Women of the Year – Melissa Davlin, Idaho Public Television

By Brooke Strickland

Melissa Davlin is known for her journalistic integrity, creativity in her reporting, and her voice to stand up for press access and keeping the public informed. Today, with her expertise as a highly accomplished television journalist, she serves as the lead producer and host of Idaho Reports for Idaho Public Television. Prior to this, she was a reporter for Times-News for six years, where she covered state, county and city government.

“Her professionalism, integrity, advocacy, outreach and persistence have rightfully earned her statewide respect,” said Betsy Russell in a letter of recommendation. “She is an outstanding representative of her community and her profession.”

When discussing her goals, Davlin shared, “I hope to improve the media landscape in the state of Idaho by fighting for transparent government, creating professional development opportunities for students and mid-career journalists, and demonstrating high ethical standards in my own coverage.”

Some of the highlights of her professional career include moderating statewide and congressional debates for primary and general elections for the last decade, organizing a yearlong project covering Bhutanese refugees who resettled in Twin Falls, including fundraising for a reporting trip to a rural Nepali refugee camp to meet families assigned to move to Idaho, and completing her Certified Public Manager certification last year.

In addition to her work with Idaho Public Television, Davlin is the president of the Idaho Press Club.

“As president of the Idaho Press Club, I not only think about what will make my own coverage stand out, but what I can do to help improve journalism in the entire state of Idaho because good journalism helps society as a whole,” she said. “I’m constantly thinking about how to help benefit other newsrooms and reporters, all while remaining dedicated to raising my family and balancing my professional and personal lives

Davlin also stepped into the role of president of the Idaho First Amendment Alliance this year and she’s played a large part in the Voces Internship of Idaho’s success, which has helped get more Latino representation in Idaho news while creating paid internships.

“She is a strong ally because she puts in the work, but doesn’t take the credit, out of respect and cultural humility for Voces’ vision of allowing young Latino people to be uplifted,” Rebecca De León said. “Melissa has pushed for better diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging training and support for newsrooms in pursuit of a more representative journalism landscape in Idaho. She is considered a voice for balanced, well-studied news in Idaho.”

Among her many professional accomplishments and aspirations for doing her part to create a stronger media landscape in the Gem State, Davlin’s biggest achievement is her family and her role as a dedicated mother to three boys.

“I’m constantly thinking about how to help benefit other newsrooms and reporters, all while remaining dedicated to raising my family and balancing my professional and personal lives,” she said.