Rivers joined the 59 News team in November 2021, and is excited to meet the people and share the stories that make Southern West Virginia such a unique and special place.
Rivers grew up in Ann Arbor, Michigan, before moving to Charlottesville, Virginia at age 16. After graduating from St. Anne’s-Belfield school in Charlottesville, Rivers fulfilled his childhood dream of attending the University of North Carolina. Home to one of the best Journalism Schools in the country, Rivers graduated from UNC with a degree in Broadcast Journalism and Electronic Media.
While studying at UNC, Rivers discovered his passion for on-air storytelling as an anchor and reporter for Carolina Week and Sports Xtra, two entirely student-run weekly broadcasts produced by the Journalism school. After graduation, Rivers continued to pursue a career in the media, working for the UNC Athletic Department, as well as freelancing for the ACC Network.
Outside of work, Rivers is most passionate about Country Music, Will Ferrell movies, Tar Heel Basketball wins, and Duke Basketball losses.
If you have a story idea you can email Rivers at RUpchurch@WVNSTV.com
Follow Rivers on Facebook and Twitter!
Facebook: @RiversUpchurchTV
Twitter: @RiversUpchurch
