If we need to contact you, we will contact you on this email.
Your name please so that we can credit your work.
Shiba Russell was born in Boston, Massachusetts, and raised in Ocean Township, New Jersey. Of African-American descent, she identifies as a Black American. Russell developed an early interest in writing and journalism during her high school years at Ocean Township High School, from which she graduated in 1993.
She earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Communications from The College of New Rochelle. Russell continued her education at Northwestern University’s Medill School of Journalism, where she received a Master of Science degree. Her strong academic background laid the foundation for a distinguished journalism career.
Russell began her journalism career as a fill-in anchor, reporter, and photographer for News 12 Long Island. She later became a weekend anchor and one-man-band reporter for News 12 The Bronx. Notably, she was among the first on the scene covering the September 11 attacks in New York City.
She also worked for WTAE-TV in Pittsburgh and WCVB-TV in Boston, gaining recognition for her in-depth coverage and on-air professionalism. Russell eventually joined WNBC in New York, where she co-anchored various newscasts, including the evening broadcasts. Her work was widely praised, and she became known for covering major news stories such as the Sandy Hook school shooting and the death of Osama bin Laden.
In 2016, Russell joined WXIA-TV (11Alive) in Atlanta as the morning anchor for “Atlanta Alive.” She co-anchored the broadcast from 4:30–7:00 a.m. on WXIA and from 7:00–8:00 a.m. on WATL, working alongside team members including Crash Clark, Chelsey McNeil, Jaye Watson, and Vinnie Politan. Jennifer Rigby, 11Alive's News Director, praised Russell’s journalistic depth and considered her an ideal addition to the morning team.
Shiba Russell is an Emmy Award-winning journalist, widely respected for her poise, integrity, and professionalism in the newsroom. Her ability to cover breaking news with clarity and composure has distinguished her among her peers. Her transition to high-profile roles, including her time replacing longtime anchor Sue Simmons at WNBC, is a testament to her credibility and skill as a journalist.
Outside of the newsroom, Russell is actively engaged in community service, particularly in educational initiatives targeting underserved students. She volunteers with nonprofit organizations that focus on expanding access to quality education. A committed mentor, she supports and inspires young girls who aspire to careers in journalism and other professional fields.
Russell is known for maintaining strict privacy regarding her personal life. She is a single parent to a daughter, but she has chosen not to publicly share details about her past relationships or the identity of her child’s father. As of now, there is no public information confirming her involvement in any romantic relationships.
Though she faces the demands of a rigorous work schedule, Russell has consistently prioritized her family responsibilities. Public speculation about her private life remains unsubstantiated, and she has not commented on rumors or conjecture regarding her relationships.
In 2012, Russell replaced Sue Simmons as the co-anchor of WNBC’s evening news broadcasts alongside Chuck Scarborough. While her performance was professionally regarded, the pairing did not attract the same viewer rapport established by Scarborough and Simmons during their 32-year tenure together. When Sibila Vargas joined WNBC in 2013, speculation about Russell’s future with the station emerged. Eventually, Russell transitioned to co-anchor other time slots before ultimately leaving the network after five years.
During Russell's tenure at WNBC, a New York Post cartoon sparked controversy by suggesting tensions following Russell's replacement of Simmons. The cartoon depicted a peacock (symbolizing NBC) in a questionable scenario related to Russell, which drew criticism and speculation. However, the cartoon’s meaning was not addressed by Russell, Simmons, or NBC representatives, and no allegations or evidence emerged tying Russell to any inappropriate workplace behavior. Reputable journalism did not support rumors fueled by the cartoon, and Russell remained focused on her professional responsibilities.
Shiba Russell’s career is marked by her journalistic excellence, community involvement, and leadership in the newsroom. With a firm commitment to credible reporting and mentorship, she remains a notable figure in American broadcast journalism. Her journey underscores the importance of resilience, professionalism, and service—qualities that continue to define her contributions to the field.
Source you received the information from. eg. personal experiences, acquaintances, web-links, etc
Briefly describe the changes you made.