Shannon Wolfson

Shannon Wolfson joined the KXAN team in November 2006 as a reporter. She also anchors the 9 p.m. on the CW Austin.

When did you start at KXAN?
November 2006

What was your most memorable story?
Covering the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina in New Orleans was extremely moving for me. We rode on an airboat rescue mission and saw the devastation up close. People did not want to leave their homes because they just didn't understand the enormity of the catastrophe. I will never forget the things I saw there. It was my proudest moment as a journalist (so far).

How did you get started in TV?
I grew up watching the news at home. My parents and grandparents passed on a legacy of being informed and actively participating in the world around you. I won an Optimist Oratorical Scholarship in the eighth grade and learned then that I enjoyed speaking in front of people and sharing information. I married those two loves, and a television journalist was born. I'm also just naturally curious. In college, I did news internships in Houston and Las Vegas. My first job out of college was at KXII-TV in Sherman, TX, where I started as a reporter and left as the main anchor. I won several awards at KXII. I am proudest of the first place award in 2004 from the TAPB for Best Specialty/Beat Reporting.

Where did you go to college?
The University of Texas at Austin. I majored in Broadcast Journalism. I'm a very proud, third-generation Longhorn!

What's your hometown?
Sugar Land, Texas (a suburb of Houston)
 
What's your favorite thing about Austin?
The lakes, of course! And driving up Congress Avenue to the Texas Capitol. There's no better view in Texas.

Who has been the most influential person in your life? Why?
My parents have been my greatest influence. They've been married for 37 years and instilled in my brother and me a good work ethic, and loyalty and devotion to family. They taught us to be good at what we do and to love and appreciate the small things in life. Their love for, and devotion to one another, has been the foundation of my life, and I will be ever-grateful to them for that.

What's your favorite band or musician?
Bob Marley, Otis Redding, Van Morrison

What's your favorite movie?
The Shawshank Redemption

What's your favorite TV show?
Nip/Tuck, Rescue Me, The West Wing

What's your favorite food?
I eat a lot of microwave dinners. 

Tell us about your family.
My dad is an attorney and my mom is a retired Spanish teacher. My older brother, Sean, is in the financial business. They all live in Sugar Land. I have cousins in Austin, and I am thrilled to be back. I am still with my high school sweetheart, Aaron, and we live in Southwest Austin.

You can e-mail Shannon at Shannon.Wolfson@kxan.com .