
Scott Thuman Biography: WJLA-TV’s Chief Political Correspondent
Scott Thuman is an Emmy Award-winning journalist and the Chief Political Correspondent for the Sinclair Broadcast Group and a prominent journalist at ABC7 WJLA-TV in Arlington, Virginia.
He has been with WJLA since 2005, serving as a reporter, anchor, and senior political correspondent.
Early Life and Education:
Born in the Washington, D.C. area, Thuman grew up in South Florida.
He attended Martin County High School in Stuart, Florida, and went on to graduate from Florida Southern College in Lakeland, where he majored in Communications and minored in Spanish.
He is also a graduate of the F.B.I. Citizens’ Academy at their Washington Field Office.
Career:
Thuman’s career in television broadcasting began in Florida, with stints in Jacksonville and Orlando.
He joined WJLA-TV in Washington, D.C. in 2005 as a reporter, quickly establishing himself in political reporting.
He has held various roles at WJLA, including co-anchor of “Good Morning Washington” and “ABC7 News at Noon.”
In 2013, when WJLA was acquired by Sinclair Broadcast Group, Thuman transitioned into a national role, becoming the Chief Political Correspondent for the Sinclair Broadcast Group.
In this capacity, he reports nightly on the White House, Capitol Hill, and international affairs, including terrorism and military action.
He has filed reports from numerous locations across the globe, including war zones and five continents.
Thuman is also a primary correspondent for the national news program, “Full Measure with Sharyl Attkisson,” and appears daily on “The National Desk” as a contributing correspondent and anchor.
In January 2024, Thuman was promoted to evening anchor for WJLA-TV’s 5 p.m., 6 p.m., and 11 p.m. newscasts, while continuing in his role as Chief Political Correspondent.
Key Career Highlights and Recognition:
- Exclusive Interviews: Thuman is noted for his exclusive interviews with prominent political figures. During the 2012 presidential campaign, he was the only local television reporter in Washington to secure consecutive one-on-one interviews with President Barack Obama. He has also conducted multiple presidential interviews, including with President Donald Trump.
- Award-Winning Journalism: His extensive coverage of politics in Washington D.C. and globally has earned him more than a dozen regional Emmy Awards. In 2013, his work contributed to WJLA’s composite entry winning the USC Annenberg Walter Cronkite Award for excellence in television political journalism. He has also received honors from the Edward R. Murrow Awards.
- International Reporting: Thuman’s overseas work for “Full Measure” has garnered significant accolades for his reports from countries such as Ukraine, Russia, Vietnam, Tunisia, Lebanon, Israel, and across Europe, South, and Central America.
Outside of work, Scott is an adventurer. He has summited Mount Kilimanjaro, explored the Amazon jungle, and trekked to Mount Everest Base Camp.
Age
Scott Thuman was born on June 17, 1982, making him 43 years old as of 2025. His zodiac sign is Gemini.
He is of White-American ethnicity and holds American nationality.
Wife
Scott Thuman is married to his wife, Erin Blakely. The couple met through mutual friends at a charity event in Washington, D.C.
They quickly bonded over their shared interests in media and public service, and their relationship blossomed from there.
Their wedding was a beautiful and elegant affair held on January 20, 2024, at St. John’s Episcopal Church in Georgetown, Washington, D.C.
The ceremony was attended by close family and friends, followed by a reception at the Blakely Family Barn in Great Falls, Virginia.
The reception featured cocktails, dinner, and dancing, creating a warm and joyous atmosphere for all the guests.
Scott Thuman was previously married to Autria Godfrey from 2008 to 2012. Autria is also a journalist, and they met while working together at WJLA’s Good Morning Washington broadcast.
Erin Blakely career
Erin Blakely is one of the co-founders of Pie Sisters, a popular bakery in Georgetown, Washington, D.C. She started the business with her sisters, Allison and Catherine, in 2011.
The bakery is known for its unique “cuppies,” which are mini pies, as well as a variety of traditional and innovative pie flavors.
Erin has a background in culinary arts, having taken culinary classes to hone her skills.
Before starting Pie Sisters, she and her sisters explored different career paths, including working in New York and even as far away as Iraq.
Their shared love for baking, which they developed in their mother’s kitchen, eventually led them to start their own business.
