John is a graduate of Washington State University. He started his broadcasting career in Yakima, Washington as an intern with an ABC affiliate. At the end of his internship, he was hired as a television reporter. Upon leaving Yakima, he accepted an anchoring position at KOBI in Medford, Oregon. He later worked as a main anchor at KTVN in Reno, Nevada. John joined the News 12 team in 2003. Since coming to Chattanooga, he has covered many stories. He says he'll never forget covering the April 27, 2011 tornado outbreak in the Tennessee Valley. John is also proud of how the community came together following the tragic terrorist attack in Chattanooga on July 16, 2015. John is the father of twin girls. He enjoys movies, music and playing guitar. You can contact John at jmercer@wdef.com