From Iona to Emmy Nominee: Mackenzie Byrne ’22 Makes Her Mark in Media
For alumna Mackenzie Byrne ’22, the journey from Iona University to becoming a senior producer at News12 New Jersey has been both rewarding and inspiring.
A New Jersey native, Byrne’s passion for storytelling and commitment to delivering accurate news have quickly propelled her into a leadership role in the world of live television. Recently promoted to the role of senior producer, she earned her first Emmy Award nomination for coverage of a massive cargo ship fire in New Jersey.
“This nomination is surreal,” Byrne said. “It’s a great affirmation that my team and I are giving the most to our viewers. I am so grateful to News12 for putting me in the position to reach this goal of mine.”
Byrne’s love for news began at a young age, sparked by her admiration for trailblazing journalist Barbara Walters.
“I became obsessed with Barbara Walters on ABC when I was about 12 years old,” Byrne recalls.
This early fascination with journalism led her to earn her degree in Media and Strategic Communications at Iona University in 2022. During her campus visit, Byrne decided to attend Iona after learning about the success of women graduates who had secured internships and jobs in the media industry.
At Iona, Byrne quickly immersed herself in campus life, taking on leadership roles as president of IUTV and vice president of the radio station WIUR. These experiences were instrumental in shaping her career, providing her with the confidence and skills needed to excel in the field of live broadcasting.
“Iona gave me the confidence to find my voice,” she said. “The leadership skills I learned during my four years helped me become the professional and the person that I am today.”
With a passion for bringing local stories to life and being a part of a prominent news source in her community, Byrne takes pride in working to bring the most accurate and fair stories to viewers while jumping into action when breaking news hits.
As she continues to grow in her career, Mackenzie remains committed to supporting the next generation of media professionals, exemplifying the impact of an Iona education in the world of journalism.