When asked about her seemingly endless supply of positive energy, Melissa Chase offers an updated definition of the word “glimmer.”
“People talk about triggers: things you see that make you feel negative,” she explains. “Someone once told me there is a word ‘glimmer’ that refers to the positive sparkles you see in life. I’m always trying to train myself to look for those glimmers.”
Chase was arguably Richmond’s most recognizable radio personality for 15 years, first named best female radio voice by Richmond Magazine in 2006, then co-hosting the “Melissa & Jack” show — named Best Morning Show for five consecutive years by Style Weekly — for over a decade.
But in 2021, she left town to take a plum position as vice president of programming for Audacy in Houston. Audacy is the second-largest radio network in the country, with more than 220 stations nationwide.
In great news for local fans, Chase has spent the past couple weeks celebrating a big glimmer: her return to Richmond to co-host an hour-long afternoon lifestyle show called “Showcase” that will premiere on WRIC / Channel 8 on Sept. 8.
“I’m so happy to be back; Richmond has always had my heart,” Chase says. “And now I’m going to have the opportunity to showcase the best parts of Richmond.” The show will expand on stand-alone “Showcase” segments that WRIC had been producing with Chase’s co-host, Amie Carter.
Chase says she and fellow producers are actively looking for content (see contact info below) and points to a segment in development about “Be Kind” sign founder Gini Bonnell as the type of story they’re looking to highlight. “We’ll be putting a spotlight on nonprofit organizations and producing feel-good stories about local businesses,” she says. “I think having a place to put exciting positive news is going to be really fun.”
The show marks a return to television for Chase, who started out her media career as a production assistant at MTV and whose first job in Richmond was as a camera operator for WRIC. “I was 19 at the time and doing it part-time while also working in radio,” she remembers.
“I was behind the scenes back then, so this is my first time seeing what it’s like to be in front of the camera and testing out that whole ‘You’ve got a great face for radio’ thing,” she says, laughing.
Former radio partner Jack Lauterback says that while the pair hasn’t worked together for a long time, they’ve remained really good friends and he, “along with many other Richmonders,” is so happy she’s back home. “She does so many good things for the community and surrounding areas,” he says. “Frankly, she’s annoyingly good for the community. I may even pop on the new show from time to time and say hello.”
Chase acknowledges that moving back and forth across the country has had its challenges, particularly with two teenage daughters at home. But family ties have made the homecoming worth it. “My husband’s family’s here, my family’s here,” she says. “It’s exciting to be back with our parents and get to be around my kids’ cousins.”
While her work in Houston had its benefits, Chase doesn’t express many regrets about leaving. “I think I squeezed every last drop out of what the experience could be there,” she says.
And while she enjoyed some benefits of working in a bigger market, she only identifies one thing she’ll miss. “The food there was amazing,” she says. “I’m going to miss real authentic tacos for sure.”
WRIC’s “Showcase” is looking for stories of positive community impact to highlight on their hour-long afternoon lifestyle show. Contact the show via their social media (https://www.instagram.com/showcaserichmond/) or email showcase@wric.com or Melissa Chase directly at MelissaChase@gmail.com.
