Erin Coleman: The Philadelphia Native Who Turned Morning News Into Must-Watch TV

Every weekday morning at 5 a.m., when most of Philadelphia is still hitting snooze, Erin Coleman is already wide awake—coffee in hand, scripts reviewed, ready to guide viewers through the day’s most important stories. But this Emmy Award-winning anchor isn’t just reading teleprompters. She’s doing what she’s always done best: digging for truth and building bridges between news and the neighborhoods she grew up in.

For Erin Coleman, journalism isn’t a job. It’s a calling that brought her full circle—from a Philadelphia-born kid with big dreams to one of NBC10’s most trusted voices.

Quick Facts: Erin Coleman at a Glance

Coming Home: Why Erin Coleman’s NBC10 Story Matters

When Erin joined NBC10 Philadelphia (WCAU-TV) in October 2016, it wasn’t just another career move. It was homecoming.

Born in Philadelphia and raised in Voorhees, New Jersey, Erin had spent years building her reputation across the country—from small markets in Arkansas to major stations in Atlanta. But the pull of home proved irresistible. Today, she anchors NBC10 News Today from 5 a.m. to 7 a.m. every weekday and co-hosts The Lineup, a digital newscast streaming on NBC10’s Roku and Apple TV apps.

“For me, being an anchor is about digging for the truth as well as being an integral part of the communities we serve,” she once explained. That philosophy isn’t marketing speak—it’s visible in every story she covers, every charity event she hosts, every connection she makes with viewers who see themselves reflected in her work.

The Résumé That Tells a Story of Grit

Erin Coleman’s career path reads like a masterclass in paying your dues. Her journey in television journalism spans more than two decades, and each stop taught her something invaluable.

Early Career: Learning the Ropes

Fresh out of Columbia University’s Graduate School of Journalism in 2001 with a Master of Science in Broadcast Journalism, Erin landed her first reporting gig at KAIT-TV in Jonesboro, Arkansas. It was January 2002, and she was 20-something, inexperienced, and absolutely fearless.

Small markets are where young journalists learn to do everything—shoot their own video, edit late into the night, chase stories with minimal resources. Erin embraced it all. Within a year, she’d proven herself ready for bigger challenges.

Climbing the Ladder: North Carolina Years

By December 2002, Erin had moved to WFMY News 2 in Greensboro/Winston-Salem, North Carolina. She stayed for over three years, sharpening her storytelling and building credibility. In March 2006, she leveled up to WRAL in Raleigh-Durham, one of the most respected news operations in the Southeast.

These weren’t just résumé builders. Each market taught her about different communities, different stories, different ways to connect. By the time she left WRAL in September 2009, Erin Coleman had become the kind of journalist stations fight to hire.

Atlanta: The Big League Test

From October 2009 to September 2016, Erin served as the 4 p.m. anchor at WSB-TV in Atlanta—a major market, a competitive time slot, and a diverse, demanding audience. She thrived. Her work earned Emmy Awards and an Edward R. Murrow Award, one of journalism’s highest honors.

During her Atlanta years, Erin also participated in Lead Atlanta’s Class of 2011, a leadership development program that connects professionals with community issues. It was a sign of things to come: Erin wasn’t content just reporting the news. She wanted to shape the community’s future.

The Ivy League Foundation

Before any of those news desks, there was Brown University.

From 1996 to 2000, Erin earned her Bachelor of Arts in English Language and Literature. Brown’s open curriculum and emphasis on critical thinking gave her the intellectual foundation to ask better questions, challenge assumptions, and craft compelling narratives.

Then came Columbia, where she earned her MS in Broadcast Journalism (2000-2001). Columbia’s j-school is legendary for its rigor—professors who’ve won Pulitzers, alumni who’ve changed journalism, standards that don’t bend. Erin soaked it all up, learning not just how to report, but why it matters.

Beyond the Desk: Covering History as It Happens

While Erin’s primary role is morning anchor, she’s also NBC10’s go-to field anchor for major national events. Her storytelling has taken her across America:

• Super Bowl LVII: Bringing Philadelphia fans closer to the action, even when the Eagles weren’t playing
• Iowa Caucuses: Covering the democratic process at its most grassroots level
• Election Night from New York City: Capturing the energy and tension of democracy in action
• World Series: Where sports, community, and breaking news collide

These assignments showcase what NBC10 values in Erin: versatility, composure under pressure, and the ability to make national stories feel personally relevant to Philadelphia viewers.

Community Champion: More Than a News Personality

Walk into any charity gala, fundraising breakfast, or community walk in the Philadelphia area, and there’s a good chance Erin Coleman is there—not as a celebrity, but as a participant who genuinely cares.

