Hilary Golston Bio: Age, Husband, Family, Fox 2 Detroit Net Worth

Hilary Golston FOX 2 Detroit Biography: 7-Time Emmy Winner & Best Reporter in Michigan

In a media landscape often criticized for being detached, Hilary Golston stands out as a journalist whose reporting is powered by a deep, personal connection to the communities she covers.

As a 7-time Emmy winner and the reigning 2023 Associated Press’s best Reporter/Anchor in Michigan, Golston’s return to FOX 2 Detroit isn’t just a career move—it’s a homecoming.

She didn’t just land in the Motor City; she was born here. “I can’t say how awesome it is to be back where I grew up and to be a part of telling the stories that matter and going to bat for the community of my birth,” she shares. That commitment is the authentic core of her work, transforming complex news stories into human narratives that resonate.

Career Triumphs: From Local Beats to National Headlines

Golston’s career timeline is a roadmap of relentless dedication, starting even before she graduated college. Her journey proves that the biggest stories aren’t always found in the biggest cities, but where the dedication is greatest.

• Early Beginnings (Wisconsin & Alabama):

  Golston started as a night-side reporter for the CBS station in Green Bay, Wisconsin. Her impactful reporting there on a child with a rare skin disease helped bring to light information that led the Medicaid agency to review and potentially fund a life-saving treatment. Later, in Birmingham, Alabama, she covered the gritty Birmingham City Council beat and even anchored weekend sports—a testament to her versatility. She won an Emmy there for a special marking a devastating tornado outbreak anniversary.

• The Cleveland Crucible:

  At WKYC in Cleveland, Golston covered some of the nation’s most high-profile police shootings, including the tragic Tamir Rice case, where her expertise led to an appearance on MSNBC. Her reporting was instrumental in holding officials accountable, even spurring clergy to ask the Cuyahoga County Prosecutor to recuse himself.

• National Spotlight:

  Her investigative skills led her to Ferguson, Missouri, for the Michael Brown case, where she was the first to uncover details about a $3.4 million request for emergency police funds. She also reported live from the South Carolina command center during the historic 1,000-year flooding.

The Detroit Connection: Co-Anchoring FOX 2 News Weekend Evenings

Now back in her hometown, Golston co-anchors FOX 2 News Weekend Evenings and continues her award-winning streak. Her work is a blend of live, high-stakes reporting and insightful public service.

In 2024, she won the Emmy for best daily news reports in Michigan, marking the second time she’s earned this competitive compilation award. The year before, she was named the Associated Press’s best Reporter/Anchor in Michigan.

From GWU to Green Bay: An Early Career Snapshot

Hilary Golston’s passion for news wasn’t a sudden discovery; it was a path forged early by her love for politics. She holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science from The George Washington University (GWU) in Washington, D.C.

This academic foundation set the stage for a career defined by interviewing powerful figures and dissecting complex government issues.

Even before graduation, she was a fixture on Detroit’s sports scene, reporting for Fox Sports Network Detroit’s High School Hammertime. This early exposure to television quickly led to a cross-country journey:

• WFRV-TV (Green Bay, Wisconsin): Golston launched her full-time on-air career at the CBS affiliate.

• WVTM-TV (Birmingham, Alabama): Here, she anchored weekend evenings and was part of an Emmy and AP award-winning team. She famously pioneered the weekly segment “Council Extra,” bringing essential local government stories—from multi-million dollar bond referendums to the arrest of officials—to Sunday night viewers. Her coverage of the state’s worst-ever tornado outbreak earned her an Emmy.

• WKYC-TV (Cleveland, Ohio): In Cleveland, she added three Cleveland Press Club awards to her collection and was recognized nationally, appearing on MSNBC for her expertise on the high-profile Tamir Rice case.

The Detroit Homecoming: Making an Impact at Fox 2

The journey eventually led Golston back to her native Detroit, Michigan, joining the team at Fox 2 Detroit. Her return was a win for local journalism, injecting the station with national-level experience and deep local knowledge.

Since her arrival, she’s become a powerhouse, co-anchoring FOX 2 News Weekend Evenings and tackling some of the region’s most challenging assignments.

Key Career Milestones in Detroit

• 7-Time Emmy Winner: This impressive count includes the prestigious 2024 Emmy for Best Daily News Reports in Michigan—the second time she’s won this competitive compilation award.

• Holding Power Accountable: Golston has secured exclusive interviews with high-profile figures, including President Joe Biden, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, and Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer.

• A Dedication to Public Service: She’s collected several Detroit Society of Professional Journalists (SPJ) awards, notably for her live coverage of Detroit firefighters trapped in a collapsed home, and for moderating a “Detroit Voice 2 Voice” debate on gun issues.

