Melody Birkett: News Director 

Melody Birkett has been an award-winning journalist in the Phoenix market for more than 17 years. She was selected "Reporter of the Year" by the Arizona Associated Press in 2004. Melody was promoted to News Director in 2006 where she continues to report and anchor. Melody is a graduate of ASU and one of the many 550 KFYI staff members who grew up in Arizona. 

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Joe Adams: Morning Anchor

Joe Adams has been with KFYI since the station went on the air in 1985.  Before that, he was an anchor on AM KOY.  Moving to Arizona from Missouri when he was 10, Joe spent his teenage years in Cottonwood.  That's where he got his start in radio, eventually moving to Flagstaff and then to Phoenix.  He married his wife, Mary, in 1970.  Joe's hobbies include electronics and target shooting.  He also enjoys spending time with his many pets including burros, dogs, and cats.   


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Ted Houston: Reporter 

Ted joined the 550 KFYI news team in early 2001, after 12 years as an award-winning radio news director in Madison, Wisconsin. Prior to that, he worked as a reporter and anchor in both radio and TV, and as a radio talk show host, assistant program director and -- in the early years of his career -- as a top 40 DJ and music director. Ted grew up in suburban Chicago and is a graduate of Northwestern University. He enjoys bicycling, mountain hiking, photography, and speaking French. He's also an avid recycler and a self-proclaimed "weather geek" who has a "weather" folder in his internet favorites with tons of websites bookmarked. At KFYI, Ted loves being out "in the field" covering news stories as they happen. He especially enjoys doing stories on transportation, environmental and consumer issues.

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Gregg Paul: Reporter

Gregg Paul joined the award-winning KFYI News Team in late 2006. Gregg is a 14 year veteran of Valley radio. Gregg has hosted his own afternoon drive time show, comedy talk show and filled in for political shows. Winning such local awards as “Best Radio Program” for Triple Exxxposure, a local music show and “Best Radio Commentary” for the Politically Incorrect Yet Touching Moment. Before radio, Gregg grew up in west Phoenix attending Washing Elementary, Palo Verde Jr. High and Cortez High School. Gregg is a veteran of the U.S. Navy serving during the Desert Shield/Desert Storm campaign and receiving a National Defense Service Medal for his service. Gregg is most proud of being a father to his 3-year old son, Cannon. Throughout his career Gregg has helped raise money for many charities including Big Brothers/Big Sisters of Central Arizona and the Sojourner Centers.  Click here to listen to his political commentaries!

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Bob Bennett: Reporter

Bob has a degree in Broadcast Journalism from the University of Maryland (where he was a classmate with Connie Chung).  He worked as a news director in several states before coming to Arizona.  Bob also has a law degree and was a criminal defense attorney for 15 years.  During college, he worked as a cab driver, a professional rock drummer and an actor.  He is a Vietnam Veteran (1970-71), and in his down time, he plays with his dog Cosmo (a Corgi-Bassett Hound mix) at the local dog park where they wrestle each other for biscuits.  Click here to check out his 'mustache' moments.

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Christina Estes: Reporter/Midday Anchor

After several years in television news, Christina made the move to radio. She enjoys covering public policy, consumer and technology issues and features. Christina reports in the morning and anchors midday newscasts.

Nicole is happy to be back in Arizona after working in Columbus, Ohio for the past several years as a reporter and anchor. She grew up in Tucson and headed to Phoenix where she graduated from Arizona State University with a degree in Journalism and emphasis in political science. She is excited to be a part of the KFYI news team.