Michelle Paynter: Reporter

Michelle Paynter joined our news team in August 2004. She has reported on public safety issues in the Savannah community since 2001.

In 2006 she received an Associated Press Award for her special series, "Immigration Impact". It explored the impact illegal immigrants are having on our economy, crime rate and society. Michelle also won an AP Award in 2005 for her special series, "Kids and Crime," an in-depth look into juvenile offenders and Chatham County's juvenile justice system.

Michelle is originally from Indiana and graduated from the Indiana University School of Journalism in 1999. She got her first job at KGWN in Cheyenne, Wyoming, as the weekend anchor. There she also earned an Associated Press Award for Best News Reporting.

In 2001, Michelle moved to Savannah. She loves being a part of the community and telling the stories that matter most to WTOC viewers.

In her spare time Michelle enjoys spending time with her husband Rob and their two children. They love going to the beach with their golden retriever, and traveling.

Send Michelle an email at mpaynter@wtoc.com.