Reporter Atkins joins WESH 2 News team

Longtime WESH 2 viewers will see a fresh new face on newscasts in the coming days as reporter Tony Atkins is joining the station beginning Aug. 29.

“I’m really excited to be here,” said Atkins about his role. “WESH has a really good reputation and one thing I like about it is the mix of younger and veteran journalists, so I [can] provide my knowledge but then also can learn from a wealth of just talented people already in the shop. So it’s a really good place to be.”

A graduate of the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, Atkins brings plenty of experience to the role, having previously worked at WTMJ-TV in Milwaukee, WPXI-TV in Pittsburgh and WHBQ-TV in Memphis.

Though he has covered a lot in his career so far, one thing that Atkins Is specifically excited about reporting on in his new role at WESH is Florida politics, in particular this November’s upcoming election.

“I’m really excited about the politics here,” Atkins said. “You hear about it so much in other states and I don’t know if Florida is aware of how much the [country] pays attention to Florida. And I think just to be immersed in it... I think that is what I’m looking forward to the

Atkins most.”

Atkins is also looking forward to learning the ropes when it comes to covering hurricane season. “I’m from Wisconsin. So [hurricanes are] just not something that I grew up having to live with. But as much as [this job] is me informing the public, I kind of look at it as a learning experience as well. [Covering storms] is one of those Florida things that I’m gonna have to do and experience for the first time.”

Stephanie Linton, news director for WESH 2, said in a statement, “Tony has a great deal of reporting experience and has a passion for telling stories that make a difference in his community. We are thrilled that he will join the WESH 2 News Team.”

You can follow Atkins on Twitter at @TonyAtkinsTV.

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