Today we’d like to introduce you to Jessa Jeremiah
Hi Jessa, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
My first start in television was in South Carolina working on-air hosting a home makeover show, then eventually anchoring a local newscast. The newscast started in 2012 and was a milestone for the station as it was their first ever newscast. Rewinding a bit… the reason I started in television was because I was asked to try on-air work due to an acquaintance simply asking me to give it a try. That acquaintance is now my husband and we both enjoy a career in media today. My next position in television was for the same company in Wisconsin and it was in sales. I found a lot of success bringing new clients to the then CW affiliate, while also working on air hosting a couple of talk shows for the station. After getting married and having our first child, I returned from maternity leave with an offer to become the General Manager of the station. I took it and I enjoyed it greatly. Eventually, I moved to another station and another company in that city, a MyNet affiliate. There I managed the operation of the station and staff while keeping with a part of the business I loved, working on air. I hosted several talk shows for the station, enjoyed time at a radio station doing a show called “Just in with Jessa” and had the biggest love for raising my first and now second baby girl. Eventually, I received a call from the station that started my career. I was asked to move back to South Carolina to run the station there as General Manager. Long story short… here we are!
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?
There were certainly several challenges that I faced along the way. Business challenges, Covid related challenges, and creative challenges all come to mind. Interestingly though, the challenge that stands out the most was simply working around myself. As a life-long introvert, being in such a public job certainly came with some growing pains. Being in a career that includes television, radio, and several public speaking jobs, isn’t something you’d typically match with someone who more introspective by nature. That challenge has also been one of the greatest gifts. Someone coined the term “Do it Scared” and I feel like that accurately describes what so many of us go through in a lifetime.
Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
The company, Byrne Media, is so unique for so many reasons. Most notably, there are not many small media companies left in the world of television. I get to work for this great, local company that allows for so much more room to move and be creative then you often get in this industry. Based in Columbia, and operating almost solely out of the Carolinas, Byrne Media owns radio and television stations, and a few years ago, entered the booming arena of the digital marketing world. My favorite thing about the company is that we are truly client focused with the ability to help businesses of all sizes grow.
Where we are in life is often partly because of others. Who/what else deserves credit for how your story turned out?
Credit where credit is due, Wayne Morris, the COO of the company has been an incredibly effective and supportive leader. With many stations to manage and a lot on his plate, he always finds time to listen and help when needed. Working with a leader like that inspires me, even more, to be a leader like that. Also, without my husband, I would not have the career that I have. He is my biggest cheerleader in work and life and always has been. That said, the achievements and outcomes in my career are ultimately due to God’s blessings, guidance, and provision. Any abilities and opportunities I’ve been given are gifts from Him and I can’t wait to see how He continues to guide me on this journey.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://byrne-media.com/
