Aniyah Hart: The Cheerleader-Turned-Sunrise Anchor Lighting Up Southeast Ohio Mornings
In the fast-paced world of local news, few young journalists have made an impression as quickly and authentically as Aniyah Hart.
As a sunrise anchor and reporter for WHIZ Media Group, Hart has become a familiar, trusted face for viewers in Zanesville and beyond.
Yet, her journey is not just about the headlines she reads; it is about a relentless passion for storytelling that started in university newsrooms and has now blossomed into a multi-platform career.
Whether she is breaking news at dawn or sharing a behind-the-scenes look at the media industry with her 50,000+ followers on TikTok, Aniyah brings a refreshing blend of journalistic rigor and modern digital savvy to the screen.
Early Life and Roots in Cleveland
Born on September 28, 2002, Aniyah Hart grew up in Cleveland, Ohio. As a Libra, she naturally brings balance, charm, and a collaborative spirit to everything she does.
Details about her parents and siblings remain private, but her upbringing in a vibrant city clearly instilled resilience and curiosity.
Her journey into media and performance started early. Aniyah cheered since middle school, building discipline, teamwork, and stage presence that would later serve her well in front of the camera.
Those early experiences taught her the value of high energy and quick thinking under pressure.
College Years: From Cheer Mat to Newsroom
After graduating high school in 2020, Aniyah headed to Slippery Rock University of Pennsylvania. She joined the coed cheer team and got involved with WSRU-TV, the campus news outlet. This dual path—athletics and media—set the foundation for her career.
She later transferred to Towson University in Maryland, earning her Bachelor of Science in Mass Communication/Journalism in May 2024. At Towson, her involvement deepened:
- She joined The Lunch Table (TLT), expanding her skills in content creation across formats.
- She co-founded the Towson Newscast Club, serving as secretary, historian, and on-camera reporter to give students practical experience.
- She wrote for the Baltimore Watchdog.
These experiences weren’t just resume builders. They reflected her drive to create opportunities and lift others up in journalism.
Fun fact:
Aniyah stayed active as a cheerleader at Towson too, listed on the roster as a junior from Cleveland.
Breaking Into Broadcasting: Career Timeline
Aniyah Hart joined WHIZ Media Group (Marquee Broadcasting) in fall 2024, shortly after graduation. Her rapid rise includes:
- News Reporter (November 2024 – Present)
- Producer (November 2024 – Present)
- Sunrise Anchor (August 2025 – Present)
She started as a multimedia journalist and weekend anchor/producer before stepping into the morning anchor role, where she co-anchors with meteorologist Keaton Lewis.
Her segments, like “On the Fly with Aniyah & Shy” alongside Shylin Costello, showcase her engaging style—whether exploring maple syrup production or farm animals.
In just over a year and a half, she’s covered local stories that matter to Southeast Ohio residents, from community events to everyday challenges. Her reel highlights strong field reporting, anchoring, and digital content creation.
Career Timeline at a Glance
| Year | Milestone |
|---|---|
| 2002 | Born in Cleveland, Ohio (September 28) |
| 2020 | Graduated high school; enrolled at Slippery Rock University |
| 2020–2022 | Studied at SRU; joined WSRU-TV, Rock Cheer, and Res Life staff |
| 2021–2024 | Cheer Ohio Staff (OASSA), mentoring young athletes |
| 2022 | Transferred to Towson University |
| 2022–2024 | Studied at Towson; co-founded Towson Newscast Club; joined TLT and Baltimore Watchdog |
| May 2024 | Earned B.S. in Mass Communication/Journalism from Towson University |
| Nov 2024 | Joined WHIZ as Reporter, Producer, and Marquee Broadcasting Anchor |
| Aug 2025 | Promoted to Sunrise Anchor at WHIZ-TV |
On-Air Presence and Personal Style
Aniyah stands at approximately 4’11” (from her earlier cheerleading profile) with an athletic build honed by years of training. She maintains a polished yet approachable on-camera look that resonates with morning viewers.
Outside the studio, she loves dancing, shopping, trying new foods and cultures, and photography. These hobbies fuel her storytelling—bringing cultural awareness and visual creativity to her reports.
She has expressed interest in re-auditioning for an NFL cheer team someday, showing her multifaceted ambitions.
Is Aniyah Hart Married? Personal Life Insights
As of 2026, Aniyah Hart appears focused on her budding career. There is no public information confirming she is married or in a relationship.
Like many young professionals in demanding fields, she keeps personal details private while sharing professional wins and lighthearted moments on social media (@onairaniyah).
Her energy and positivity suggest someone grounded by strong values and close ties to family and friends back in Cleveland.
How Old Is Aniyah Hart? Age, Zodiac, and Key Stats
- Age: 23 years old (as of May 2026)
- Date of Birth: September 28, 2002
- Zodiac Sign: Libra
- Birthplace: Cleveland, Ohio
- Nationality: American
Challenges and Growth in a Competitive Field
Entering broadcast journalism during a time of industry shifts isn’t easy. Aniyah navigated college transfers, the post-pandemic job market, and the steep learning curve of small-market TV—all while producing, reporting, and anchoring.
Her cheerleading background likely helped her handle live TV pressures with grace. Colleagues and professors at Towson have celebrated her transition, noting her professionalism and community spirit.
Impact and Community Connection
Aniyah’s work goes beyond reading teleprompters. She engages directly with viewers, encourages news tips, and highlights local stories that strengthen Southeast Ohio. Her involvement in mentoring (from past Cheer Ohio roles) shows a commitment to giving back.
In an era where trust in media matters, her approachable style helps bridge gaps between newsrooms and communities.
What’s Next for Aniyah Hart?
At 23 (turning 24 in September 2026), Aniyah Hart is just getting started. With her talent, work ethic, and charisma, many predict bigger opportunities ahead—perhaps larger markets or expanded digital influence.
She continues balancing news with her creative passions. Fans can follow her journey on WHIZ News and her social channels.
Aniyah Hart Net Worth and Salary
Specific figures for Aniyah Hart’s net worth aren’t publicly available, which is common for early-career journalists in smaller markets. Entry-level to mid-level TV news anchors/reporters in similar Ohio markets typically earn between $40,000–$70,000 annually, depending on experience and duties. Her multifaceted role (anchoring, reporting, producing) likely places her in a solid position for her experience level.
Where Is Aniyah Hart Working Now?
Aniyah Hart currently works as Sunrise Anchor and Producer at WHIZ-TV / Fox 5 in Zanesville, Ohio, part of Marquee Broadcasting. She delivers morning news to Southeast Ohio viewers weekday mornings.
Sources:
- Official WHIZ News biography
- Towson University announcements
- LinkedIn professional profile
- Instagram (@onairaniyah) and station social media
- Public cheerleading and education records
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