Rick Earle: WPXI Investigative Reporter | Biography & Latest Reports
Rick Earle is the Chief Investigative Reporter for WPXI-TV, Channel 11 News, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
He joined the station in August 1994 as the Westmoreland County Bureau Chief and transitioned to the investigative team in September 2002.
With over two decades at WPXI, Earle has established himself as a seasoned journalist known for his in-depth reporting on critical local issues.
- Career History:
- He joined Channel 11 in August 1994 as the Westmoreland County Bureau Chief.
- In September 2002, he transitioned to the Investigative Team.
- His previous television experience includes working at:
- WNCT-TV in Greenville, North Carolina.
- WBRC-TV in Birmingham, Alabama.
- Notable Achievements:
- In 1994, he received the Associated Press Award for “Best Spot News” for his coverage of a deadly Palm Sunday tornado.
- He was involved in the coverage of the Flight 93 crash on September 11, 2001, and the award-winning coverage of the Quecreek Mine rescue.
- Journalistic Philosophy:
- He emphasizes accuracy, fairness, and balance in his reporting.
In short, Rick Earle is a seasoned investigative journalist with a long and distinguished career at WPXI-TV in Pittsburgh.
Early Life and Education:
Rick Earle was born and raised in Baltimore, Maryland. His passion for journalism began early, as he worked on his high school newspaper.
He further honed his skills during college, where he gained experience in radio broadcasting. Rick pursued higher education at Miami University of Ohio, where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Mass Communication.
- Early Life:
- He was born and raised in Baltimore, Maryland.
- Education:
- He graduated from Miami University of Ohio with a Bachelor of Science in mass communication.
- He began his journalism career in his high school newspaper.
- He also worked in radio during his college years.
- Early Career:
- His first television job was at WNCT-TV in Greenville, North Carolina.
- He also worked at WBRC-TV in Birmingham, Alabama, before joining WPXI-TV in Pittsburgh.
Career:
Rick Earle has built a robust career in broadcast journalism, spanning multiple stations and roles, with a focus on investigative reporting and impactful storytelling.
His journey began after earning a Bachelor of Science in Mass Communication from Miami University of Ohio, where he gained early experience in radio.
Earle’s television career kicked off at WNCT-TV in Greenville, North Carolina. Following his time at WNCT-TV, Earle moved to WBRC-TV in Birmingham, Alabama.
In Birmingham, he would have encountered a broader scope of stories, including urban crime, southern politics, and natural disasters common to the region, such as tornadoes.
In August 1994, Earle joined WPXI-TV, the NBC affiliate in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, where he has since become a cornerstone of the station’s newsroom.
He started as the Westmoreland County Bureau Chief, a role that placed him in the thick of local reporting east of Pittsburgh.
In September 2002, Earle transitioned to the role of Chief Investigative Reporter at WPXI-TV, a position he has held for over two decades.
His work has included high-profile stories such as the Flight 93 crash in Somerset County on September 11, 2001, and the Quecreek Mine rescue in 2002, where nine miners were saved after being trapped underground—a story that earned WPXI award-winning coverage.
Other notable investigations have centered on crime, police conduct, and local government accountability, reflecting his commitment to serving the Pittsburgh community.
Throughout his career, Earle has earned recognition for his excellence. In 1994, shortly after joining WPXI, he received the Associated Press Award for “Best Spot News” for his coverage of a deadly Palm Sunday tornado, demonstrating his ability to deliver under pressure.
Rick Earle has been involved in several notable investigative stories throughout his career. Some of his most impactful coverage includes:
- Flight 93 Crash (September 11, 2001): Rick reported on the tragic crash in Somerset County, Pennsylvania, providing critical updates during a pivotal moment in history.
- Quecreek Mine Rescue: He covered the dramatic rescue of nine miners trapped underground in Pennsylvania, a story that captured national attention.
- Palm Sunday Tornado (1994): Rick’s coverage of this deadly tornado earned him the Associated Press Award for “Best Spot News.”
Awards and Recognitions
Rick Earle has received notable awards and recognitions throughout his journalism career.
- 994 Associated Press Award for “Best Spot News”: Won for covering a deadly Palm Sunday tornado at WPXI-TV.
- Quecreek Mine Rescue (2002): Contributed to WPXI’s award-winning coverage of the 77-hour miner rescue.
- Flight 93 Crash (2001): Part of WPXI’s acclaimed reporting, though no individual award specified.
Rick Earle has worked alongside many talented colleagues at WPXI-TV in Pittsburgh. Some of his notable coworkers include:
- Lisa Sylvester – Evening news anchor, introduces Earle’s reports.
- Darieth Chisolm: Former anchor at WPXI-TV.
- Lori Houy: Reporter at WPXI-TV.
- Trisha Pittman: Traffic anchor/reporter, complements broader news efforts.
- Julie Bologna: Meteorologist at WPXI-TV.
- Bill Phillips: Sports anchor at WPXI-TV.
- Scott Harbaugh: Meteorologist at WPXI-TV.
These individuals have contributed to the station’s success and have worked in various roles to deliver quality journalism and reporting.
Financial Status:
Personal Life:
- Age: Estimated 55–65 (based on career timeline).
- Ethnicity: Caucasian.
- Nationality: American (born in Baltimore, MD).
- Relationship Status: Married.
- Wife: Rick is married, but he has not disclosed his wife’s name publicly. He has five children.
Earle is married and the father of five children. Beyond this, he tends to keep details of his personal life away from the public eye, focusing public attention on his professional endeavors.
Physical Attributes:
- Height: Approximately 5’7″ to 5’9″ (170-175 cm)—a common range for adult men.
- Weight: Likely within a healthy range for his height, possibly 150-180 lbs (68-82 kg).
- Distinguishing Features: With limited public descriptions, one might estimate typical features like short hair and a professional appearance, often seen among journalists.
Social Media Activity:
Earle maintains an active presence on social media platforms. He engages with the public and shares updates on his investigative work through his official Facebook page and Twitter.
These platforms serve as extensions of his journalistic efforts, allowing for broader dissemination of information and interaction with the community.
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