ABC Columbia | Meet The Team

Alicia Barnes

Hello!

This is the second time I have come back to live in the Great State of South Carolina! I am a graduate of Clemson University where I pledged Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.

I joined the ABC Columbia family in May 2008 as a Primary Anchor. I co-anchor the evening news, at ABC Columbia's downtown Street Side Studio on Main & Gervais, Weekdays at 6 & 11 PM.

And, if you want to know the latest trends in health and beauty I have a segment just for you. It’s called “Wrinkle Free Wednesday”, and it airs every Wednesday during the 11pm newscast. You can check out past Wrinkle Free Wednesday segments, online on FACEBOOK, on our WRINKLE FREE WEDNESDAY PAGE. (Become a fan)

If you're an early riser, from 6am to 10am I deliver morning news updates on The BIG DM 101 FM, and on HOT 103.9 FM.

I started my news career as an intern at WLNS-TV in Lansing, Michigan. I also worked as a freelance reporter for WKBD-TV in Detroit while juggling a full-time pharmaceutical sales career and earning my MBA from Wayne State University.

After my stint in Michigan, I relocated back to my hometown of Atlanta, Georgia. While in Atlanta, I was a General Assignment Reporter for the NBC Affiliate, WXIA-TV and a Freelance Reporter for FOX 5. During my 3 years back in Atlanta, I covered some of Georgia's worst Natural Disasters.

After my time in Atlanta, I joined the NBC O&O, KNSD and the CW affiliate KSWB-TV in San Diego, California as the Weekend Anchor. In the January 2007 Platinum Awards Issue of 944 Magazine, I was voted San Diego's Favorite Female Newscaster.

I am an avid golfer and tennis player. I also enjoy sailing on Lake Murray…if you are ever looking for crew!

My proudest moment during my news career, was serving as a Torchbearer, carrying the Olympic flame through my hometown of Atlanta , Georgia for the 2004 Athens Olympic Games.

You can email Alicia at abarnes@abccolumbia.tv

Tim Hill

Most normal children’s first words are usually, “Mommy” or “Daddy.” My parents tell me my first word was ball. I’m obviously not normal.

Maybe that explains why I’ve followed Gamecock athletics all my life. My father went to law school at USC and took me to my first Carolina football game when I was 3-years-old. He made the mistake of letting me drink a stadium-sized Coke. I couldn’t stop talking about football that night and really haven’t shut up about sports ever since.

Even the 21 game losing streak the last two years I went to USC didn’t stop me from getting into Sports Broadcasting. I got my first job at KRBC in Abilene, TX as the weekend sports anchor. After 3 years of West Texas football I moved back to Columbia to do sports for ABC Columbia. I started my television career as an intern at FOX 8 in my hometown of High Point, NC.

By the way, it’s not all about football with me. My favorite sport depends on what season it is. I've covered the Super Bowl, bowl games, the NCAA Tournament and multiple Masters, but nothing compares to covering USC's 2010 national championship run at the College World Series.

Reg Taylor

Hey there and thanks for clicking in to ABC Columbia today! My name is Reg Taylor and I am the chief Meteorologist here. I’ve been a part of the ABC Columbia family for longer than just about anyone. I figure if you love what you do and you love where you do it…we’ll keep on going! I have been a part of ABC Columbia for nearly 15 years now. I graduated from Western Kentucky University many years ago with a degree in Broadcasting and went back to Indiana State to finish the requirements for the AMS and NWA seals of approval.

Not only do I love what I do… Like I said, I love where I do it too! My son Jensen was born here in Richland County and now attends school in Lexington Middle and my daughter Jenea is attending Dutch Fork High School and is very active in the ROTC program there.

I have always found a home here in the midlands. People like you are warm and friendly and usually take time to say Hey Reg! What’s the weather going to be like…or thanks, you’ve ruined my weekend. Ha ha ha!

