Notable journalists and anchors have started on Nashville’s NewsChannel 5 (WTVF). These gifted people have gained widespread recognition for their genuine, passionate, and dedicated news reporting.
We’ll look closely at the lives of a few prominent former WTVF anchors, including their whereabouts.
1. Harry Chapman – News Anchor at NewsChannel5+
Harry Chapman’s entry into journalism started with a part-time job at a WKLY in Hartwell, Georgia, while he was still in high school.
His talent for writing and storytelling led him to pursue a degree in journalism at the University of Georgia, Grady College of Journalism and Mass Communication. This eventually landed him a job at Georgia Public Television, and he was then hired at WGAU and WNGC.
Chapman rose to fame at WTVF (NewsChannel 5) in Nashville, where his versatility saw him anchoring the midday report and producing documentaries. His big break came as the entertainment reporter covering Nashville’s vibrant country music scene.
In 1974, he made history by teaming up with Oprah Winfrey as part of the city’s first male-female anchor team.
Chapman’s earnings as a news anchor were substantial, he has an estimated net worth of $3.61 million reflecting his status and experience. His successful career has contributed to a comfortable and affluent lifestyle
Harry Chapman is currently at NewsChannel5+, where he conducts interviews about music.
Not much is known about Chapman’s family, as he prefers to keep his personal life private and focus on his professional achievements
2. Chris Clark – News Anchor and Reporter (Retired)
Chris Clirk’s path to journalism started in a pretty unique way. As a teenager, he worked at his father’s Eagle Café, which was right across the street from The Atlanta Journal-Constitution.
Reporters would come in and share all kinds of colorful stories. Listening to them sparked Chris’s interest in journalism. He decided that he wanted to become a reporter, too, and went on to graduate from the University of Georgia’s School of Journalism.
Clark became a well-known figure as a news anchor and reporter at WVTV in Nashville, with a career spanning several decades making him the longest-serving news anchor until he retired in 2007
Clark accumulated significant earnings thanks to his long and successful career. His contributions to journalism have left a lasting impact, and he enjoys a comfortable retirement
Chris Clark is married to Margret Boyd, a fellow news anchor, and has three children. In retirement, he spends time with family, often reflecting on his career and the changes in the industry.
3. Lisa Chavarria – Reporter at NBC 5
Lisa Chavarria’s journalism career began at WPBN-TV in Traverse City, Michigan, where she worked as a reporter.
Chavarria’s talent was quickly recognized, leading to a position at WTVF-TV in Nashville, Tennessee, then later on got hired at KHOU-TV in Houston, Texas
Her ability to connect with people and tell their stories with empathy and clarity set her apart in the field.
Chavarria is currently at NBC 5, where she works as a general assignment reporter.
Chavarria’s work as a reporter has been commendable. Her dedication and skill have led to a well-compensated career. While specific figures are private, her professional success is evident.
Lisa Chavarria is married to her husband Benjamin, a producer at news radio 780 and 105.9 FM, and they have a little Yorkie, Rocket
4. Oprah Winfrey – Talk Show Host & Businesswoman
Oprah Winfrey started her career in journalism in her last year of high school. She secured a part-time job at a local radio station, where her appealing voice and narrative skills soon became noticeable.
Due to her talent, she was given a scholarship at Tennessee State University to study communications. While in college, Oprah was employed by Nashville’s WVOL, a local radio station. She later got a job at WTVF-TV.
Oprah’s rise to fame started when she became a news anchor and co-host of the local talk show People Are Talking in Baltimore. However, her real breakthrough came with her own morning talk show, “The Oprah Winfrey Show,” which eventually went national.
Her empathetic interviewing style and natural ability to connect with guests and audiences set her apart, turning her into one of the most influential media personalities in the world.
While Oprah’s earnings as a news anchor were modest, her career as a talk show host, producer, and media mogul sent her income skyrocketing. She’s now one of the wealthiest self-made women globally, with a net worth in the billions.
On the personal side, Oprah has been in a long-term relationship with Stedman Graham since 1986, though they’ve chosen not to marry.
She doesn’t have children but has often talked about her role as a mentor and caretaker for many, including the students at her girls’ leadership academy in South Africa.
5. Ron Howes – Meteorologist (Retired)
Ron Howes’s passion for weather and desire to improve public understanding of it led him to pursue a career in meteorology.
He worked at the school weather station and studied meteorology in college, which helped him land his first job at a Nashville TV station, WOTV
Ron gained notoriety after joining Newschannel 5 for his precise weather predictions and his ability to explain complicated meteorological phenomena clearly.
Because of his soothing and composed demeanor, he was a reliable source of information during catastrophic weather occurrences. His accurate and thorough forecasts over the years won him multiple awards and a devoted following.
Ron made a good living as a meteorologist, commensurate with his field experience and position.
Nevertheless, the precise amount he made is unknown. This financial success allowed him to enjoy a comfortable lifestyle and a well-deserved retirement.
Ron is married to Cindy and has four children. He loves spending time with his family in retirement and enjoys hobbies like woodwork and community service.
He often reflects on his career and the advancements in meteorology since he started in the field.