Briella Tomassetti Biography: Age, FOX 5 NY Career, Family & Net Worth

Briella Tomassetti is an Emmy Award-winning American television journalist and reporter for FOX 5 NY (WNYW-TV) and Good Day New York. Known for her tenacity on breaking stories, empathetic community coverage, and polished live reporting across the New York metropolitan area, she has established herself as one of the most reliable and recognizable faces in tri-state television news. Her transition from a gifted childhood musician to a celebrated field reporter highlights a career built on dedication, storytelling precision, and deep roots in the local community.

Quick Facts

Viewers who follow Briella Tomassetti often follow other prominent New York media personalities and FOX 5 colleagues, such as Rosanna Scotto, Dan Bowens, Bianca Peters, Curt Menefee, Dana Arschin, and Kerry Drew.

Early Life & Education

Briella Tomassetti was born and raised on Long Island, New York, in a close-knit Italian-American household with roots tracing directly to the Abruzzo region of central Italy. Growing up in an environment filled with strong cultural traditions, Sunday family dinners, and deep faith, she learned the importance of discipline, loyalty, and hard work early on. Her family ties to both Long Island and Brooklyn shaped her perspective and gave her an intuitive understanding of the neighborhoods she would later cover as a professional journalist.

Long before stepping in front of news cameras, Tomassetti showed an exceptional passion for the performing arts. She trained as a classical pianist and vocalist, regularly performing in musical productions and local showcases. Her comfort on stage helped her develop vocal projection, emotional poise, and the ability to connect with audiences under pressure. She attended local schools on Long Island, graduating from Plainedge High School, where she participated actively in the arts and community activities.

Following high school, Tomassetti enrolled at the University of Delaware. She majored in Media Communication and Broadcast Journalism while continuing her creative studies in vocal performance and Italian studies. During her collegiate tenure, she demonstrated academic distinction, earning spots on the Dean’s List and securing competitive recognition from regional industry organizations, including the Broadcast Pioneers scholarship fund. While at Delaware, she anchored campus broadcasts, handled field cameras, and worked behind the control board, preparing herself for the fast-paced television market.

Career Journey and Key Reporting Milestones Through 2026

The trajectory of Briella Tomassetti’s career reflects steady persistence, market progression, and dedication to local news. She began building her broadcast credentials through competitive internships in the greater New York television market, learning the fundamentals of assignment desks, production coordination, and news writing.

First Steps in Local Broadcast: WRDE Coast TV

Tomassetti landed her first full-time on-air role at WRDE Coast TV, the NBC affiliate serving the Delmarva Peninsula across southern Delaware and Maryland. In Delmarva, she worked as a multimedia journalist (MMJ), shooting, editing, writing, and presenting her own packages daily. Covering small towns, coastal infrastructure, local elections, and seasonal storms gave her first-hand experience handling live news broadcasts solo. Her poise on screen quickly led to fill-in anchoring responsibilities on weekend broadcasts.

Returning Home: FiOS1 News Long Island

Tomassetti moved back to New York to join FiOS1 News (Regional News Network) as a general assignment reporter. At FiOS1, she covered pressing stories across Nassau and Suffolk counties, including local government accountability, major infrastructure challenges on the Long Island Rail Road (LIRR), public safety issues, and feature stories celebrating local resilience. Her intimate knowledge of Long Island’s geography and culture gave her an immediate advantage, helping her break stories ahead of competing outlets.

Joining FOX 5 NY (WNYW) & Good Day New York

In 2019, Tomassetti took a major career step by joining FOX 5 NY (WNYW-TV), the flagship Fox Television Station located in Manhattan. Assigned as a general assignment reporter, she became a prominent contributor to early-morning staple Good Day New York as well as the 5:00 PM, 6:00 PM, and 10:00 PM newscasts.

At FOX 5, she has handled every tier of major breaking news in the city that never sleeps. From late-night residential five-alarm fires in Brooklyn and Manhattan to high-profile criminal trials at Manhattan Criminal Court, transit strikes, and major weather emergencies, her live reports stand out for their calm authority and detail.

Key On-Air Coverage and Recent Activity

Tomassetti has been at the forefront of major developments shaping the tri-state area. In 2026, her reporting roster has included ongoing updates on New York City transportation systems, key municipal political debates, consumer protection stories, and major regional security developments. Some of her most impactful assignments have included:

• Major Crime & Public Safety Coverage: Frontline reporting on high-profile investigations across the five boroughs, including coverage of subway safety protocols, major court hearings, and federal actions.
• Long Island Rail Road & Commuter Transit: In-depth field coverage of rail infrastructure disruptions at Penn Station and Grand Central Madison, highlighting commuter safety and transit delays.
• Human Interest & Community Resilience: Inspiring segments detailing youth achievements, adaptive sports for visually impaired athletes, and local cultural festivals.
• High-Stakes Consumer & Economic Stories: Coverage of multi-state lottery jackpots, economic pressure on local retail storefronts, and neighborhood development controversies.

Career Stats & Broadcast Profile

Personal Life

Briella Tomassetti places her family, faith, and cultural identity at the center of her life outside the newsroom. She maintains close relationships with her parents, brother Giovanni, and sister Gianna. Deeply proud of her Italian lineage, she frequently credits her parents and grandparents for instilling values of perseverance, humility, and hospitality.

