ALTOONA – Melinda Roeder Skrbin is joining WTAJ-TV as its news director on Aug. 14.
She joins WTAJ News from KDKA Radio in Pittsburgh where she was the afternoon news anchor.
She has also been a professor at Waynesburg University, teaching courses in broadcast journalism, video production and media law, as well as serving as faculty advisor for the student-run television station.
Skrbin brings more than 25 years of experience in broadcast journalism, covering the news at television stations in Atlanta, Ga.; Baltimore, Md.; Lexington, Ky., and Evansville, Ind.
She has earned several awards for her work in both TV and radio, including 13 regional Emmy© awards, seven Edward R. Murrow awards and dozens of honors from the Associated Press.
Skrbin says, “I am looking forward to leading a newsroom with such a diverse pool of talent, from veteran journalists who’ve become household names, to young, ambitious reporters, producers and photojournalists who’ve made central PA their home.”
“Bringing Melinda to lead our news department will be a fantastic opportunity for our folks but also for the viewers in central PA. She will help shape the storytelling and diversity of ideas for our news coverage. In today’s ever changing media landscape it is important to deliver compelling, relevant content. I am eager to see her bring that and more here,” says WTAJ Vice President and General Manager Phil Dubrow.
Skrbin also serves as national Scholarship Committee chair for NATAS (National Academy of Television News and Science).
She earned her Bachelor’s degree in broadcast journalism from Duquesne University, a Master’s degree in communication and leadership studies from Gonzaga University, and a Ph.D. in strategic media from Liberty University.
WTAJ is owned by Nexstar Media Group Inc. Nexstar Media Group Inc. is America’s largest local television and media company with 200 broadcast stations (including partner stations) in 116 markets addressing more than 68 percent of U.S. television households and a growing digital media operation. Nexstar’s platform delivers exceptional local content and network programming to inform and entertain viewers, while providing premium, scalable local advertising opportunities for advertisers and brands across all screens and devices.