Thousands of people in the Dallas-Forth Worth area wake up to Fox 4’s Good Day news program and reporter Shannon Murray. The upbeat Duncanville ISD graduate returned home almost six years ago to pursue her career in television news.
Murray grew up in Duncanville after moving to the area when she was in third grade. At the time, her dad worked for Dallas-based Blockbuster and her mom worked as a teacher at Merrifield Elementary School.
In high school, Shannon spent much of her time rehearsing and performing as a percussionist in the band program. During her high school career, the marching band won the State Championship which Shannon still considers a point of pride.
“We really worked hard,” Shannon said. “I think we knew the prestige of being in the Duncanville band.”
Shannon was a top student in her class and was a member of the National Honor Society and senior class reporter in Student Council. She credits her media tech teacher, Nancy Noyes for ultimately inspiring her career choice.
“That’s the reason I’m a journalist now,” Shannon said. Nancy Noyes was my teacher and we went to the state competition and won state for broadcasting.”
Shannon chose the University of Texas to continue her education, and when she was deciding on a major, Mrs. Noyes gave her some advice.
“Mrs. Noyes said, ‘You should do journalism. You have a talent for this. You’re really good at it.’ She encouraged me in that way, so I decided to study journalism and everything fell into place from there,” Shannon said.
Shannon began her television news career in Midland-Odessa. After gaining experience there, she got hired at KVUE in Austin. One of her goals was to get hired in Dallas – which is the fifth largest television market in the country.
“Dallas is home and I have a great support system here,” Shannon said. “I always thought I wanted to work for a major network and be a correspondent traveling the world and covering the big stories, but I’ve actually found myself very happy here.”
Shannon says being from the area helps her know who to call when she’s working on a story, and she has the added benefit of reconnecting with childhood friends and former teachers. Whenever she gets a chance, she’s known to give an on-air shout out to her alma mater.
“I had a great experience growing up in Duncanville. Whenever I’m in the area it’s very nostalgic. I definitely am proud of where I come from.”