Page 18 - South Mississippi Living - September, 2026

COAST NOTE
Carolina Mitchell, Sherida Harden, Teala Magee, Chandee Carson, Asia Ellis, Casey Ducre, Chloe Carter,
Brynne Baxley, Ja’Nya Barnett, Sam Lucey, Kailee Pizzetta, Ansley Brent, Aubrey Spears and Megan Fayard
18 | September 2026 story and photo courtesy of WXXV
Behind every WXXV News broadcast is a team of women
whose work rarely ends when the cameras stop rolling.
In a privately-owned television station serving a small market,
local journalism is equal parts passion and perseverance. Every
weekday, the WXXV news team produces nine live newscasts,
along with two more on Sundays, delivering seven hours of
locally produced programming each week. Every story must be
researched, written, shot, edited, and delivered under relentless
deadlines—all while troubleshooting unexpected challenges,
staying connected to trusted community sources, and monitoring
breaking news from the Gulf Coast and around the world
around the clock.
Today’s newsroom extends far beyond television. Stories must
also be published across digital and social media platforms
within minutes, allowing WXXV to compete in an increasingly
crowded news landscape against organizations with significantly
larger budgets and staffs.
Leading that effort is News Director Casey Ducre, who oversees
both the newsroom and production operations. “Everyone in a
broadcast news department works hard because they love it,”
Ducre says. “They’re passionate about keeping the public safe
and informed, holding the powerful accountable, and uniting
their community. That passion outweighs the stress, the public
scrutiny, and the long hours that come with the job.”
That dedication is evident throughout the WXXV newsroom.
The women on the team bring creativity, resilience, sound
judgment, intelligence, and an unwavering commitment to
serving South Mississippi. Whether they’re covering breaking
news, severe weather, community celebrations, or stories
that inspire hope, they approach each assignment with
professionalism and purpose.
Their work may begin with a morning editorial meeting and
end long after the evening newscast, but their mission remains
the same: to ensure the communities they serve have accurate,
timely, and trustworthy local news when it matters most.
www.smliving.net | SOUTH MISSISSIPPI Living