Morgan Radford Biography: NBC News Anchor and Correspondent
Morgan Radford is an American television news anchor and correspondent employed by NBC News as a New York-based correspondent.
Early Life and Education
Morgan Radford grew up in Greensboro, North Carolina, with her parents and brother.
Her mother, Dr. Lily Kelly-Radford, is a former clinical psychologist who now works as a management consultant.
Her father, Kim Radford, worked on the railroads. Morgan has a brother named Miller Radford.
Morgan attended Grimsley High School in Greensboro. She then went on to Harvard University, where she graduated in May 2009 with a Bachelor of Arts in Social Studies and Foreign Language Citations in French and Spanish.
She later pursued a Master of Science in Broadcast Journalism from Columbia University, graduating in 2012.
Career
Morgan began her career as an intern at CNN for the Morning Express with Robin Meade in 2009.
She then received a Fulbright Scholarship in 2010, which allowed her to teach English in Durban, Kwa-Zulu Natal, South Africa. During the 2010 World Cup, she worked as a production assistant for ESPN.
In 2012, Morgan joined ABC News as a fellow and eventually anchored for ABC News Now. She then moved to Al Jazeera America in 2013, where she served as an anchor and correspondent.
In September 2015, she joined NBC News and MSNBC as a correspondent. Since then, she has covered major stories such as the 2016 presidential election, the death of Fidel Castro, and Hurricane Maria.
Early Career
CNN Internship
Morgan Radford began her journalism journey with an internship at CNN on the show Morning Express with Robin Meade in 2009.
This role provided her with foundational experience in the fast-paced world of news production and reporting.
Fulbright Scholar in South Africa
In 2010, Morgan was awarded a Fulbright Scholarship. This prestigious grant enabled her to teach English in Durban, Kwa-Zulu Natal, South Africa.
During this time, she gained a global perspective and a deeper understanding of educational and social issues, which enriched her journalistic approach.
ESPN Production Assistant
During the 2010 FIFA World Cup, Morgan worked as a production assistant for ESPN.
This role allowed her to be part of the massive media coverage of one of the world’s biggest sporting events.
Her responsibilities included assisting with production logistics and content creation.
ABC News
ABC News Fellowship
In 2012, Morgan joined ABC News as a fellow. This position was a stepping stone that gave her the opportunity to develop her reporting skills and gain exposure to national news coverage.
Anchor for ABC News Now
Following her fellowship, Morgan became an anchor for ABC News Now. In this role, she delivered news updates and covered a variety of stories, ranging from breaking news to human interest pieces.
Al Jazeera America
Anchor and Correspondent
Morgan made a significant career move in 2013 by joining Al Jazeera America as an anchor and correspondent.
During her tenure at Al Jazeera, she was responsible for anchoring newscasts and reporting on major global events.
Her work included in-depth coverage of complex stories, which helped her build a reputation for thorough and insightful journalism.
NBC News and MSNBC
Morgan Radford’s Career at NBC News and MSNBC
Morgan Radford joined NBC News and MSNBC in September 2015 as a correspondent.
Since then, she has been an integral part of the network, covering a wide range of topics including national and international news, politics, and entertainment.
Key Roles and Contributions
- NBC News Now: In April 2021, Morgan was given her own show on NBC News’ live-streaming outlet, NBC News Now, alongside Aaron Gilchrist. This show provides breaking news updates and in-depth analysis on various topics.
- NBC News Daily: In September 2022, Morgan became the co-anchor of NBC News Daily, a role that involves anchoring the daily news broadcast and providing comprehensive news coverage.
- MSNBC: As a correspondent for MSNBC, Morgan has reported on significant events and stories, contributing to the network’s coverage of major news events.
Notable Coverage
Morgan Radford has reported on several notable stories throughout her career at NBC News and MSNBC. Here are a few highlights:
- Sisters of the Movement: In June 2020, Morgan reported on the Sisters of the Movement, a group of Black women whose siblings were killed by police or in police custody. This powerful story highlighted their fight for police reforms and the personal impact of their loss. Morgan shared how this story resonated with her personally, as she reflected on the lessons her parents taught her about leading with love and building up communities.
- 2016 Presidential Election: Morgan provided extensive coverage of the 2016 presidential election, including the campaigns, election night, and the aftermath. Her reporting helped viewers understand the complexities and significance of the election.
- Death of Fidel Castro: Morgan covered the death of Fidel Castro, exploring its implications for Cuba and the international community. Her reporting provided insights into the historical context and the reactions from various stakeholders.
- Hurricane Maria: In the aftermath of Hurricane Maria, Morgan reported from Puerto Rico on the devastation caused by the hurricane and the ongoing recovery efforts. Her coverage shed light on the challenges faced by the residents and the resilience of the community.
- COVID-19 Pandemic: During the COVID-19 pandemic, Morgan reported on the impacts of the virus on communities across the United States. Her stories highlighted the struggles and resilience of individuals and families affected by the pandemic.
