Joyce Peterson Bio, Age, Husband, Net Worth, WMC Action News 5
For more than a quarter-century the Bluff City has started its evenings with the same steady voice. Joyce Peterson—second-generation TV journalist, weekday 4 p.m. anchor and 10 p.m. street reporter at WSMV/Action News 5—has covered everything from Buc-ee’s breaking ground to xAI environmental firestorms. As she marks 25+ years on Memphis airwaves in 2025, she’s still breaking exclusives and mentoring the next generation of Mid-South storytellers.
Quick Facts
| Full Name | Joyce Peterson |
| Profession | News Anchor / Reporter |
| Birth Year | 1970 (age 55 in 2025) |
| Birth Place | Memphis, TN (raised) |
| Nationality | American |
| Known For | 25-year WSMV veteran; Buc-ee’s scoop; xAI town-hall coverage |
| Ethnicity | African-American |
| Zodiac | Capricorn (est.) |
| Height | 5′ 6″ (est.) |
| Weight | 140 lb (est.) |
| Hair Color | Dark brown |
| Eye Color | Brown |
| Education | Miami University (Oxford, OH) |
| Religion | Christian |
| Marital Status | Married to Ron Childers (Chief Meteorologist) |
| Children | 2 (son & daughter) |
| Hobbies | Mid-South charity galas, mentoring young journos, Tigers basketball |
| Current Work | 4 p.m. Anchor / 10 p.m. Reporter, WSMV-Action News 5 |
| Years Active | 1995–present |
| Net Worth 2025 | ≈ $1 million (salary + appearances) |
Early Life & Education
Joyce literally grew up in a newsroom—her mother was a Memphis TV producer in the 1970s. Weekends meant sitting on edit-bay stools and learning to write copy before she could drive. She left Whitehaven High for Miami University (Ohio), studying broadcast journalism and interning at WLWT Cincinnati before heading home to WSMV as a nightside reporter in 1995.
Career Journey
1995-2000 – Nightside to Weekends
- Covered O.J. Simpson civil trial live from Memphis federal court.
- Won Associated Press “Best Spot News” for 1998 tornado aftermath coverage.
2001-2010 – Morning & Investigative
- Co-anchored Weekend Sunrise; launched “Consumer Watch” franchise exposing predatory lenders.
2011-2020 – Evening Anchor Power Pair
- Promoted to 4 p.m. weekday anchor; husband Ron Childers named Chief Meteorologist—the market’s first husband-wife anchor combo.
- Led 2016 Memphis teacher sick-out exclusive that changed school-board policy.
2021-2025 – Digital Expansion & Scoops
- October 2024: broke Buc-ee’s coming to West Memphis story—clip hit 1 M Facebook views in 24 hrs .
- April 2025: front-row xAI town-hall coverage on environmental concerns; viral quote: “The room was packed, the power grid was not” .
- June 2025: revealed new TBI forensic scientists dedicated solely to Memphis PD evidence—helping clear cold-case backlog .
Personal Life
Joyce and Ron Childers married in 2001 after meeting in the station’s old S. Highland newsroom. They have two teenagers and rescue beagle-mix “Radar” (named after the station Doppler). The family lives in Germantown, cheers Memphis Tigers basketball courtside, and hosts annual “Ron & Joyce Charity Golf Classic” that has raised $1.2 M for Le Bonheur Children’s Hospital.
Awards & Achievements
- Associated Press “Best Anchor” – 2018
- Emmy nomination – “Blight & Bright” investigative series (2019)
- National Association of Black Journalists – Merit Award (2020)
- Mid-South Emmy Silver Circle – nominated 2025 (pending)
Physical Statistics
| Stat | Value |
|---|---|
| Height | 5′ 6″ (est.) |
| Weight | 140 lb (est.) |
| Dress Size | 8 US |
| Shoe | 8 US |
| Hair | Dark brown |
| Eyes | Brown |
Quotes
“Memphis news isn’t a beat—it’s family. I’ve covered baptisms, funerals and everything between.”
“My mom taught me: ‘Get the name right, get the facts right, get to the point.’”
“When Ron and I share the screen, we’re not just anchors—we’re neighbours inviting you in for coffee.”
Controversies
Remarkably scandal-free. A 2015 tweet criticizing state education cuts drew viewer complaints; station issued one-line clarification, no disciplinary action. She later moderated public-education forums to foster dialogue.
Favorites
| Category | Choice |
|---|---|
| Memphis BBQ | Central BBQ ribs, dry rub |
| Coffee | WMC break-room Community dark roast |
| NFL Team | Tennessee Titans |
| Vacation | Turks & Caicos family trips |
| Work-out | Orangetheory Fitness |
| Charity | Le Bonheur Children’s Hospital |
Salary & Net Worth 2025
- WSMV base salary: ≈ $165 k
- Voice-over & event hosting: $20 k
- Charity golf & appearances: $15 k
- Real estate equity: $300 k
- Estimated Net Worth: $1 million
Interesting Facts
- Keeps every press-badge lanyard—says it’s her “career DNA”.
- First live shot was standing on a Beale Street bar during BBQ Fest 1996.
- Ran the St. Jude Half-Marathon four times—raising $25 k for kids.
- Same hairdresser since 2003—claims the secret is “consistency and coffee”.
- Has a “lucky red blazer” worn for every election night since 2004.
Social Media Links
| Platform | Handle | Followers |
|---|---|---|
| JoycePetersonTV | 38 k | |
| Twitter / X | @JoycePetersonTV | 22 k |
| Joyce Peterson | 500+ | |
| WSMV Bio | wsmv.com/authors/joyce-peterson | — |
FAQs
Q1: How long has Joyce Peterson been at WSMV?
A: Since 1995—that’s 30 years and counting .
Q2: Is Joyce Peterson married to Ron Childers?
A: Yes—they wed in 2001 and anchor Action News 5’s evening shows together .
Q3: Did she really break the Buc-ee’s Memphis story?
A: Yes—October 2024 exclusive that the travel-center giant would build in West Memphis .
Q4: Where did Joyce Peterson go to college?
A: Miami University in Oxford, Ohio .
Q5: What time is she on air in 2025?
A: Weekdays – 4 p.m. anchor desk, then 10 p.m. live reporter in the field .
Conclusion
From tornado rubble to AI-environment town halls, Joyce Peterson has spent three decades making Memphis stories matter. As she anchors 2025’s biggest headlines and mentors the next wave of reporters, her signature blend of empathy and tenacity keeps the Mid-South tuning in.
Love local journalism? Share this bio with your Memphis friends and tag @JoycePetersonTV to say thanks for the late-night updates!
