
Shally Zomorodi: FOX 5 Morning News Anchor Biography & Career
Shally Zomorodi is an Emmy Award-winning journalist and the charismatic weekday morning news anchor at FOX 5 San Diego. She is on air weekdays from 4:30 AM to 9:00 AM.
Zomorodi attributes some of her success in broadcasting to her participation in pageants, having held titles such as Miss Orange County Teen USA and Miss Orange County USA, and winning an award in journalism during the MISS CALIFORNIA USA competition. She left law school to pursue her broadcasting career.
Early Life and Education:
- Fluent in Farsi and conversational in Spanish.
- Graduated with Honors from California State University, Fullerton, with a B.A. in Broadcast Journalism and Political Science.
- Briefly attended law school before pursuing her dream in broadcasting.
Journalism Career:
- Launched her news career as an assistant for KTTV FOX 11 in Los Angeles.
- Quickly advanced to an on-air reporting position at KBMT-TV in Beaumont, Texas.
- Returned to Southern California, reporting for LA City View in Los Angeles and anchoring DAYBREAK OC, a two-hour live morning show.
- Has also worked as a reporter for Voice of America, showcasing her global skills and diverse background.
- Joined FOX 5 San Diego, where she has been a prominent morning news anchor for more than 10 years.
Other Accomplishments and Interests:
- Pageantry: Shally credits her success in broadcasting to pageants, having won the title of Mrs. California Globe and placing 3rd runner-up to Mrs. US GLOBE. She also held the titles of Miss Orange County Teen USA and Miss Orange County USA, and won a journalism award during her competition at MISS CALIFORNIA USA.
- Author: She is the author of the children’s book “Myla. Caterpillars Become Butterflies,” which addresses bullying and struggles with fitting in, inspired by her daughter Shyla.
- Podcast Host: Shally hosts a podcast titled “It is what it is with SHALLZ,” where she discusses various life topics.
- Weddings Officiant: Due to her love for “love,” she has become licensed to officiate Persian American weddings.
- Cooking Enthusiast: She loves to cook and feed people, often sharing her passion for food and flavor.
- Family Life: Shally is a wife to Bruce and a mother of four children: Arshia, Arshan, Shyla, and Shayden. She emphasizes that “nothing beats having the title of MOMMY.”
- Activism: She is actively involved in the Iranian community and an activist for the Iranian people, using her platform to cover topics like the ongoing movement for freedom in Iran.
Age:
Shally Zomorodi was born on February 7, 1983, making her 42 years old as of 2025. Her zodiac sign is Aquarius. She is of Persian (Iranian) descent and proudly holds American nationality.
Parents and Siblings:
Shally Zomorodi was born and raised in California to Iranian immigrant parents who originally came from Rasht, Iran.
Growing up in a Persian-American household, she was deeply influenced by her cultural heritage and is fluent in Farsi.
Her parents, whose names she has kept private, were hardworking and supportive, encouraging her ambitions from a young age—whether in academics, pageantry, or journalism.
Shally often credits them for instilling in her a strong sense of discipline, family values, and pride in her roots.
She also has one brother, with whom she shares a close bond, though he remains largely out of the public eye.
Their upbringing was marked by a strong family connection and a blend of Iranian tradition and American opportunity, which continues to shape Shally’s identity both on and off screen.
Husband:
Shally Zomorodi is married to Bruce Joon, an Iranian-American who works as both a chemical engineer and a lawyer.
The couple first met in July 1999 at a restaurant called Javier’s, and their first date—a jet-skiing adventure—marked the beginning of a deep and lasting relationship.
Bruce proposed to Shally just weeks later, on July 21, 1999, and after six years of dating, they were married on September 3, 2005.
Over the years, they’ve celebrated their love with multiple wedding ceremonies, including a traditional Persian-American wedding, a legal ceremony in Las Vegas, a celebration with their children, and plans for a fourth to mark their 20th anniversary—one for each child.
Together, Shally and Bruce have four children: Arshia, Arshan, Shyla, and Shayden.
Arshia, their firstborn son, was born on October 7, 2011, and is often described by Shally as her introduction to unconditional love.
Arshan, born on September 2, 2013, is known for his calm and affectionate nature.
Their daughter Shyla, born on July 29, 2016, brought a new dynamic to the family with her vibrant personality.
