Story

Cathy Stelzer

News Center 7 Reporter/Saturday Morning Anchor

BIO

IJune of 2002 was an amazing month! It was when I was hired as a reporter for News Center 7 and came back home to the Miami Valley. I was born and raised in Springfield, Ohio and my family eventually settled in Vandalia, Ohio where I graduated from Butler High School. I went on to earn a Bachelor of Science Degree in Journalism from Bowling Green State University.

I started my television career as a technical director at WSYX-TV in Columbus, Ohio. I went on to work at WKRC-TV in Cincinnati, Ohio as a production department supervisor.

I then headed west for Salt Lake City, Utah where I worked as a technical supervisor/commercial editor at KSTU Fox 13. While in Utah, I won several awards for editing including a Telly Award and gold and silver awards from the Utah Broadcasters Association. I also studied meteorology at the University of Utah. I made the transition from behind-the-scenes to in front of the camera at KXMB-TV in Bismarck, North Dakota as a news anchor/reporter where I received two first place awards for live reporting from the Northwest Broadcast News Association. Before coming to News Center 7, I worked for Cable News 2 in Rock Hill, South Carolina as a news anchor/reporter.

I live in Butler Township and in the summer, you can usually find me playing tennis at Helke Park or Art Van Atta Park. Also, I love to play golf, but I’m still learning after all these years!

Q & A

Where were you born?
Springfield, Ohio

Where did you grow up?
Springfield, Ohio/Perrsyburg, Ohio

What was your favorite TV show then?
The Brady Bunch

What was the first thing you ever wanted to be?
A teacher

How might someone have described you in high school?
The funny girl with checkered shoes.

What was your first job?
McDonald's cashier.

What was your first job in television?
Floor Director/Production Assistant

What do you like about your job?
It is something different everyday and I get to meet so many amazing people.

What do you not like about your job?
Some of the topics I cover are very sad and it's hard not to feel the pain of a family dealing with the loss of a loved one.

What might people be surprised to know about you?
I like the smell of skunk.

What is the hardest thing you ever did?
Watching my mom lose her battle with cancer.

What would be a perfect day for you?
Swimming in the morning, playing golf or tennis with friends in the afternoon, then riding 'The Racer" rollercoaster until dark at Kings Island.

What advice would you have for someone wanting to go into the business?
Grow thick skin, be a responsible journalist and be compassionate

If you could only keep one 5-minute tape from your career what would be on it?
Going along with the 'Honor Flight" program to Washington, DC as World War II Veterans got the opportunity to see their memorial. Also, flying with the Navy Blue Angels.