Jaysha Patel: From Child Actor to WABC-TV Reporter | abc7NY
Jaysha Patel is a freelance reporter for WABC-TV (abc7NY) in New York City. She joined the abc7NY team as a freelance Morning Reporter, working Sunday through Thursday.
Before moving to New York, Patel was a morning reporter at KABC-TV in Los Angeles for nearly four years. Prior to her time in Los Angeles, she worked as a news reporter and fill-in anchor at WPMI-TV in Mobile, Alabama.
Patel is an alumna of Ithaca College’s Roy H. Park School of Communications, where she earned a Bachelor of Arts in journalism with a minor in politics.
During her college years, she was involved with ICTV, the college’s television station, as an anchor and reporter for “Newswatch” and a host for “Entertainment Exclusive.”
She also gained experience through internships with NBC4 Los Angeles and CBS2/KCAL9 in their investigative units.
Interestingly, Jaysha Patel also has a background as a child actor. She was born in Bradenton, Florida, and spent her early life in Los Angeles.
Age
Jaysha Patel was born on September 5, 1996, making her 28 years old as of 2025. She is of South Asian descent, with Indian roots, and holds American nationality.
- Zodiac Sign: Being born on September 5, her zodiac sign is Virgo.
- Ethnicity: Jaysha is of Hindu ethnicity.
- Nationality: She is an American, born in Sarasota, Florida.
Parents and Siblings
Jaysha Patel was born in Sarasota, Florida, and raised in Los Angeles, California—a move that likely shaped her early exposure to media, especially since she was a child actor during her time in L.A..
Her upbringing involved frequent relocations, which may have contributed to her adaptability and storytelling instincts.
As for her family, Jaysha has chosen to keep details about her parents and siblings private.
Husband
Jaysha Patel, a reporter at KABC-TV Los Angeles, is currently in a relationship with her boyfriend, Shailen Patel.
They have been together for some time, but Jaysha has not shared many details about their relationship publicly. They do not have any children at the moment.
Height
Jaysha Patel stands at approximately 5 feet 5 inches (1.65 meters) tall and weighs around 58 kg (128 lbs).
Career and Background
Jaysha Patel’s journey from child actor to journalist is a fascinating one. Born in Bradenton, Florida, she spent part of her early life in Los Angeles, where she worked as a child actor.
This early exposure to the media industry likely sparked her interest in storytelling and communication.
Career Timeline
Early Reporting & Academic Foundation | Ithaca College (2015–2019)
While pursuing a B.A. at the Roy H. Park School of Communications, Patel honed her skills in both domestic and international reporting.
- Covered post-earthquake reconstruction in Camerino, Italy.
- Reported from Memphis, Tennessee, on the 50th anniversary of Martin Luther King Jr.’s assassination in partnership with an NPR affiliate.
- Active in WICB Radio and the Society of Professional Journalists, sharpening her editorial judgment and on-air presence.
WPMI-TV (NBC 15) – Mobile, Alabama | News Reporter & Fill-in Anchor (2019–2021)
Patel’s first professional newsroom post placed her at the epicenter of high-impact regional news.
- Delivered live storm coverage during hurricanes and tornadoes.
- Documented COVID-19’s effects on the Gulf Coast economy, including Mardi Gras and the cruise sector.
- Reported on the 2019 Pensacola Naval Air Station shooting involving a foreign national, contributing to sensitive national security reporting.
- Contributed to a team honored with a regional Edward R. Murrow Award for Overall Excellence and a Breaking News Award in 2021.
KABC-TV (ABC7 Eyewitness News) – Los Angeles | Community Journalist → General Assignment Reporter (2021–2023)
Returning to her L.A. roots, Patel focused on hyperlocal coverage before earning a promotion to broader regional reporting.
- Led coverage of community stories in Long Beach focused on civic engagement, education, and safety.
- Promoted in April 2023 to cover city-wide breaking news and crime reports, including a coordinated series of convenience store robberies in Southern California.
WABC-TV (ABC7NY) – New York City | Freelance Reporter (2024–Present)
In 2024, Patel joined ABC7NY in a freelance capacity as a morning field reporter.
- Covers breaking developments and enterprise stories across the New York metro area.
- Known for her adaptability and crisp live reporting style across diverse storylines.
Memorable Stories Covered by Jaysha Patel
1. Natural Disasters:
Jaysha Patel has reported on several significant natural disasters, including hurricanes and tornadoes, during her time at WPMI NBC 15 in Mobile, Alabama.
Her coverage provided crucial information and updates to the affected communities, showcasing her ability to handle high-pressure situations and deliver accurate news.
2. COVID-19 Pandemic:
During the COVID-19 pandemic, Jaysha covered various aspects of the crisis, from the impact on local businesses and healthcare systems to personal stories of those affected by the virus.
Her reporting helped to humanize the pandemic, bringing attention to the struggles and resilience of individuals and communities.
3. Community Stories:
As a community journalist in Long Beach for ABC7, Jaysha highlighted numerous local stories that might not have received widespread attention otherwise.
These stories often focused on community initiatives, local heroes, and events that brought people together, reflecting her commitment to community journalism.
4. Award-Winning Coverage:
Jaysha was part of the news team that won a regional Edward R. Murrow “Overall Excellence” Award.
This accolade is a testament to the quality and impact of her reporting, contributing to a team recognized for its outstanding journalism.
Jaysha Patel worked alongside a talented team at KABC-TV. Here are a few of her notable colleagues:
- Phillip Palmer – A seasoned anchor and reporter, Phillip has been with ABC7 since 1998. He anchors the morning newscasts and is known for his engaging storytelling and in-depth reporting.
- Leslie Sykes – Co-anchor of the weekday morning editions of Eyewitness News, Leslie has been a part of the ABC7 team for many years. She brings a wealth of experience and a warm presence to the morning news.
- Marc Brown – An anchor for the evening newscasts, Marc has been with ABC7 since 1989. His extensive experience and authoritative reporting make him a trusted figure in Los Angeles news.
- David Ono – Co-anchor of ABC7 Eyewitness News at 4 p.m. and 6 p.m., David is an award-winning journalist known for his compelling documentaries and special reports.
- Ellen Leyva – Co-anchor of the 4 p.m. and 6 p.m. newscasts, Ellen has been with ABC7 since 1995.
These colleagues, among others, contribute to a dynamic and supportive newsroom environment, helping Jaysha Patel and the team deliver high-quality news coverage to their audience.
Net Worth and Salary
Jaysha Patel’s exact net worth and salary have not been made public. However, as a reporter for a major network like KABC-TV, it is estimated that she earns an annual salary ranging from $50,000 to $100,000. Her net worth is believed to be in the range of $300,000 to $500,000.
Is Jaysha Patel Married?
Jaysha Patel, a reporter at KABC-TV Los Angeles, is not married. She is currently in a relationship with her boyfriend, Shailen Patel.
How Old Is Jaysha Patel?
Jaysha Patel was born on September 5, 1996, which makes her 28 years old as of 2025.
Where Is Jaysha Patel Working?
As of 2025, Jaysha Patel is working as a freelance reporter for WABC-TV (ABC7NY) in New York City.
She previously served as a community journalist for ABC7 Eyewitness News in Los Angeles, where she covered stories in Long Beach and was later promoted to general assignment reporting.
Jaysha Patel is active on social media! You can follow her on:
She often shares updates about her work, personal interests, and community events.
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