Lisa Sylvester Bio, Age, Husband, Family | WPXI-TV News Anchor

Lisa Sylvester has built a distinguished career in broadcast journalism, spanning local, regional, and national markets over several decades.

Her journey reflects a progression from small-market stations to major networks, culminating in her current role as a prominent news anchor at WPXI-TV in Pittsburgh.

Early Career: Starting in Local News

Sylvester began her journalism career in smaller markets, a common entry point for aspiring broadcasters to gain hands-on experience.

Her first known professional role was at WBOY-TV, an NBC affiliate in Clarksburg, West Virginia.

This station serves a rural region near the Pennsylvania border, and during her time there, likely in the late 1980s or early 1990s, she would have worked as a general assignment reporter or anchor.

This role allowed her to develop foundational skills in reporting, writing, and on-air delivery, covering local stories such as community events, weather impacts, and regional news.

Following WBOY-TV, Sylvester moved to a larger market at WJLA-TV, the ABC affiliate in Washington, D.C.

This transition marked a significant step up, as WJLA serves the nation’s capital, a hub for political and national news.

At WJLA, she worked as a reporter and anchor, gaining exposure to high-stakes journalism.

Her time here likely involved covering local government, crime, and breaking news in the D.C. metro area, sharpening her ability to handle complex stories and preparing her for the national stage.

National Spotlight: ABC News and Affiliates

Sylvester’s career took a major leap when she joined ABC News, one of the “Big Three” American broadcast networks.

As a correspondent based in Washington, D.C., she contributed to flagship programs such as Good Morning America, World News Tonight, and 20/20.

Her work at ABC News focused on national stories, often tied to her D.C. beat, including political developments, federal policy, and investigative pieces.

During her ABC tenure, Sylvester also worked as an anchor and reporter at WLS-TV, ABC’s owned-and-operated station in Chicago, Illinois.

At WLS (Channel 7), she covered the bustling Chicago market, one of the largest in the U.S., tackling stories ranging from city politics to crime and cultural events.

Her anchoring duties at WLS included evening newscasts, where she honed her skills as a lead broadcaster, a precursor to her current role at WPXI.

Peak National Exposure: CNN

Sylvester’s career reached a national pinnacle when she joined CNN, based in Washington, D.C., as a correspondent and anchor.

At CNN, one of the world’s leading 24-hour news networks, she spent over a decade covering some of the most significant beats in journalism.

Her assignments included Capitol Hill, where she reported on congressional activities, legislation, and political scandals, as well as federal agencies like the Department of Justice and the FBI.

She also anchored programs on CNN, including weekend editions of CNN Newsroom, where she delivered live updates and interviewed key figures.

Her work earned her two Emmy Awards—one specifically noted from her CNN tenure—along with accolades from the Society of Professional Journalists and the Associated Press.

Return to Pittsburgh: WPXI-TV

In a full-circle moment, Sylvester returned to her hometown of Pittsburgh to join WPXI-TV, the NBC affiliate known as Channel 11, where she currently serves as a news anchor.

She co-anchors the evening newscasts at 5 p.m., 6 p.m., and 11 p.m. alongside Gordon Loesch, who succeeded David Johnson after his retirement in December 2024.

At WPXI, Sylvester has become a trusted face, leveraging her deep journalism background to connect with viewers.

Her role involves not only anchoring but also contributing to special reports and community engagement, such as moderating events like the 2024 “A Woman’s Place” panel at the Heinz History Center.

Her return to Pittsburgh reflects a desire to serve her home community, blending her national expertise with a local focus.

Career Highlights and Stations Summary

• WBOY-TV (Clarksburg, WV): Early career as a reporter/anchor in a small market.

• WJLA-TV (Washington, D.C.): Reporter and anchor in a major metro area.

• ABC News (National): Correspondent for Good Morning America, World News Tonight, etc.

• WLS-TV (Chicago, IL): Anchor/reporter at ABC’s Chicago affiliate.

• CNN (Washington, D.C.): Correspondent and anchor, covering Capitol Hill and federal beats.

• WPXI-TV (Pittsburgh, PA): Current role as evening news co-anchor since returning to her hometown.

Here Are Lisa Sylvester’s Notable Coverage:

• September 11 Terrorist Attacks:

• • Reported extensively for CNN.

• • Contributed to coverage that earned a Peabody Award (2002) and an Emmy Award (2001).

• “Exporting America” Series:

• • Investigative series for CNN focusing on outsourcing.

• • Received a Business Emmy Award (2004).

• Tornado Survival:

• • Coverage while at WKRN-TV in Nashville, Tennessee.

• • Earned both an Emmy and an Associated Press Award (1997).