ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — Hey there! It's been a dream to return to the Sunshine State to be a part of this community and advocate for you through my reporting. Florida was my very first home; I was born in Boca Raton.
As I've gotten to know the Tampa Bay area over the years, it's so easy to see why people plant their roots here.
Along with only being a few hours' drive from family, my off-the-clock time is spent playing sand volleyball, enjoying Pinellas County's gorgeous beaches, finding something outdoorsy to do, or searching for flights to fun places.
I grew up in Charleston, South Carolina. In high school, I signed up for a TV video production class. I had no idea it would eventually lead me here, on the local news in Tampa. And there's no more a humbling example of growth than watching your 10th-grade self anchor the school's morning announcements.
I got my bachelor's degree from the University of South Carolina. I majored in broadcast journalism and minored in Spanish. Then, it was off to find a job!
In TV news, you have to search far and wide to get your foot in the door in this industry. That's exactly what landed me in Bismarck, North Dakota, for three years, reporting, anchoring and producing at KX News. Once that contract came to an end, it was off to some warmer weather. I spent two years reporting in Birmingham, Alabama, at CBS 42 as a general assignment reporter. I've been reporting since 2016 and have enjoyed every bit of it.
Make no mistake, this job isn't always easy. But there's a reason why I do it: the change a story can make. I've been lucky enough to see my reporting change peoples' lives. Whether it's through an online fundraising platform going viral, bringing awareness to changing laws, or the environmental issues that deserve the spotlight, no story is too big or too small to be told.
My passion for journalism boils down to the people I meet. It's not your typical desk job. I am out in the Tampa Bay area every day with a mic in hand — talking to you about what's heavy on your heart. I take my job seriously, trying to put every effort into showing you multiple perspectives to see the big picture.
I also keep it fun with a behind-the-scenes look at my day-to-day, shared on social media. Follow along, say hello, and please tell me about the issues you are passionate about so we can make a difference together.
Connect with Malique: mrankin@10tampabay.com | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter
