Tressa Bush didn’t just stumble into storytelling—she was drawn to it, captivated by its ability to connect people, preserve history, and bring meaning to everyday moments. Growing up in Tennessee, she found herself fascinated by the stories unfolding around her—whether it was a small-town festival, a local legend, or the struggles and triumphs of the people who made up her community. That fascination turned into a career that has taken her from newspaper pages to television screens, from behind the camera to in front of it, and now, to the helm of her own media company.
In this interview with Business Insiders, Tressa shares insights into her journey, the lessons she’s learned, and advice for those looking to make a lasting impact in media and tourism.
“You Can’t Fake Passion”
Bush’s media journey began with a love for storytelling—a passion that first found an outlet in television news. Her first job in broadcasting was at WBBJ-TV 7, the ABC affiliate in Jackson, Tennessee, where she worked as a news anchor and reporter. That experience gave her a firsthand look at the power of journalism, from covering breaking news to sharing human-interest stories that resonated with local audiences. She quickly learned that the most impactful stories weren’t just about the facts—they were about the people behind them.
“I always wanted to be more than just a voice delivering the news,” Bush recalls. “I wanted to create a real connection with viewers. That meant finding the emotion behind the story and telling it in a way that made people care.”
Her career then took her to WCBI-TV 4 in Columbus, Mississippi, and WCYB-TV 5 in Bristol, Virginia, where she continued honing her craft. While she gained valuable experience reporting across the Southeast, her heart was always in Middle Tennessee, the place she considered home.
Returning to Tennessee and Finding Her Voice
Bush’s goal was never just to be a journalist—it was to tell the stories of Tennessee’s people, places, and culture. She achieved that dream when she joined Tennessee Crossroads, a program that first aired in 1986 and became a staple of WNPT-TV 8 in Nashville. The show, which highlights unique destinations, local artisans, and hidden gems across the state, was the perfect fit for Bush’s storytelling approach.
“For me, Tennessee Crossroads was the ideal platform,” she says. “It wasn’t just about reporting the news; it was about celebrating what makes Tennessee special. I got to meet incredible people and visit places that most Tennesseans didn’t even know existed. That’s what made the work so rewarding.”
During her time with Tennessee Crossroads, Bush produced over 50 feature stories, five of which remain among the Top 26 Most Viewed on the show’s YouTube channel.
“That’s something I’m really proud of,” she says. “It means people connected with the stories I told. That’s always been my goal—to create content that sticks with people long after they’ve watched it.”
Her ability to engage audiences wasn’t just about choosing the right stories—it was about how she told them. Bush was never afraid to ask the deeper questions, to spend extra time with her subjects, and to find the heart of a story rather than just the details.
“You have to care about the stories you tell. People can spot inauthenticity a mile away,” Bush says. “The best journalists and producers aren’t just reporters; they’re invested in their subjects. They ask questions that go beyond the surface.”
Connecting with Communities Through Wilson County Television
Bush’s dedication eventually led her to Wilson County Television (WCTV) in Lebanon, Tennessee, where she took on multiple roles as a producer, writer, videographer, and editor.
This shift from traditional news reporting to local programming allowed her to engage even more directly with her audience.
At WCTV, she developed and managed original programming, including Walking Through Wilson and Talkin’ With Tatum, two shows that strengthened connections between the community and county officials.
“These programs were about more than just entertainment,” Bush explains. “They were about bringing people together. We highlighted local events, introduced viewers to community leaders, and made sure people understood what was happening in their own backyard.”
By focusing on storytelling with a purpose, Bush built an audience that trusted her. Whether covering tourism, local government, or historical preservation, she approached every project with the same level of curiosity and commitment. That authenticity became the foundation of her reputation as a journalist who could make any story feel personal and important.
“People don’t just want information—they want stories that mean something,” Bush says. “If you can tell a story in a way that makes people feel connected, they’ll keep coming back.”
This ability to form a deep connection with her audience has been the key to her long and successful career in media.
That commitment to authenticity became the foundation of her career. No matter what medium she worked in, Bush always found ways to turn local stories into something larger that resonated beyond the immediate audience.
