Melissa Holmes: WGRZ News Anchor Biography & Updates
Melissa Holmes is an Emmy and Edward R. Murrow award-winning American journalist.
She is currently serving as a co-anchor for the highly-rated “Daybreak” program on WGRZ-TV (Channel 2) each weekday morning from 4:30 to 7:00 a.m.
Melissa is known for her dedication to celebrating Western New York through segments like “Good Neighbors” and her focus on impactful storytelling.
She grew up in Amherst, NY, and graduated Summa Cum Laude from Syracuse University’s S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications with a major in Broadcast Journalism.
Her journalism career began at Sky News in London, followed by roles at WTVH-5 and WSYR-9 in Syracuse. She later returned to Buffalo in 2005 to work at WIVB-TV before joining WGRZ-TV in 2012.
Melissa has covered significant stories, including the Crash of Flight 3407, the “Snowvember” Storm of 2014, and the arrest of the Bikepath Rapist.
Her reporting has earned her multiple awards, including three Emmy Awards and a Regional Edward R. Murrow Award.
Beyond her career, Melissa values her family life with her husband, son, and their cockapoo, Lucy. She enjoys Buffalo’s festivals, golfing with Elliott, and supporting local causes.
Her openness about motherhood, including a past “baby blog,” makes her relatable, reinforcing her deep connection to Buffalo.
Age:
Melissa Holmes was born on September 3, 1982, in Amherst, Massachusetts, making her 43 years old as of 2025.
Her Zodiac Sign is Virgo. She is of White ethnicity and holds American nationality.
Parents and Siblings:
Melissa was raised in Amherst, a suburb of Buffalo. Her roots in Western New York run deep.
This local upbringing has undoubtedly contributed to her ability to connect with viewers on a personal level.
She graduated from Sweet Home High School before pursuing her passion for broadcast journalism at Syracuse University’s S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications.
Her academic excellence was recognized with a Summa Cum Laude graduation honor.
During her time at Syracuse, she broadened her horizons by studying abroad in London and gaining valuable experience working in the “War Room” at Sky News, offering her an early exposure to the fast-paced world of international news.
Husband:
Melissa Holmes is married to Jay Skurski, a sports reporter for The Buffalo News. Together, they have a son named Elliott Skurski, who was born on March 4, 2014.
Melissa has shared glimpses of her motherhood journey, describing it as life-changing and awe-inspiring. Elliott is also recognized as a talented young golfer.
Height:
Melissa stands approximately 5 feet 4 inches (1.63 meters) tall and weighs around 138 pounds (63 kilograms). Her body measurements are reported to be 36-25-38 inches.
Career and Background:
Melissa’s journalism career began in Syracuse, New York, where she worked as a producer at WTVH-5 and later as a reporter and anchor at WSYR-9. In 2005, she returned to Buffalo to work at WIVB-TV before joining WGRZ-TV in 2012.
Sky News (London):
Melissa’s career began at Sky News, a leading international news organization. She worked in the “War Room,” gaining hands-on experience in global news production.
This role provided her with a solid foundation in handling high-pressure environments and covering international affairs.
WTVH-5 (Syracuse, NY):
At WTVH-5, Melissa took on the role of a producer. This position allowed her to develop her skills behind the scenes, crafting compelling news content and ensuring broadcasts ran smoothly.
WSYR-9 (Syracuse, NY):
Melissa’s transition into an on-air reporting role at WSYR-9 marked a pivotal moment in her career.
She began covering local stories, connecting with the community, and establishing herself as a dedicated journalist.
WIVB-TV (Buffalo, NY):
Melissa returned to Buffalo in 2005 to join WIVB-TV as a reporter and anchor. During her time here, she covered several major stories that showcased her journalistic prowess:
- Crash of Flight 3407: Melissa reported on this tragic event, providing critical updates and heartfelt narratives.
- Snowvember Storm of 2014: Her coverage of this significant weather event demonstrated her ability to handle breaking news under challenging conditions.
- Arrest of the Bikepath Rapist: Melissa reported on this high-profile criminal case, showcasing her skill in investigative journalism.
WGRZ-TV (Buffalo, NY):
Melissa joined WGRZ-TV in 2012, where she co-anchors the weekday morning show “Daybreak” from 4:30 to 7:00 a.m.
