Shayla Reaves Biography: Age, Height, Husband, Career, WCCO, Salary, Awards & Facts
Shayla Reaves is an Emmy Award-winning American television journalist, anchor, and author who has built a respected career across major U.S. markets before landing at WCCO-TV in Minneapolis. Born in Jackson, Tennessee, and trained at Northwestern University’s prestigious Medill School of Journalism, she has spent nearly two decades covering breaking news, hurricanes, and human-interest stories from Louisville to Tampa to the Twin Cities. Known for her warm on-air presence, creative storytelling, and community-driven reporting, Reaves has become a trusted voice in Minnesota journalism while also carving out space as a children’s book author and digital content creator.
Quick Facts
| Full Name | Shayla Reaves |
| Nick Name | Shayla |
| Profession | Television News Anchor, Reporter, Author |
| Birth Date | 1984 (exact date undisclosed) |
| Age | 42 (as of 2026) |
| Birth Place | Jackson, Tennessee, United States |
| Nationality | American |
| Known For | Noon anchor and morning reporter at WCCO-TV (CBS Minnesota); Emmy Award-winning journalist; Author of Echo in the Distance |
| Ethnicity | African American |
| Zodiac Sign | Unknown (birth month undisclosed) |
| Height & Weight | Approx. 5 feet 7 inches (170 cm); weight not publicly disclosed |
| Hair Color | Black |
| Eye Color | Brown |
| Qualification | B.A. in Journalism (Northwestern University, Medill School of Journalism, 2006) |
| Religion | Christian (implied through family background and values) |
| Marital Status | Married |
| Spouse | Shawn (first name disclosed; full name kept private) |
| Children | None publicly disclosed |
| Parents | Linda Reaves (mother), Mike Reaves Jr. (father, deceased 2022) |
| Siblings | Not publicly disclosed |
| Hobbies | Crafting, writing, exploring the Twin Cities, reading |
| Current Work | Noon anchor and morning reporter, WCCO-TV (CBS Minnesota) |
| Years Active | 2006–present |
| Net Worth | Estimated $1 million–$5 million |
| Annual Salary | Estimated $45,000–$110,500 (WCCO anchor/reporter range) |
| Notable Book | Echo in the Distance (children’s book) |
Early Life & Education
Shayla Reaves was born in 1984 in Jackson, Tennessee, to Linda and Mike Reaves Jr., who were high school sweethearts [^93^3^]. Growing up in West Tennessee, she developed an early love for writing and storytelling. In seventh grade, an English teacher encouraged her to put pen to paper, sparking a passion that would eventually lead her to journalism [^94^9^].
Reaves enrolled at Northwestern University’s Medill School of Journalism in 2002 immediately after high school [^94^0^]. She graduated in 2006 with a Bachelor’s degree in Journalism, earning the distinction of being named the top broadcast student in her graduating class [^92^2^][^94^0^]. During her time at Northwestern, she received the university’s prestigious Gary Cummings Memorial Award, given to seniors who excelled in undergraduate broadcast journalism courses [^92^2^]. She also led the university’s student chapter of the National Association of Black Journalists (NABJ) to its first-ever national “Student Chapter of the Year” title in 2005 [^92^2^].
Career Journey
Early Career and Louisville Beginnings
Reaves landed her first television job at WAVE 3 News in Louisville, Kentucky, through NABJ’s Summer Internship program [^92^2^]. She started as a reporter, producer, and special projects assistant, producing the station’s 7 p.m. newscast twice a week and assisting the Troubleshooter division. Within eight months, she advanced to full-time reporting and remained with the station for four years [^92^2^].
Columbus, Ohio: Emmy Recognition
The Louisville experience helped Reaves secure a position with WBNS 10 TV in Columbus, Ohio, where she worked as a general assignment reporter for three years [^92^2^]. She also fill-in anchored for the station’s cable affiliate, Ohio News Network (ONN). Her work on the WBNS morning show—ranked #1 in the market—earned her an Emmy Award for breaking news coverage of a train derailment and explosion [^92^1^][^92^2^].
