24-05-2025
Veteran journalist Dayton to do special reports for WTWO
Veteran broadcast journalist Patrece Dayton will be joining WTWO-TV 2 part time, focusing on special reports that impact the community, the television station has announced.
'I'm excited to be able to write again and tell people's stories again,' Dayton said Friday. 'I'm excited to be back in a newsroom. That's what I've wanted to do ever since I was 13 years old.'
Dayton spent nearly 37 years at WTHI-TV 10, where she served as evening news anchor for most of that time.
In a news release, WTWO described Dayton as 'a familiar face and respected voice in the community. Her deep connection to the region and passion for storytelling have made her a staple in local journalism.'
Tim Sanders, WTWO/vice president and general manager, described Dayton as a first-class journalist 'and I think her talent needs to be put to use. We're excited to have her as part of our team.'
She will officially start in June although has already begun working on some stories.
No one at WTWO will be replaced. 'This is an additional position that we've hired,' Sanders said. 'She will be doing special reports and helping out. … We want her to be able to do what she loves to do.'
While Dayton will be contributing part-time to WTWO, her primary role is with Thrive West Central, where she is director of business development. 'Thrive does great things for the community,' Dayton said.
In her reporting for WTWO, Dayton hopes to do investigative stories that the average reporter may not have time for, but she also anticipates feature-type stories as well, 'as long as they affect the community,' she said.
