Christel Bell Biography: Award-Winning Phoenix News Anchor & Investigative Reporter
Christel Bell is an Emmy-nominated and award-winning journalist currently working as the Lead Consumer Investigative Reporter/Anchor for KNXV/ABC 15 in Phoenix, Arizona.
Before joining KNXV-TV, Christel was a Main Anchor at WDAF Fox 4 in Kansas City.
Her career in broadcast news spans nearly two decades, and she has held various roles, including news anchor, reporter, producer, teleprompter operator, graphics designer, photographer, editor, and even sports anchor.
This diverse experience allowed her to become a 4 p.m. and later a Morning Anchor at WMBF in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina.
Christel’s passion for storytelling and her commitment to helping the community are evident in her work. At KNXV, she leads the “Let ABC15 Know” consumer unit, dedicated to solving consumer problems and getting results for those in need.
Beyond her journalism career, Christel is also a celebrated author. Her children’s book, “Christel’s Breaking News,” aims to inspire young minds and encourage them to believe in themselves and embrace their unique identities.
She is also a motivational speaker, business owner (founder of “Authenticity Needs No Apology”), a proud mother and wife, and an active community advocate.
Christel holds a Bachelor of Arts in Communications from the University of Houston. She began her career as a production assistant at KTRK 13 in Houston.
Awards and Recognition:
Christel has received several awards for her work, including:
- Two-time Emmy nominee.
- South Carolina African American Heritage Foundation’s 2017 “Preserving Our Places in History” Project Award.
- 2018 Zeta Phi Beta Sorority Phenomenal Women in our Community, Outstanding Communicator Award.
- Recognition as a “Woman Making It Happen” by Top Ladies of Distinction and Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Incorporated.
She is also actively involved in community service, dedicating her time to organizations such as Special Olympics, South Carolina Heritage Foundation, Each One Teach One, the National Association of Black Journalists (NABJ), and Big Brothers Big Sisters.
Age:
Christel Bell’s exact age and zodiac sign are not publicly available, as she has not shared her birthdate.
However, she was born in Houston, Texas, USA and holds American nationality. She belongs to the African-American ethnicity.
Parents and Siblings:
Christel Bell was born and raised in Houston, Texas, USA. Her passion for journalism started early, influenced by her father, who worked nights as a custodian at a local television station.
This exposure to the newsroom environment sparked her interest in broadcast journalism.
Parents & Family Background
- Mother: Queen Esther Frank Phillips – an author and owner of Royalty Solutions LLC.
- Father: His identity has not been publicly disclosed, but his work in a television station played a role in shaping Christel’s career aspirations.
- Siblings: There is no confirmed information on whether she has siblings.
Bell’s upbringing instilled in her a strong work ethic and a deep appreciation for storytelling, which she has carried throughout her career.
Husband:
Christel Bell is married to Stephen Bell, and the couple shares a strong bond. They got engaged in October 2013 and later tied the knot.
Together, they are proud parents to a daughter, who was born on November 6, 2015.
Bell often expresses her love for family and balances her journalistic career with motherhood, emphasizing the importance of community, mentorship, and family values.
Height:
Christel Bell stands at an estimated height of 5 feet 6 inches to 5 feet 8 inches (167–173 cm).
Her weight is likely within the range of 130–150 lbs (59–68 kg), maintaining a slim and professional build suited for on-camera presence.
Career and Background:
Christel Bell is a seasoned broadcast journalist with years of experience anchoring and reporting across several major markets.
She previously worked in Kansas City and other regions before joining KNXV-TV (ABC15) in Phoenix.
Over the years, she has become known for her impactful interviews, dedication to community stories, and polished anchoring.
Her excellence in journalism has earned her multiple accolades, including Emmy nominations and awards.
Christel Bell’s Career Timeline & Stations Worked At
KNXV-TV (ABC15 Phoenix, Arizona) | 2024 – Present
Christel Bell currently serves as an anchor and investigative reporter at KNXV-TV (ABC15 Phoenix, Arizona).
She leads the “Let ABC15 Know” consumer investigative unit, helping viewers navigate scams, financial fraud, and consumer rights issues.
Bell took over the segment after longtime host Joe Ducey departed in early 2024. Her role involves deep investigative reporting, uncovering consumer injustices, and advocating for transparency in business practices.
WDAF-TV (FOX 4 Kansas City, Missouri) | 2020 – 2024
Bell was the main evening anchor at WDAF-TV (FOX 4 Kansas City, Missouri), where she covered major breaking news stories and investigative reports.
She gained recognition for her coverage of the Emanuel 9 Charleston Church Shooting, moderating town halls on gun violence following the 2018 Parkland School Shooting, and uncovering lost, unmarked African American graves.
In 2023, she faced a health setback when doctors discovered a cyst on her trachea, leading to surgery and a diagnosis of right vocal cord paresis.
Despite returning to the anchor desk, she later decided to step away to prioritize her health and transitioned to KNXV-TV in Phoenix.
WMBF News (Myrtle Beach, South Carolina) | 2015 – 2020
At WMBF News in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, Bell worked as a morning news anchor and reporter.
She covered local and national stories, focusing on investigative journalism and consumer advocacy.
Her time at WMBF helped her refine her skills in live reporting, breaking news coverage, and community engagement.
She also served as an emcee for fundraising events and mentored young journalists.
