Melissa Payne Profile

Melissa Payne is an American News Anchor/Reporter currently working for WLBT-TV since joining the station in August 2014. She currently anchors the evening newscasts on WLBT 3 News. Previously, she was working at Jackson State University in Mississippi as the News Director of the university’s commercial news station.

Payne is a proud alumnus of Mississippi College, as well as Alcorn State University. She graduated from Mississippi College with a master’s degree in Media Studies and Mass Communication. From Alcorn State University, she graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Mass Communication. 

Payne worked as a producer in Salt Lake City, Utah, for her first television job. She subsequently returned to Mississippi, where she worked for WMDN-TV, a CBS-affiliated TV station in Meridian as a reporter and anchor. Payne started working at WJTV-TV in Jackson 2 years later. She has covered a variety of events, such as the Frank Melton trial, the Avis Banks case, and Hurricane Katrina.

Payne has worked as a Producer of Noon and Weekend Newscasts for FOX News KSTU(from June 1999 to April 2001). She has also worked for WMDN News in Meridian, Mississippi, as the Main Anchor(from April 2001 to December 2003). Payne has been a Primary News Reporter/Anchor of the nightly newscasts, for Frank Spann and Family(from April 2002 to December 2003). She has also served at Media General as the Fill-in anchor, as well as Morning Reporter(from December 2003 to January 2013). In addition, Payne has worked for WJTV News Channel for 8 years and 2 months, as the Morning Live Reporter, as well as Senior Reporter/Weekend Anchor.

Payne has appeared on “Touched by An Angel” and even recorded a pilot for a television program called “The Dewzy House,” so she is no stranger to the spotlight. Payne is a former beauty queen, who was placed in the Top 10 in the Miss Utah United States of United pageant and crowned Miss Vicksburg.

She was also recognized in Ebony Magazine as an “Anchor with Style,” according to the publication. She was voted “News Personality of the Year” in 2010. During her leisure, you can find her working on her body fitness in the gym, reading her favorite book, or even cooking her favorite food.

Quick Facts About Melissa Payne

Melissa Payne Age

Payne was born in Vicksburg, Mississippi, United States. Her age is unknown for she has managed to keep her personal life private. It is therefore not known how old Payne is or when she celebrates her birthday. However, she might be in her 40s.

Melissa Payne Height

Payne stands at a height of approximately 5 feet, 7 inches(1.70m).

Melissa Payne Family

Information regarding Payne’s parents and siblings is currently under review. However, there will be an update as soon as it is available.

Melissa Payne Husband

Payne is in marriage with her lovely spouse, Eric, who was her high school boyfriend. The couple takes great pride in being “mom and dad” to their 4 sons, Mason, Myles, Matthew, and Maxwell. When Payne is not working, she likes spending precious time with her husband, as well as her sons.

Melissa Payne Salary

Being one of the top journalists for WLBT, Payne earns an annual salary ranging between $ 20,000 – $ 100,000.

Melissa Payne Net Worth

Payne has an estimated net worth of between $1 Million – $5 Million which she has earned through her successful career as a News Anchor/Reporter.

Melissa Payne WLBT

At WLBT Payne works alongside;

1. Howard Ballou
2. Barbie Bassett
3. Patrice Clark
4. Courtney Ann Jackson
5. Cheryl Lasseter
6. Wilson Stribling
7. Maggie Wade
8. Rachel Coulter
9. Patrick Ellis
10. Peyton Garrison
11. Dave Roberts
12. Lauren Hoffman
13. Trey Mongrue