Erika Tarantal Biography: Emmy Award-Winning Journalist at WCVB-TV Boston
Erika Tarantal is an Emmy Award-winning journalist who currently serves as a news anchor and reporter at WCVB-TV, the ABC affiliate in Boston, Massachusetts. She joined WCVB in February 2014 and co-anchors NewsCenter 5 at 5 PM and 5:30 PM. Erika is also a contributing reporter for the station’s local news magazine, Chronicle, and champions the “5 For Good” stories, which highlight people helping others in their communities.
Before joining WCVB, Erika worked at News 4 New York, NBC’s flagship station, where she anchored the weekend newscast and was a primary fill-in co-anchor for the weekday morning newscast, Today in New York. She has covered major stories such as the death of Pope John Paul II, the election of Pope Benedict, Superstorm Sandy, and the tragic shootings in Newtown, CT.
Erika began her career in broadcasting at News 12 in the Bronx and later worked at WVIT-TV in Hartford, CT. She also served as a production assistant at WHDH-TV in Boston before transitioning to journalism.
She graduated from Connecticut College with a bachelor’s degree in government and previously worked as a paralegal for the Office of the Attorney General in Boston.
Age
Erika was born on September 8, 1979, in Elkins Park, Pennsylvania, which makes her 44 years old as of 2024. Her zodiac sign is Virgo. Erika is of Caucasian ethnicity and holds American nationality.
Parents and Siblings
Erika Tarantal is the daughter of Stephen M. Tarantal, a painter and dean of the University of the Arts in Philadelphia. Her mother, Elsa Johnson, is a sculptor. Erika has not publicly shared information about having siblings.
Husband
Erika Tarantal is married to Lucas Nathan is a real estate agent. He works for Brown Harris Stevens, a prominent real estate firm. Lucas and Erika have been together since their marriage on January 9, 2010, which took place at the University of Arts in Philadelphia. The couple has two children: a son born in March 2012 and a daughter named Grace Victoria, born in March 2015.
Height
Erika Tarantal stands at a height of 5 feet 6 inches (1.68 meters) and weighs approximately 138 lbs (63 kg). Her body measurements are 36-25-38 inches (bust-waist-hips).
Career and Background
Erika Tarantal has had a distinguished career in journalism. She is currently an anchor and reporter at WCVB Channel 5 in Boston, Massachusetts. She joined WCVB in February 2014 and co-anchors the station’s midday news, as well as the 5 PM and 5:30 PM newscasts. Additionally, she contributes to WCVB’s local news magazine, Chronicle, and champions the station’s recurring “5 For Good” stories.
Before her tenure at WCVB, Erika worked at WNBC in New York City, where she anchored the weekend newscast and was a primary fill-in anchor for the weekday morning newscast, Today in New York. She has covered major stories such as the death of Pope John Paul II, the election of Pope Benedict, Superstorm Sandy, and the tragic shootings in Newtown, Connecticut.
Erika began her career in broadcasting as a production assistant at WHDH-TV in Boston and later worked as a general assignment reporter at News 12 in the Bronx. She also served as a paralegal for the Office of the Attorney General in Boston before transitioning to journalism.
Erika Tarantal has covered numerous memorable stories throughout her career at WCVB-TV and other stations. Here are a few highlights:
- “Food Truck Fighting Hunger”: This story, part of WCVB’s “5 For Good” series, earned Erika a prestigious national Gracie Award in 2017. It profiled a local couple whose food truck, Daniel’s Table, serves thousands of meals each week to combat hunger in their community.
- Superstorm Sandy: Erika provided extensive coverage during Superstorm Sandy, reporting on the storm’s impact and the subsequent recovery efforts.
- Newtown Tragedy: She reported on the tragic shootings in Newtown, Connecticut, bringing attention to the heartbreaking event and its aftermath.
- Papal Events: Erika covered significant events in the Catholic Church, including the death of Pope John Paul II and the election of Pope Benedict.
In addition to the Gracie Award for her “Food Truck Fighting Hunger” story, Erika Tarantal has received several other accolades throughout her career:
- Emmy Award: Erika is an Emmy Award-winning journalist, recognized for her outstanding work in broadcasting.
- Associated Press Award: She has also been honored with an Associated Press Award for her exceptional reporting.
Here are five other news reporters and anchors at WCVB:
- Maria Stephanos: Co-anchors NewsCenter 5 at 4:30, 6:00, 7:00, and 11:00 PM. She has over thirty years of experience in journalism.
- Ed Harding: Co-anchors NewsCenter 5 at 4:30, 6:00, 7:00, and 11:00 PM alongside Maria Stephanos.
- Antoinette Antonio: Co-anchors the EyeOpener newscasts (4:30 AM – 7:00 AM) with Doug Meehan and Meteorologist Cindy Fitzgibbon.
- Doug Meehan: Co-anchors the EyeOpener newscasts (4:30 AM – 7:00 AM) with Antoinette Antonio and Meteorologist Cindy Fitzgibbon.
- Jessica Brown: Anchor and reporter for WCVB.
Net Worth and Salary
Erika Tarantal’s estimated net worth is around $1 million to $5 million. Her salary at WCVB-TV is estimated to be between $70,000 and $100,000 annually.
Is Erika Tarantal Married?
Yes, Erika Tarantal is married to Lucas Nathan, and they share two children. The couple have been together since January 9, 2010.
How Old Is Erika Tarantal?
Erika Tarantal was born on September 8, 1979, which makes her 44 years old as of 2024.
Where Is Erika Tarantal or Is She Still Working at WCVB-TV?
Erika Tarantal is still working at WCVB-TV. She co-anchors WCVB’s NewsCenter 5 at 5 PM and 5:30 PM and is a contributing reporter for the station’s local news magazine, Chronicle. She also champions WCVB’s recurring “5 For Good” stories, highlighting people helping others in their communities.
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