Tampa, Florida: National Exposure
Reaves next moved to WTVT Fox 13 in Tampa, Florida, where she spent four years reporting for the market’s six-hour #1 rated morning show, “Good Day Tampa Bay” [^92^1^][^92^2^]. Her duties included breaking news coverage, general assignment reporting, weather coverage, and fill-in anchoring. Her live field reports appeared nationally on Fox and Friends and America’s Newsroom with Bill Hemmer, and she participated in live talk-back interviews with Chris Wallace of Fox News Sunday and anchor Shannon Bream [^92^2^].
Greenville, North Carolina: Anchoring and Creative Expansion
In 2017, Reaves joined WNCT-TV in Greenville, North Carolina, where she co-anchored evening newscasts for three years [^92^1^][^92^2^]. In December 2018, she launched a weekly web series called “Let’s Craft,” which eventually moved to television with the launch of the East Daily Download lifestyle show in 2019 [^92^2^]. In December 2019, she wrote, shot, and edited her first “Let’s Craft” television special, which aired in place of a 5:30 p.m. newscast [^92^2^].
WCCO Minneapolis: Current Role
Reaves joined WCCO-TV (CBS Minnesota) in December 2020 as an anchor and reporter, contributing to the morning, mid-morning, and noon shows [^92^1^][^94^2^]. She currently anchors the noon newscast daily, reports for the station’s weekday morning show, and contributes stories for the Sunday morning show at 7 a.m. [^92^2^].
Her community-impact reporting has generated tangible results. A report on Wilson’s Image Barbers & Stylists prompted a $50,000 donation from a WCCO viewer for the shop’s WIC Scholarship Program, with her reports leading to more than $70,000 in total donations [^92^2^]. She has also highlighted the work of Project DIVA International, The CREW Urban Youth Equestrians, the Doorstep Foundation, and the Change Equals Opportunity Center for Change [^92^2^].
In June 2021, she launched an online conversation series called “Let’s Chat,” connecting with more than 80 Minnesotans through the digital series [^94^9^].
Authorship
Reaves is the author of a children’s book titled “Echo in the Distance.” She promoted the book with an appearance on CBS Mornings in New York City [^94^12^].
Career Stats & Milestones
- Total Markets Worked: 5 (Louisville, Columbus, Tampa, Greenville, Minneapolis)
- Years in Broadcasting: 15+ years
- Emmy Awards: 1 (Columbus train derailment coverage)
- National Network Appearances: Fox and Friends, America’s Newsroom, Fox News Sunday
- Digital Series: “Let’s Craft” (2018–2019), “Let’s Chat” (2021–present)
- Book Published: Echo in the Distance
Personal Life
Marriage and Family
Shayla Reaves is married to Shawn, though she keeps details of their relationship largely private [^94^0^]. She revealed his birthday through a Facebook post on April 10, 2019, humorously mentioning her preparations for his special day [^94^0^]. When not reporting, she enjoys spending time with her husband, crafting, and exploring the Twin Cities [^92^1^].
Parents and Loss
Reaves publicly shared the passing of her father, Mike Reaves Jr., in 2022 through an Instagram post on June 18, 2023, where she expressed her feelings about experiencing her first Father’s Day without him physically present [^94^0^]. Her parents were high school sweethearts, and her mother, Linda, has been a grounding presence in her life [^93^3^].
Children
Reaves has no publicly disclosed children and keeps this aspect of her personal life private.
Hobbies and Interests
Reaves is an avid crafter, a passion that evolved into the “Let’s Craft” series. She also loves writing, reading, and exploring the Twin Cities. Her favorite movie is The Nutty Professor, her favorite TV show is Martin, and her favorite book is More Than Enough by Elaine Welteroth [^94^0^]. She has a sweet tooth for sugary treats, prefers dogs to cats, wine over beer, comedies over tearjerkers, and Facebook over Twitter [^94^0^].
Controversies
Shayla Reaves has maintained a largely controversy-free career. No major public controversies, legal issues, or professional disputes have been documented. She is known in the industry for her professionalism and community-focused approach to journalism.
