Erik von Ancken Biography: Age, Wife, Height | WKMG-TV Orlando

Erik von Ancken Orlando News Anchor
Erik von Ancken Orlando News Anchor

Erik von Ancken – Emmy Award-Winning Journalist and Anchor at WKMG-TV

Erik von Ancken is an Emmy Award-winning journalist who has been with WKMG-TV News 6 (CBS) in Orlando, Florida, since February 2003. He anchors the 6 PM and 11 PM newscasts on Saturdays and Sundays.

He is a two-time Emmy award-winning journalist, recognized in the prestigious “On-Camera Talent” categories for both anchoring and reporting.

Erik has covered significant events, including almost every shuttle launch at Kennedy Space Center, the Return to Flight mission of Shuttle Discovery in 2005, and the final Space Shuttle launch and landing in 2011.

Erik grew up in Scarsdale, New York, and graduated from Binghamton University with a Bachelor of Arts in Economics and minors in Spanish Concentrations in Literature and Rhetoric.

He is fluent in English, Finnish, and Spanish. Outside of journalism, Erik enjoys slalom skiing, waterboarding, barefoot skiing, snow skiing, tennis, playing the keyboard, and volunteering.

Age:

Erik von Ancken was born in 1976, making him around 49 years old as of 2025. As for his nationality, Erik holds American nationality, and he grew up in Scarsdale, New York.

Parents and Siblings:

Erik von Ancken was born in Orlando, Florida, and grew up in Scarsdale, New York. He attended Scarsdale Senior High School, graduating in June 1994.

Erik then pursued higher education at Binghamton University, where he graduated in 1998 with a Bachelor of Arts in Economics and minors in Spanish Concentrations in Literature and Rhetoric.

Erik has managed to keep his personal life private, so there is limited information available about his parents and siblings.

However, it is known that he grew up competing in and teaching slalom skiing, waterboarding, barefoot skiing, and snow skiing. Erik is also a snow skier, tennis player, keyboard player, and self-proclaimed handyman.

Wife:

Erik von Ancken is married, but he prefers to keep details about his spouse private.

The couple got engaged in October 2006 at a beachfront resort in Hawaii, during which a 6.5 magnitude earthquake struck the Big Island.

Erik and his wife have two children, a daughter and a son, whose names are not publicly disclosed.

Erik enjoys spending his spare time with his family, either on the water or making home improvements.

Height, Weight:

Erik von Ancken stands at an approximate height of 5 feet 9 inches (1.75 meters).

While his weight is not publicly disclosed, it is estimated to be around 160-170 pounds (72-77 kg) based on his height and build.

Career and Background:

Erik holds a degree in economics with a minor in Spanish from Binghamton University, part of the State University of New York system.

He began his journalism career with an internship at CBS affiliate WBNG-TV in his college town.

He then worked at WMBC-TV in New Jersey, covering the metro New York City area, where he honed his skills in shooting, editing, reporting, producing, and anchoring.

Erik also reported and anchored at ABC affiliate WWSB-TV in Sarasota.

In 2003, Erik joined the News 6 team shortly after the tragic loss of space shuttle Columbia.

Since then, he has covered almost every shuttle launch at Kennedy Space Center, including the Return to Flight mission of Shuttle Discovery in 2005 and the final Space Shuttle launch and landing in 2011.

He is among a select group of journalists worldwide who have sat in the commander’s seat on the flight deck of Space Shuttle Atlantis.

Erik continues to cover America’s evolving space program, including the design, construction, and test flights of the deep-space Orion capsule.

Beyond space reporting, Erik has covered numerous significant events, such as President George W. Bush’s visit to Sarasota on September 11, 2001.

In 2014, he experienced a flight in the back seat of an F-16 with the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds.

His reporting and anchoring have earned him more than a dozen prestigious awards, including multiple Emmys and numerous first-place honors from the Associated Press and the Society of Professional Journalists.

