Taiju Takahashi

After graduating from WR High School in 1987, Taiju Takahashi earned his Bachelor of Science in Journalism from the University of Kansas in 1991. Tai began his career in television locally, working both at WIBW and KTKA as a reporter. In '93, he was promoted to Producer/Night News Manager at KTKA. From 1994-2004, Tai held producer positions in Wichita, KS; Jacksonville, FL; and Atlanta, GA. During that time, he also held Executive Producer positions in Seattle, WA; Jacksonville; and Atlanta. In 2004, Tai went to WTVQ station in Lexington, Kentucky as the Director of News. While there, his leadership helped launch an aggressive online effort that transformed the staff into multi-platform journalists. From 2009 to present, Tai has been Director of News at WAND in Decatur, Illinois. Through aggressive, innovative planning and execution under his leadership, WAND went from the #3 rated station in Decatur to the #1 rated in key time slots. Tai started the first investigative journalism unit in central Illinois, crafted and implemented a 3-screen strategy, and launched innovative community-centric programs and franchises such as "Save Our Schools," "Dateline Central Illinois," and "Sports Challenge." Takahashi is one of the first Asian Americans to be named Director of News for a local TV station. His teams have won 17 Emmy awards, 8 regional, and 2 National Edward R. Murrow Awards. Tai has won several individual awards as well. In 2011, he earned his Master of Arts/Education degree from Argosy University in Phoenix, AZ which focused on leadership, coaching, and teaching. He applies many of the skills he learned to teaching young journalists. A colleague said this about Taiju, "Passionate individuals are unmistakable. We all know the word 'legacy' can be thrown around like none other, and the meaning of it can be diluted; however, this is not one of those cases. Taiju continues to develop a lasting impression – a legacy – that will be felt in this business for years to come." Tai's community involvement is broad – from volunteering at the Good Samaritan Inn, a local soup kitchen, to serving on the Board of the Mid-Illinois Chapter of the American Red Cross. He is also a member of Knights of Columbus and volunteered as math tutor and for Habitat for Humanity. He is a member of the Illinois Broadcasters Association and a Career Mentor for aspiring and current Journalists. Takahashi and his wife, Lori, have one daughter, Alana (19).