As the Salem Bureau Chief for KATU News, Melica is based at the State Capitol. Her primary beat is covering state politics, which is a perfect fit for Melica, since political journalism is her passion.

Melica has extensive experience in political reporting. She has covered numerous state legislative sessions (in Oregon and Idaho); spent a good many days following local, state and federal candidates on the campaign trail; and covered the 2000 Democratic National Convention in Los Angeles.

As a 2001-2002 American Political Science Association Fellow, Melica intensely studied Congress and national politics in Washington, D.C. As part of the non-partisan fellowship program, she worked for a member of Congress on Capitol Hill, learning how national and local media is managed by a Congressional office.

Melica has received numerous broadcasting awards including, the 2004 Oregon AP’s 1st Place award for investigative reporting on a story about President George W. Bush’s "Healthy Forest Initiative."

A native of Baker City, Oregon, Melica started her news career at a young age. She worked a paper route with her older sister when she was 7. However, she was forced to resign by her Mother, after turning blue while working the route one winter when Baker was experiencing negative temperatures. Fortunately, she did not let the episode deter her from reaching her goal of becoming a reporter.

Melica’s career stops include: KBOI-AM Boise, Idaho; KBCI-TV, Boise; Fox-12 TV, Boise; KGW-TV, Portland; and KEZI-TV in Eugene.