The youngest, Shayden, was born on May 8, 2019, and his gender was kept a surprise until birth.
Shally frequently shares glimpses of their joyful family life on social media, affectionately referring to them as her “Persian Posse.” For her, motherhood is the most meaningful and fulfilling role she holds.
Height:
Shally Zomorodi stands at an estimated 5 feet 4 inches (163 cm) tall. Her weight is believed to be around 125 pounds (57 kg).
Career and Background:
Shally began her broadcast career after earning a degree in Political Science and Journalism from California State University, Fullerton.
She was also crowned Miss Orange County USA and later became a runner-up in the Miss California USA pageant, which helped boost her media visibility. Before joining FOX 5, she worked at CityView Channel 35 and Voice of America.
She has been a cornerstone of the FOX 5 Morning News team for over a decade and is celebrated for her warmth, relatability, and journalistic integrity.
Early Career and Entry into Journalism
Shally Zomorodi began her journalism career as a news assistant at KTTV FOX 11 in Los Angeles in 2001.
While working behind the scenes, she earned a producer’s award that gave her access to the newsroom—an experience that solidified her decision to pursue broadcasting full-time.
Her first on-air role came shortly after at KBMT Channel 12, an ABC affiliate in Beaumont, Texas, where she worked as a general assignment reporter.
This early exposure to live reporting and field coverage laid the foundation for her future in television news.
International and Civic Reporting
From 2003 to 2006, Shally expanded her journalistic reach by joining Voice of America (VOA) as a video journalist and bilingual reporter.
Fluent in both English and Farsi, she produced international news content that connected diaspora communities with global affairs.
During this period, she also worked with Cityview Channel 35 in Los Angeles, a government-access station, where she reported on civic issues and hosted community-focused programming.
These roles allowed her to develop a strong public affairs voice and a deeper understanding of policy-driven journalism.
Rise in Morning Television
In 2006, Shally became the morning anchor for “Daybreak OC” on KDOC-TV, a two-hour live morning show based in Orange County.
Her role involved delivering regional news, lifestyle features, and live interviews, helping her build a reputation as a warm and engaging on-air personality.
FOX 5 San Diego – Anchor and Public Figure
Shally joined FOX 5 San Diego (KSWB-TV) in 2008, where she currently anchors the weekday morning news from 6 a.m. to 10 a.m.
Her presence on the show has become a staple for viewers across Southern California. Known for her authenticity, humor, and relatability, she co-anchors alongside Raoul Martinez and frequently collaborates with meteorologist Chrissy Russo.
Over the years, Shally has covered breaking news, lifestyle segments, and celebrity interviews, while also building a strong digital presence through social media and YouTube.
Shally Zomorodi works alongside a talented and close-knit team at FOX 5 San Diego, where she co-anchors the weekday morning news.
Her most notable colleagues include:
- Raoul Martinez – Shally’s longtime co-anchor and on-air partner. Known for his sharp news delivery and playful chemistry with Shally, he brings energy and humor to the morning show.
- Chrissy Russo – Meteorologist and traffic anchor. A close friend of Shally’s, Chrissy is known for her dynamic weather segments and engaging personality.
- Eric Richards – News anchor and reporter who contributes to breaking news and special coverage during the morning broadcast.
- Heather Lake – Feature reporter who covers lifestyle, fitness, and community stories. She frequently joins Shally for live remotes and studio segments.
- Brad Wills – Weather anchor who occasionally fills in and adds to the morning show’s upbeat tone.
Together, this team forms the core of FOX 5 Morning News, delivering a mix of breaking news, weather, lifestyle, and community stories with a friendly, engaging tone that resonates with San Diego viewers.
Shally Zomorodi Miss California:
Shally Zomorodi’s journey into journalism was significantly shaped by her experience in beauty pageants—most notably her participation in the Miss California USA competition.
Pageant Background and Miss California USA
Shally held several titles in her pageant career, including:
- Miss Orange County Teen USA
- Miss Orange County USA
- Mrs. California Globe (later in her career)
- 3rd Runner-Up to Mrs. US Globe
While competing in Miss California USA, Shally won a journalism award from the producers of KTTV FOX 11 in Los Angeles. This recognition was a turning point in her life.
At the time, she was attending law school, but the award gave her the opportunity to tour television studios and receive mentorship from broadcast professionals.