Transitioning from News to Events
Tressa Bush’s transition from news to events wasn’t a career shift—it was an evolution of her storytelling craft. In journalism, her goal was to inform and engage, but in event planning, she had to inspire action. Her media production expertise and deep connection with local communities made her the perfect fit for the Wilson County Convention and Visitors’ Bureau.
Instead of simply promoting attractions, Bush took a people-first approach, focusing on the stories behind the places. Whether it was a historic landmark, a family-owned business, or a local festival, she understood that what truly draws visitors isn’t just a destination—it’s the emotions and experiences tied to it.
“I knew that if I wanted people to care, I had to tell them why it mattered,” Bush says. “It wasn’t about listing facts or highlighting amenities. It was about showing the heart of a place—what makes it special, what makes it worth visiting.”
She built this connection by weaving personal narratives into her work. Her press releases, promotional materials, and video content didn’t just describe Wilson County—they introduced audiences to the people who made the county unique. Through interviews, behind-the-scenes footage, and carefully crafted storytelling, she helped bridge the gap between locals and potential visitors.
This storytelling approach extended to media tours, where Bush played a hands-on role in guiding journalists and influencers through Wilson County’s most compelling sites. She didn’t just arrange logistics—she personally engaged with each visitor, sharing insights and stories that made the experience unforgettable. By doing so, she ensured that the county’s history and culture weren’t just seen, but felt.
“That role taught me how to market a destination,” she recalls. “It’s not enough to say, ‘This is a great place to visit.’ You have to create a compelling reason for people to care, and that starts with storytelling.”
Her dedication and genuine enthusiasm for the community helped build trust with her audience. Whether it was a family planning a weekend getaway or a journalist looking for a feature story, they knew that when Bush spoke about a place, it was with authenticity and passion.
This foundation later shaped her leadership at the Smith County Historical & Tourism Society (SCHTS), where she continues to blend history with storytelling. At SCHTS, she uses her media and marketing expertise to bring Smith County’s rich heritage to life, ensuring that the past isn’t just preserved—it’s shared in a way that resonates with modern audiences.
Expanding Influence with Misspelled Productions and Media
Bush’s entrepreneurial venture, Misspelled Productions and Media, marked a new chapter in her career—one where she had full creative control over the stories she wanted to tell. After years in broadcasting and tourism, she had learned one key lesson: people connect with stories that feel authentic and personal. That philosophy became the driving force behind her production company.
“When I launched Misspelled Productions, I wanted to create a company that brought stories to life in a way that felt personal and engaging,” she says. “Whether it’s a documentary, a promotional piece, or a simple feature video, the goal is always the same—make the audience feel something.”
From the beginning, building trust with her audience was central to her approach. She didn’t just create content for the sake of content; she made sure each project had a heart, a purpose, and a reason to exist. Bush understood that people don’t just watch a video or read an article—they experience it. They see themselves in the stories being told.
To establish that connection early on, she approached her work with the same curiosity and enthusiasm that fueled her journalism career. She didn’t just film events or conduct interviews—she immersed herself in the subject matter, ensuring that every piece she produced felt genuine, engaging, and deeply human.
“I think people can sense when you truly care about a story,” Bush explains. “If you’re passionate, it translates. If you’re just going through the motions, that shows, too.”
This commitment to authentic storytelling quickly set Misspelled Productions apart. Whether she was creating a promotional campaign for a local business, capturing the history of a small town, or producing content for tourism initiatives, she always put the audience first.
She asked herself, What will make them care? What will make them remember this?
Beyond visuals, Bush leveraged her journalistic instincts to dig deeper into narratives, crafting content that was not only visually compelling but also rich in detail and meaning. Her ability to capture emotion, highlight overlooked stories, and present them in a way that resonated made her work stand out.
Social media played a key role in amplifying her reach. Bush recognized early on that digital platforms were more than just marketing tools—they were storytelling platforms. She used them to connect directly with her audience, sharing behind-the-scenes insights, engaging with viewers, and creating content that felt intimate and relatable.
“Social media changed the game,” she says. “Before, we relied on traditional media to get stories out there. Now, you can build an audience, get feedback instantly, and refine your storytelling in real-time. It’s a two-way conversation, and that’s what makes it powerful.”
