

First job: My first TV job was as a part-time video editor for the 11 o clock news for the ABC affiliate in Wilmington, N.C., where I was going to college.

First salary: I think I was making something not even worth mentioning. It was more of a foot-in-the-door career move. Lucky for me, it worked! I then became a one-man-band reporter (writing, shooting, editing my own video), advanced to a weekday reporter, and finally began anchoring before taking the job here in Toledo. I have been in the business since May of 2004.

My idol is: Well, I don t have any idols, but there are a few anchors and reporters I really enjoy. I like Paula Zahn s straight-shooting style, Robin Meade s conversational tone, Jean Moos sense of humor, and Greg Hunter s investigating ways.

My most embarrassing TV moment: Hands down, my first live shot from the field. It was only my second day reporting, so going live was a little tricky anyway. I was at a music hall where a local American Idol contestant was giving a concert after getting voted off the show. When I tossed to the video of her giving us a sneak peak during her dress rehearsal our director accidentally rolled the wrong video. Instead of a pretty girl s beautiful voice, you see a shot from a video game of an ogre

whacking around an ax. It was rough!

Highlight of my career: There have been many wonderful moments. I got

scuba certified at a state-run aquarium to go diving 40 miles off our coast for

an environmental story. The video we brought back was amazing and the

story helped raise awareness about reef conservation. Reporting from downunder

was pretty amazing as well. Also, to report on the progress made one year after Hurricane Katrina hit, I went along with a local church volunteering their help. One man in particular really touched my heart. He and his family tried to ride out the storm in their home, and he is the only one who made it out alive. He actually had to watch his entire family drown before his eyes.

The church said they were flooded with phone calls and e-mails from viewers

wanting to know how they could help and if they could go along on the next mission trip. Telling people s stories and helping others out is what this job is all about.

My favorite thing to do outside of work: I love to do anything that is active and

outdoors. You name it, I ll probably be up for it!

I think Toledo s best kept secret is: I am not sure yet, but I hear the parks here are a great way to experience the Ohio outdoors. That will be great for my biking and running hobbies.

People may be surprised to know that I: Ran a 26.2-mile marathon at age 17, won my category in the first triathlon I ever competed in, graduated college a year early, and have done a lot of world traveling.

In five years, I see myself: Sticking with the business, doing whatever is best for my journalism career.

My dream job is: I want to have a job where I can above all, help people. This job allows me to bring stories to northwest Ohioans that matter to them. I think one of my biggest strengths is my ability to relate to just about anyone and be able to share a tear or give a grin. Honestly, one day I would like to have my own show, similar to Anderson Cooper 360. In that spot I would get to travel all over the world to

chase down news that matters most to Americans. But one thing I like to say, Aim for the moon and maybe you will land on a star.

Contact Ron Musselman at: mussel@theblade.com or 419-724-6474.