John Atwater Biography: Emmy Award-Winning Journalist at WCVB-TV Boston
John Atwater is an accomplished American journalist, anchor, and reporter, recognized for his impactful work as a general assignment reporter for WCVB-TV Channel 5 in Boston, Massachusetts.
A five-time regional Emmy Award winner, Atwater has built a distinguished career in broadcast journalism, earning accolades from the Wisconsin Broadcasters Association and the Associated Press for his exceptional reporting.
Early Life and Education
Born in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. He is of Caucasian ethnicity and holds American nationality.
Atwater pursued his education at Northwestern University’s Medill School of Journalism, where he earned a dual degree in journalism and economics, laying a strong foundation for his career in media.
Career Journey
Atwater began his broadcast career at WKYT-TV, the CBS affiliate in Lexington, Kentucky, where he worked as a news reporter and anchor.
He later joined WISN-TV in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, another Hearst television station, further honing his skills as an anchor and reporter.
His time at WTXF-TV in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, saw him serve as a general assignment reporter and weekend news anchor, covering high-profile stories such as the Amish school shooting in Lancaster County and the US Airways Flight 1549 emergency landing in the Hudson River.
In November 2009, Atwater joined WCVB-TV in Boston as a part-time freelance reporter, transitioning to a full-time role with “NewsCenter 5” in September 2010.
Since arriving in Boston, he has covered significant local events, including the 2010 water main break in Weston, the MBTA fire at Downtown Crossing, and the race to fill Ted Kennedy’s Senate seat.
In addition, his reporting extends to breaking news, crime, community events, and human interest stories, showcasing his versatility and commitment to local journalism.
Recent assignments include covering a hit-and-run crash in Needham, a teacher strike in Marblehead, and a home invasion in Stoneham, as well as reporting on a suspect arrested for placing pro-Nazi and anti-immigrant stickers at Bridgewater State University.
Age:
John Atwater was born on July 4, 1979, making him 46 years old as of 2025. His zodiac sign is Cancer. John Atwater is of Caucasian ethnicity and holds American nationality.
Husband:
John Atwater is openly gay and is married to Adam Williams, who is also a respected member of the community. They got engaged in August 2013 on Race Point Beach in Provincetown, Massachusetts.
The couple tied the knot in a private ceremony on July 14, 2020. Additionally, Adam Williams is the founder, co-chairman, and CEO of the Prime Group, a real estate investment company.
Height:
John Atwater stands at an approximate height of 5 feet 9 inches (175 cm) and has a moderate weight.
Career and Background:
John Atwater is an Emmy Award-winning American journalist, anchor, and reporter known for his impactful work as a general assignment reporter at WCVB-TV Channel 5 in Boston, Massachusetts.
Career Journey and Television Stations
- WKYT-TV (Lexington, Kentucky)
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- Role: News Reporter and Anchor
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- Details: Atwater began his broadcast journalism career at WKYT-TV, the CBS affiliate in Lexington, Kentucky. This early role allowed him to develop his skills in reporting and anchoring, covering local news and gaining experience in a smaller market. His work at WKYT laid the groundwork for his subsequent moves to larger markets.
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WISN-TV (Milwaukee, Wisconsin)
- Role: Anchor and Reporter
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- Details: Atwater joined WISN-TV, a Hearst-owned ABC affiliate in his hometown of Milwaukee, Wisconsin. During his tenure, he covered a range of stories, from local politics to community events, further honing his craft. His work in Milwaukee earned him recognition from the Wisconsin Broadcasters Association, reflecting his growing prominence in the field.
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WTXF-TV (Philadelphia, Pennsylvania)
- Role: General Assignment Reporter and Weekend News Anchor
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- Details: Atwater moved to WTXF-TV, the Fox affiliate in Philadelphia, where he served as a general assignment reporter and weekend news anchor. In this major market, he covered high-profile stories, including the 2006 Amish school shooting in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, and the 2009 US Airways Flight 1549 emergency landing in the Hudson River. His work in Philadelphia showcased his ability to handle breaking news and complex stories, earning him further acclaim.