• Leadership Role: Demonstrating commitment to her craft’s future, she served two years as Vice President on the Board of Governors of the Michigan Chapter of the National Academy for Television Arts & Sciences.

The Private Pulse: Family, Love, and Life Off the Lens

In an industry that thrives on exposure, Golston masterfully guards her inner circle—a rarity that only heightens her allure. Searches for “Hilary Golston husband” or wedding photos yield fan speculation but no confirmed chapters. Is she married?

Public records and profiles suggest not, or at least not spotlighted; she channels energy into career and causes over personal spotlights. That elder sister, though? A silent cheerleader in family lore, embodying the sibling bonds that ground her amid 24/7 deadlines.

Golston’s “family” extends to Detroit’s fabric—volunteering with NATAS Michigan’s board (she served as VP) and amplifying voices on human trafficking or election protests. No kids mentioned, but her nurturing shines in mentorships, like guiding young reporters on “Young Politics” (#HGYP).

Emotionally, returning home post-Cleveland was bittersweet: “Going to bat for the community of my birth,” she reflected, eyes misty in a 2017 Detroit News profile. It’s this humanity—admitting the pull of roots amid relocations—that makes her relatable. After all, who hasn’t wrestled with leaving home for dreams, only to circle back stronger?

For a visual treat, embed this clip from her Tamir Rice MSNBC spot (alt-text: “Hilary Golston delivering expert analysis on FOX 2 Detroit set”). It captures her fire without the fluff.

Beyond the Headlines: Golston’s Personal Side

While her professional accolades are numerous, Golston is also known for a life dedicated to community engagement and hidden talents.

• Hilary Golston Upbringing & Nationality: She is a Detroit native and an American journalist.¹³ Her social media presence often includes the hashtag #RaiseYourHandIfYouAreFromDetroit, underscoring her pride in her hometown.

• Hilary Golston Education: She is a proud graduate of The George Washington University.

• Hidden Talent: Few know that Golston is a trained Suzuki pianist, a craft she studied for over eight years. This dedication to precision and practice may offer a subtle hint at the discipline she brings to her journalistic work.

• Community Involvement: She loves community service that aligns with her passions, having served on the board of the American Diabetes Association of Alabama and worked on literacy improvement programs.

Frequently Asked Questions

Power Plays and Paychecks: Wealth, Wins, and What’s Next

Let’s talk numbers—because fans Googling “Hilary Golston net worth 2025” deserve the scoop. Estimates peg her at $2 million, built on savvy reporting gigs and Emmy-fueled clout.

Salary? In the $80,000-$150,000 range for top Detroit anchors, per industry benchmarks, though FOX 2 keeps specifics sealed. It’s not flashy wealth, but purposeful: funding family commitments and community lifts, like her NATAS advocacy.

Golston’s impact ripples wider than ratings. Compared to peers like Cleveland’s Sharon Reed (another trailblazer in tough talks), she edges out with Detroit’s raw edge—think moderating Voice 2 Voice forums that sparked gun reform dialogues. Lesser-known? Her piano prowess, a stress-buster that infuses broadcasts with subtle grace. Challenges, like post-2020 burnout in local news, hit hard; she leaned on yoga and sisterly calls to rebound.

Looking ahead, predict this: By 2030, Golston could helm a national podcast, dissecting politics with that signature warmth. Or pen a memoir on Black women in media—her Virgo detail-orientation would make it a gem.

The Golston Legacy: A Voice for the Community

Hilary Golston’s career isn’t just about collecting awards; it’s about building trust. In a media landscape often criticized for sensationalism, her reporting is marked by political acumen, balanced interviewing, and a clear dedication to giving a voice to those impacted by policy.

Whether it’s her in-depth interview with the Detroit Police Chief or her moderation of tense debates, she embodies the journalist as a public servant. She is a defining figure in modern Detroit news, representing the best of what a local journalist can be when they are deeply invested in their community.

Echoes of Influence: Why Golston Matters Now

Hilary Golston isn’t chasing headlines; she’s chasing justice—one anchor desk at a time. From Virgo precision to Detroit devotion, her arc inspires media enthusiasts and everyday seekers alike. She’s proof that local journalism can be a launchpad for legacy, turning personal privacy into public power.

As 2025 unfolds, with Michigan’s budget battles and beyond on her desk, Golston remains our unflinching guide.

Share your thoughts in the comments: What has been your favorite piece of reporting by Hilary Golston, and how has she impacted your view of Detroit news?

Sources and Further Reading

• Fox 2 Detroit Official Biography: Hilary Golston (WJBK-TV)

• Muck Rack Profile: Hilary Golston

• WKYC-TV Director’s Cut Blog: Hilary Golston Joins The Channel 3 News Team (April 2014)

• Fox 2 Detroit Articles by Hilary Golston