It truly is the friendly people here in the midlands that makes my job fun. I understand how our weather can quickly change and affect your plans and that is why I take great pride in giving you an accurate forecast you can trust. Beyond that, I try to always make you smile too! Give you what you need, but explain it in a way that will not scare you, but prepare you for the days ahead.

Thanks for clicking in to check out my bio and please keep watching ABC Columbia news at 6 and 11. I’ll still be here!

Derek James

Position: Weekend Meteorologist

I’m Derek James or as some around here call me “D-Jam.” I’m not exactly sure who came up with that nickname or when, but it stuck. I’m the Friday & Saturday Meteorologist here at ABC Columbia News. I’m a member of the National Weather Association currently working to receive their “Seal of Approval.”

I love preparing you for the weather ahead with the information you need and some entertainment without unnecessary hype. I also enjoy building new and exciting graphics to tell you the weather story. I’m a graphics geek; I do a lot of work on the overall look of the graphics you see during the weather segments on ABC Columbia News.

I began my broadcasting career in high school as host and executive producer of “Video News Live,” a live weekly cable access news program in the small town of Waupaca, Wisconsin. Shortly thereafter, I was hired as a radio news anchor & air talent for Waupaca’s WDUX AM/FM. While a sophomore in high school I covered one of the biggest stories to hit Mid-Wisconsin, a propane tanker train derailment/fire and 18 day evacuation of residents in nearby Weyauwega in 1996. I went on to host morning radio shows in Green Bay & Wausau, Wisconsin before moving to the Carolinas in July of 2000. Before working at ABC Columbia, I was Assistant Program Director/Music Director/Air Talent for 107.9 The Link, a Hot Adult Contemporary (Hot AC)/Personality radio station in Charlotte, NC. I also hosted radio shows for Star 94 in Atlanta.

Born and raised in the dairyland I’m a die-hard Green Bay Packer fan although you will never see me wearing one of those cheeseheads. I love the Pack but I have to draw the line somewhere.

If I’m not at work odds are you’ll find me at home with my wife Kristen, son Tyler, and Dawson the lab who I call “The Chocolate Marley.”

Monique Williams

Position: Reporter

I’m up before the sun and ready for battle—the battle of getting my children fed, dressed and out the door for a productive day at school. The war continues at home with laundry, preparation of meals--for the week--and community volunteerism/public service. This, is all before noon, when I must retreat (like any good soldier) with a nap before heading to my ‘second’ job of television journalist. My comrade, my husband, picks up where I leave off.

The second job of television reporter is where the melee gets real interesting. The people I meet daily keep me going. For, if it were not for them, there would be no me, and no news. The people are the news. Everyday I strive to be a blessing to someone, and the community at large, by telling the stories that might not otherwise be told, giving a voice to those who cannot speak for themselves, and at the same time, be fair and objective. My goal each day: glorify God through my work. By doing so, I am fulfilling His purpose for my life and making my eleventh grade English teacher pretty proud. It was in her class that I discovered I wanted a career where I could write until my heart was content.

That may be why I landed my first on-air gig at a major network affiliate only four months after graduating from Georgia Southern University years ago. How many years ago? No comment! The rest, as they say, is history.

I look forward to continuing to make history and serving the good folks of the Midlands and the great state of South Carolina!

Dave Aiken

Position: Station Manager

Hi there! I’m “Shakin’” Dave Aiken the Station Manager of ABC Columbia, WOLO. My many responsibilities include programming, community relations, promotion, on-air talent. Plus I’m on the air doing the “”Voice of the Viewer” feature for ABC Columbia News. Since 1970 I have had the honor of hosting the annual Jerry Lewis Labor Day Telethon on ABC Columbia, WOLO-TV.

I started my broadcasting career in 1966 in a small 1000 watt radio station in Clinton, SC while attending Presbyterian College. You do the math that’s a long time. I became interested in radio and television at an early age while living in Charleston. Listening to the DJ’s on the radio on the Mighty TMA or at night when the signals of WABC, WOWO, WLS and WLAC could be found on my radio. On of my neighbors was an engineer for CH. 2 in Charleston. When I was 9 or 10 he took me to the TV station to see how they put shows on air. I was hooked.