That experience led to an internship and eventually a job as a news assistant at Good Day L.A., launching her career in journalism.
Shally has often credited her success in broadcasting to her pageant experience, saying that the confidence, public speaking skills, and stage presence she developed during those competitions prepared her for a life in front of the camera.
It Is What It Is with SHALLZ
“It Is What It Is with SHALLZ” is a heartfelt and uplifting podcast hosted by Shally Zomorodi, launched in 2020 and active through 2021.
The show features weekly episodes averaging around 35 minutes, where Shally shares candid reflections on life’s challenges, joys, and everything in between.
Podcast Overview
- Host: Shally Zomorodi
- Language: English
- Platform: Available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and other major platforms
- Years Active: 2020–2021
- Episodes: 25+
- Tone: Warm, optimistic, and relatable
Themes and Topics
Each episode explores real-life issues with honesty and encouragement, including:
- Parenting and raising children
- Marriage and relationships
- Mental health and emotional resilience
- Coping with stress and uncertainty (especially during the pandemic)
- Personal growth and mindset
- Conversations with doctors, psychologists, and community leaders
Shally’s tone is conversational and empowering, often reminding listeners to “dance through the rain” even when life feels overwhelming.
Notable Episodes
- “It’s OK Not to Be OK” – Mental health during the pandemic
- “Teens and Drugs” – Navigating adolescence and substance use
- “More Than Mind” – Growth mindset and emotional boundaries
- “God, Love, and Life” – Interview with Pastor Miles McPherson
- “Coronavirus, Vaccines, and Kids” – Expert insights with Dr. John Bradley
Bereez o Bepaz
Shally Zomorodi is the host of a vibrant Persian-language cooking and lifestyle show called “Bereez o Bepaz” (translated as “Pour and Cook with Shally”), which airs on the Voice of America (VOA) YouTube channel.
About Bereez o Bepaz
- Host: Shally Zomorodi
- Platform: Voice of America (VOA) Farsi YouTube Channel
- Genre: Cooking, Culture, Entertainment
- Language: Persian (Farsi)
- Debut: 2022
- Production Company: LA Vibe Productions
Show Concept
Bereez o Bepaz blends cooking with culture, music, and celebrity guests.
Each episode features Shally preparing a dish—often with a personal or cultural twist—alongside well-known figures from the Iranian entertainment world.
The show is filled with laughter, dancing, storytelling, and delicious recipes, making it more than just a cooking show—it’s a celebration of Persian hospitality and joy.
Notable Guests
- Shahram Shabpareh
- Kamran & Hooman
- Mojgan Shajarian
- Steven Don
- Sasy & Farshid
Shally brings her signature warmth and charisma to the kitchen, creating an atmosphere that feels like a family gathering. Her passion for food and Persian culture shines through in every episode.
Net Worth and Salary:
Shally Zomorodi earns an estimated $77,445 annually as FOX 5 San Diego’s morning news anchor, with some sources suggesting up to $100,000.
Her net worth is estimated at $700,000–$3 million, likely around $1.5 million, from her 20+ year journalism career, including roles at FOX 11 and Voice of America.
Additional income comes from her podcast It Is What It Is with SHALLZ and YouTube channel ShallZ, plus potential Instagram sponsorships.
Her wealth reflects earnings, a Southern California lifestyle, and family expenses with four children.
Is Shally Zomorodi Married?
Yes, Shally Zomorodi is married to Bruce Joon, an Iranian-American lawyer and chemical engineer. They met in 1999 and married in 2005.
The couple has had multiple wedding ceremonies, including one for their children to witness. Together, they have four children and share a strong, family-centered bond.
How Old Is Shally Zomorodi?
Shally Zomorodi is 42 years old (born on February 7, 1983).
Where is Shally Zomorodi working?
Shally Zomorodi is currently working as a morning news anchor at FOX 5 San Diego (KSWB-TV).
She co-anchors the weekday morning newscast from 6 a.m. to 10 a.m., where she has become a familiar and trusted face for viewers across Southern California.
Shally Zomorodi is active on social media:
Instagram – @shallyzomorodi
Facebook – Shally Zomorodi
Twitter (X) – @ShallyZomorodi
She frequently shares updates about her work at FOX 5 San Diego, as well as glimpses into her family life and cultural events.
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