David Snyder

If a picture is worth a thousand words...then I'd probably be out of a job. That's because I write--and read--words as co-anchor of WCJB's 5:00, 6, and 11 pm newscasts.

In a wide-ranging broadcast career spanning 30 years, several states, and way too much fast food, I have reported on issues and events across the United States and around the world. I have catapulted off an aircraft carrier in the Persian Gulf (and out of several H.R. offices), prayed with Moses (well, Charlton Heston, who played Moses), stayed with Kosovar refugees in Albania, and chased aliens in Roswell, N.M. It is now my privilege to tell the story of North Central Florida every single day.

Covering Congress on September 11th, my memories of that tragic day include hearing the thunderous explosion at the Pentagon and being evacuated from my office in the Capitol Building. Later I kept vigil on the roof of a five-story townhouse across from the Supreme Court building, and the next day witnessed firsthand the stirring and defiant image of lawmakers of both parties uniting to sing "God Bless America" on the front steps of the Capitol.

The issues and events in North Central Florida are just as intriguing as those in Washington. Some of the most memorable moments here include covering the wild hurricane season of 2004 (I still have my water bottle rain gauge and necktie wind gauge), field anchoring the evening that Danny Rolling was executed (we earned a regional Murrow Award for that), and interviewing President Obama--twice. By the way, I find that our best source of news is our viewers. We can't report it if we don't know about it. So, please write me at dsnyder@wcjb.com with your suggestions and comments. You can also follow my insights around the newsroom and on the news set on Twitter: @20newsguy

I am proud to be associated with many aspects of the colorful tapestry of North Central Florida. Among other activities, I am proud to have a close association with our active veterans' community, I love to read to school kids, I enjoy running (okay, "plodding") for various causes, and am a friend of the Dance Alive National Ballet and Gainesville's burgeoning innovation community.

Aside from my commitment to be accurate and fair, if you listen carefully to my scripts during the newscast, you may smile upon hearing cultural references to anything from Madeleine L'Engle and Against Me! to "North By Northwest" and an old Frito's ad campaign.

I'm a native of Detroit, so please cut me a little slack while I pull for the Red Wings, Tigers, Lions, and Pistons. But in the college ranks, my children are now growing up as proud Florida Gators!