Nick Banaszak joined the WHNT News 19 team in August 2008. He was born and raised in Cincinnati, Ohio, but is happy to call Alabama home after surviving a few bone-chilling winters up North. Nick is no stranger to Huntsville, having broken some of the Valley's biggest news stories while working as a general assignment reporter at WAAY. During his time there, Nick uncovered an exclusive story of more than 100 foreign visa workers who disappeared from Huntsville, an investigation that was picked up by CNN, FOX News, and other national media outlets. He also broke stories on alleged evidence planting by two Huntsville police officers who were later indicted, and credit card misuse by Madison city officials, a report that led to the city council changing its credit card policy. Nick started his career in Mississippi as a reporter/weekend news anchor, and was honored by the Associated Press for outstanding journalism in both investigative and documentary reporting.
After a year and a half on the beat in Huntsville, Nick knew he couldn't pass up the opportunity to join the WHNT NEWS 19 crew. He grew up an athlete playing all the big sports, and competed at both the high school and college level. Now he's ready to get back to his first love. Nick can't wait to hit the field every Friday night to tell you about some of the best high school football in the country. He also wants to tell the stories of the athletes and the games that don't always get the big headlines. In addition, he's ready to defend his beloved Ohio State Buckeyes from the crazed attacks of SEC fans.
Nick says by far the most important thing in his life is his relationship with the Lord. He's been humbled by God's grace on his life and the opportunities that He's placed on his path. To actually live out what you dreamed of doing as a kid is truly a blessing. In addition to rooting on the Buckeyes, Nick also prays for the resurrection of Cincinnati's Big Red Machine and an above-500 season for the Bengals. He enjoys running, playing just about any sport, fishing, getting out on the water or beach, and sleeping.
