StyleBlueprint partners with WKRN from time to time, and you’ll most likely see us with Dawn Davenport, co-anchor of “News 2 This Morning,” or Paige Hill, a “News 2 This Morning” reporter, as we discover fun parts of our city. Today, we’re finding out more about Dawn, and we’ll be back with an interview with Paige in just a few weeks! Since so many of you watch Channel 2 each morning, we know you’ll love finding out more about what goes on behind the scenes.
When did you arrive in Nashville?
I got here in 2005 when I took a job as a sports anchor at WKRN. I didn’t expect to stay for longer than a few years, but fell in love with our city and decided to make it my permanent home!
Many people don’t realize the crazy schedule morning anchors and reporters keep. Can you walk through your typical workday starting with when the alarm goes off?
1:30 a.m.: Alarm (or five straight alarms in my case) goes off to get up.
2:30 a.m.: I’m in the station to read through scripts, talk over stories or breaking news that happened in the overnight hours.
3:30 a.m.: Hair and makeup. Yes, we do it on our own at that hour of the morning! Not quite as glamorous as one would think!
4 to 7 a.m.: On the set and ready to help wake people up with a smile! (There are multiple trips during the commercial breaks to get a coffee or Spark!)
7 to 9 a.m.: I hop back on the set every 30 minutes to update our “Good Morning America” viewers on traffic and news.
9:30 to 11:30 a.m.: Twice a week, I head out into our community to shoot footage and interviews for our “Positively Tennessee” segment that airs on Thursdays.
6 p.m. Bedtime (or at least the target bedtime; it doesn’t always happen!).
You started out on T.V. in the sports arena, right? Can you tell us a little about that?
I grew up a sports fan, played numerous sports growing up and also played volleyball at Auburn University, so sports was always in my blood. I spent the first 10 years of my career as a sports anchor before switching to the morning show. Whether you’re covering sports or news, it’s all about the people and telling stories. I’ve really enjoyed the transition to the news side with the opportunity to continue to work with amazing people!!
Nashville has obviously changed in the years you’ve lived here. How has this impacted your reporting?
This city has changed and grown significantly! The word is out on how great it is to live in this area. I can really see the growth through my “Positively Tennessee” segment highlighting positive stories and local businesses. I get emails everyday about a new, amazing local business or one that has boomed in the last few years. It’s been easy to see the growth through that series.
What is something that goes on behind the scenes of “News 2 This Morning” that viewers wouldn’t know about but would find interesting?
Hmmmm … top secret info here!! During lighter news days, we will often play upbeat music during the commercial break. My favorite is Taylor Swift; Neil (Orne, co-anchor) and Justin (Bruce, meterologist) are so tired of hearing “Shake it Off” at this point. Neil does have some mean dance moves.
Are competing stations’ reporters friendly with each other?
Absolutely! Of course, we are all competitive and want to be the best, but those scenes you see from Anchorman are not exactly accurate. Different cities are more competitive than others, but here in Nashville it’s a friendly competitiveness.
If our readers ever find themselves being interviewed on local news, what are some surefire tips for a great interview?
Be yourself and don’t be nervous. We often have the ability to edit interviews and use your best comments. Just think of an interview as a normal conversation with the reporter. Precise and short answers are always the best. As for attire, bright colors always show up well. Try and avoid white and beige and pastel colors, as they tend to wash you out on camera.
Lightning round of questions:
Favorite Pumpkin Spice-flavored item: A Starbucks pumpkin spice latte, of course!
Favorite place for a lunch meeting: There are so many options in and around Nashville. A few of my favorites are Marche, Saint Anejo and FirstWatch.
Favorite place to escape to after a hard day: I enjoy sitting on my deck with a cup of coffee and my two dogs, Percy and Patton. It’s calming.
Favorite workout: A good ole fashioned jog around the neighborhood or park. I also enjoy playing rec volleyball and kickball for more of social exercise!
What are you currently reading? Game notes and articles for whatever football game I’m working that weekend. Reading for fun is reserved for the summer!!
Favorite vacation spot if money and time were not an i? This segment is not long enough for me to list where I would go. Italy. Australia. New Zealand. Fiji. Those are the top four on my current list. I’ve been fortunate enough to travel because my mother worked for Delta, so we traveled often growing up. Finding the time nowadays is tough!
Best brunch in Nashville: South Side Grille is near my house … they have an amazing omelette called Sophia’s Omelette, with crab, spinach and goat cheese.
What are you going to be for Halloween? Giving out candy and enjoying watching the kids in their creative costumes come by.
What is something that our readers may not know about you?
I am obsessed with wedding and party planning! I love throwing showers for friends and enjoy the DIY aspect of party planning (Pinterest is my best friend!). I’m also a master cake-pop maker. All done by hand, they’re always a staple in the showers I throw—and they taste great, as well! If I didn’t work in news, I would love to do something in event planning.
What’s the best piece of advice ever given to you OR a mantra that you try to live by?
“With courage greater than your fear, jump into the unknown and you will fly!” Don’t be afraid to fail. If you don’t try to go after something you’re passionate about, personally or professionally, you will never know what you’re capable of. Take chances. Love life. Don’t ever take a moment for granted.
With the exception of friends, family and faith, what are three things you can’t live without?
- Coffee (that’s a must when you wake up at 1:30 a.m.!)
- My pups, Percy and Patton (a mini Aussie and a mutt adopted from Agape)
- A good fall sweater and boots. Is there anything better than perfect fall weather and boots?!?
Thank you, Dawn! Be sure to turn on “News 2 This Morning” to start your day and to see Dawn and the team.
Special thanks to Ashley Hylbert for today’s gorgeous photography!
