Shelby Nelson: Reporter and Multimedia Journalist at KTLA
Shelby Nelson is a reporter and multimedia journalist based in the Inland Empire. She joined KTLA 5 News in December 2021 and is excited to be storytelling in the region she grew up in.
Throughout her career, Shelby has covered numerous significant stories, including local politics, natural disasters, community issues, and more.
Her reporting is known for its depth, accuracy, and ability to connect with the audience on a personal level.
Shelby is deeply invested in the communities she reports on. Her background and personal connection to the Inland Empire give her a unique perspective and dedication to telling the stories that matter most to her audience.
Early Life and Education
Shelby Nelson was born in Fontana, California, and moved to the San Gabriel Valley town of Covina when she was 9 years old. She grew up in a close-knit family, surrounded by aunts, uncles, cousins, and her grandparents.
Her mother raised Shelby and her siblings on her own, which instilled a strong sense of resilience and independence in her.
Shelby attended Cypress Elementary, Royal Oak Middle School, and Charter Oak High School in Covina. During high school, she was active in sports, playing soccer and running track and cross-country.
She was even crowned homecoming queen! Shelby also worked at a local pizza joint, Michaelangelo’s, which gave her a sense of independence and responsibility from a young age.
Upbringing and Family
Shelby’s upbringing was filled with family love and outdoor adventures. Her grandparents often took the whole family on camping trips to places like Leo Carillo State Park, creating cherished memories.
Shelby’s mother worked hard to provide for the family, and Shelby has expressed deep gratitude for her mother’s efforts.
Shelby has a younger brother and an older sister. The siblings share a close bond and have traveled together, including a memorable four-day Inca trek in Peru in 2017.
Career
elby Nelson currently works as a reporter and multimedia journalist at KTLA 5 News in Los Angeles, a role she has held since December 2021.
Before joining KTLA, she worked for several media outlets, including KESQ, KUNA, and CBS Local 2, where she served as a multimedia journalist and reporter.
Shelby’s career began with internships and roles at NBC Sports Bay Area, KRON-TV in San Francisco, and KPIX, gaining experience as a news writer and reporter.
Early Career
- KRON 4 News: Shelby Nelson began her journalism career in San Francisco, working as a writer for KTLA’s sister station, KRON 4 News. This entry-level position gave her a solid foundation in news writing and reporting, where she covered various local stories and gained hands-on experience in the fast-paced world of broadcast journalism.
- KPIX 5: Following her time at KRON 4 News, Shelby moved to KPIX 5, a CBS affiliate in the Bay Area. At KPIX 5, she honed her reporting skills further, covering a diverse array of stories that ranged from breaking news to in-depth investigative reports. This role helped her build a reputation as a reliable and thorough journalist.
KESQ-TV and CBS Local 2
- KESQ-TV: Shelby’s next significant career move was to KESQ-TV in Palm Springs. Here, she worked as a multimedia journalist and reporter, a role that required her to be adept at both reporting and shooting her own stories. Shelby’s ability to multitask and deliver high-quality news reports quickly made her a valuable asset to the station.
- CBS Local 2: Concurrently, Shelby also worked for CBS Local 2, further expanding her experience in the industry. Her work involved covering local news stories, including community events, political updates, and human interest stories. Her time here allowed her to deeply connect with the Inland Empire community.
KUNA-TV
- KUNA-TV: At KUNA-TV, Shelby took on the dual role of news anchor and reporter. This position gave her the chance to be the face of the news broadcasts, delivering daily news to a wide audience. Her responsibilities included anchoring newscasts, reporting on major events, and ensuring that the news was presented accurately and engagingly.
KTLA 5 News
- KTLA 5 News: In December 2021, Shelby joined KTLA 5 News as a reporter and multimedia journalist. This role marked a significant milestone in her career, as it allowed her to return to her roots in the Inland Empire and report on stories close to her heart. At KTLA, Shelby covers a broad spectrum of news stories, from breaking news to community events, continuing to showcase her versatility and commitment to journalism.
Shelby Nelson’s Financial Status
Net Worth:
Shelby Nelson’s net worth is estimated to be between $1 million and $5 million. This estimate takes into account her earnings from her extensive career in journalism, as well as any other investments she may have. The wide range is due to the variability in salaries and potential additional income sources in the field of journalism.
Salary:
Shelby Nelson earns an annual salary of approximately $88,188 from her role as a reporter and multimedia journalist at KTLA 5 News. This salary reflects her experience and the responsibilities she holds in her position. However, salaries for journalists can vary widely depending on the market, the size of the news organization, and the individual’s experience and skills.
Breakdown of Income Sources
- KTLA 5 News: As a reporter and multimedia journalist at KTLA 5 News, Shelby’s primary source of income is her salary. Her role involves reporting on a wide range of local news stories, which contributes to her annual earnings.
- Previous Roles: Shelby’s previous roles at KESQ-TV, CBS Local 2, and other news organizations 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 KTLA.
- 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.
Personal Life
- Age: Shelby Nelson was born in 1991 in Covina, California. As of 2025, she is around 34-35 years old.
- Ethnicity: Shelby is of Mexican-American ethnicity.
- Nationality: She is American.
- Relationship Status: Shelby Nelson is married.
Shelby Nelson’s Husband
Shelby Nelson is married to Andrew, her longtime boyfriend. They first met in middle school while playing AYSO soccer, but they were just friends throughout high school and college. They reconnected later in life and got engaged in 2023, eventually tying the knot later that year.
Shelby and Andrew are blessed with two children. They have a son and a daughter, both of whom are a significant part of their lives. Shelby often shares glimpses of her family life on social media, showcasing the love and joy they bring to her life.
Physical Attributes
Shelby Nelson stands at approximately 5 feet 5 inches (165 cm). She has brown hair and hazel eyes. Her warm and engaging presence on screen is often noted by viewers.
Social Media Presence
Shelby Nelson is active on social media. She has accounts on Twitter and Instagram. She shares updates about her professional work, travels, and glimpses of her personal life. Her social media activity highlights her passion for storytelling and connection with her audience