For Byron Brown, a news anchor at WJTV in Jackson, Mississippi, staying in local television news for more than four decades has been a journey shaped by commitment to the community and adaptability to an ever-changing media landscape.
Brown, who began his career in 1983, says one thing has not changed. “It’s about relationships—sticking with people over the years.” He attributes much of his success to the connections he’s fostered with viewers, often receiving story tips from people who approach him at the grocery store or church.
While Brown values the investigative side of journalism, he noted that community connection stories resonate more often with audiences. “Out on the street, when people come up to me, it’s all about a story on the little kid last night—not so much a story on government waste,” he said.
The challenges facing local TV news are significant — from technological shifts to shrinking news staffs — anchors like Brown are navigating a landscape where fewer resources are stretched to cover more content. “We’re doing more, producing more content,” Brown said, noting that it makes the work more difficult. “The pressure takes away from research and fact-gathering.”
Adding to the complexity is the advent of artificial intelligence in journalism. While Brown acknowledged its growing role, particularly in graphics and automated content generation, he remains optimistic. “AI is here,” he said, “but I don’t see it taking over our newscast.”
The reason, Brown says, is that local TV stations still hold a unique place in their communities. He emphasized their role in covering stories that matter to viewers, especially even as more and more newspapers disappear. “Without watchdogs for school boards and city councils, things can go under the radar,” he warned. Local TV, he said, must step up to fill that gap whenever possible.
“It’s our job to push for good quality journalism that becomes community journalism.”
Brown sees his role as bridging the gap between the newsroom and the public. “People wait for my stories,” he said. “That connection is what makes local TV special.”
This story is Part 2 in a series of stories focused on the role of local TV news in the media ecosystem.
