Southern Voices 2025: Leading Women Reforming The Screens of Broadcast News

In 2025, women across the southern U.S. continue to reform & shape local newsrooms and redefine what it means to be a trusted voice — on air and in our communities. From Baton Rouge to Birmingham, from Nashville to Jackson, these female journalists and anchors bring stories of hope, challenge, and triumph to viewers’ screens each evening (or each morning in some cases). Their dedication to fairness, clarity, and integrity make them role models — not just for aspiring broadcasters, but for every viewer who values local journalism. The following are some of the top female newscasters currently working in the South — a list of names that matter in 2025.

Top 15 Female Newscasters in the South (2025)

1. Lydia Fielder (pictured above) — Reporter at Channel 4 News (Nashville, Tennessee)
As a reporter for “Channel 4,” Lydia Fielder brings stories from across the Nashville area, often focusing on human interest, community issues, and local developments that matter to viewers. Her reporting reflects deep engagement with the city she covers.

2. Rylee Kramer — General Assignments Reporter on 9News at 10 at WAFB (Baton Rouge, Louisiana). A rising journalism talent in Baton Rouge, Rylee Kramer covers a wide variety of breaking news and feature stories for WAFB — from community issues to major statewide events. Her on-the-ground reporting has earned her growing respect among local audiences and peers.

3. Alyse Eady — Reporter / Anchor-Person at FOX 5 Atlanta (Georgia). Alyse Eady has built a strong presence in Atlanta’s competitive news market. As part of FOX 5, she delivers major news coverage and sometimes anchors segments — combining journalistic integrity with on-camera professionalism. Her poise and consistency help build trust among viewers across the metro area.

4. Madeleine Nolan — Evening News Reporter at FOX Nashville (Tennessee). Working the evening news shift for FOX in Nashville, Madeleine Nolan brings daily news, updates, and local stories to viewers settling in after their workday. Her reporting helps connect communities with the latest from their city and region with an energetic and fresh approach that makes viewers connect on all levels to the stories she covers.

5. Karli Barnett — Evening Newscast Reporter at WANFF Atlanta News First (Georgia). As a part of the “News First” evening newscasts in Atlanta, Karli Barnett plays a role in shaping the city’s understanding of current events — from politics to social issues. Her reporting helps ground late-day coverage in accuracy and context.

6. Stacey Spivey — Daybreaking Reporter at KATV (Little Rock, Arkansas). As a daybreaking reporter at KATV in Little Rock, Stacey Spivey helps bring early-morning news, weather reports, and live coverage — often being among the first to update audiences on overnight events or breaking stories. Her timely reporting and energy help anchor the morning lineup.

7. Ashley Garner — Anchor & Journalist for WLBT (Jackson, Mississippi). At WLBT in Jackson, Ashley Garner serves as a key anchor and journalist, covering statewide news, community issues, and human-interest segments. Her presence helps ensure that Mississippi stories — from the capital city and beyond — get the attention they deserve.

8. Nikki-Dee Ray — Reporter at Channel 5 News (Nashville, Tennessee). Covering Nashville and surrounding areas for Channel 5, Nikki-Dee Ray brings local stories to life with clear reporting and a dedication to keeping the community informed. Her work supports transparency and keeps residents connected to what’s going on in their city.

9. Destiny Quinn — Morning Co-Anchor on WKYT’s 7–9 a.m. Show (Lexington, Kentucky). As a co-anchor for WKYT’s morning show, Destiny Quinn helps start viewers’ days informed — combining news, local updates, and community highlights. Her warm on-air presence and commitment to accuracy make her a comforting and credible voice for early-morning audiences.

10. Christana Kay — Meteorologist at WAPT (Mississippi). As the weather anchor at WAPT, Christana Kay plays a vital role in informing Mississippi viewers about storms, weather changes, and climate-related developments — a critical public service especially during severe weather periods. Her meteorological reporting underscores safety and community awareness.

11. Laura Schweizer — Reporter at Channel 2 (Nashville, Tennessee). Laura Schweizer reports on various local and regional stories for Nashville’s Channel 2, shedding light on events, public interest issues, and developments that affect the everyday lives of Metro Nashville residents. She helps bridge newsrooms and neighborhoods with dependable reporting.

12. Sarah Killian — Anchor at WVTM 13 (Alabama). Anchoring for WVTM 13 in Alabama, Sarah Killian delivers evening (or scheduled) newscasts with professionalism and empathy — becoming a recognizable and trusted voice in the region. Her work often reflects strong journalism standards and a commitment to community coverage.

13. Heather Mathis — Reporter at Channel 5 News (Nashville, Tennessee). Working as a reporter for Channel 5 News in Nashville, Heather Mathis covers stories that matter to the city — from civic issues to community events — contributing to informed public discourse. Her reporting continues the tradition of local journalism that reflects Nashville’s evolving identity.

14. Alison Mastrangelo — Sports Reporter at WSB-TV (Georgia). As a sports reporter at WSB-TV in Georgia, Alison Mastrangelo brings athletic news — from high school games to major league updates — to fans across the state. Her reporting blends sports enthusiasm with journalistic integrity, helping spotlight athletes and stories that matter.

15. Jill Jelnick — Sports Anchor and Reporter at FOX 17 (Tennessee). With a focus on sports for FOX 17 in Nashville, Tennessee, Jill Jelnick combines reporting and anchoring to bring game highlights, athlete interviews, and sports community stories to viewers — an important voice in a sports-loving region.