 Elaine Houston’s media career includes experience earned in radio and television. Elaine joined WNYT in January 1990 as an Education Reporter. Now the Midday and 5:30 anchor/education and general assignment reporter, she’s covered everything from tornadoes in Oklahoma to the Elian Gonzalez controversy in Cuba.
Equally as important as her professional career is her work in the community. In March 1990 she became a mentor in the New York State Mentoring Program. The following year she developed a communications program at the Arbor Hill Community Center, teaching children ages 9-12 the basics about the broadcast business. In 1998 Elaine created the “Cookie House,” an after school tutorial program for kids. In 1999, in her capacity as an education reporter, she organized a weekend trip to Space Camp in Canada for 30 educators. The goal was to help the teachers encourage their students to pursue careers in science and exploration.
Elaine has a remarkable talent for being able to communicate with young people. Much of her spare time is spent traveling to schools, meeting with and talking to young people. In fact, she makes it a priority to talk to kids at whatever location she finds them, whether it is in residential homes or behind bars at the New York State Division for Youth in Johnstown.
In June 2009, Elaine earned her Masters Degree in International Women's Studies from SUNY's Empire State College.
In May of 2009, Elaine was honored with the School Administrators Association of New York's "Friend of Education Award" for her dedication and committment to education issues and Capital District students and schools.
In April 2005, Elaine received the Trefoil Award from the Hudson Valley Council of the Girl Scouts. The award recognizes outstanding members of the community who present positive role models to today's Girl Scouts.
In May 2004, the College of St. Rose bestowed an honorary doctorate degree upon Elaine for her work in the community as well as her stories on teachers and her commitment to education. That same month the Women’s Press Club selected Elaine as the Media Person of the Year for her accomplishments in the community and her work at WNYT.
Elaine's first book was published in March 2004. "The Friendships Between Women" is a compilation of letters from women on tragedy and triumph. The proceeds from the book go to women in a village in the Democratic Republic of Congo.
In February 2004, Elaine received the Journalist of the Year award from Urban Voices Newspaper for her positive stories on people of color. That same month she also received a community service award from the Chocolate Thunder Marching Band for her stories chronicling the trials and triumphs of this award winning marching band.
In January 2004, Elaine was awarded the NYS PTA life member award for her series Education Spotlight, Educator of the Week and other work celebrating teachers and students.
In February 2003 Elaine was awarded the governor's African Americans of Distinction Award for her contributions to her profession and the community.
In 2001 Elaine received the Governor’s Women of Courage and Vision Award for her contributions to her community and her profession. She also received the Colonie Chamber of Commerce Women in Professions Award for her professional and community achievements.
In 1996 she received an award for her community service from the Twin Rivers Council of Boy Scouts of America and the State University of New York’s Black Student Alliance.
Elaine serves as host, mistress of ceremony and moderator of numerous community events and activities throughout the Capital Region, including the New York State Black History celebration. A native of St. Louis, Missouri, Elaine earned a Professional Arts Degree in Broadcasting from the Broadcast Center in St. Louis and a B.S. in Journalism from Southern Illinois University-Carbondale.
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