Melanie Torre | Journalist

About Melanie

Melanie Torre is a reporter for the CBS affiliate in Austin, Texas. She covers everything from city hall and crime to education, transportation and severe weather.

Melanie’s series of reports and investigations about issues with direct dialing 911 contributed to the proposal of a new law, Kari’s Law. It requires all multi-line phone systems to allow users to dial 911 without a prefix. Kari’s Law, was signed by Governor Greg Abbott in 2015. The same law was passed by Congress and signed by the president in 2018.

Before telling stories for CBS Austin, she reported, produced and anchored for KLTV 7 in Tyler, Texas. In Tyler, Melanie specialized in investigative, court and crime reporting. In 2014, the Lonestar EMMY Association awarded Melanie with the EMMA for Investigative Reporting.

Melanie grew up in the Dallas-Fort Worth area and graduated from The University of Texas at Austin with a degree in broadcast journalism.

Melanie loves spicy food, traveling, Longhorn football, Texas country music and most of all-- her rescue pup, Bennett. She also likes to meet new people and hear their stories. If you ever see her around, don`t hesitate to introduce yourself. If you have a story you’d like Melanie to tell, email her at matorre@cbsaustin.com.

Resume

Experience:

KEYE-TV (Austin, TX) - September 2014 - present
Reporter/Fill-in Anchor

Research, develop and pitch story ideas daily
Present both breaking news and thoroughly prepared content live
Produce dynamic live shots to engage viewers
Manage social media accounts to connect with viewers and promote newscasts
Anchor mornings, weekends and breaking news cut-ins as needed

KLTV (Tyler, TX) - June 2011 - August 2014
Investigative Reporter/Fill-in Anchor

Frequently turn investigative reports, lead investigative unit
Produce and anchor half-hour newscasts
Run live shots independently using LiveU backpack
Report breaking news with little to no preparation
Maintain relationships with sources to break reports
Publish web stories and send out breaking news alerts
7 On Your Side Reporter

Investigate viewer complaints on products, businesses, elected officials
Determine legitimacy of viewer tips
Proven record of delivering results for viewers

Concentration in criminal trial reporting

Turn 8 hours of courtroom video into a comprehensive 90 second news story
Obtain and utilize news tips from courthouse staff
Adept in the method of gathering court documents
Live blog on court proceedings from inside the courtroom
Conduct jailhouse interviews in person and on phone

KEYE-TV (Austin, TX) - January 2010 - July 2010
On-Air Intern, Austin Live

Report campus events for the 4pm, Austin Live
Shoot, write, edit and front content live each week
Pitch relevant and entertaining segment ideas for the show
Assist producers when needed

Media Skills:

Avid Final Cut Edius ENPS iNews

Recognition:

2014 Texas AP Broadcasters
1st Place Investigative Report

2014 Lone Star EMMY Chapter EMMAs
1st Place Investigative Report

2013 Texas AP Broadcasters
Honorable Mention Investigative Report

2012 Texas AP Broadcasters
2nd Place Continuing Coverage

Education:

The University of Texas at Austin
Bachelor of Journalism: Broadcast News