In community life, Tomassetti is an active participant in Italian-American heritage organizations. She had the honor of serving as Grand Marshal for the historic 50th Annual Feast of Santa Rosalia on 18th Avenue in Bensonhurst, Brooklyn, an event that gathers thousands of local residents to celebrate faith and traditional culture.

Tomassetti continues to practice the piano and sing, occasionally sharing musical performances on special segments and personal updates. She is also dedicated to personal health and fitness, regularly incorporating strength training, running, and balanced lifestyle routines into her busy work schedule.

Relationships & Dating History

Tomassetti keeps her romantic and dating life largely out of the public spotlight. She has not announced a marriage or public engagement, and she focuses her public presence on her journalism, cultural projects, and family milestones. She currently resides in the New York metropolitan area.

Awards & Achievements

• New York Emmy Award: Won for excellence in local television news reporting and spot coverage.
• Grand Marshal of the Feast of Santa Rosalia: Named community leader and Grand Marshal for the 50th milestone celebration in Bensonhurst, Brooklyn.
• Broadcast Pioneers Scholar: Selected as a distinguished scholarship recipient during her undergraduate journalism studies.
• Dean’s List Honoree: Multi-semester academic honors recognition at the University of Delaware.
• Community Advocacy Commendations: Recognized by local civic organizations for highlighting volunteer groups, youth programs, and safety awareness across Long Island and New York City.

Physical Statistics

Quotes

“Our Italian heritage is the heart and soul of my family, both here in America and back home in Italy. I was raised in a home filled with love, faith, music, and respect for our elders.” — Briella Tomassetti

“As a reporter, you learn very quickly that you’re entering people’s lives on some of their most difficult days. Approaching every story with empathy is not optional; it’s essential.” — Briella Tomassetti

“There is nothing quite like live reporting in New York City. The energy, the unpredictability, and the responsibility to get the facts right keep you sharp every single morning.” — Briella Tomassetti

Public Advocacy & Addressing Industry Pressures

Like many on-air professionals in the modern digital age, Tomassetti has openly addressed the pressures placed on female journalists regarding appearance, body image, and online social media standards. Family members and industry peers supported her when she spoke about overcoming body dysmorphia and building healthy self-confidence. Her openness resonated with viewers and young aspiring reporters, demonstrating the value of authenticity in an industry that often emphasizes exterior standards.

Favorites & Personal Interests

• Favorite Cuisine: Traditional Italian (especially homemade pasta, Sunday gravy, and artisan gelato).
• Musical Instruments: Piano.
• Favorite Travel Destination: Italy, specifically the Abruzzo and coastal regions.
• Leisure Activities: Classical vocal singing, weight training, beach walks, and attending Broadway performances.
• Favorite Sports: Baseball and local New York teams.

Briella Tomassetti Salary & Net Worth in 2026

Working in the nation’s premier television market, Market #1 (New York City), broadcast reporters at network-owned stations like WNYW receive competitive compensation reflecting market scale, live reporting hours, and regional reach. Based on prevailing broadcast industry standards in the New York market, general assignment reporters with Emmy credentials earn an estimated annual salary ranging between $95,000 and $145,000.

Taking into account her steady on-air roles at FOX 5 NY, previous regional news contracts, commercial endorsements, and personal assets, Briella Tomassetti’s net worth is estimated to be between $800,000 and $1.2 Million in 2026. Her primary financial foundation comes from long-term broadcast contracts and media work in the tri-state area.

Interesting Facts

• She performed singing numbers at iconic New York establishments, including Ellen’s Stardust Diner, before starting her television reporting career.
• Her ancestral roots are rooted in Abruzzo, Italy, and she speaks conversational Italian.
• She received a prestigious scholarship from the Broadcast Pioneers organization while studying at the University of Delaware.
• Tomassetti served as the Grand Marshal for the 50th golden anniversary of Brooklyn’s famous Feast of Santa Rosalia.
• She often shoots, scripts, and field-produces stories under tight deadlines before going live on Good Day New York.

Did You Know?

• Briella played classical piano throughout her childhood and considered a professional path in music and theater before choosing journalism.
• She began her broadcast career reporting in the coastal towns of Delaware and Maryland before returning home to cover the tri-state area.
• Her coverage of community stories has helped raise thousands of dollars for local families facing unexpected hardships and tragic losses.

Social Media Links

• Instagram: @briellatomassetti
• X (Twitter): @BriellaNY
• Facebook: Briella Tomassetti Reports
• Station Bio: FOX 5 NY News Team
• Muck Rack Profile: Briella Tomassetti on Muck Rack

Frequently Asked Questions

Summary

Briella Tomassetti continues to stand out as one of New York City’s most dedicated television reporters. Her blend of classical training, relentless journalistic ethics, and genuine connection with local communities has earned her industry acclaim and a devoted viewership across FOX 5 NY. If you found this biography helpful, feel free to share it with friends and fellow local news followers on social media.

Sources & Reference Verification: FOX 5 NY (WNYW) official broadcast profiles, University of Delaware academic records, New York Emmy Awards archives, Brooklyn community publications, and verified broadcast interviews.