Height, Weight
Scott Thuman stands at a height of 6 feet 1 inch (approximately 1.9 meters). He maintains an average body weight of around 69 kilograms (152 pounds).
Career and Background
Scott Thuman began his journalism career at WTLV in Jacksonville, Florida, and later moved to WJLA-TV in Arlington, VA, where he has become the station’s leading political correspondent.
He is a well-known journalist, currently serving as the Chief Political Correspondent for Sinclair Broadcast Group. His career spans over two decades, during which he has covered a wide range of significant political events and stories.
Over the years, Thuman has covered multiple presidential elections, international conflict zones, and major political events. His work has earned him numerous awards, including multiple Emmy Awards.
Here are some highlights of his career:
- Early Career: Scott began his journalism career in Florida, working for WFTV in Orlando. He covered various local news stories, which helped him build a strong foundation in reporting.
- Joining Sinclair: He joined Sinclair Broadcast Group in 2005. Over the years, he has become a prominent figure in political journalism.
- Political Coverage: Scott has reported on numerous presidential campaigns, congressional hearings, and international events. His work often involves in-depth analysis and interviews with key political figures.
Scott Thuman has had a distinguished career in journalism, marked by several notable achievements:
- Political Reporting: Scott has been a prominent political correspondent, covering the White House, Capitol Hill, and international affairs. He has conducted multiple interviews with U.S. Presidents, including Barack Obama and Donald Trump.
- Global Reporting: His work has taken him to numerous global hotspots. He has reported from war zones and covered significant international events in countries like Ukraine, Russia, Vietnam, Tunisia, Lebanon, Israel, and across Europe, South & Central America.
- Awards and Recognition: Scott’s exceptional reporting has earned him more than a dozen regional Emmy Awards. His contributions to the weekly show “Full Measure with Sharyl Attkisson” have also garnered significant accolades.
- Anchoring: Currently, Scott anchors the 5 p.m., 6 p.m., and 11 p.m. newscasts at ABC7 WJLA-TV. He is known for his dynamic approach, ensuring the news is engaging and informative.
- Sinclair Broadcast Group: Before returning to ABC7, Scott served as the Chief Political Correspondent for Sinclair Broadcast Group, where he reported on major political events and international affairs.
Scott Thuman has conducted several memorable interviews throughout his career. Here are a few highlights:
- Interview with President Donald Trump: Scott interviewed President Trump at the White House, discussing various topics including the administration’s policies and Trump’s reflections on his presidency.
- Interview with President Barack Obama: Scott had the opportunity to interview President Obama in Chicago on Election Day. They discussed the enthusiasm of voters, the challenges faced during his presidency, and his reflections on his time in office.
- Campaign Conversations: Scott has interviewed numerous political figures during election campaigns. One notable interview was with Senator Amy Klobuchar, where they discussed her campaign and personal anecdotes.
Scott Thuman has covered numerous memorable stories throughout his career. Here are a few highlights:
- Ukraine Conflict: Thuman reported from the trenches in Ukraine, providing in-depth coverage of the ongoing conflict and its impact on the region.
- Middle East Reporting: He has covered significant events in the Middle East, including reporting from the deserts of Iraq, which provided critical insights into the region’s political and military dynamics.
- Vietnam and Russia: Thuman has also reported from the bustling streets of Vietnam and the iconic Red Square in Russia, bringing stories from these diverse locations to his audience.
- Everest Base Camp: In 2023, Thuman trekked to Mount Everest Base Camp and higher, documenting his journey and the challenges faced during this significant adventure.
- Domestic Politics: As a chief political correspondent, Thuman has extensively covered U.S. politics, including presidential elections, congressional activities, and major political events.
Scott Thuman has received numerous awards and recognitions throughout his career, highlighting his excellence in journalism:
- Emmy Awards: Thuman has won more than a dozen regional Emmy Awards for his outstanding reporting.
- Walter Cronkite Award: In 2013, his work was prominently featured in WJLA’s composite entry that won the USC Annenberg Walter Cronkite Award for Excellence in Television Political Journalism.
- National Recognition: As a chief political correspondent, Thuman has conducted multiple presidential interviews, including with President Trump. His reporting has been recognized for its depth and fairness.
- Sinclair Broadcast Group: Thuman’s role as the chief political correspondent for Sinclair Broadcast Group has further solidified his reputation in the field, allowing him to cover significant political events and international affairs.
