April Ross, an Alabama State University graduate, has achieved a remarkable milestone in her career by becoming the owner of WJCN TV-33, a local television station in LaGrange, Georgia, where she once interned.
Ross, who majored in communications, began her journey at WJCN as an intern while still a student.
After graduating in 2001, she worked her way up from a production assistant to a reporter at the station.
Her path to ownership began to take shape in 2017 when, working as a reporter for CBS affiliate WRBL News-3, she found herself at the scene of a breaking news event without any other reporters present.
Demonstrating her initiative and resourcefulness, Ross went live on social media to cover the story, garnering over 15,000 followers in the process.
This experience sparked the idea for Bee-TV, a platform for delivering breaking news stories. It also planted the seed for her eventual acquisition of WJCN TV-33.
In May 2021, Ross made her dream a reality by purchasing the station, which reaches over 600,000 households in 11 counties across West Georgia and East Alabama via Spectrum Cable.
Reflecting on her journey, Ross attributes her success to her faith in God and the education she received at Alabama State University.
She also acknowledges the influence of Teresa Whitaker, the main anchor at CBS-3 and her mentor, who recognized her potential.
Ross’s advice to current students is to work hard, persevere through challenges, and stay focused on their dreams.
Her story, which was covered by the National Black Guide in 2021, serves as an inspiration to aspiring entrepreneurs and underscores the importance of seizing opportunities and believing in oneself.
