Tressa Bush is more than a journalist – she’s a storyteller, a historian, and a community advocate. From her early days in broadcast television to her leadership in historical tourism, her career has been defined by a passion for preserving the past and engaging audiences. As the founder of the Smith County Historical Tourism Society (SCHTS) and a veteran journalist with Tennessee Crossroads, she has brought countless stories to life, ensuring that history is not forgotten but celebrated.
In this interview, Tressa reflects on her journey, her challenges, and the wisdom she’s gained along the way.
What motivated you to join your industry, and how did you choose this career path?
I’ve always been drawn to storytelling. Even as a child, communication came naturally to me – I was never afraid to speak in front of an audience. Whether it was 4-H speech contests and demonstrations, or participating in local pageants, I loved engaging people.
My first job in television was at WBBJ-TV 7, the ABC affiliate in Jackson, Tennessee, where I worked as a news anchor and reporter. From there, I moved to stations in the southeast, including WCBI-TV 4 in Columbus, Mississippi, and WCYB-TV 5 in Bristol, Virginia.
But my goal was always to return to Middle Tennessee, where I grew up. I wanted to tell the stories of my home state, and I was fortunate to do that through my work with a wildly popular television program that first aired in 1986 called Tennessee Crossroads. It’s produced by WNPT-TV 8 in Nashville and airs on PBS stations in several states. I produced over 50 feature stories for the show, and four of them are among the Top 26 Most Viewed on their YouTube channel. That’s something I’m really proud of because it means people are connecting with the stories I’ve told.
My transition into historical tourism was a natural extension of that. I wanted to take storytelling beyond the television screen and create experiences that immerse people in the history of my home county and my state. That’s how the Smith County Historical Tourism Society was born.
What were the biggest challenges you faced early in your career, and how did you overcome them?
Breaking into television news as a young woman in the early 1980s wasn’t easy. I was determined to prove myself, but in my early career, I had to work twice as hard to be taken seriously.
One of the biggest challenges was establishing credibility. I had to show that I wasn’t just a face on camera—I was a journalist who could report, write, and edit stories with depth. To prove that, I took on any assignment that came my way. I worked long hours, covered breaking news, and made sure I soaked up every aspect of production.
I learned to stand my ground, be confident, and let my work speak for itself. That’s something I’d tell any young woman entering the field today: Know your worth, and don’t be afraid to assert yourself.
Moving into historical tourism and media production also had its challenges. Organizing large-scale living history events and gaining public interest in historical preservation wasn’t always easy. But my journalism background taught me how to engage audiences, prioritize tasks, work within deadlines and that has translated well into my work with SCHTS.
What was your approach to building an audience when you first started?
I focused on human-interest storytelling – the kind of stories that make people feel something. That approach helped me build a loyal following. Whether I was producing stories for Tennessee Crossroads or writing full-page features for the Carthage Courier, I made sure every story had heart.
Later, when I founded the Smith County Historical Tourism Society, I applied the same principles to tourism. People connect with history when it feels personal. That’s why we create immersive experiences that transport visitors to another time. Our living history events, which highlight Tennessee’s role in WWII U.S. Army field training exercises (the Tennessee Maneuvers), have drawn visitors nationwide.
Social media has played a significant role in reaching people. When I worked for Wilson County Television (WCTV), I managed multiple platforms and a YouTube channel to bring local stories to a wider audience. I apply the same technique today, making sure that the stories of Smith County and Tennessee history reach as many people as possible.
If you could give one piece of advice to someone just starting out in your industry, what would it be?
Start local, build relationships, and always be prepared. Some of the best stories come from unexpected places, so keep an open mind. And don’t underestimate the power of good storytelling – it’s what connects us all.
For those interested in historical tourism, my advice is: Passion is everything. If you love history,
find creative ways to share it. People are drawn to authenticity, so bring your own voice and experiences into your work.
Never be afraid to take risks. I was the first girl in Smith County to play Little League Baseball with the boys, and while that might not seem like a big deal now, back then it was. It taught me that sometimes, you have to break barriers to create change. Whether in journalism, tourism, or business – if you believe in something, go for it.
Key Takeaways
Tressa Bush has spent her career bringing stories to life – whether through journalism, television, or historical tourism. From anchoring news broadcasts to preserving Tennessee’s history, she has remained a voice for the past, present, and future.
For those looking to see her work firsthand, you can visit Tennessee Crossroads’ YouTube channel, where several of her stories remain among the most-watched features. And if you ever find yourself in Smith County, Tennessee, stop by one of the Smith County Historical Tourism Society’s events – where history isn’t just told, but lived.