This engagement strategy worked. Audiences weren’t just passive consumers of her content—they became active participants. They shared her work, interacted with her stories, and even provided ideas for future projects.
Despite the shifting media landscape, Bush remained true to what made her successful in the first place: her passion for storytelling and her commitment to making an impact.
“At the end of the day, it doesn’t matter whether you’re working for a major TV station or running your own production company,” she says. “What matters is that you’re telling stories that connect, inspire, and mean something. That’s how you build a lasting career in media.”
Journalism Remains The Core of Her Career
Despite her many roles, Bush never strayed far from journalism. From the start, she understood that great storytelling was about building connections—with her subjects and her audience.
As a feature writer for the Carthage Courier, she approached each story with a deep sense of curiosity and care, ensuring that even the smallest details helped paint a vivid picture of the people and places she covered. Her ability to transform local stories into compelling narratives earned her two Tennessee State Press Awards, solidifying her reputation as a journalist who could make the ordinary feel extraordinary.
“I never wanted to just report information,” Bush says. “I wanted people to feel something. Whether it was about a family business, a historical site, or a unique local personality, I wanted readers to connect with the story on a personal level.”
Bush’s ability to craft emotional, engaging stories made her a natural fit for Tennessee Crossroads on WNPT-TV8, where she produced, wrote, and voiced feature stories highlighting unique people and destinations across the state. She quickly realized that television gave her a powerful platform to showcase the richness of Tennessee’s culture in a way that print never could. The warmth of her voice, combined with her ability to visually bring stories to life, made her segments among the most beloved on the show.
“Those stories were some of my favorites,” Bush says. “I got to meet incredible people and showcase places that make Tennessee special. To see those stories rank among the most viewed on Tennessee Crossroads’ YouTube channel? That means they resonated with others, and that’s what storytelling is about.”
For Bush, staying passionate about her work was never a challenge because she was genuinely invested in the stories she told. Whether she was covering a small-town festival, a family-run restaurant, or an artist’s journey, she approached each assignment with the same enthusiasm she had when she first started in journalism.
“I think that’s why my stories connected with people,” she explains. “I wasn’t just showing up with a microphone and camera. I was spending time with them, listening, asking questions that weren’t scripted. When you truly care, it comes through in your work.”
Her dedication to authenticity and ability to make viewers feel like they were part of the story helped her transition seamlessly into television reporting for Nashville’s major news stations, including WSMV-TV, FOX 17, and WTVF-TV.
There, she covered everything from breaking news to in-depth human interest features, expanding her reach while maintaining the same intimate storytelling style that had earned her recognition.
Advice for Aspiring Media Professionals: Building Genuine Connections
For those looking to build a career in media or content creation, Tressa Bush emphasizes the importance of adaptability, persistence, and most importantly—authentic audience connection. She believes that while platforms and technology continue to evolve, the fundamentals of storytelling remain unchanged.
“The industry has changed so much, but the fundamentals remain the same,” she says. “Know your audience, tell great stories, and never stop learning.”
Building an Early Connection with Her Audience
Bush developed a deep connection with her audience early in her career by embracing local stories that truly mattered to the community. Whether it was a feature article for the Carthage Courier, a television segment for Tennessee Crossroads, or an in-depth look at Wilson County’s growth on WCTV, she focused on storytelling that felt personal and relatable.
“I never approached a story like it was just another assignment,” Bush recalls. “I wanted to tell stories that people could see themselves in, stories that would make them proud of their town, their neighbors, and their history.”
She made a habit of engaging directly with the people she covered, whether it was interviewing a lifelong resident, highlighting a small business, or showcasing a historical landmark. This hands-on approach helped her build trust and credibility, ensuring that her work resonated with those who watched and read it.
“You can’t just tell people what’s happening—you have to help them feel it,” she explains. “That’s what makes a story stick.”
Her ability to connect with her audience extended beyond traditional media. She embraced social media early, understanding that platforms like YouTube and Facebook were powerful tools to keep local storytelling alive. By managing Wilson County’s official social media channels, she ensured that important community stories reached not just residents but also people who had moved away and still wanted to stay connected.
“I had people telling me, ‘I moved out of Tennessee years ago, but I still watch your videos because it makes me feel at home,’” she shares. “That’s when I knew I was doing something meaningful.”
