Melissa Eichman, Reporter

Bay News 9's Melissa Eichman is a general assignment reporter based in the Pinellas County newsroom.

Before Melissa joined Bay News 9, she was working as an anchor and medical reporter at KETK in Tyler, Texas. While in Texas, she was recognized by the Associated Press for excellence in reporting and anchoring.

Melissa began her broadcast career as an intern at KENS-TV in San Antonio, Texas. She took her first job at KTEN-TV in Sherman/Denison, Texas, where she was honored with the Young Careerist Award.

Throughout Melissa's career she has covered some exciting stories, such as interviewing President Bush, covering the Space Shuttle Columbia disaster, following a class through space camp, riding with motorcycle daredevil Robbie Knievel, and, of course, introducing medical breakthroughs.   

Melissa is a graduate of Southwest Texas State University; she was a member of the National Honor Society and the Council of Scholars.

Melissa comes from a military family and has enjoyed traveling across the country and around the world. She enjoys working with children's organizations and has been active with the Children's Miracle Network and St. Jude Children's Research Hospital. She's also been known to put on a tool belt and help build Habitat for Humanity homes.