She also produces segments like “Good Neighbors,” which celebrate Western New York and highlight inspiring community stories.
Her work at WGRZ-TV has earned her multiple accolades, including three Emmy Awards and a Regional Edward R. Murrow Award.
Melissa Holmes has covered several impactful stories throughout her journalism career. Here are some of her most notable pieces:
- Crash of Flight 3407: Melissa provided critical updates and heartfelt narratives on this tragic aviation disaster, showcasing her ability to handle sensitive topics with professionalism and empathy.
- Snowvember Storm of 2014: Her coverage of this significant weather event demonstrated her skill in reporting breaking news under challenging conditions.
- Arrest and Conviction of the Bikepath Rapist: Melissa’s investigative journalism shone through as she reported on this high-profile criminal case.
- Surprise October Storm: She covered this unexpected weather event, keeping the community informed and engaged.
- Search for Ralph “Bucky” Phillips: Melissa reported on the manhunt for this fugitive, a story that captivated Western New York.
- “Under the Helmet” Series: This report focused on a Super Bowl-winning NFL player battling mental illness and the stigma surrounding it. The series earned Melissa a Regional Edward R. Murrow Award in 2018 and first place for Public Service with the New York State Associated Press awards.
Awards and Recognitions:
| Award Name | Year Received | Recognizing Body | Reason/Specific Work |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regional Edward R. Murrow Award | 2018 | Radio Television Digital News Association (RTDNA) | “Under the Helmet,” profiling an NFL player battling mental illness |
| First Place for Public Service | 2018 | New York State Associated Press awards | “Under the Helmet,” profiling an NFL player battling mental illness |
| New York State Emmy Award | 2016 | National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences (NY NATAS) | Report about two young leukemia patients who fell in love |
| New York State Emmy Award | 2014 | National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences (NY NATAS) | Best Morning Newscast for Channel 2 News Daybreak |
| New York State Emmy Award | 2009 | National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences (NY NATAS) | Morning reporting during a windstorm |
| Medaille College Female News Anchor of the Year Award | 2013 | Medaille College | Recognition of her work as a news anchor |
Melissa Holmes collaborates with a talented team of journalists at WGRZ-TV in Buffalo, NY. Some of her colleagues include:
- Scott Levin: Co-anchor of the evening news.
- Maryalice Demler: Anchor and reporter, known for her long tenure at the station.
- Heather Ly: Reporter and anchor, often covering community-focused stories.
- Pete Gallivan: Co-anchor of “Daybreak” alongside Melissa, bringing his expertise to the morning show.
- Patrick Hammer: Meteorologist, providing weather updates for the station.
These individuals contribute to the dynamic and engaging news coverage at WGRZ-TV.
Net Worth and Salary:
Melissa Holmes’ estimated net worth is between $1 million and $3 million, reflecting her two-decade career in broadcast journalism, including her Emmy-winning tenure at WGRZ-TV since 2012.
As a co-anchor of Daybreak, her annual salary is estimated to range from $50,000 to $150,000, based on industry standards for experienced anchors in mid-sized markets like Buffalo.
Is Melissa Holmes Married?
Yes, Melissa Holmes is married to Jay Skurski, a sports reporter for The Buffalo News and they have a son named Elliott, who is recognized as a top young golfer.
How Old Is Melissa Holmes?
Melissa Holmes was born on September 3, 1982, which makes her 42 years old as of 2025.
Where Is Melissa Holmes Working?
Melissa Holmes is currently working at WGRZ-TV in Buffalo, New York.
She serves as the co-anchor of “Daybreak”, the weekday morning show that airs from 4:30 to 7:00 a.m. Melissa has been anchoring this program for over a decade.
In addition to her anchoring duties, she produces the “Good Neighbors” series, which celebrates inspiring stories and individuals in Western New York.
Melissa Holmes is active on social media. She engages with her audience on:
Twitter: @2MelissaHolmes – She shares news updates, community events, and personal insights.
Instagram: @MelissaHolmesTV – She posts behind-the-scenes moments, family life, and Buffalo-related content.
She frequently interacts with followers, highlights local stories, and supports charitable causes.
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