Ryan Jenkins is an anchor and Lighthouse team reporter for TMJ4 News in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, where he leads both the morning and evening newscasts on weekends and frequently fills in during weekday broadcasts. His goal is to go beyond the headlines, connecting with the community to share stories that matter and highlighting the voices of those who drive change.
Since joining TMJ4 in January 2020, Ryan has immersed himself in critical local issues, covering significant events such as the coronavirus pandemic, the 2020 Democratic National Convention, and the civil unrest following the police shooting of Jacob Blake in Kenosha. He’s also proud to have contributed to the coverage of the Milwaukee Bucks' historic championship run in 2021 and led the first-ever televised broadcast of Milwaukee’s Juneteenth Day celebration.
In 2024, Ryan embraced a new role with the Lighthouse team, where he produces in-depth investigative content and seeks solutions to pressing community issues. He's made it his mission to advocate for transparency in policing, challenging the release of police body camera footage to shed light on critical incidents. His reports also focus on amplifying community voices, showcasing advocates who drive positive change, and uncovering stories that highlight collaborative solutions to pressing challenges.
Ryan's experience during the 2024 election cycle was particularly impactful as he covered the Trump presidential campaign from battleground Wisconsin on election night. He also anchored the breaking news coverage during the shocking assassination attempt on Trump, leading discussions with community experts to help viewers understand the implications of this event—just days before the Republican National Convention in Milwaukee.
Beyond his reporting, Ryan is deeply engaged in the community. He regularly serves as an emcee for local nonprofit events and fundraisers, and he is a passionate advocate for early childhood literacy, often reading to local classrooms to inspire young minds. Additionally, he is an Alumni Association Board Member at Augustana College, where he stays connected with his alma mater and works to support current students.
Originally from Elgin, Illinois, Ryan’s journey to TMJ4 includes valuable experience as a multimedia journalist and fill-in anchor at WQAD-TV in the Quad Cities. He reported on stories such as the historic flood of 2019 and the 2020 presidential election. Before hitting the airwaves, he honed his skills as a video editor and digital content producer.
Ryan graduated from Augustana College in 2018 with a degree in multimedia journalism and mass communications. As the editor-in-chief of the Augustana Observer in 2016, he reported on the inauguration of President Donald Trump and covered the Women’s March on Washington. His foundational career experience includes an internship with CBS News in New York City, where he learned from industry leaders while reporting on national events.
Passionate about storytelling and dedicated to transparency, advocacy, and finding solutions, Ryan strives to connect with the community he serves. He believes in the power of journalism to create positive change and encourage dialogue. You can reach out to him at ryan.jenkins@tmj4.com.
