By Steffen Klenk
For well over a decade, viewers of WMGM-TV 40 would turn on the news each weeknight, greeted by lead anchor Michelle Dawn Mooney. Her journey in the field of communications spans more than 30 years, with expertise in TV, radio, film and social media. “I never dreamed I would be in broadcasting,” Mooney said.
Her journey started at the age of 4, when she set her mind on a career in medicine. Upon graduating from high school, she enrolled in Stockton College (now Stockton University) with aspirations of transferring to chiropractic school in Iowa. Around the same time she began competing for Miss New Jersey, among other local pageants, to pay for school and obtain a scholarship, all while working several jobs to offset tuition costs.
She said while some pageants get a bad rap, the pageant experience has enabled many young women, including herself, to pursue their professional aspirations. “Competing taught me so much about resiliency, determination and really identifying with staying true to yourself.”
While competing in the pageant circuit, an incredible opportunity presented itself.
From Radio to Television
“When I was 19, my mother saw an ad in the paper that a radio station was looking for on-air talent,” she said.
Although she had zero experience in the field of communications at the time, and initially questioned the idea, Mooney decided to apply for the job, thanks to her mom. “She kind of pushed me into it (in a gentle, nudging kind of way).”
Mooney recalled showing up for the interview. Upon returning to the station for an audition, she was offered a job and began working as morning news director and sidekick co-host.
“Before I knew it, one station led to another, and another and another,” she said.
While in her fourth year of college, she switched her major from pre-med biology to communications. “It was the best decision I ever made. I couldn’t imagine doing anything else.”
After several on-air changes, Mooney decided it was time to venture in a different direction. Having worked for nearly every radio group in the area, she stepped away from the mic and in front of the camera at NBC 40, a move that she said was a natural fit.
“I wanted to stay close to home for my family,” she said.
Shortly after an initial interview, in December of 1999, she got the opportunity to fill the role of producer and, shortly thereafter, an on-air position presented itself.
“I was grateful to Jane Stark for hiring me and bringing me to the team,” said Mooney. “I learned a lot from working behind the scenes that ultimately helped me during my years of working in front of the camera.”
During her time as a reporter and anchor, she covered a variety of stories, and while the worst part of the job was talking about the bad news, she felt obligated to deliver it in a way that would be comforting.
“We had the most loyal viewers you could ask for,” she said.
Following the events of Hurricane Sandy, the community rallied together and donated clothing and supplies outside of their Linwood studios, filling more than 14 trucks with donations.
“There were so many people who showed up with donations; it was unbelievable to see how big-hearted South Jersey can be when our neighbors are in need,” she said.
Although presented with offers to work in bigger markets, she opted to stay at NBC 40 for more than a decade, working alongside a dedicated team in a healthy and stable environment. “My colleagues were not only friends, they became family. We had something pretty special there. I realize it more and more as the years go by.”
It wasn’t long after the station’s last newscast that she ventured back into broadcasting, producing her own midday talk show on WPG Radio and, once again, anchoring the news desk briefly at SNJ Today alongside former TV 40 colleagues Nor’easter Nick and Mike Frankel.
Podcasting and Public Speaking
In recent years, Michelle Dawn Mooney started her own podcast. Called “Michelle Dawn Mooney Conversations,” the program features interviews with celebrities and professionals, with a positive twist: talking to cool people who are doing cool things. New episodes are expected to debut later this year.
Among other developments, Mooney recently launched her own media company, which has enabled her to follow a professional passion into communication coaching and media consulting.
Given her experience working alongside interns, other anchors and reporters to help sharpen their skills, she is hoping to help others reach their goals.
“I’ve worked with quite a few individuals who are at the top of their game, but just needed a little help fine-tuning their ability to communicate effectively,” she said.
When not in front of the camera, Mooney is a talented singer-songwriter who has headlined and opened for national touring acts, even singing the national anthem for major sporting events. She also made an appearance in the Oscar-nominated film “Warrior” alongside Nick Nolte.
For those who are beginning their career, Mooney offers some inspirational words of advice. “Follow your heart. It sounds so simple, but it’s such a powerful step to take. It’s so important to be driven by what you do, regardless of what field it’s in. If you are really passionate about what you do, sometimes it doesn’t even feel like it’s work. It’s a pretty beautiful thing if you have the chance to experience it.”
You can follow Michelle Dawn Mooney on social media and visit her website at www.michelledawnmooney.com for more information and updates.
Steffen Klenk is a photographer and multimedia journalist who enjoys capturing the eclectic moments of shore life. You may contact Steffen at shorelocalsteffen@gmail.com.