She serves on the Board of Directors for Cathedral Kitchen, South Jersey’s largest emergency food provider. In a region where food insecurity affects thousands of families, this isn’t ceremonial. It’s hands-on leadership that requires strategic thinking, fundraising, and advocacy.

Erin is also a proud member of:

• Jack and Jill of America: A prestigious organization focused on nurturing future African American leaders
• National Association of Black Journalists (NABJ): Advocating for diversity and excellence in news coverage

Her community involvement reflects a simple truth: Erin believes journalists should be of the community, not just in it.

Behind the Scenes: Family, Height, and “Mom Life”

Fans often search for Erin Coleman’s height because of her striking screen presence next to her 6’3″ co-anchor, Keith Jones. Standing at 5’1″, Erin often jokes about the “anchor boxes” and high heels she uses to close the gap.

Away from the camera, Erin is a devoted “boy mom” and “girl mom.” Her morning shift is actually a lifestyle choice; by starting her day at 4 a.m., she is able to be home in time for her children’s after-school activities and family dinners. She met her husband, Cord, on a “pseudo-blind date” in New York City, and they later married in the very same church where Erin grew up.

In whatever spare time she finds, Erin enjoys:

• Tennis: A competitive outlet that keeps her sharp
• Travel: Exploring new places with family
• Reading: Getting lost in books that have nothing to do with breaking news

These aren’t just hobbies. They’re how she recharges, staying grounded in a profession that can consume every waking hour.

Wealth and Impact: Erin Coleman Net Worth 2026

While official figures are kept private, media analysts estimate Erin Coleman’s net worth in 2026 to be between $1 million and $3 million. This is based on her 20+ years in major broadcast markets and her current role in the nation’s fourth-largest media market. Her salary is estimated to be in the range of $150,000 to $250,000 annually, consistent with top-tier morning anchors in Philadelphia.

Awards and Recognition: Excellence Validated

Erin’s trophy shelf tells the story of consistent excellence:

• Multiple Emmy Awards: Recognizing superior on-air work
• Edward R. Murrow Award: Named for broadcasting’s pioneer, this honor recognizes outstanding achievements in electronic journalism

These aren’t participation trophies. They’re peer-validated proof that Erin Coleman ranks among the best in her field.

What Colleagues Say: The Erin Coleman Others See

While Erin is the face viewers know, her colleagues at NBC10 see another dimension: the consummate professional who mentors younger journalists, stays calm during breaking news chaos, and brings energy to 5 a.m. production meetings when everyone else is half-asleep.

Former colleagues from her Atlanta days have praised her work ethic and authenticity in industry forums and LinkedIn posts. One WRAL colleague described her as “the kind of journalist who makes everyone around her better.”

The Future: Where Does Erin Coleman Go From Here?

At this stage of her career, Erin has options. She could:

• Expand into national NBC News roles
• Develop her digital presence with The Lineup into something bigger
• Continue deepening her Philadelphia roots, becoming a decades-long institution like Larry Kane or Jim Gardner
• Transition into teaching, mentoring the next generation at Columbia or another j-school

My bet? She stays right where she is—home, where the stories matter most to her, and where she can make the biggest community impact.

Why Erin Coleman Matters to Philadelphia

In an era of media fragmentation, algorithm-driven news feeds, and declining trust in journalism, local anchors like Erin Coleman are anchors in another sense: They ground us. They show up every morning, making sense of chaos, holding powerful people accountable, and reminding us we’re part of something bigger than ourselves.

Erin represents something Philadelphia can be proud of: homegrown talent who left, conquered bigger markets, and chose to come back. She’s proof that success doesn’t always mean leaving—sometimes it means returning with more to give.

Philanthropy and Community Legacy

Erin doesn’t just report on the community; she serves it. She sits on the Board of Directors for Cathedral Kitchen, the largest emergency food provider in South Jersey. She is also an active member of:

• Jack and Jill of America: Focusing on leadership for African American youth.

• National Association of Black Journalists (NABJ): Mentoring the next generation of storytellers.

Looking Ahead

As we move through 2026, Erin continues to evolve. From co-hosting the digital newscast The Lineup to her increased presence on Instagram and Roku, she is proving that traditional news can thrive in a digital age.

What do you love most about Erin’s morning reports? Share your favorite NBC10 moment in the comments below!

Sources:

• NBC10 Philadelphia official website and staff biographies

• LinkedIn professional profile

• National Association of Black Journalists membership records

• Cathedral Kitchen Board of Directors public listings

• Columbia University Graduate School of Journalism alumni records