Morgan Radford’s reporting is known for its depth, empathy, and commitment to uncovering the truth. Her work has made a significant impact on the field of journalism and has helped inform and engage viewers on important issues.
Awards and Recognitions
Morgan Radford has received several awards and recognitions throughout her career, highlighting her contributions to journalism and her impact on the field:
- Joseph Pulitzer II and Edith Pulitzer Moore Fellow: During her time at Columbia University, Morgan was named a Joseph Pulitzer II and Edith Pulitzer Moore Fellow. This prestigious fellowship is awarded to students who demonstrate exceptional promise in journalism.
- Fulbright Scholarship: In 2010, Morgan was awarded a Fulbright Scholarship to teach English in Durban, South Africa. This scholarship is a testament to her academic achievements and her commitment to global education.
- RTDNAC/AP Awards Ceremony Keynote Speaker: Morgan was invited to be the keynote speaker at the 2023 RTDNAC/AP Awards Ceremony held at the Charlotte Motor Speedway. This recognition underscores her influence and leadership in the field of journalism.
These awards and recognitions reflect Morgan Radford’s dedication to journalism and her ability to make a significant impact through her reporting and storytelling.
Morgan Radford’s Financial Status
Net Worth: Morgan Radford’s net worth is estimated to be around $1 million. This estimate takes into account her earnings from her extensive career in journalism, as well as any other investments she may have.
Salary: Morgan Radford earns an annual salary of approximately $201,000 from her role as a correspondent at NBC News and MSNBC. This salary reflects her experience and the high level of responsibility she holds in her position.
Breakdown of Income Sources
- NBC News and MSNBC: As a correspondent for NBC News and MSNBC, Morgan’s primary source of income is her salary from these networks. Her role involves reporting on significant national and international news stories, which contributes to her high earnings.
- Previous Roles: Morgan’s previous roles at ABC News, Al Jazeera America, and CNN have also contributed to her net worth. Her work at these organizations helped build her reputation and experience in the field, leading to her current position at NBC News and MSNBC.
- Other Ventures: While specific details about other income sources are not publicly available, it is common for journalists of her caliber to engage in additional activities such as public speaking, writing, or media consulting, which can further supplement their income.
Morgan Radford’s Personal Life
- Age: Morgan Radford was born on November 18, 1987, making her 37 years old as of now.
- Zodiac Sign: She is a Scorpio.
- Ethnicity: Morgan is of mixed ethnicity (African-Cuban-American).
- Nationality: She is American.
- Relationship Status: Morgan Radford is married.
Husband:
Morgan is married to David Williams, whom she met in college. They got engaged in November 2019 and married in January 2022 in Cartagena, Colombia.
In August 2022, Morgan announced that she was pregnant with their first child, and she gave birth to a daughter on February 2, 2023.
David Williams
David Williams is Morgan Radford’s husband. They first met while attending Harvard University, where David was conducting an interview with Morgan for his senior research paper.
Despite becoming close during their college years, they had to part ways. They reconnected in London in 2017 at a conference, and their relationship blossomed from there. They got engaged in November 2019 and married in January 2022 in Cartagena, Colombia.
David is currently working as the Director of Policy Outreach at Opportunity Insights, an organization focused on economic mobility and poverty.
He previously worked at the Mayor’s Office in Detroit as a Senior Advisor on economic and real-estate development projects. David has also contributed think pieces for publications such as TIME.
Adelana “Lana” Marcia Radford Williams
Morgan and David welcomed their first child, a daughter named Adelana “Lana” Marcia Radford Williams, on February 2, 2023.
Adelana’s name has special significance: “Adelana” is a Yoruba name meaning “the conduit by which more good things are to come,” and “Marcia” comes from her maternal grandmother.
The couple has shared that they are in a state of “wondrous awe” and are enjoying every moment with their new bundle of joy.
Morgan Radford’s Physical Description
- Height: Approximately 5 feet 5 inches (165 cm).
- Weight: Around 62 kg (137 lbs).
- Measurements: Approximately 34-25-35 inches (Bust-Waist-Hip).
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Distinguishing Features
- Hair Color: Morgan has black hair, which she often styles in a way that suits her professional image.
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- Eye Color: Her brown eyes are a distinctive feature that add to her charismatic screen presence.
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- Smile: Morgan’s warm and genuine smile is another distinguishing feature, often noted for its ability to put interviewees and audiences at ease.
Is Morgan Radford related to Lester Holt
Morgan Radford is not related to Lester Holt. However, there was a fun moment when Morgan introduced Lester Holt to his “doppelgänger” on social media, which created a bit of buzz!
Social Media Presence
Morgan is active on various social media platforms, including Twitter and Instagram, where she shares insights into her professional work and personal life. She uses these platforms to engage with her audience and highlight important social issues.