Each Monday, we’re giving readers a chance to get to know the media a little better.
With a little flair.
Our goal is to give readers some insight into the work and work style of area journalists, and get to know a little bit about the person behind the byline. Start your week off with an online networking opportunity through our Media Monday blog post.
This Week: Michelle Esteban, KOMO Television
Michelle fell in love with Seattle from the air. Flying over Seattle, she and her husband took one look at the city, Puget Sound and Mt. Rainier and said, “We’re moving to Seattle!” Less than a year later, Michelle joined the KOMO TV. She is the Weekend Evening Anchor and a member of the award-winning Problem Solvers Unit.
Michelle has 9 Regional Emmy awards – two for her reporting on Inflammatory Breast Cancer (IBC). In 2008 Michelle won the prestigious Regional Edward R. Murrow Award for her report; “Spy in your Pocket”. Also in 2008 and 2010, Michelle won the Regional Emmy for Best Reporter. She took home two Emmy awards for her Problem Solver Reports on James O’Neal ‘The Man with Half a Face.’
Prior to KOMO-TV, Michelle spent three years in Phoenix, Arizona. She reported and anchored the morning and noon broadcasts. She graduated from Penn State and began her TV reporting career in Ohio then landed a reporting position in her hometown, Pittsburgh. Michelle says she ‘bleeds black and gold’ – she’s a die hard Steelers fan.
When she’s not storytelling – Michelle is on the golf course as much as possible. She loves to cook and entertain; she insists her favorite past time is eating good food.
Q: What’s the best thing about being in the Seattle media scene?
A: This is a smart city filled with people who are interesting and interested. It’s the people. I so appreciate how being a journalist essentially gives me a back stage pass to incredible stories, people and issues. I’m honored to tell their stories – and because I live in this community – I care about it.
Q: How has social media changed what you do?
A: It’s been a wonderful tool to engage with viewers on a whole new level. It’s one thing to say you care about your community, but now what a wonderful way to show it. I’ve always been mindful that I’m in someone’s living room while anchoring the weekend news. Now I feel as though I know some of them on an even more personal level. Social Media is also a great way to be in the know fast. I love the immediacy of Facebook and Twitter. While following the public push back in Cairo – I felt like I had a front row seat to history without leaving Seattle, thanks to Twitter. Social Media also affords me the opportunity to share breaking news anytime, not just during the newscast. I love when I can share with viewers everything from a traffic tie up to a big scoop.
Q: If you could have someone else’s job, what would it be?
A: I love football. I’d love to be a wide receiver in the NFL – but the sidelines seem to suit me just fine. My back up dream job would be to do comedy on SNL. I love to laugh.
Q: Press releases: Love them or hate them?
A: Love them. I’ve been at this long enough, it’s up to me to find the nugget and tell the real story.
Q: What hidden talent or skill do you have that viewers/readers don’t know about you?
A: I have a good sniffer! My husband, Miguel always marvels at how I can identify most wine bouquets. Over the weekend, I tasted ashes, Band-Aids and a pencil in my glass of red wine.
The PR Pro Takeaway: Michelle is a jack of all trades, but stories with an impact on society, especially those that fall into the healthcare category may interest her the most. Pitch her the facts and standby with the details, this highly decorated journalist will “sniff out” a good story with ease. We will try not to hold her football tastes against her.