Melissa Riopka left News 19 in March 2022.
Melissa Riopka is an Alabama native with strong ties to the Tennessee Valley. A graduate of Cullman High School, she received her broadcasting degree from the University of Alabama.
From there, she traveled (slightly) north to Tennessee. After a great eight years as a reporter/anchor in Chattanooga, Melissa went to work at a Birmingham television station.
In 2010, it was time for another move following her husband’s job transfer. Now she and her family are happy to call Huntsville home.
Melissa currently anchors WHNT News 19 this Morning with Steve Johnson.
When she’s not at work, you can usually find Melissa outside with her family, enjoying the hiking trails around Monte Sano or the waters of Lake Guntersville.
You can reach Melissa through email at melissa.riopka@whnt.com.
