Cherise Leclerc is an anchor and reporter at Western Mass News on WSHM-LD/WGGB-TV in Springfield, MA.
Prior to joining Western Mass News with the merger of WSHM & WGGB, Cherise was the main anchor on WSHM's CBS 3 Springfield News. She joined WSHM as an intern in 2011, and was later hired as a general assignment reporter before becoming main anchor. Cherise has also interned at Fox News Channel in New York City, and WGBY-TV in Springfield.
A native of Hampden, MA, Cherise is a 2011 graduate of the University of Massachusetts at Amherst where she graduated Summa Cum Laude with a degree in communications.
1. What kind of phone do you have, and what are your favorite apps?
I have an iPhone 6 and I must admit I'm a Twitter addict I'm also trying to get better at Instagram (it's a work in progress) and I love the Netflix app.
2. Favorite and least favorite news topics to cover (besides violent crime)?
Anyone at the news station knows I love a good story about a veteran. Any story that requires creative storytelling really. I'm not so much a fan of covering politics but I'm trying to get better at it.
3. If you weren't working in TV news, what would you be doing?
This is a tough one. I always said if I wasn’t a reporter I’d have grown up to be an astronaut. But (more realistically) it would have to be something where I'd get to travel. Does working for the travel channel count as different from TV news?
4. What was your favorite cartoon growing up?
Without a doubt My Little Pony Tales
5. When you have 30 minutes of free-time, how do you pass the time?
If I'm at home I love taking my dog, Leila out for a quick adventure. She loves to meet new people and go for walks. It's relaxing.
6. If you could travel anywhere, where would you go and why?
I have always wanted to travel to Egypt and see the great pyramids and explore there. I studied abroad in Barcelona so I'd love to go back.
7. Given the choice of anyone in the world, whom would you want as a dinner guest?
It's hard to choose just one- I'd have to say Oprah. She's a TV icon, has met the most exciting and influential people in the world and is a billionaire - I'd love to pick her brain!
8. Do you collect anything?
Shoes.
9. What are the top 3 played songs on your iPod?
Zac Brown Band a lot of Mumford and Sons, mix in a little of Spice Girls greatest hits. I like to change it up.
10. What is one of your favorite quotes?
"Never, never, never give up" - Winston Churchill (this is what I repeat to myself when gathering MOS [man on street] interviews)
11. What was the last experience that made you a stronger person?
It's never easy when a local news story touches you on a personal level. Almost two years ago I lost a great friend in a horrible crime. Not only did I live it and grieve that loss personally, I also had to read about it, report on it and learn sordid details. It was a hard time and it continues to pop up but it also makes me think of her often and reminisce about the fun we had. It puts life's trials into perspective for me.
More about Cherise Leclerc
No endorsement between WSHM-LD/WGGB-TV and New England One is implied or intended by Cherise Leclerc's participation in "11 Questions"
