Hunter Sowards Biography: Anchor & Reporter at KCAL News | CBS Los Angeles
Hunter Sowards is an award-winning journalist who currently serves as an anchor and reporter for KCAL News, which is a sister station to CBS Los Angeles. Before joining the team in Los Angeles, she worked for KOVR-TV (CBS13) in Sacramento, California, where she worked from 2023 to 2025. Prior to that, she was an anchor and reporter at KUSI-News in San Diego for nearly four and a half years, starting in September 2019.
Early Life and Education
Born and raised in Nacogdoches, Texas, Hunter earned her degree in Radio and Television Broadcasting from Stephen F. Austin State University in 2016. She was recognized on both the President’s and Dean’s Lists, and completed a formative internship at KTRE-TV, the station she grew up watching. Her early career included roles at KLTV and KTRE-TV, where she honed her skills in editing, producing, and anchoring.
Career
Hunter Sowards began her journalism career at KTRE-TV in her hometown of Nacogdoches, Texas, where she served as the primary anchor. She considered it an honor to work at the station she grew up watching. Her early experience included training in editing, producing, and anchoring, as well as collaborating on reporting, live shooting, and editing projects at KLTV, where she learned to use cutting-edge media technology.
In 2019, Sowards moved to California to join KUSI-News in San Diego, where she anchored and reported for over four years. She produced notable special reports, including coverage of the 2023 Santee Plane Crash.
On July 15, 2023, she announced her departure from KUSI to join CBS13 in Sacramento, where she continued her work as an evening anchor and reporter. In August 2025, Sowards transitioned to KCAL News (CBS Los Angeles) as a reporter, covering stories such as the Fourth of July festivities at the Queen Mary and a tragic incident involving a decaying tree at King Gillette Ranch.
Sowards’ commitment to community-driven journalism has earned her multiple accolades, including first-place awards from the San Diego Press Club, four Emmy nominations, and finalist recognition in the 2023 San Diego Union-Tribune Readers Poll for “Best Local News Anchor” and “Best Television Personality.”
Her impactful reporting during the COVID-19 pandemic, the 2020 George Floyd riots, and in-depth political coverage, where she held elected officials accountable, has built strong trust with the communities she serves.
Advocacy and Personal Interests
Beyond journalism, Sowards is a passionate advocate for mental health awareness, working with organizations like the Autism Society and the Community Alliance for Youth Success.
In her free time, she enjoys reading, exploring new recipes, practicing yoga, and savoring California and Texas cuisine. Despite being far from her Texas roots, she stays connected with her family through regular FaceTime calls and occasional trips to East Texas.
Hunter Sowards Age:
Hunter Sowards was born on December 13, 1993, which makes her 31 years old. Her zodiac sign is Sagittarius. She is of White ethnicity and holds American nationality.
Hunter Sowards Parents and Siblings:
Hunter Sowards was born in Nacogdoches, Texas, where she spent her childhood. Growing up in this small East Texas town, she was immersed in a close-knit community, which shaped her values and passion for community-driven journalism.
Parents
Hunter Sowards is the daughter of Susan Blackwell Sowards and Alan Sowards. Limited public information is available about their professions or personal details, as Sowards tends to keep her family life private.
However, her strong connection to her Texas roots suggests her parents played a significant role in fostering her work ethic and community-oriented values. She has mentioned staying in touch with her family through regular FaceTime calls and occasional visits to East Texas, indicating a close relationship despite her relocation to California.
Siblings
Hunter Sowards grew up with three siblings: a sister named Hanna and two brothers, James and Thomas. Specific details about their ages, professions, or personal lives are not publicly documented, as Sowards maintains privacy regarding her family. Her references to family in interviews and social media posts highlight a supportive dynamic, with shared memories of her Texas upbringing.
Hunter Sowards Husband:
Hunter Sowards is happily engaged to Stephen Hicks, whom she often tags on social media as @stephenmhicks. The couple’s relationship became publicly celebrated when Hunter announced their engagement during a trip to Fort Morgan Beach in Gulf Shores, Alabama. With a post captioned “✨BREAKING NEWS✨ She said yes!”, she confirmed the exciting milestone to her friends, colleagues, and loyal viewers.
The engagement was met with an outpouring of congratulations, with many close friends jokingly asking if she would become Hunter Hicks after marriage. A professional photographer who captured the moment also shared heartfelt words about the couple, further confirming the significance of the occasion.
