GeneralLast Updated on 3 weeks by General
Valentina Wilson, a familiar face on NewsChannel 12, expertly anchors the news at 5, 6, and 11.
Val is captivated by the beauty of Eastern Carolina and holds a deep affection for the South, with its captivating people and places that define the region. This award-winning broadcaster kickstarted her TV news career as an anchor/reporter at WAFB TV9 in Baton Rouge. During her time there, she became a hometown favorite, co-anchoring the weekend morning show and covering diverse beats, including education, crime, and general assignments.
In 2001, Val’s ambition and talent led her from the swamps to the desert, securing a position as a weekend news anchor in Las Vegas, Nevada. There, she had the privilege of interviewing celebrities like boxing champion Laila Ali and co-hosted a live three-hour New Year’s Eve broadcast from the iconic Caesar’s Palace rooftop.
Val then took on the roles of weekend weathercaster and reporter for KVVU Fox 5 in Las Vegas. After almost two years in the West, she returned to Louisiana to accept the 10 p.m. anchor position at KLFY TV 10 in Lafayette. Her most recent role was as the main anchor for WVLA NBC 33 in Baton Rouge, where she covered the news at 5, 6, and 10 p.m., and served as a medical reporter for her daily segment, “33 MD.”
Beyond her work in television journalism, Val’s passion for writing shines through, as she’s in the final stages of completing her first novel. She also lent her talents as a freelance writer and editor to various publications, including ESSENCE magazine, The Las Vegas Sentinel Voice, and The (Baton Rouge) Advocate.
Val has garnered both national and local acclaim for her contributions, including a first-place Excellence in Medical Reporting Award from the Louisiana State Medical Society. She also earned the first-place Associated Press Award for Best Spot News and two School Bell awards for education reporting. The Louisiana Association of Broadcasters recognized Val with a Community Service Award for her year-long series on stroke prevention and awareness.
Val’s journalistic pursuits have taken her to numerous fellowships, including those from Families USA, the California Endowment, Investigative Reporters and Editors, and the Casey Journalism Center. In addition, a fellowship from the Radio and Television News Directors Foundation provided her with the opportunity to travel to Germany and Belgium, where she conducted interviews with political and religious leaders and stood before the remnants of the Berlin Wall.
Hailing from Pride, Louisiana, just outside Baton Rouge, Val earned a Bachelor of Arts in Broadcast Journalism from Louisiana State University with honors (summa cum laude) and a minor in Political Science. In 2001, she was recognized as an LSU Woman of Distinction. She would typically be heard enthusiastically shouting “Geaux Tigers,” but you’ll now find her enjoying ECU, UNC, and Duke games.
Val’s commitment to community involvement is evident as she formerly served on the LSU Student Media Advisory Board and volunteered with various mentoring groups. In her free time, she indulges in her love for genealogy, antiques, clothes and shoe shopping, and maintains a regular workout routine. If you happen to spot her around town, she’ll undoubtedly greet you with a warm smile and a friendly wave.