FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 9, 2018
ST. LOUIS – Mike Bush has renewed his contract with 5 On Your Side. This year marks Mike’s 33rd year at the station and his 40th year working in local television.
Mike came to 5 On Your Side as a sports reporter in 1985 after working at stations in Tucson, New Orleans, and Kansas City. He says he couldn’t pass up the opportunity to work in St. Louis. He was promoted to sports director in 1986.
“I think St. Louis is truly a hidden gem in this country,” said Mike. “From Cardinals baseball to the St. Louis Symphony, it offers everything you’d want while raising a family. I was born in Chicago, but St. Louis is, and will always be, my home.”
“Mike represents all of 5 On Your Side with his unfailing service to the community and his humility in acting as a leader within our newsroom for more than 30 years,” said President & General Manager Alicia Elsner. “We are delighted to continue our long-standing relationship with Mike.”
In 2002, Mike started his transition from sports to news, anchoring the Sunday evening shows while continuing his work as sports director. He moved to news full-time in 2003.
“I turned down an opportunity to move to news a couple years earlier, but after 9/11, I was asked again and I thought it would be a good time to make the switch,” said Mike. “A lot was happening in the world that was important, and I wanted to tell a wider range of stories.”
Throughout his four decades in television, Mike has earned many awards, including dozens of Mid-America Emmys, 18 Edward R. Murrows, a National Edward R. Murrow, and honors from the Missouri Broadcasters Association and the Associated Press. In 2012, he was inducted into the National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences’ Silver Circle, which recognizes broadcast pioneers who have worked in the industry for at least 25 years.
“I’ve never won an award on my own,” said Mike. “Television news is always a team effort and I’ve been very lucky to work with many great people who make me look better than I am.”
Mike remains committed to serving St. Louis – not only through journalism, but also his involvement in the community. He’s most proud of the work he’s done in partnership with the Muscular Dystrophy Association. When the MDA stopped holding their national telethon, Mike spearheaded a local effort to bring it back in 2017.
“It’s what I do on Labor Day,” said Mike. “These amazing kids and families deal with this deadly disease with grace and courage, and because of St. Louis’ generosity, we’ve helped raise more than $30 million since I’ve been in St. Louis.”
“Mike is a St. Louis tradition, and we’re thrilled he’s chosen to renew his commitment to tell the stories that matter most to our 5 On Your Side viewers,” said News Director Tiffani Lupenski. “Mike truly makes our team of journalists better.”
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TEGNA Inc. (NYSE: TGNA) is an innovative media company that serves the greater good of our communities. With 46 stations in 38 markets, TEGNA delivers relevant content and information to consumers across platforms. It is the largest owner of top 4 affiliates in the top 25 markets, reaching approximately one-third of all television households nationwide. Each month, TEGNA reaches 50 million adults on-air and 32 million across its digital platforms. TEGNA has been consistently honored with the industry’s top awards, including Edward R. Murrow, George Polk, Alfred I. DuPont and Emmy Awards. TEGNA delivers results for advertisers through unparalleled and innovative solutions including OTT local advertising network Premion, centralized marketing resource Hatch, and G/O Digital, a one-stop shop for local businesses to connect with consumers through digital marketing. Across platforms, TEGNA tells empowering stories, conducts impactful investigations and delivers innovative marketing solutions. For more information, visit www.TEGNA.com.
For more information contact: Alicia Elsner 314-444-5256.
