Tori Mason: Emmy-Winning Journalist & Anchor at CBS Colorado
Tori Mason is an Emmy Award-winning journalist and fill-in anchor at CBS Colorado (KCNC-TV) in Denver.
She started her career at WIBW-TV, the CBS affiliate in Topeka, Kansas, and joined CBS Colorado in 2017.
She is a proud alumna of Louisiana State University (LSU), where she earned her degree in Mass Communication from the Manship School of Mass Communication.
Some of her notable work includes reporting on the challenges faced by differently-abled workers at a Denver restaurant and her efforts that led to multicultural hair products being unlocked from cases in major stores nationwide.
Mason has won an Emmy Award for her breaking news coverage of the Thornton Walmart shooting in 2017.
She is also known for her reporting on the Denver restaurant, Pizzability, which brought national attention to the struggles of differently-abled workers.
Additionally, her work has led to multicultural hair products being unlocked from cases in major stores nationwide.
She’s also the Vice President of the Denver Press Club and serves on the board of the Colorado Association of Black Journalists.
In her free time, Tori loves exploring new restaurants, tap dancing, and spending time with her rescue dog, Natty.
Early Life and Education:
Tori Mason was born and raised in Central Florida, where she developed a passion for writing from a young age.
She attended Louisiana State University (LSU), where she fell in love with journalism while interning in the sports department at WAFB, the CBS affiliate in Baton Rouge.
Tori graduated from LSU’s Manship School of Mass Communication, which played a significant role in shaping her career.
Tori Mason grew up in Central Florida, where she was raised by her parents, Richard and Mildred Mason. She has two older siblings, making her the youngest of three.
Tori often shares how her parents taught her to judge others by the content of their character, not by the color of their skin.
This upbringing has significantly influenced her values and approach to life and journalism.
Career:
Tori began her journalism career at WIBW (CBS) in Topeka, Kansas, where she served as a news reporter and anchor.
In August 2017, she joined the CBS Denver team as a weekday morning reporter. Her exceptional reporting earned her an Emmy Award in 2018 for Breaking News Coverage.
In 2021, Tori was promoted to Weekday Evening News Reporter at KCNC, where she continues to anchor assigned newscasts and work on special projects.
WAFB (Baton Rouge, LA)
During her time at Louisiana State University (LSU), Tori interned in the sports department at WAFB, the CBS affiliate in Baton Rouge.
This internship was a pivotal experience for her, as it allowed her to gain hands-on experience in the field of journalism.
Working alongside seasoned professionals, she learned the ropes of reporting, editing, and broadcasting. This exposure solidified her passion for journalism and set the foundation for her future career.
WIBW-TV (Topeka, KS)
After graduating from LSU’s Manship School of Mass Communication, Tori began her professional career at WIBW-TV, the CBS affiliate in Topeka, Kansas.
She initially joined the station as a sports reporter, covering local sports events and stories. Her dedication and hard work earned her a promotion to weekend evening and weekend morning anchor/producer.
In this role, she was responsible for anchoring newscasts, producing content, and ensuring the smooth operation of weekend broadcasts. Her time at WIBW-TV honed her skills and prepared her for the challenges ahead.
CBS Colorado (Denver, CO)
In 2017, Tori Mason made a significant career move by joining CBS Colorado in Denver.
She started as a morning reporter, where she covered a wide range of stories, including breaking news, community events, and in-depth investigations.
One of her most notable early assignments was covering the Thornton Walmart shooting, for which she received an Emmy award for her outstanding reporting.
Over the years, Tori has taken on additional responsibilities at CBS Colorado, including serving as a fill-in anchor.
Her reporting has focused on social issues, crime, and healthcare, topics that resonate deeply with the community.
She has built a reputation for her compassionate and thorough approach to journalism, always striving to give a voice to the voiceless and shed light on important issues.
Tori Mason’s notable coverages:
- Thornton Walmart Shooting: Emmy-winning coverage of the 2017 incident.
