What is your job?
I guide day-to-day operations leading a team of 20 journalists in Missoula & Kalispell. I oversee special projects including election coverage, debates, specialty newscasts, the Missoula Marathon, MTN Sports, and breaking news coverage, among other responsibilities.
When did you start working here?
November 2003
Where else have you worked?
Root Sports in Seattle, WGBA Green Bay, WI, WLUK Green Bay, WI
Where did you go to college?
The University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point with a BA in Communications with emphasis in Journalism and Political Science.
Where did you grow up?
Two Rivers, Wisconsin - Home of the Ice Cream Sundae
What are some of the biggest news stories you have covered?
KPAX was honored with a regional Edward R. Murrow Award and a NATAS Emmy for our newscast: "Low water, high stakes: The Future of Flathead Lake" in 2024. Our 5:30 newscast was dedicated to the unprecedented low lake levels in the summer of 2023.
While working for KPAX, I have been honored with numerous Montana Broadcaster Association, Associated Press, and Society of Professional Journalists awards.
I was the executive producer for MTN news coverage of President Barack Obama's rally in Belgrade in 2006. And I led our coverage of the wildfires in 2007 and 2017 including co-producing a statewide program calling for donations that raised hundreds of thousands of dollars that went to ranchers, farmers, and families impacted by the 2017 wildfires.
What is your philosophy on news?
Be fair, accurate, transparent, and hold public officials accountable. Local journalism is more critical than ever. It's important to me to showcase our neighbors doing good things for their community.
What do you love about living here?
Western Montana is a wonderful community to raise a family. I love taking advantage of the small farm stands in my neighborhood in the summer and biking the miles of trails around Missoula. I enjoy spending time at our family cabin near the Gates of the Mountains. But what I love most about living in Missoula are the friendly Montanans.
Contact:
Email: melissa.rafferty@kpax.com
To send news tip: news@kpax.com
