Today we’d like to introduce you to Kayla Thompson.
Hi Kayla, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
I’ve always been interested in TV & Entertainment since I was a kid, but I really wasn’t expecting the news to be where I got my start. During my college years, I balanced being a two-sport athlete and host of a radio show/podcast at Jacksonville State University. The show ended up winning awards for excellence at my University but also unlocked new possibilities for me in media/entertainment. As graduation inched closer and closer, I began doing internships and lots of shopping myself around to different news stations, searching for a way into the industry. Thankfully with the help of my parents, I was able to move to Tupelo, MS and accept a job as the Morning Reporter for WTVA. From 2018-2020, I spent time learning the craft and cultivating my own style of reporting. During the beginning of the pandemic, I moved back home to Flowood, MS for a job at WJTV in Jackson, MS, where I’ve been for the past three years. At WJTV, I work to challenge the norm and celebrate the greatness of our community while also presenting the most difficult news with compassion.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
The road has not been smooth, but I’m grateful for all that has happened. There have been a few times I had to learn the hard way that everyone is not going to have your best interested at heart, and some people only see you as an asset to help them. I’ve dealt with tough criticism from viewers and industry professionals because of my storytelling style and high energy I present, and a lot of times it’s just because they stick with the idea of professionalism that was defined in the 60s.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I am the Morning Anchor and Host of the “Morning ‘Sip” for WJTV in Jackson, MS. I’m mostly known for being a high-energy news personality/journalist. I focus on highlighting the community (hidden gems, interesting events, people, and more). My ability to try different things mostly sets me apart from others. In my news market, we really did not have a space for Entertainment in our news cycle, but I was bold enough to “reach for the stars” figuratively and literally, now our station and myself are being seen on a wider stage than we’ve been. I’m proud of that achievement and to be someone who is looked at as someone making our community better with every story and feature.
What sort of changes are you expecting over the next 5-10 years?
I think the industry is going to lose a lot of great talent or people with amazing potential because of the pay. I hope that in the next few years, journalist don’t have to struggle living check to check for decades to do something they love. I also believe that social media will become an even bigger part of news distribution as people continue find alternate ways to receive information and entertainment.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/1kaylatho/?hl=en
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/KTONTV