While Hunter and Stephen have not disclosed their official wedding date or ceremony details, their engagement has already set the stage for an exciting new chapter. The couple’s strong bond and supportive community suggest that their upcoming wedding will be a memorable and cherished celebration.
Hunter Sowards Height:
Hunter Sowards stands at an estimated 5 feet 6 inches (167 cm) tall and maintains a healthy physique. Her weight is around 58 kg (127 lbs), with body measurements approximately 34-26-35 inches.
Hunter Sowards Career:
Hunter Sowards has built an impressive career as a journalist, progressing from local newsrooms in Texas to her current role at KCAL News in Los Angeles (CBS Los Angeles).
KTRE-TV (Tyler/Lufkin, TX)
After graduating from Stephen F. Austin State University, Hunter began her professional career at KTRE-TV, where she transitioned from intern to a multi-skilled journalist. She quickly rose to become anchor and producer for the 6 p.m. and 10 p.m. newscasts, demonstrating both leadership and adaptability.
Breaking News Coverage: Hunter was among the first reporters on the scene during deadly spring tornadoes in East Texas, delivering urgent updates and powerful human-interest stories that gained regional and national attention.
Technical Prowess: She pioneered the station’s use of VizOpus, an advanced broadcast system, and was a regular contributor to East Texas Now, a live-streaming platform that featured community interviews and special coverage.
KLTV (Tyler, TX)
Hunter’s next stop was KLTV, where she worked collaboratively with reporters on live shoots, editing projects, and special coverage. She frequently filled in for the station’s Emmy-winning morning show, Good Morning East Texas.
She developed original content segments and refined her skills with advanced media technology, which strengthened her reputation as a versatile and forward-thinking storyteller.
Hunter Sowards KUSI News (San Diego, CA) – Anchor & Reporter (2019–2023)
Hunter’s move to California in 2019 marked a major turning point in her career. At KUSI News in San Diego, she became the primary evening anchor, newsroom mentor, and lead field reporter.
Award-Winning Journalism:
Covered historic stories, including the COVID-19 pandemic, the George Floyd protests, and major political accountability investigations.
Produced exclusive reports and special segments, such as coverage of the Santee Plane Crash.
Earned multiple first-place awards from the San Diego Press Club.
Received four Emmy nominations for her exceptional reporting.
Recognized as a finalist in the 2023 San Diego Union-Tribune Readers Poll for Best Local News Anchor and Best Television Personality.
Hunter Sowards CBS13 (Sacramento, CA) – Evening Anchor & Reporter (2023–2025)
In 2023, Hunter joined CBS13 (KOVR) in Sacramento, where she anchored the evening news and reported on major stories across Northern California. Her work continued to reflect her dedication to community-driven journalism and her reputation as a trusted news voice.
Hunter Sowards KCAL News | CBS Los Angeles (2025–Present)
In August 2025, Hunter Sowards transitioned to KCAL News in Los Angeles (CBS Los Angeles) as a news anchor and reporter. This role represents the latest milestone in her career, placing her in one of the nation’s top television markets. At KCAL, she continues to deliver powerful reporting, community-focused stories, and trusted coverage for Southern California viewers.
Hunter Sowards Net Worth and Salary:
Hunter Sowards has an estimated net worth of $500,000 to $1 million. Her income primarily comes from her career as a news anchor and reporter. At CBS, her annual salary is estimated between $50,000 and $100,000, consistent with industry standards for experienced journalists in major U.S. markets.
Is Hunter Sowards Married?
No, Hunter Sowards is not married. However, she is happily engaged to Stephen M. Hicks. While the couple has not yet shared details about their wedding or confirmed a marriage date, their engagement marks an exciting new chapter in her personal life.
How Old Is Hunter Sowards?
Hunter Sowards is 31 years old (born December 13, 1993).
Where Is Hunter Sowards Working?
Hunter Sowards is currently working as aanchor and reporter at KCAL News, part of CBS Los Angeles. With a proven track record of award-winning journalism and a commanding on-air presence, she plays a key role in delivering trusted news coverage across Southern California. Her move to KCAL marks a strategic step in her career, aligning her with one of the most respected newsrooms in the region.
Hunter Sowards is active on social media, especially on Instagram (@huntersowards) and Facebook, where she shares career highlights, personal updates, and engagem
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