- Pizzability Restaurant: Highlighted struggles of differently abled workers; gained national attention.
- Multicultural Hair Products: Led to unlocking multicultural hair products in major stores.
- Community Programs and Social Issues: Covered topics like homelessness, education, and local government.
Awards and Recognitions
Tori Mason has received several awards and recognitions throughout her career, highlighting her dedication and excellence in journalism:
- 2018 Heartland Regional Emmy Award: Winner in the Breaking News category for her coverage of the Thornton Walmart shooting.
- 2017 Kansas City Press Club Award: 1st Place for Best Feature for her story on Sleep Apnea.
- Guaranty Broadcasting Scholarship: Recipient during her time at Louisiana State University.
- Black Scholar’s Award: Recognized for her academic achievements and contributions to journalism.
- Cover of “Broadcasting + Cable” Magazine: Featured on the December 2023 cover for her impactful reporting.
- Vice-President of the Denver Press Club: Serves as Vice President, contributing to the journalism community.
- Member of the National Association of Black Journalists: Active participation in this organization.
Tori Mason works with several talented colleagues at CBS Colorado. Some of her notable colleagues include:
- Justin Adams: A former college football player who transitioned into journalism.
- Mekialaya White: A reporter who has shared her experiences with racism and covering Black Lives Matter demonstrations.
- Gabrielle Cox: Morning newscast executive producer who has also discussed her experiences with racism.
- Brian Flores: Anchor, passionate about storytelling and connecting with the community.
- Jim Benemann: Anchor, a veteran journalist with a wealth of knowledge and experience.
- Shaun Boyd: Political Specialist, providing insightful analysis on political events and issues.
- Dominic Garcia: Anchor/Reporter, dedicated to delivering accurate and timely news.
- Shawn Chitnis: Reporter, covering breaking news and significant events in the area.
- Karen Leigh: Anchor, known for her engaging presence and thorough reporting.
These colleagues, along with Tori, have shared their personal experiences and perspectives on covering important stories and dealing with racism in the newsroom.
Financial Status:
Net Worth
Tori Mason’s net worth is estimated to be around $500,000 – $1 million. This estimate is based on her career achievements, awards, and experience in the journalism industry.
Given her Emmy award and impactful reporting, she likely has accumulated a stable financial standing over the years.
Salary
Tori Mason’s salary is estimated to be between $70,000 – $120,000 annually. This range is typical for experienced journalists in major markets like Denver. Factors that contribute to her earning potential include:
- Experience: With several years in the industry, Tori’s expertise and reputation are significant.
- Role: As an Emmy-award-winning journalist and fill-in anchor, her role at CBS Colorado likely commands a higher salary compared to entry-level positions.
- Market Size: Denver is a major media market, which generally offers higher salaries compared to smaller markets.
These estimates provide a general sense of Tori Mason’s financial status, reflecting her successful career in journalism.
Personal Life:
- Age: Tori Mason was born on October 8.
- Zodiac Sign: Tori is a Libra.
- Ethnicity: Tori is African-American.
- Nationality: She is American, born and raised in Central Florida.
- Relationship Status: Tori is single.
- Husband: Tori is not married, so she doesn’t have a husband.
In her free time, Tori loves exploring new restaurants, tap dancing, and spending time with her rescue dog, Natty.
She’s also the youngest of three siblings and enjoys using her platform to be a role model for young girls.
Physical Attributes:
- Weight: Estimated between 130 – 150 lbs (59 – 68 kg)
- Measurements: Bust around 34 inches (86 cm), waist around 26 inches (66 cm), and hips around 36 inches (91 cm)
- Distinguishing Features: Tori has brown hair and brown eyes, complemented by her warm and engaging smile.
Social Media Activity:
Tori Mason is active on social media. You can find her on platforms like Facebook and Twitter, where she shares updates about her work and engages with her audience.
She uses social media to connect with viewers, share her reporting, and highlight important stories.