Scott Thuman works closely with a talented team of anchors and reporters at WJLA. Here are some of his notable colleagues:
- Michelle Marsh: She co-anchors the evening newscasts alongside Scott. Michelle is known for her engaging delivery and in-depth reporting on various local and national issues.
- Veronica Johnson: As the Chief Meteorologist, Veronica provides weather updates and forecasts. She is a trusted source for weather information in the Washington, D.C. area.
- John Rogers: John serves as the Live Desk Anchor, bringing the latest breaking news and updates to viewers. His role is crucial in keeping the audience informed about real-time events.
- Scott Abraham: He is the Sports Anchor, covering all major sports events and stories. Scott Abraham’s reports are a staple for sports enthusiasts in the region.
Net Worth and Salary
Scott Thuman has an estimated net worth ranging between $700,000 and $1 million, a reflection of his nearly two-decade tenure at WJLA-TV and his high-profile reporting for Sinclair Broadcast Group and Full Measure with Sharyl Attkisson.
His consistent presence on national platforms and in global political coverage solidifies this range as both reasonable and sustainable.
With his level of seniority as Chief Political Correspondent, Thuman earns a robust annual salary estimated between $78,000 and $89,000.
His earnings are bolstered by regular appearances on nationally syndicated programs and potentially through speaker engagements or moderated events, although those figures remain private.
Is Scott Thuman Married?
Yes, Scott Thuman is married. He tied the knot with Erin Blakely on January 20, 2024, at St. John’s Episcopal Church in Georgetown, Washington, D.C.
How Old Is Scott Thuman?
Scott Thuman is 43 years old as of 2025. He was born on June 17, 1982, in Washington, D.C., United States.
Where Is Scott Thuman Working?
Scott Thuman is currently working as the Chief Political Correspondent for WJLA-TV (ABC7 News) in Washington, D.C.
He also contributes nationally as a correspondent for Full Measure with Sharyl Attkisson and appears regularly on The National Desk.
He resumed anchoring the evening news at WJLA in 2024 while continuing his political reporting duties, making him a prominent face both locally and nationally.
Here are some interesting facts about Scott Thuman:
- Career Highlights: Scott Thuman is the Chief Political Correspondent for the Sinclair Broadcast Group. He reports on the White House, Capitol Hill, and international affairs, including terrorism and military action. He has also been a primary correspondent for the national news program “Full Measure with Sharyl Attkisson.”
- Extensive Reporting: Thuman has reported from various global hotspots, including war zones and five continents. His work has earned him more than a dozen regional Emmy Awards.
- Early Life and Education: Born in Washington, D.C., Thuman grew up in South Florida. He attended Martin County High School in Stuart, Florida, and later majored in Communications with a minor in Spanish at Florida Southern College.
- Personal Life: Scott Thuman recently got married and lives in Great Falls. He enjoys outdoor activities and has trained at Great Falls Park for significant hikes, including a trek to Everest Base Camp.
- Unique Approach to Anchoring: Thuman believes in being an active anchor who is deeply involved in story content and editorial decisions. He aims to make the news engaging and less focused on doom and gloom.
- Local Roots: Despite his extensive travels, Thuman has strong ties to the Northern Virginia area, where he was born and where his father worked as an FBI agent.
Key Points About Scott Thuman:
- WJLA-TV Experience: Thuman has a long history with WJLA-TV, a local ABC affiliate in Washington, D.C. He has held various roles, including co-anchor of “Good Morning Washington” and “News at Noon.”
- Political Reporting: Thuman is renowned for his political reporting, particularly his coverage of the White House and Capitol Hill. He has conducted numerous interviews with high-ranking officials and has been on the ground for major political events.
- International Affairs: In addition to domestic politics, Thuman also covers international affairs, including terrorism and military action. He has filed reports from various regions around the world.
- Full Measure: Thuman is a primary correspondent for the Sunday morning national news program, “Full Measure with Sharyl Attkisson.” He has contributed to the show with in-depth reports from around the globe.
Scott Thuman is quite active on social media, where he shares updates about his work, travels, and personal life. You can follow him on:
On these platforms, he often posts about his reporting assignments, behind-the-scenes moments from his news coverage, and glimpses into his adventures and personal milestones.
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