Tanya Ott




Tanya Ott is a part-time editor at WBHM and instructor for the University of Alabama's journalism department. She hosts a podcast on business strategy and emerging technologies and trains public radio newsrooms around the country. Over her 30+ year career, she has reported for Marketplace, NPR and other networks and worked at local stations in Florida, Colorado, Georgia and Alabama, including as WBHM's news director from 2002-2013.

Andrew Yeager to Deliver Keynote Address at Samford Univ.

WBHM Host/Reporter Andrew Yeager will talk to high school students about the future of journalism at a workshop Thursday at Samford University.

September 11 News

Alabama asks an appeals court to reconsider the state's immigration law; Former Governor Don Siegelman reports to prison today; and Tuscaloosa real estate developer Stan Pate launches media campaign against the September 18 referendum.

September 7 Morning News

Did two Birmingham City Councilmen use city money to attend the Democratic National Convention? Also, financial relief for families affected by last year's tornadoes and a German auto supplier announces plans to open in Alabama.

September 6 Morning News

Tar balls wash up on Alabama shores; Justice Department issues harsh memo on BP action in Gulf; and lawsuit challenging state's segregation of HIV+ inmates moves ahead.

September 5 Morning News

Western and southern Alabama dig out after flooding, while other parts of state gets federal drought aid; Alabama football team No. 1 in country.

September 4 Morning News

Mixed emotions over Barons move from Hoover to downtown Birmingham; oil production resumes post-Isaac; and schools figuring out how to replace textbooks with laptops.

September 3 Morning News

Bessemer residents protest closure of courthouse; U.S. Steel and United Steelworkers reach tentative agreement; and move afoot to pardon the Scottsboro Boys.

August 31 Morning News

Alabama seeks waiver from No Child Left Behind; state's shrimp boats survive Isaac without a scratch, but could still lose millions of dollars; and allegations of voting irregularities in Perry County.

August 27 Morning News

Residents along Alabama’s coast are scheduling to begin evacuating at 8 a.m. this morning. Governor Robert Bentley has declared a state of emergency and ordered mandatory evacuations ahead of Tropical Storm Isaac. Current tracking has the storm making landfall in Louisiana some time tomorrow, but Alabama’s coastal areas are under a hurricane warning, and forecasters say strong wind and heavy rain could extend miles inland.

Governor Cancels Tampa Trip for Tropical Storm

Governor Robert Bentley today urged Alabamians to keep watch on changing weather conditions as Tropical Storm Isaac continues to move toward the northwest. The Governor also announced he is canceling his plans to attend the Republican National Convention in Tampa.

August 24 Morning News

State officials watch Tropical Storm Isaac; the Alabama Homeland Security Dept. steadily loses funding; and some state court system employees get big raises while others lose their jobs.

August 23 Morning News

Prepaid college tuition program will pay tuition, at least temporarily; Attorney wants off Auburn tree poisoning case; and only one candidate qualifies to challenge Roy Moore for AL Supreme Court Chief Justice.

John Archibald On Why Carol Garrison Is Leaving UAB

The University of Alabama at Birmingham has a new interim President. Earlier this week, University of Alabama System Chancellor Robert Witt announced that longtime UAB administrator Richard Marchase would take over for outgoing president Carol Garrison. The university will now start a national search for a permanent replacement. John Archibald offers his observations on the leadership change at UAB, as well as leadership on the Jefferson County Commission.

August 22 Morning News

Justice Dept. establishes civil rights unit in Alabama; College freshman not ready for coursework; and Krispy Kreme reopens in Tuscaloosa.

August 21 Morning Newscast

Appeals court throws out provision in Alabama immigration law; Birmingham business community pays to defend Spencer Bachus; and legislators want to change school start date (again).

August 20 Morning Newscast

Alabama Public TV gets a new executive director; Tampa and Charlotte prepare for national conventions amid changing political landscape; and hunters take aim at alligators.

August 10 Morning Newscast

Alabama ranks 14th on Toxic 20 List; 75% of Alabama schools make adequate yearly progress; and UA student discovers extinct snail in Cahaba River.

Meet WBHM’s Interns

Here's your chance to put faces to the voices you're hearing during our Summer Fund Drive. Meet WBHM's Summer 2012 Interns.

August 9 Morning Newscast

Judge allows lawsuit in Alabama Public Television Controversy; State Attorney General defends process of redistricting; and job fair draws thousands of people seeking work in Birmingham.

WBHM Names Scott Hanley as New GM

Scott E. Hanley will become general manager of Public Radio WBHM 90.3 FM , licensed to the University of Alabama at Birmingham , effective Monday, Aug. 27.

August 8 Morning Newscast

Jefferson County leaders set date to vote on closing Cooper Green Hospital's in-patient services; Birmingham's mayor looks to attract pro sports; and a judge says "time is of the essence" in Alabama Public Television lawsuit.

Noted Author On Alabama Public Television Controversy

WBHM has obtained a letter sent to Governor Robert Bentley by a noted author and public television producer who calls on the governor to take action on the Alabama Public Television controversy.

August 3 Morning Newscast

Judge extends injunction in Birmingham Schools case; State seeks waiver from No Child Left Behind; and LSU opens 2012 ranked #1.

August 2 Morning Newscast

Attorney alleges Birmingham school board president doesn't live in Birmingham; Former Governor Don Siegelman is likely headed back to prison; and UA gets approval for $9 million athletic facilty.

Court Considers Firing of School Superintendent

Attorney alleges Birmingham school board president doesn't live in Birmingham; Former Governor Don Siegelman is likely headed back to prison; and UA gets approval for $9 million athletic facility, but what does UAB get?

August 1 Morning Newscast

Alabama Educational Television Commission hired Birmingham law firm; Students at UAH call for closure of campus Chick-fil-A; and Eastern Equine Encephalitis confirmed in Alabama.

Alabama Public Television COO Resigns

Alabama Public Television COO resigns citing controversy at network and "stressful work environment."

July 31 Morning Newscast

New law increase beer bottle sizes; dozens of Alabama roads and bridges to get upgrades; and Alabama State Bar has a new president.

July 30 Morning Newscast

Alabama bans texting while driving; restaurants and bars defying indoor smoking band; and remembering longtime TV and movie character actor who grew up in Birmingham.

July 27 Morning Newscast

Governor Bentley finally comments on controversy at Alabama Public Television; Alabama asks federal court to approve redistricting plan; and when does a campaign contribution constitutes a bribe?

Through the Sparks Returns to Birmingham

Through the Sparks may be a Birmingham-based band, but it's been a while since they've performed in Birmingham. That changes tonight. The band plays Bottletree Cafe tonight.

The Fight for Control of Alabama Public Television

This morning, a group of religious leaders will deliver thousands of petition signatures to Alabama Public Television headquarters in Birmingham demanding the network keep evangelical minister and conservative activist David Barton's religious DVD series off the airwaves.