Gray Television | Early Career
Bell began her career at Gray Television, where she worked as a producer, reporter, teleprompter operator, graphics designer, anchor, photographer, editor, and even sports anchor.
This diverse experience allowed her to develop a well-rounded skill set, making her a versatile journalist capable of handling multiple newsroom roles.
Notable Career Achievements
- Moderated town halls on gun violence following the 2018 Parkland School Shooting, facilitating discussions on public safety.
- Covered the Emanuel 9 Charleston Church Shooting, earning widespread recognition for her in-depth reporting.
- Created the ‘Deal Diva’ franchise segment, helping consumers save money through innovative financial strategies.
- Uncovered lost, unmarked African American graves, prompting historical preservation efforts.
- Reported on aviation industry success stories, including the rise of a young janitor who became a top aviation mechanic graduate.
Community Engagement & Leadership
- Actively involved in Special Olympics, South Carolina Heritage Foundation, and Each One Teach One, supporting community initiatives.
- A dedicated member of the National Association of Black Journalists (NABJ) and Big Brothers Big Sisters, mentoring young professionals.
- Serves on the board of directors for Neighbor to Neighbor, a non-profit organization focused on community development.
Christel Bell has worked alongside several notable journalists throughout her career at different stations. Here are some of her colleagues from various newsrooms:
- Joe Ducey – Former investigative reporter and host of Let Joe Know, whom Bell replaced as the lead reporter for Let ABC15 Know.
- Mitch Jacob – News director at ABC15, who praised Bell’s consumer advocacy work.
- Steve Irvin – Veteran anchor known for his extensive experience in Arizona journalism.
- Katie Raml – Award-winning evening anchor with a strong presence in Phoenix news.
- Nick Ciletti – Morning anchor and reporter covering major breaking news stories.
- Amber Sullins – Chief meteorologist delivering in-depth weather forecasts.
- Mark Phillips – Investigative journalist focusing on consumer protection and fraud.
- Jared Dillingham – Weekend anchor and reporter covering local and national events.
- Ashley Paredez – Reporter specializing in crime and community impact stories.
Bell collaborates with a talented team of journalists, ensuring comprehensive news coverage for ABC15 viewers.
Author
Christel Bell is also a children’s book author, using her storytelling skills to inspire young minds.
She wrote “Christel’s Breaking News,” a book that encourages children to believe in themselves and embrace their unique identities.
The story follows a young girl who dreams of becoming a news anchor after seeing a woman on TV who looks like her.
Impact & Mission
- Bell’s book emphasizes the importance of representation in media, showing children that their dreams are within reach.
- She has conducted author visits in schools, particularly in Kansas City, to engage with students and share her journey.
- Her work as an author aligns with her broader mission of uplifting communities, mentoring young minds, and promoting confidence.
Motivational Speaker
Bell is a passionate motivational speaker, traveling across the country to inspire communities.
She has spoken at fundraising events, schools, and mentorship programs, emphasizing themes of authenticity, perseverance, and empowerment.
Her speeches focus on overcoming challenges, embracing individuality, and making a difference.
Founder, Authenticity Needs No Apology
In 2023, Bell founded “Authenticity Needs No Apology,” a platform dedicated to helping women and young individuals find their authentic voice.
Through this initiative, she provides mentorship, career guidance, and personal development strategies, encouraging people to embrace their true selves without fear or apology.
Net Worth and Salary:
Christel Bell’s estimated net worth is around $1.5 million, primarily earned through her career in broadcast journalism and other professional ventures.
Regarding her salary, reports suggest she earns between $42,699 and $116,499 annually, depending on her role and contract terms.
However, exact figures for her current position at KNXV-TV (ABC15 Phoenix) have not been publicly disclosed.
Is Christel Bell Married?
As of now, Christel Bell has not publicly confirmed if she is married. She tends to keep her private life out of the public eye.
How Old Is Christel Bell?
Christel Bell’s exact age is not publicly available, but she was born in November in Houston, Texas, USA.
Based on her career, starting post-college at KTRK-TV and anchoring at WDAF-TV before joining KNXV-TV in 2024, she’s likely in her late 30s to mid-40s as of May 2025.
Where Is Christel Bell Working?
Bell currently serves as the lead consumer investigative reporter at KNXV-TV (ABC15 Phoenix, Arizona).
She heads the “Let ABC15 Know” segment, where she investigates scams, financial fraud, and consumer rights issues. She took over the role after Joe Ducey’s departure in early 2024.
Bell’s work focuses on helping Arizonians navigate consumer challenges, ensuring transparency and accountability in business practices.
Previously, she served as the main anchor at WDAF-TV (FOX 4 Kansas City, Missouri) from 2020 to 2024, covering major breaking news stories.
Before that, she was a morning anchor at WMBF News (Myrtle Beach, South Carolina) from 2017 to 2020.
Christel Bell is active on social media and maintains a professional presence across several platforms:
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Instagram: @christelbelltv
She shares behind-the-scenes moments from her work at ABC15, personal milestones, and motivational content. -
X (formerly Twitter): @ChristelonTV
On X, Christel engages with viewers, shares news updates, and participates in community discussions. -
Facebook: Christel Bell TV
Her Facebook page features updates on her reporting, community events, and professional achievements.
Through these platforms, Christel Bell connects with her audience, offering insights into her role as a journalist and her involvement in the community.
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