Siobhan McGirl: The Voice of Home on NBC10 Philadelphia

When the red light flickers on the camera lens during a cold Philadelphia morning, Siobhan McGirl isn’t just delivering the news; she’s talking to her neighbors. For McGirl, joining NBC10 Philadelphia in January 2024 wasn’t just a career milestone—it was a homecoming. As a South Jersey native, she understands the grit, the heart, and the specific rhythm of the Delaware Valley.

While many reporters move from city to city as “outsiders,” Siobhan brings an authentic local perspective to the NBC10 team. Whether she’s reporting on a breaking news event in her hometown of Washington Township or highlighting a community triumph in Center City, her work is defined by a deep-seated empathy. She doesn’t just “cover” a story; she inhabits it, seeking the human pulse beneath the headlines.

Quick Bio: Siobhan McGirl at a Glance

From South Jersey to the Big Screen: The Early Years

Siobhan McGirl’s journey into journalism began long before she stepped onto a professional set. Growing up in Washington Township, New Jersey, she was raised in the very environment she now reports on. She attended Gloucester Catholic High School, where the foundations of her work ethic and community-first mindset were laid.

As a proud American with Irish heritage, Siobhan’s name (pronounced Shiv-on) often sparks curiosity. Her roots are a significant part of her identity, evidenced by her involvement in the “Pirates of Irish Persuasion and Extraction” during her college years. This cultural connection often helps her build rapport with the diverse, heritage-rich neighborhoods of Philadelphia.

A Powerhouse Education at Seton Hall

Siobhan didn’t just attend Seton Hall University; she conquered it. Graduating in 2017 with a Bachelor of Arts in Broadcast Journalism, she was a standout student. Her time at Seton Hall was a whirlwind of activity that prepared her for the high-pressure world of news:

• Pirate TV & WSOU Radio: She cut her teeth on campus media, learning the technical side of the industry.

• Speech and Debate: As a member of the Brownson Speech and Debate Team, she mastered the art of clear, persuasive communication.

• Servant Leader Scholar: This role hinted at her future philanthropic efforts, focusing on how media can serve the public good.

The “Triple Threat”: An MMJ Specialist

In the modern newsroom, being a “talking head” isn’t enough. Siobhan is a highly skilled Multimedia Journalist (MMJ). This means she is often a one-woman crew: she shoots her own video, writes her own scripts, and edits her own packages. This “boots on the ground” approach allows her to get closer to her subjects, providing an intimacy that large camera crews sometimes lack.

Climbing the Career Ladder: Virginia to Connecticut

Before returning to the Philly market, Siobhan built an impressive resume across the East Coast:

1. The Roanoke Foundation (WDBJ-7)

Starting in 2017, Siobhan worked in Roanoke, Virginia. Here, she took on the role of a bureau leader, covering eight counties. She gained critical experience reporting on high-profile court cases and trials, proving her ability to handle complex legal narratives with clarity and poise.

2. The Connecticut Chapter (WVIT/NBC Connecticut)

In December 2019, she moved to WVIT, an NBC-owned station. Over four years, she became a trusted face in Connecticut. She was known for “enterprising” her own stories—finding news that wasn’t on the press release circuit. Her work here solidified her reputation as a reporter who looks where others aren’t watching.

The Homecoming: Joining the NBC10 Philadelphia Family

In early 2024, Siobhan officially joined NBC10 Philadelphia. For a reporter, there is no greater honor than telling the stories of the people who raised you.

“I’m thrilled at the full-circle opportunity to return home as a reporter,” Siobhan shared. “I am honored to tell stories here and eager to give back to the communities that raised me.”

You can now find her on air during weekdays and weekend mornings, delivering the news with a mix of professional authority and local warmth.

Investigative Instincts: The CBS and ABC Pedigree

Siobhan’s reporting is backed by a rigorous investigative background. During her college years, she secured prestigious internships that would make any veteran journalist envious:

• Investigative Unit at CBS News: She assisted in reporting on massive stories like the 2016 Presidential Election and national security events.

• ABC News (20/20 and Nightline): She worked under top-tier producers, filing FOIA (Freedom of Information Act) requests and conducting deep-dive research.

• Restitution Success: While at ABC’s “7 On Your Side,” she helped recover over $150,000 for consumers who had been wronged. This experience instilled in her a passion for holding organizations accountable.

Life Beyond the Newsroom

Despite her busy schedule, Siobhan’s personal life reflects her commitment to service. She is an active volunteer with Big Brothers Big Sisters, serving as a mentor for over four years.

Interesting Facts about Siobhan McGirl:

• Social Media Presence: She is highly active on Instagram, X (formerly Twitter), and LinkedIn, often sharing behind-the-scenes clips of her reporting life.

• Personal Philosophy: She strives to “take people where they might not otherwise get to go.”

Why Siobhan McGirl Matters to Philly Media

In an era of “fake news” and declining trust in media, Siobhan represents the new guard of journalism: transparent, local, and deeply involved. Her net worth and salary, while not publicly disclosed, reflect the competitive standards of a top-10 media market like Philadelphia, where experienced reporters typically earn between $75,000 and $120,000 annually.

However, for Siobhan, the “value” of her work isn’t in a paycheck—it’s in the impact. By focusing on “joys, triumphs, and frustrations” of the community, she acts as a bridge between the public and the powers that be.

What do you think of Siobhan’s reporting style? Have you seen her out in the community? Let us know in the comments below!

Sources & References

• NBC10 Philadelphia Official Bio

• Seton Hall University Alumni Profiles

• LinkedIn Professional Career Timeline

• WDBJ-7 and WVIT News Archives

• Big Brothers Big Sisters Mentor Spotlight