Prior to joining CTV News, Megan worked as a video journalist for City News, and host at Breakfast Television in Edmonton.
Megan began her broadcasting career in radio. She started at CKLW in Windsor doing live-broadcasts from events across the city. From there, she was hired as a reporter and news-weather-sports anchor for Peace River Broadcasting in Peace River, Alberta. Her first experience behind the camera came during her internships at Etalk Entertainment & CTV Toronto. Megan spent two years in Alberta before coming to CTV Ottawa in June 2015. She is happy to be back in Ontario, and closer to family and friends, especially her two nieces.
Megan Shaw joined CTV Ottawa as a reporter in June, 2015. Megan is thrilled to be living in the National Capital Region and bringing live, local, breaking news to the community.
Aside from storytelling, Megan is passionate about living a healthy, active lifestyle. She enjoys outdoor activities, going to the gym, and being with friends and family. Megan was born and raised in Windsor, Ontario.
She received an honours BA for a double major in Communication, Media, Film (CMF) & English from the University of Windsor. As well as a diploma in Broadcast Journalism from Seneca College. She is fluent in French.
When did you know you wanted to be a journalist/reporter?
I’ve always had a passion for storytelling and knew as early as high school that I wanted to pursue a career in media.
Throughout your career you’ve been to many places in Canada including Edmonton, Toronto, Windsor, and Peace River, Alberta. What is the place you’ve enjoyed the most?
It is impossible to pick one. Windsor will always have a special place in my heart, it’s where I grew up, and where my family and closest friends are. Since moving, every city/town I have been to has given me these invaluable experiences that have led me to where I am today. I am thankful for all of them!
What is the best advice you’ve ever received?
Be yourself, work hard, and be kind. It sounds very simple, but if you treat those as words to live by, amazing opportunities will come.
What is a moment in your career you will never forget?
I will always remember my very first day at CTV News Ottawa. A deer was on the loose and we ran around town chasing it. It was my first story for our 6 o’clock show– followed by my first live-hit with the station.
What is your best advice for people who are camera shy?
Keep at it! Practice in the mirror, practice on camera, and do not over think it. If you try to memorize lines you will likely mess up trying to remember them. Know what you want to say, and be natural in your delivery. If you just keep doing it, it eventually becomes a completely normal thing to do.
What is your best advice for people who are camera shy?
When I’m not working you can find me visiting family/friends, or I’ll be out doing some type of exercise: spin class, yoga, the gym, or taking a long walk.
What are the top three stories you’ve reported on that have changed or impacted you?
Over the years I have covered many difficult or important stories to our community. Most recently, the Ottawa floods left our crew emotional and exhausted as we watched the powerful rain affect so many lives across the capital region.
A story that impacted me is one from a few years ago. A a couple that was married 63 years, were put into different care homes due to different care needs. The family was fighting to bring them together, and they came to the media to share their experience. Sadly, the husband passed before they were able to be reconnected, but they had an entire community, even country, talking about changing policies.
Finally, this summer I had the chance meet ‘Kanata 5’ crash survivor, Robert Wein, who inspired me greatly. Wein suffered a brain injury and severe damage to both his legs when he was struck by a vehicle riding his bicycle in 2009. Since, he has started an annual Brain Injury Awareness Walk raising money for those with brain injuries.
Living in the National Capital Region, what are your top 5 spots to grab dinner at?
It depends if I am on the go, or if I have the time to sit and eat. Socially, I love meeting friends at Mati on Preston, or Joeys Restaurant. My favourite restaurant right now is Coconut Lagoon for the best indian food! If I’m just grabbing something quickly I will usually stop for sushi at Sushi Fresh next to work, or pick up a salad from Green Rebel.
You live a very active lifestyle and enjoy outdoor activities. What are your favourite things to do outside in the fall?
Fall is one of my favourite seasons! I love just getting a tea and walking around the city or the market, I like to visit Gatineau Park for Rhapsody, take my nieces pumpkin or apple picking, take in a Redblack’s game, or visit some of the great festivals or events happening around the city.
What advice would you give to your younger self, or anyone just starting out in their career?
I would tell myself to be patient and that great opportunities are around the corner if you work hard. I would also say to anyone starting out to be a sponge – and just absorb all the information you can. If someone if willing to take the time to teach you something new – grab that chance!
Finally, what’s next for you?
Everyday I’m working to improve my skills, and find stories that matter to Ottawa. I continue to report, produce, and anchor at CTV News Ottawa. I hope to continue to meet amazing people in this city, and tell their stories.
@meganshawctv
