Making Major Moves: Tyrah Majors on Forbes, Fear, and the Future of Storytelling
“The Big O Show” recently hosted Tyrah Majors, a multi-hyphenate media powerhouse, two-time Emmy award-winning journalist, and anchor for ARC Seattle. Recognized on Forbes’ “30 Under 30” list as one of the youngest Black women in America in a lead on-air position in a major US market, Majors shared her incredible journey that led to this massive milestone.
The Blueprint for Success: Hard Work and an Early Start
Majors' professional foundation started early in her San Diego upbringing. Before becoming a journalist, she was a child actor and model for brands like Disney and Coca-Cola. She credited this early exposure to the spotlight with removing the fear of public speaking and boosting her confidence and poise.
"It prepared me for everything that I do now," she said of her acting and modeling days.
Post-high school, Majors attended community college after not getting accepted into a four-year university. When counselors told her it would take three or four years to transfer, she took matters into her own hands.
"I proved them all wrong," she said, quickly transferring to California State University Fullerton for her undergraduate degree in journalism. Immediately after, she earned a master’s degree from the University of Southern California.
Rising to a Major Market
Majors' first television job was in Bakersfield, California, before making the leap to Seattle in 2020 at just 24 years old to the KOMO newsroom. On finding her footing in one of the country’s top media markets, Majors recalled struggling to find her place.
"When I saw the newsroom I was stepping into with the Eric Johnson's of the world and the Connie Thompson’s of the world and the Steve Pool’s of the world, these are…the KOMO greats,” she said. “Imposter syndrome on 100 right now.”
With the same determination she harnessed as a student, Majors said she overcame the obstacle with positive self-talk and support from her family. "I knew I had it in me to do the job,” she said.
ARC Seattle
Majors is the co-morning anchor of ARC Seattle, a conversational style program that reflects her vision for the future of local news. She believed this format is the way forward for news and information.
"It feels less like a traditional newscast and more like a conversation with a friend,” she said. “Still talking about the big news stories that are important for everybody to know, no matter the age. We're just doing it in a more relaxed format.”
Beyond the News Desk
Majors’ work extends far beyond the newsroom. She is an adjunct professor at Seattle University, where she writes curriculum for the next generation of storytellers and teaches courses that cover social media and modern news coverage.
Reflecting on the digital age of journalism, her advice to young, aspiring storytellers was clear and urgent.
"Tell the truth and cite your sources,” she said. “Be credible...be a trusting voice. But don't just don't just make up stuff. There's a lot of that going on on social media right now and it scares me.”
Majors’ journey is one of passion, persistence, and a commitment to quality storytelling, exemplifying what it means to set an example. As she starts 2026 bolstered by the Forbes “30 Under 30” recognition, there will only be more opportunities to make major moves.
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