Michelle Lee

Inducted 2010

Journalist and anchor of the Emmy-winning newscast at KBJR in Duluth and member of the Upper Midwest NATAS Silver Circle honor society, Michelle Lee began her career at KXGR Radio in Grand Rapids, Minnesota, in 1977 after graduating from Brown College.  Her second job brought her to KSTP AM in the Twin Cities, where she worked as a reporter and newscaster, counting Charlie Bush and John MacDougall as her mentors.  In 1983 Michelle made the transition to television as a general assignment reporter and weekend news anchor at KDLH in Duluth.  Soon after her arrival she was promoted to the weeknight anchor chair and in 1990 Lee joined the news team at KBJR.  In addition to these duties, Lee continues to report on a variety of issues in her community, including health topics.  She helped create the public service campaign “Heart Healthy” and was the force behind the city of Duluth winning its “Fit City” designation.  Lee’s reporting on the plight of Russian orphans led to a community fundraising effort to provide aid to their orphanages.  She also lent her talents to a successful fund-raising effort to build a state-of-the-art animal shelter in Duluth.  Michelle Lee continues to serve as a mentor to many young journalists, providing coaching and a sympathetic ear to two generations of journalists.