Awards & Achievements
- Emmy Award — Breaking news coverage of a train derailment and explosion (Columbus, Ohio)
- Gary Cummings Memorial Award — Northwestern University Medill School of Journalism
- Outstanding Woman Journalism Student — Association of Women Journalists-Chicago
- Illinois News Broadcasters Association — Reporting recognition
- Society of Professional Journalists — Award recipient
- Associated Press — Award recipient
- National Association of Black Journalists — Led Northwestern chapter to first national “Student Chapter of the Year” title (2005)
Physical Statistics
| Attribute | Measurement |
|---|---|
| Height | Approx. 5 feet 7 inches (170 cm) |
| Weight | Not publicly disclosed |
| Hair Color | Black |
| Eye Color | Brown |
| Build | Average |
| Distinctive Features | Warm smile, expressive on-air presence |
Quotes
“I believe luck happens when preparation meets opportunity.”
— Voyage Minnesota interview, 2022“For years, when I was feeling down, I would create the most colorful vibrant crafts. By embracing the things I felt drawn to do, I began living in a constant state of possibility.”
— On creativity and authenticity“I’m most proud of myself for finding the courage to bring the realist, truest, parts of myself to my work in television. Authenticity takes courage.”
— Voyage Minnesota interview, 2022
Favorites
- Movie: The Nutty Professor
- TV Show: Martin
- Book: More Than Enough by Elaine Welteroth
- Food: Sugary treats
- Holiday: Christmas
- Social Media Platform: Facebook
- Pets: Dogs over cats
- Drink: Wine over beer
- Movie Genre: Comedies over tearjerkers
- Computer: PC over Mac
- Communication: Text messages over phone calls
Earnings
Shayla Reaves’s estimated net worth ranges between $1 million and $5 million, accumulated through her successful broadcasting career, book sales, and potential speaking engagements [^94^0^]. Her estimated annual salary at WCCO falls in the range of $45,000 to $110,500, though major-market anchor salaries can vary widely based on experience and contract terms [^94^0^].
Interesting Facts
- Reaves sent out more than 40 demo tapes trying to land her first television job out of college; only three stations responded [^94^9^].
- She once told friends in college, “I’m going to be at the network by 30” [^94^9^].
- Her college closet was filled with colorful business suits in “every color” including pink and lime green, which she now laughs about [^94^9^].
- She has appeared on national Fox News programs including live interviews with Chris Wallace and Shannon Bream [^92^2^].
- Her reporting directly led to $70,000 in donations for a barbershop scholarship program in Minneapolis [^92^2^].
Did You Know Already?
- Reaves’s father, Mike Reaves Jr., passed away in 2022, and she honored him publicly on Father’s Day 2023 [^94^0^].
- She was featured on PBS Spotlight 11 in February 2024 as a Jackson, Tennessee native who rose to prominence at a top-rated CBS station [^94^5^].
- Her “Let’s Chat” series has connected her with over 80 Minnesotans since its 2021 launch [^94^9^].
- She promoted her children’s book, Echo in the Distance, with an appearance on CBS Mornings in New York [^94^12^].
Social Media Links
- Instagram: @shaylareavestv
- Facebook: ShaylaReavesTV | Let’s Chat with Shayla
- Twitter/X: @wccoshayla
- YouTube: Shayla Reaves
- WCCO Profile: https://minnesota.cbslocal.com/personality/shayla-reaves/
Frequently Asked Questions
How old is Shayla Reaves?
Shayla Reaves was born in 1984, making her 42 years old as of 2026.
Who is Shayla Reaves’s husband?
She is married to a man named Shawn. She keeps most details about their relationship private, though she has shared birthday tributes to him on social media.
Where did Shayla Reaves go to college?
She graduated from Northwestern University’s Medill School of Journalism in 2006, where she was named the top broadcast student in her class.
What is Shayla Reaves known for?
She is best known as the noon anchor and morning reporter for WCCO-TV in Minneapolis, an Emmy Award-winning journalist, and the author of the children’s book Echo in the Distance.
How many Emmy Awards has Shayla Reaves won?
She has won at least one Emmy Award for her breaking news coverage of a train derailment and explosion while working in Columbus, Ohio.
Does Shayla Reaves have children?
No children have been publicly disclosed. She keeps her family life private.
Conclusion
Shayla Reaves’s journey from a small-town Tennessee girl sending out 40 demo tapes to a Emmy-winning anchor at one of the Midwest’s most respected CBS stations is a story of grit, preparation, and authentic connection. Whether anchoring the noon news, crafting with viewers online, or mentoring the next generation of journalists, she continues to prove that local television remains a powerful force for community good. At 42, with 15+ years in the business and a growing creative portfolio, Reaves is just getting started.
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