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Meet the 6 News Team

Don Dare

6 On Your Side Reporter
Date of Joining WATE: 
August 1996
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Birthplace/Hometown: 
Born in Kingston, Pa. and raised in Media, Pa.
Education: 
  • Master of Arts, Journalism, University of Georgia
  • Bachelor of Arts, Speech-Theater, North Carolina Wesleyan College
Previous Media Experience: 
  • WFOR-TV, Miami, Fla. 1989-1996
  • WSVN-TV, Miami, Fla. 1985-1989
  • NEWSCOPE (nationally syndicated program), Los Angeles, Ca. 1983-85
  • KSDK-TV, St. Louis, Mo. 1979-83
  • WCKT-TV (now WSVN), Miami, Fla. 1976-79
  • WLAC-TV (now WTVF), Nashville, Tenn. 1973-76
  • American Forces Vietnam Network, Saigon, South Vietnam, 1971-72
  • U.S. Army, Broadcast Officer TV Division, Augusta, Ga. 1970-71
Outside Interests/Hobbies: 

I enjoy hiking, running (5K road races), sports, teaching Sunday school class, singing in the church choir, and working with the Boy Scouts of America.

What You Enjoy About Local News: 

I became a news reporter because my parents were avid newspaper readers. At home they talked about current events and read things to me -- events going on at home and across the nation. They helped sparked the interest. Then my grade school teachers kept the flame alive. Growing up in Philadelphia, Pa., I lived where our country's early history was made, where democracy was formed. My elementary and high school teachers made history interesting. They made sure we understood what democracy is about and how the historical figures in our community made a difference. Those teachers challenged and encouraged me as well as other students to "make a difference" in what ever profession we chose. It's my love of history and the chance to report current events that peaked my interest in becoming a local reporter. In that role we have the opportunity to explain issues and to highlight the pros and cons to our viewers.

Media Awards and Honors: 
  • Murrow Award for Investigative Reporting from Radio-Television News Directors Association
  • Seven Regional Murrow Awards
  • Emmy Award
  • Eleven-time Emmy Award Nominee
  • National Press Club Consumer Award
  • Gabriel Award
  • Casey Medal for Children's Issues
  • Casey Medal finalist
  • Cecil Award from National Arthritis Foundation
  • Loeb Award finalist
  • San Francisco State Investigative Reporting Award
  • National Institute for Health Care Management Award finalist
  • National Headliner Awards
  • Dalton Pen Award
  • SPJ Green Eyeshade Award
  • Regional Award from National Arthritis Foundation
  • Valley Forge Freedom Foundation Awards
  • Tennesssee AP, Reporter of the Year, 2006 and 2009
  • Georgia and Tennessee AP awards
  • Tennessee Mental Health Association Award
  • Tennessee Hospital Association Award
  • Tennessee ARC award
  • Tennessee School Bell awards
  • Florida School Bell awards
  • Missouri Broadcaster Association awards for Investigative Reporting
  • East Tennessee SPJ Golden Press Card Award
  • Horace V. Wells Community Service Award from East Tennessee SPJ
  • Thirteen East Tennessee Golden Press Card Awards
  • National Association of Television Arts and Science Silver Circle member, Nashville Chapter

Meet the Other Members of the 6 News Team

Josh Ault
Stephanie Beecken
Prentice Elliott
Kristin Farley
Drew Gardner
Hayley Harmon
Matt Hinkin
Julya Johnson
Mike Krafcik
Jessa Lewis
Samantha Manning
Jill McNeal
Mona Nair
Gene Patterson
Tearsa Smith
Fallon Smith
Lori Tucker
Ken Weathers
Bo Williams
Jim Wogan
Alexis Zotos

Latest News

  • Volunteers collecting donations for Okla. tornado victims in Blount County
  • Four injured in crash after driver falls asleep at the wheel
  • Woman charged in wrong-way wreck that killed man
  • Indictment details investment scheme that cost investors $18M
  • 4 indicted in investment scheme that cost investors $18M
  • Court rules against man who lost handgun permit
  • Pipeline work can continue at state natural area
  • HUD, IRS offices closed Friday because of sequester
  • Three middle schoolers vandalize Roane County elementary school
  • Ex-cop charged in Bean Station incident that killed two and injured two others

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