Meet Wendy Ryan: Emmy-Winning Journalist and Advocate for Mental Health

Emmy-Winning Journalist Wendy Ryan: A Beacon of Hope and Integrity in Tampa Bay

Tampa Bay, FL – Wendy Ryan, an Emmy award-winning journalist, has been a trusted voice in the Tampa Bay area since joining Tampa Bay 28 in April 2003. As the evening anchor for the 6 PM, 7 PM, and 11 PM broadcasts, Ryan has become a familiar face in homes across the region, delivering news with integrity and compassion.

When the COVID-19 pandemic struck in 2020, Ryan pivoted her focus to mental health, launching a franchise dedicated to exploring the resources available in Florida and the impact of social media on children. Her commitment to destigmatizing mental health discussions has made her a vital advocate, shedding light on the causes of suicide and the organizations working tirelessly to combat these issues.

Before her current focus, Ryan garnered acclaim for her Emmy-nominated franchise “Dirty Dining,” which investigated restaurant inspections and food safety across Florida. Her impactful stories have reached national audiences, featured on platforms like Good Morning America, 20/20, and HBO’s Last Week Tonight with John Oliver.

Ryan’s dedication extends beyond investigative journalism. For over a decade, she has been a key player in the Emmy award-winning campaign “Taking Action Against Domestic Violence,” contributing to a prime-time special that has raised awareness and support for victims.

Throughout her 20-year career in the Bay Area, Ryan has covered significant events, including live coverage of hurricanes such as Charlie, Irma, and Ian, as well as major local sports milestones like the Tampa Bay Rays in the World Series and the Lightning’s Stanley Cup Championship. Her versatility as a journalist is evident, having also reported on the 2012 Republican National Convention and the Jerry Lewis MDA Telethon.

Before her time in Tampa, Ryan spent nearly a decade in Los Angeles, where she anchored and reported for KWHY-TV, covering financial markets and interviewing top CEOs. She later launched a national show in Miami, focusing on international issues, including the Middle East peace process.

A proud Cleveland native, Ryan graduated Cum Laude from the University of Arizona. Her personal journey has also resonated with many; her battle with MRSA went viral on Facebook, leading to features in Broadcasting and Cable Magazine, Creative Loafing Magazine, and Tampa Bay Parenting Magazine.

Beyond her professional achievements, Ryan is deeply committed to her community. She volunteers with numerous non-profit organizations and emcees events that raise funds for causes close to her heart, including the American Cancer Society, St. Jude’s Hospital, and the Humane Society.

Wendy Ryan’s unwavering dedication to journalism and community service continues to inspire those around her. As she navigates the complexities of modern news, her focus on mental health advocacy and investigative integrity makes her a beacon of hope in Tampa Bay.