Derek James
Position: Weekend Meteorologist
I’m Derek James or as some around here call me “D-Jam.” I’m not exactly sure who came up with that nickname or when, but it stuck. I’m the Friday & Saturday Meteorologist here at ABC Columbia News. I’m a member of the National Weather Association currently working to receive their “Seal of Approval.”
I love preparing you for the weather ahead with the information you need and some entertainment without unnecessary hype. I also enjoy building new and exciting graphics to tell you the weather story. I’m a graphics geek; I do a lot of work on the overall look of the graphics you see during the weather segments on ABC Columbia News.
I began my broadcasting career in high school as host and executive producer of “Video News Live,” a live weekly cable access news program in the small town of Waupaca, Wisconsin. Shortly thereafter, I was hired as a radio news anchor & air talent for Waupaca’s WDUX AM/FM. While a sophomore in high school I covered one of the biggest stories to hit Mid-Wisconsin, a propane tanker train derailment/fire and 18 day evacuation of residents in nearby Weyauwega in 1996. I went on to host morning radio shows in Green Bay & Wausau, Wisconsin before moving to the Carolinas in July of 2000. Before working at ABC Columbia, I was Assistant Program Director/Music Director/Air Talent for 107.9 The Link, a Hot Adult Contemporary (Hot AC)/Personality radio station in Charlotte, NC. I also hosted radio shows for Star 94 in Atlanta.
Born and raised in the dairyland I’m a die-hard Green Bay Packer fan although you will never see me wearing one of those cheeseheads. I love the Pack but I have to draw the line somewhere.
If I’m not at work odds are you’ll find me at home with my wife Kristen, son Tyler, and Dawson the lab who I call “The Chocolate Marley.”
Monique Williams
Position: Reporter
I’m up before the sun and ready for battle—the battle of getting my children fed, dressed and out the door for a productive day at school. The war continues at home with laundry, preparation of meals--for the week--and community volunteerism/public service. This, is all before noon, when I must retreat (like any good soldier) with a nap before heading to my ‘second’ job of television journalist. My comrade, my husband, picks up where I leave off.
The second job of television reporter is where the melee gets real interesting. The people I meet daily keep me going. For, if it were not for them, there would be no me, and no news. The people are the news. Everyday I strive to be a blessing to someone, and the community at large, by telling the stories that might not otherwise be told, giving a voice to those who cannot speak for themselves, and at the same time, be fair and objective. My goal each day: glorify God through my work. By doing so, I am fulfilling His purpose for my life and making my eleventh grade English teacher pretty proud. It was in her class that I discovered I wanted a career where I could write until my heart was content.
That may be why I landed my first on-air gig at a major network affiliate only four months after graduating from Georgia Southern University years ago. How many years ago? No comment! The rest, as they say, is history.
I look forward to continuing to make history and serving the good folks of the Midlands and the great state of South Carolina!
Dave Aiken
Hi there! I’m “Shakin’” Dave Aiken the Station Manager of ABC Columbia, WOLO. My many responsibilities include programming, community relations, promotion, on-air talent. Plus I’m on the air doing the “”Voice of the Viewer” feature for ABC Columbia News. Since 1970 I have had the honor of hosting the annual Jerry Lewis Labor Day Telethon on ABC Columbia, WOLO-TV.
I started my broadcasting career in 1966 in a small 1000 watt radio station in Clinton, SC while attending Presbyterian College. You do the math that’s a long time. I became interested in radio and television at an early age while living in Charleston. Listening to the DJ’s on the radio on the Mighty TMA or at night when the signals of WABC, WOWO, WLS and WLAC could be found on my radio. On of my neighbors was an engineer for CH. 2 in Charleston. When I was 9 or 10 he took me to the TV station to see how they put shows on air. I was hooked.
I moved from radio to television in 1969 at WOLO-TV. And in 1981 I had the opportunity to do a little radio on the weekends and that’s how “ Shakin” Dave was born, spinning the Oldies of the 50’s, 60’s & 70’s on Magic 98.5 on the Sunday Night All Request Show.
In 1999 I had the chance to do in the in house PA for the Carolina Women’s basketball team. Since 1995 I have been doing the Mens and Women’s games and the games for Carolina Football(and it’s another Carolina FIRST DOWN! Now I’m dabbling in a little Carolina baseball, too.
I have always felt that being in broadcasting is a way to serve our community. I have been fortunate to volunteer with some outstanding organizations. I have served the American Cross as Past Chairman of the Blood Services Region Red Cross Board of Directors and past Chapter Chairman of the Central South Carolina Chapter of the American Red Cross, I am currently serving another term with the Red Cross, I continue to be an active member of the South Carolina Broadcasters Association, having served as Vice President for Television and District Director. And I have served as a volunteer with the United Way of the Midlands, Midlands Youth Initiative, along with serving as Master of Ceremonies for various events with the United Way, and the Greater Columbia Chamber of Commerce
I am proud of the recognition from fellow South Carolina Broadcasters I received in 2005-the Honorary Life Member Award from the South Carolina Broadcasters Association.
“Shakin” Dave
Robin Hinson-Kanady
Position: Reporter
I am a Carolina Girl through and through, representing both Carolinas. I was born and raised in Concord, NC on my family's cattle farm. I try to get home as much as possible to see my parents and dear, sweet grandfather.
I first moved to South Carolina to go to college at Furman, and I’ve never left the state except to study in Spain for a semester. While at Furman, I was a cheerleader and worked for the Paladin TV station. If you’re wondering what a Paladin is, it’s a knight on a horse, and it always provides some interesting banter among Furman fans, as do the university’s initials.
My first TV job was in Beaufort working for WJWJ. I ran the Hilton Head bureau, and I filled in as an anchor there. Some people even claim I did weather once or twice, but I will deny that until my dying days.
So after spending time in the Upstate and the Lowcountry, I found myself home in the Midlands with my job at ABC Columbia. I've thoroughly enjoyed my time here bringing you stories that I hope impact your life as much as they have mine. Whether it’s asking tough questions to law enforcement, or keeping the governor and lawmakers accountable for their actions with stimulus money, my goal is to make sure you stay informed and that the powerful are kept in check.
I also like covering those stories that give you goose bumps…the courage of a little boy fighting a brain tumor or the community coming together to raise money for the family of a fallen police officer.
It is an honor and a privilege to bring you the news everyday. Please e-mail me at rhinson@abccolumbia.com, and let me know what stories matter to you and what things you think need more coverage.
Anderson Burns
Position: Reporter / Weekend Anchor
I didn't travel far to get here. I just jumped on I-26 in Charleston, where I reported for two years, and moved to Columbia, where I've joined the ABC Columbia News team as weekend anchor. Originally from Dalton, Ga. (yes, the Carpet Capital. No, I can't get you a good deal.), I graduated from UNC- Chapel Hill, did a brief stint as a stockbroker in Atlanta, then headed to NYC--to do what, I still have no idea. But for 6 years I loved it, working as a 5th grade teacher, a traffic reporter, and getting a Masters in Church History at Union Theological Seminary at Columbia University. Apparently that wasn't enough schooling, so I moved to Chicago and got another Masters in broadcast journalism from Northwestern. From there, to Charleston, and now, the Capital City. When I'm not anchoring, check out my "Hidden Columbia" reports. They are great fun and help me learn tons about a city that becomes more interesting with every story.
