Stay Tuned: WNWO's Abby Powell

Anchor/producer finds way from Nashville to Toledo

Abby Powell, a new anchor at WNWO-TV, Channel 24.

You have heard their voices on radio and seen their faces on TV. Now The Blade goes behind the scenes to introduce you to your favorite media personalities. Stay Tuned appears the third Monday of every month.

First job: My first job out of college was at a music agency in Nashville. I then spent years traveling the world, in the music business, which led me into broadcasting over time. My first broadcast journalism job was at a station in Texas, KXII.

First salary: I spent many, many years doing hourly jobs, but my first yearly salary was $32,000.

Most embarrassing TV moment: I can honestly say that I've yet to be really embarrassed. Even when things go wrong, like the wrong script goes in or the Teleprompter messes up, I'm very laid back. I think it's important to never take yourself too seriously.

Highlight of my career: At this point I am just very proud to be experienced in all three -- anchoring, reporting, and producing. I have been very fortunate to have gotten the opportunity to learn so much so quickly in the business, and I am really excited to be not only anchoring WNWO Today, but also producing/writing it. My parents were both English teachers, so writing is in my blood. It's a big plus that the entire morning team here at WNWO is so nice and fun. Working in an environment where everyone works really hard to put together a good show makes the job very satisfying.

My favorite thing to do outside of work: Hang out with my fiance, catch up on sleep, and check out live music and good restaurants. We went to our first Mud Hens game the other night and loved that.

I think Toledo's best-kept secret is: my fiance, Travis. He's a headliner on cruise ships and truly the best singer I know. Since we just moved here, we don't really know anyone in the music scene yet. So, if you need someone for a show, look him up on YouTube -- Travis Turpin.

People may be surprised to know that I: Get to work at midnight to start writing and producing the show, which starts at 4:26 a.m. I think many don't realize all the work and behind-the-scenes preparations that happen each day to get a show ready.

In five years, I see myself: I love what I do, so I hope to still be producing and anchoring. It's extremely tiring work, but I really do feel fulfilled at the end of each day.

My dream job is: To be able to have kids in a couple of years and be able to greatly balance being a mom with my broadcasting career.

Contact Kirk Baird at: kbaird@theblade.com or 419-724-6734.