I moved from radio to television in 1969 at WOLO-TV. And in 1981 I had the opportunity to do a little radio on the weekends and that’s how “ Shakin” Dave was born, spinning the Oldies of the 50’s, 60’s & 70’s on Magic 98.5 on the Sunday Night All Request Show.

In 1999 I had the chance to do in the in house PA for the Carolina Women’s basketball team. Since 1995 I have been doing the Mens and Women’s games and the games for Carolina Football(and it’s another Carolina FIRST DOWN! Now I’m dabbling in a little Carolina baseball, too.

I have always felt that being in broadcasting is a way to serve our community. I have been fortunate to volunteer with some outstanding organizations. I have served the American Cross as Past Chairman of the Blood Services Region Red Cross Board of Directors and past Chapter Chairman of the Central South Carolina Chapter of the American Red Cross, I am currently serving another term with the Red Cross, I continue to be an active member of the South Carolina Broadcasters Association, having served as Vice President for Television and District Director. And I have served as a volunteer with the United Way of the Midlands, Midlands Youth Initiative, along with serving as Master of Ceremonies for various events with the United Way, and the Greater Columbia Chamber of Commerce

I am proud of the recognition from fellow South Carolina Broadcasters I received in 2005-the Honorary Life Member Award from the South Carolina Broadcasters Association. “Shakin” Dave

Robin Hinson-Kanady

Position: Reporter

I am a Carolina Girl through and through, representing both Carolinas. I was born and raised in Concord, NC on my family's cattle farm. I try to get home as much as possible to see my parents and dear, sweet grandfather.

I first moved to South Carolina to go to college at Furman, and I’ve never left the state except to study in Spain for a semester. While at Furman, I was a cheerleader and worked for the Paladin TV station. If you’re wondering what a Paladin is, it’s a knight on a horse, and it always provides some interesting banter among Furman fans, as do the university’s initials.

My first TV job was in Beaufort working for WJWJ. I ran the Hilton Head bureau, and I filled in as an anchor there. Some people even claim I did weather once or twice, but I will deny that until my dying days.

So after spending time in the Upstate and the Lowcountry, I found myself home in the Midlands with my job at ABC Columbia. I've thoroughly enjoyed my time here bringing you stories that I hope impact your life as much as they have mine. Whether it’s asking tough questions to law enforcement, or keeping the governor and lawmakers accountable for their actions with stimulus money, my goal is to make sure you stay informed and that the powerful are kept in check.

I also like covering those stories that give you goose bumps…the courage of a little boy fighting a brain tumor or the community coming together to raise money for the family of a fallen police officer.

It is an honor and a privilege to bring you the news everyday. Please e-mail me at rhinson@abccolumbia.com, and let me know what stories matter to you and what things you think need more coverage.

Anderson Burns

Position: Reporter / Weekend Anchor

I didn't travel far to get here. I just jumped on I-26 in Charleston, where I reported for two years, and moved to Columbia, where I've joined the ABC Columbia News team as weekend anchor. Originally from Dalton, Ga. (yes, the Carpet Capital. No, I can't get you a good deal.), I graduated from UNC- Chapel Hill, did a brief stint as a stockbroker in Atlanta, then headed to NYC--to do what, I still have no idea. But for 6 years I loved it, working as a 5th grade teacher, a traffic reporter, and getting a Masters in Church History at Union Theological Seminary at Columbia University. Apparently that wasn't enough schooling, so I moved to Chicago and got another Masters in broadcast journalism from Northwestern. From there, to Charleston, and now, the Capital City. When I'm not anchoring, check out my "Hidden Columbia" reports. They are great fun and help me learn tons about a city that becomes more interesting with every story.