Words and Images by Jenny Lynn Davis
The Carl Elliott Regional Library – Jasper Public Library wrapped up its Adult Summer Reading Program on a high note Thursday with a special appearance by WBRC 6 News anchor Clare Huddleston.
Huddleston, who anchors the station’s 11 a.m. newscast and produces its daily digital show, spoke to attendees about her career in journalism, family life, and her passion for giving back, particularly through her involvement with the Hope for Autumn Foundation. In honor of her visit, the library donated to the foundation, which supports families of children battling cancer.
“This is a cause very close to my heart,” Huddleston said, thanking the library for the gesture. She shared that several friends, including the daughter of the foundation’s executive director, have faced childhood cancer, making the organization’s mission all the more personal.
Though now a seasoned journalist with nearly two decades in the industry, Huddleston admitted she didn’t always plan on a career in broadcasting. Raised in Vestavia Hills and a graduate of the University of Alabama, she initially considered going into medicine until a college biology course made her reconsider. A suggestion from her mom and a fateful internship at Tuscaloosa’s WVUA led her down a different path.
“That internship changed everything for me,” she recalled. “I loved it—editing, writing, working behind the scenes. I was hooked.”
She landed her first on-air reporting job covering the widening of Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard in Tuscaloosa. “I had no idea what I was doing,” she said with a laugh, “but I went knocking on doors, talking to people. From that point on, I was all in.”
Huddleston also noted her time living and working in Tuscaloosa during the devastating April 27, 2011 tornado outbreak. While her home was spared, several coworkers lost theirs. That period, she said, shaped her understanding of the power of media and social connection.
“I felt like God was calling me to use whatever platform I had for good,” she said.
Huddleston joined WBRC in the fall of 2011. Over the years, she has worn many hats at the station—from graphic operation and field reporting to anchoring Good Day Alabama and now leading WBRC’s midday and digital broadcasts. She described the 3:30 p.m. digital newscast, which she writes, edits, directs, and anchors herself, as “a challenge, but one I love.”
Outside of work, Huddleston is a wife and mother of three. She spoke fondly about her children, including her spunky middle child, Libby, who has already declared plans to become president and made a list of who’s allowed to live with her in the White House.
Huddleston also reflected on how the industry has changed since she graduated in 2005.
“I learned tape-to-tape editing in college,” she said. “That’s long gone; we have non-linear editing now. The technology changes fast, but my journalism ethics and law classes really prepared me.”
During a Q&A session, she fielded questions ranging from how long she plans to stay in the industry (“As long as they’ll have me”) to the logistics of news production and advice for aspiring journalists.
As a thank-you, Huddleston received a gift bag with pastries from Main Street Market and this year’s library T-shirt.
The event served as the close of a successful summer for the library’s adult program, during which participants collectively read around 700 books.
“You’ve been fabulous this summer,” said librarian Jennifer Eads to program participants. “We appreciate your support of the library, and we’re so glad to end the season with such a special guest.”
Donors for this year’s Adult Summer Reading Program include Freddy’s, Gabby’s, Lavish Coffee Bar, Main Street Market, Mi Michoacana, The Pie Factory of Jasper, and Victoria’s Restaurant. WL