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WCVB-TV (Boston, Massachusetts)
- Role: General Assignment Reporter
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- Start Date: November 2009 (part-time freelance), September 2010 (full-time)
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- Details: Atwater joined WCVB-TV, Boston’s ABC affiliate, initially as a part-time freelance reporter in November 2009. He transitioned to a full-time role with “NewsCenter 5” in September 2010. Since then, he has become a staple of the station’s newsroom, covering a wide array of stories, including:
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- Major Local Events: The 2010 water main break in Weston, the MBTA fire at Downtown Crossing, and the special election to fill Ted Kennedy’s Senate seat.
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- Breaking News and Crime: Recent assignments include a hit-and-run crash in Needham, a teacher strike in Marblehead, a home invasion in Stoneham, and a suspect arrested for placing pro-Nazi and anti-immigrant stickers at Bridgewater State University.
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- Human Interest and Community Stories: Atwater’s reporting often highlights local issues, community events, and personal stories, resonating with Boston-area viewers.
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- His versatility and dedication have made him a trusted voice in New England, with his work recognized through five regional Emmy Awards and Associated Press Awards.
Throughout his career, John has received numerous accolades, including five regional Emmy Awards, and recognition from the Associated Press and the Wisconsin Broadcasters Association.
John Atwater has covered several significant stories throughout his career. Here are some of the most notable ones:
- US Airways Flight 1549 Emergency Landing: Atwater reported on the emergency landing of a US Airways flight in the Hudson River, an event that garnered widespread national attention.
- Amish School Shooting: He covered the tragic Amish school shooting in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania.
- MBTA Fire at Downtown Crossing: In Boston, Atwater reported on the MBTA fire incident at Downtown Crossing.
- Water Main Break in Weston: He also covered the significant water main break in Weston, Massachusetts, in the spring of 2010.
- Ted Kennedy Senate Seat Race: Atwater reported on the race to fill Ted Kennedy’s Senate seat.
Awards and Recognition
Atwater’s journalistic excellence has been recognized with:
- Five Regional Emmy Awards for outstanding reporting.
- Associated Press Awards for exceptional journalism.
- Wisconsin Broadcasters Association Awards for his contributions to the field.
John Atwater works alongside a talented team of journalists at WCVB-TV Channel 5 in Boston. Some of his notable colleagues include:
- Ed Harding – Anchor for NewsCenter 5.
- Maria Stephanos – Co-anchor of NewsCenter 5.
- Harvey Leonard – Chief Meteorologist (retired but still a respected figure).
- Doug Meehan – Anchor and reporter.
- Antoinette Antonio – Anchor and reporter.
Net Worth and Salary:
Although the exact figures are not disclosed, John Atwater is believed to have an estimated net worth ranging from $1 million to $5 million.
His annual salary at WCVB-TV is also estimated to be between $75,000 to $120,000, depending on his role and experience.
Is John Atwater Married?
John Atwater is openly gay and married to Adam Williams, an Emmy Award-winning journalist and evening news anchor at WHDH-TV (7News) in Boston.
The couple got engaged in August 2013 at Race Point Beach in Provincetown, Massachusetts, and married in a private ceremony on July 14, 2020.
Adam Williams is also the founder, co-chairman, and CEO of the Prime Group, a real estate investment company. Atwater and Williams are active members of the LGBTQ+ community, celebrated for their commitment to each other and their professional achievements
How Old Is John Atwater?
John Atwater is currently 46 years old. He was born on July 4, 1979, and raised in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
Where Is John Atwater Working?
John Atwater is currently working as a general assignment reporter at WCVB-TV Channel 5 in Boston, Massachusetts.
He joined the station as a freelance reporter in November 2009 and became a full-time member of the NewsCenter 5 team in September 2010.
In addition, WCVB is an ABC affiliate and part of Hearst Television, and Atwater has become a trusted voice in the Boston news landscape through his award-winning field reporting.
Previous Roles:
- WTXF-TV (Philadelphia, PA): Served as a general assignment reporter and weekend anchor, covering major national stories like the Amish school shooting and the US Airways flight landing in the Hudson River.
- WISN-TV (Milwaukee, WI): Worked as an anchor and reporter at another Hearst Television station.
- WKYT-TV (Lexington, KY): Began his broadcast journalism career at this CBS affiliate.
John Atwater is active on several social media platforms. You can follow him on:
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