News Summary
Alicia Smith, a veteran news anchor who began her career at WWMT in Kalamazoo, shares insights from her journey in broadcast journalism. From covering significant events like the 9/11 anniversary to finding her place in Detroit’s morning news scene, Smith’s story highlights the professional and personal ties that shape a journalist’s career. Despite her success, she maintains cherished connections to her roots in Kalamazoo, emphasizing the importance of community in her life.
Kalamazoo, MI – Alicia Smith, a veteran news anchor who has been a prominent face in Michigan’s broadcast journalism landscape, reflects on her journey and experiences during her initial years at WWMT, where she started her career in 2002.
Originally from Georgia, Smith made the transition to Kalamazoo after gaining experience at a small market station in the South. Joining WWMT marked a significant step in her career, where she worked closely with a team that included notable anchors Jamie Boll, Judy Markee, and Keith Thompson. Throughout her early years, Smith had the unique opportunity to work in various capacities, including in the field alongside a photographer and anchoring the 5:00 news.
Smith describes her early experiences at WWMT as thrilling and fulfilling, as they aligned with her aspirations in journalism. Among these experiences, one moment stands out remarkably: covering the one-year anniversary of the September 11 attacks in New York City. This assignment brought a profound emotional impact, allowing her to connect personally with the gravity of the events.”
In 2007, Smith relocated to Detroit, where she has anchored the weekday morning newscast at WXYZ 7 News Detroit for the past 18 years. Initially, she had not planned on staying in the morning slot for such an extended period. However, over the years, she has found that this schedule aligns well with her personality. Smith appreciates the role she plays in waking people up and considers it a privilege to be part of their daily rituals.
While establishing her career in Detroit, Smith also cultivated her personal life. She met and married Eric, a local resident from the Milford area, at a big band swing dance event, further rooting her in the community. Smith has lived in Detroit for roughly 18.5 years now, but she remains deeply connected to her past in Kalamazoo. She continues to maintain strong relationships with friends and colleagues from her earlier days in the city, who frequently check in with her, reinforcing the bonds she created during her tenure at WWMT.
The journey of Alicia Smith emphasizes the melding of personal and professional life, illustrating the lasting impact that one’s career can have on relationships and community ties. As she looks back on her time in Kalamazoo and her subsequent successful career in Detroit, Smith’s story highlights the passion and dedication that can drive an individual in the competitive field of broadcast journalism.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Alicia Smith Reflects on Her Broadcasting Journey in Detroit
Additional Resources
- Kalamazoo County Considers New Facility for Household Hazardous Waste Disposal
- Wikipedia: Hazardous Waste
- Jamestown Canyon Virus in Kalamazoo County
- Google Search: Jamestown Canyon Virus
- Emergency Veterinary Care Center in Kalamazoo
- Google Scholar: Emergency Veterinary Care in Kalamazoo
- Zeigler Marathon 2025 Economic Impact
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Marathon
- Kalamazoo Housing Pods Project Scrapped
- Google News: Kalamazoo Housing Pods
