Byron studied broadcast journalism at the S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications at Syracuse University. During the second semester of his junior year, he interned for “NBC Nightly News” in Los Angeles. That summer, he returned home to intern for NBC10 Boston.
He graduated in May 2019 and became the morning anchor/producer for KTTC in Rochester, Minnesota. He co-anchored KTTC’s morning news on weekdays from 4:30 a.m. to 7 a.m. and reported for the station’s noon newscast.
For WOOD TV8, Byron has reported on the April 2022 police killing of Patrick Lyoya in Grand Rapids, covering nearly a dozen protests, interviewing Lyoya’s family and following the murder case against former GRPD officer Chris Schurr.
Byron has also been involved in a great deal of severe weather coverage. In May 2022, he covered the EF3 tornado that struck Gaylord, Michigan, interviewing residents and business owners dealing with unfathomable damage. He has also reported on severe flooding, dangerous heat waves during power outages and blizzards, including Michigan’s Christmas Week Blizzard in 2022, the biggest storm to hit the state in a decade.
He has also focused on political reporting in his time at WOOD TV8. He reported on Michigan’s 2022 gubernatorial election, covering multiple debates in the GOP primary cycle and general election, campaign rallies as well as Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s election night event in Detroit. Byron has also reported from the Michigan State Capitol, interviewing lawmakers and covering Whitmer’s 2023 State of the State address.
In April 2023, he was recognized by the Michigan Association of Broadcasters with a merit award for news reporting.
In 2023, Byron began working more with the award-winning Target 8 investigative team. His June 2023 investigation shed light on cycles of Michigan teachers repeatedly accused of abusing kids being allowed to get jobs in new school districts. Byron has also investigated long-unsolved cold cases for Target 8.
Byron has quickly become fond of West Michigan, exploring its beautiful beaches, craft breweries and much more. He said he feels grateful for getting the opportunity to work with and learn from a team full of experienced journalists. He also said he has met many kind people in the community and feels lucky to call West Michigan home.
Byron is thrilled to return to the Midwest and tell your stories. You can connect with Byron on Facebook and Twitter or send him an email at btollefson@nexstar.tv. Please feel free to introduce yourself if you ever see him around town and don’t hesitate to share any story ideas!
