Byron Tollefson has been a general assignment reporter and investigative reporter for WOOD TV8 since January 2022.
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.
In nearly three years at WOOD TV8, Byron has seen more of the world than he could have ever imagined: the heartwarming, the melancholy and the inspirational. He feels truly thankful for the opportunity to share people’s triumphs and hardships. He also fully believes in local journalism and the difference it can make in society and our lives.
Byron has told about a thousand different stories on numerous topics. In April 2022, Byron covered nearly a dozen protests in Grand Rapids after Patrick Lyoya was killed by police. He spoke with Lyoya’s family and the greater community, followed the murder case against the former officer involved and interviewed the police chief about changes made inside his department.
Byron has also done several stories on officer shortages and recruitment issues across West Michigan. He has focused on court coverage as well, finding compelling cases not previously reported on.
He has also been involved in a great deal of severe weather coverage. In May 2022, he covered the EF3 tornado that struck Gaylord, Michigan. He interviewed many residents and business owners who dealt with unfathomable damage. He has also reported on severe flooding and 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 later covered the devastating Portage, Michigan, tornado in May 2024.
He has also focused on political reporting in his time at WOOD TV8. He reported on Michigan’s 2022 gubernatorial election, which included multiple debates in the primary cycle as well as the general election. He also reported live from Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s election night event in Detroit. Byron has also reported from the Michigan State Capitol, interviewing lawmakers and covering Whitmer’s State of the State addresses.
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 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.
West Michigan has become a second home for Byron over the last three years. He loves exploring West Michigan’s beautiful beaches, craft breweries and special communities full of wonderful people. He also feels grateful to work with and learn from an excellent team of journalists.
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!
