Danielle Cobb
Reporting Live and Living Fully in the Lowcountry
story by JENNIFER BROWN-CARPENTER photos by PAUL NURNBERG
Being a reporter is a demanding job that requires grit, focus, and honesty. Whether covering an approaching hurricane, upcoming snowfall, or a heartwarming community story, the work can be eventful, stressful, beautiful, and even chaotic. For Danielle Cobb, reporting isn’t just a job she has to do; it’s a way to serve the Lowcountry community she has come to love.
Danielle was born in Florida but moved to upstate South Carolina when she was just over a year old. Growing up in Boiling Springs, near Spartanburg, Danielle was involved in sports throughout her school years, but didn’t have a clear picture of what she wanted to do when she grew up. When it was time to graduate, she was pretty sure she wanted to attend college either in the mountains or on the coast. “I could not afford out-of-state tuition, which is how I found USCB.” She applied and was accepted at the Bluffton campus, starting college in 2018. “I did not necessarily know exactly what I wanted to do even when I started at college,” Danielle says. “I knew I was never going to settle into a traditional 9-to-5 life. I wanted some freedom, and I wasn’t aiming for a corporate job.” Danielle waited until she absolutely had to declare a major and ultimately chose communications. Since modern communications have shifted toward media, it fits well with Danielle’s personal interests in creativity. She’s always enjoyed editing, being on camera or behind it, and creating and sharing content.
While in college, Danielle started internships through a partnership between USCB and South Carolina Educational Television. “I was working on Books by the River, managing social media, the website, and other content. I was gaining experience. On set days, I learned about production, and I eventually moved into author relations, which looked like meeting authors, explaining show formats, answering questions, and more. That was my first role.” From there, she transitioned into a more permanent and paid position with another ETV show, After Action, which featured intimate conversations with veterans about their military experiences. “I managed social media and website content for that as well.”
After working behind the scenes on these shows and chatting with Holly Jackson, the host of Books by the River and a former local TV news reporter, Danielle started feeling ready to step from behind the camera to in front of it. As a creative person, she knew she wanted more. She wasn’t sure what that would look like until a job opening at WSAV in Savannah: a Lowcountry reporter focusing on Beaufort, Jasper, Hampton, and Colleton counties. “My mentor, Caroline Sawyer, was the one who sent me the job opportunity and told me that even if it seemed crazy, she knew I would thrive in the position. That was a big push for me, especially as an indecisive person at that point. It allowed me to pursue something I knew I’d love so much. So, I decided to apply, even though I didn’t go to school specifically for journalism. I just decided to shoot my shot.”
News is fast-paced, so about a month passed before Danielle heard back. WSAV brought her in for an interview, and the team was happy to learn that she was already settled in the Lowcountry with no plans to leave. With Beaufort being such a transient community, they were definitely pleased to find someone who was putting down roots. She impressed them in her interview and got the job. “I started right when Hurricane Debbie was approaching. I was thrown right into the fire. I was shadowing, and some roads had given out. It was such an exciting way to start my adventure.” About a month into the role, Danielle began finding her own stories. This was in 2024, almost two years ago.
“News in the Lowcountry can tend to be either really bad or feel like there is no news at all, so to speak. It’s harder here than in a big city where there’s always something happening. You have to be very self-motivated and have strong personal connections. I didn’t have that when I started. But over the last year and a half, I’ve built a long list of contacts.”
Sometimes stories are submitted to the station, but many mornings, Danielle checks social media and local agendas for trending stories. She reaches out to key contacts to set up interviews, then conducts them, usually taking 10 to 30 minutes. She gathers B-roll footage, and writes stand-ups and introductions for each story. She then edits all her footage, scripts, and web content herself. Everything is submitted by 4 p.m. “I’m a day turner,” Danielle laughs. “I need to be editing by 2 p.m. to get everything done within my window. I have really loved the fast-paced environment, and I enjoy meeting community members every day.” Danielle has always been a person who loves to get up, put on a great outfit, and have something to do. This job has presented her with the opportunity to not be locked behind a desk every day, and also have the ability to do the things she is most passionate about. Find meaningful stories, talk to people, and create great content.
Some of her career highlights, during the past two years, include riding in a Blue Angel jet last year leading up to the MCAS Air Show. “That was the coolest thing I have ever done.” In March, she danced in the local Dancing With Our Stars show, supporting the Child Abuse Prevention Association. Danielle was nominated for a South Carolina Firefighter Association 2026 Media Award, her first state-recognized honor. “Last year, while I was reporting at RBC Heritage, I was invited to walk the course with USC’s head football coach, Shane Beamer. As a huge Gamecocks fan, that was so fun for me.” She also received the 2026 Young Alumni Achievement Award from USCB.
Starting in May, Danielle will be transitioning into a new role within the community that still focuses on news and serving the Lowcountry. The change will give her more flexibility and stability as she prepares for her upcoming marriage to her supportive fiancé, Colby. “When reporting, you’re really out there when things happen. When hurricanes hit, I’m in the thick of it. When it snows, I’m reporting on it, not just enjoying it as a civilian. As I move into marriage and eventually start a family, I’m looking forward to a better work-life balance. I have loved my time at WSAV, and I am excited for this new chapter.”
Danielle hopes to find stability and deepen her community ties through her new role. “I want to continue building trust and transparency in how I provide news to the Lowcountry. I am always willing to learn, grow, and make sacrifices for my work. I might not always know everything right away, but I am always willing to gain as much knowledge as I can.”
Whether you see her on TV or in her professional role, Danielle wants everyone to know she’s just a regular person who lives in and loves Beaufort. “I love being out on the boat or at The Fillin’ Station. I shop locally, love thrifting and antiquing. I’m a very normal person, and I feel fortunate to be part of the Lowcountry community.”