Passion Fuels Longevity in Media
While some journalists become disillusioned by industry shifts, Bush has remained passionate about her work. She credits this to a genuine love for storytelling and a commitment to serving her community.
“People burn out when they stop caring about the stories they tell,” she says. “If you’re just going through the motions, your audience will feel it. But if you love what you do, if you believe in the work, that passion will come through.”
Her passion for local stories kept her motivated through industry challenges, budget cuts, and the growing dominance of digital media. Rather than resisting change, she adapted by embracing new storytelling formats, experimenting with video production, and expanding into tourism and media consulting.
“The media industry isn’t easy, but if you’re willing to evolve and keep learning, you’ll always find a way forward,” she advises.
Understanding Audience Behavior
Bush credits her education in mass communications from Middle Tennessee State University and Cumberland University as essential in shaping her career. However, she also highlights her studies in psychology and sociology as unexpected but invaluable tools for media professionals.
“People assume media is just about producing content, but it’s also about understanding how people consume that content,” she explains. “If you don’t know what resonates with your audience, your work won’t have the impact you want.”
By studying how people think, what draws them in, and what emotions drive engagement, Bush was able to create stories that truly connected.
“It’s not just about what you say, but how you say it,” she notes. “Understanding human behavior helps you craft messages that stick, whether you’re writing a news article, producing a video, or creating a tourism campaign.”
Her ability to merge journalistic integrity with marketing insights made her a sought-after media professional, leading to opportunities in tourism development, community engagement, and media consulting.
Stay True to Your Voice
For aspiring media professionals, Bush’s advice is clear: stay adaptable, stay passionate, and never lose sight of why you started.
“Success isn’t about chasing trends. It’s about staying true to your voice and your passion,” she says. “If you can do that, the right opportunities will find you.”
Her journey proves that great storytelling isn’t just about content—it’s about connection, authenticity, and a lifelong commitment to sharing the stories that matter most.
Looking Ahead
Even with a career spanning multiple industries, Tressa Bush remains focused on what she loves most—telling stories that matter. From her early days in local journalism to her current work in historical preservation and tourism, her ability to connect with audiences has never wavered.
Bush attributes much of her success to the strong relationship she built with her audience early on. Whether through television, print, or digital media, she made sure her stories were not just informative but also deeply engaging.
“I learned early on that people don’t just want facts; they want to feel something,” Bush says. “They want to see themselves in the stories you tell. That’s what makes them invest in your work and keep coming back.”
Her ability to make that connection was rooted in her genuine enthusiasm for her subjects. Whether covering a historic landmark, a local artisan, or a community event, Bush approached each story with curiosity and passion—qualities that audiences could sense.
“Authenticity is everything,” she explains. “I never reported on something just to fill space. I wanted to learn, to understand, and to share that excitement with others. If you stay passionate about what you’re doing, people will follow along for the journey.”
That same passion will be on full display in May 2025, when Bush will play a key role in the upcoming Tennessee Maneuvers Remembered event on May 3. The event will commemorate the historic military training exercises that took place in Tennessee during World War II, shaping the strategies of the Allied forces. For Bush, this is more than just an event—it’s an opportunity to bring history to life for a new generation.
“Tennessee has such a rich, fascinating history, and the Tennessee Maneuvers are a perfect example of that,” she says. “These exercises were instrumental in preparing our troops for war, and many of them took place right here in Middle Tennessee. It’s a story that deserves to be remembered and shared.”
Beyond live events, Bush is also excited to continue sharing Tennessee’s history through her blog, where she reflects on her experiences in media, tourism, and historical preservation. She sees it as another avenue to connect with those who share her love for storytelling and heritage.
“I love being able to write and share my thoughts directly with people,” she says. “There’s always something new to discover about Tennessee, and I want to keep telling those stories—whether through video, events, or the written word.”
For those hoping to follow in her footsteps, Bush has simple but powerful advice: Stay true to your voice, your passion, and your curiosity.
“Success isn’t about chasing trends,” she says. “It’s about doing what you love, telling the stories that matter to you, and trusting that the right opportunities will come.”
As she looks ahead, one thing is certain—Tressa Bush will keep sharing Tennessee’s stories, one compelling narrative at a time.