  • WKMG-TV (CBS Affiliate) in Orlando, Florida

    • Tenure: Erik joined WKMG-TV in February 2003 and has been with the station for over two decades.
    • Role: He anchors the 6 PM and 11 PM newscasts on Saturdays and Sundays.
    • Coverage: During his time at WKMG-TV, Erik has covered almost every shuttle launch at Kennedy Space Center. He reported on the Return to Flight mission of Shuttle Discovery in 2005, the final Space Shuttle launch, and landing in 2011.
    • Awards: Erik’s work at WKMG-TV has earned him more than a dozen prestigious awards, including Emmys for both anchoring and reporting, as well as numerous first-place and best-overall awards from the Associated Press and the Society of Professional Journalists.
    • Global Reporting: His reporting assignments have taken him around the globe, covering stories from the Great Wall of China, the temples of Thailand, the Incan ruins of Machu Picchu in Peru, the Alps of Switzerland, the castles of Germany, and the outback of Australia.
  • WWSB-TV (ABC 7) in Sarasota, Florida

    • Tenure: Before joining WKMG-TV, Erik worked as a news reporter at WWSB-TV for nearly three years.
    • Role: As a news reporter, Erik covered various local and regional stories in Sarasota and surrounding areas.
    • Significant Stories: He reported on numerous local events and developments, gaining valuable experience in the field.
  • WMBC-TV 63 News in Newton, New Jersey

    • Tenure: Erik also served as a news reporter at WMBC-TV, covering the metro New York City area.
    • Role: At WMBC-TV, Erik took on multiple responsibilities, including anchoring, shooting, reporting, producing, and editing.
    • Coverage: Erik reported on a wide range of stories in the New York City metropolitan area, honing his skills in various aspects of journalism.

Erik von Ancken has had a remarkable career in journalism, covering significant events and earning numerous awards. Notable highlights include:

  • Space Shuttle Launches: Covered almost every shuttle launch at Kennedy Space Center, including the Return to Flight mission of Shuttle Discovery in 2005 and the final Space Shuttle launch in 2011.
  • 9/11 Coverage: Reported on President George W. Bush’s visit to Sarasota, Florida, on September 11, 2001.
  • Global Reporting: Covered stories from the Great Wall of China to the Incan ruins of Machu Picchu in Peru.
  • Natural Disasters: Reported on hurricanes, tornadoes, and a 6.5 magnitude earthquake in Hawaii.
  • Deep-Space Orion Capsule: Covered the test flight of the Orion capsule.

Awards and Recognitions

Erik von Ancken has received numerous awards and recognitions throughout his career, highlighting his excellence in journalism:

  • Emmy Awards: Erik has won multiple Emmy Awards for both his anchoring and reporting. These prestigious awards recognize his outstanding work in television journalism.
  • Associated Press Awards: He has received several first-place and best-overall awards from the Associated Press, acknowledging his exceptional storytelling and investigative reporting.
  • Society of Professional Journalists Awards: Erik has also been honored with awards from the Society of Professional Journalists, further cementing his reputation as a trusted and skilled journalist.

Erik von Ancken works with a talented team of journalists and anchors at WKMG-TV in Orlando, Florida. Some of his notable colleagues include:

  • Lisa Bell: An anchor and reporter at WKMG-TV, Lisa co-anchors the evening newscasts alongside Erik.
  • Matt Austin: Another anchor at WKMG-TV, Matt co-anchors the evening newscasts with Lisa Bell.
  • Julie Broughton: A meteorologist at WKMG-TV, Julie provides weather forecasts and updates for the station.
  • Ginger Gadsden: An anchor and reporter at WKMG-TV, Ginger co-anchors the morning newscasts.

These are just a few of the talented professionals Erik works with at WKMG-TV. Together, they deliver comprehensive news coverage to the Orlando community.

Net Worth and Salary:

Specific details about Erik von Ancken’s net worth and salary are not publicly disclosed.

However, according to some sources, journalists in similar positions earn an estimated annual salary ranging between $35,000 and $110,500.

Additionally, estimates of his net worth vary between $1 million and $5 million. Please note that these figures are approximate and may not accurately reflect Erik von Ancken’s actual earnings or financial status.

Is Erik von Ancken Married?

Yes, Erik is married and enjoys spending time with his wife and their two children.

How Old Is Erik von Ancken?

Erik von Ancken was born in 1976, making him around 49 years old as of 2025

Where Is Erik von Ancken Working?

Erik von Ancken is currently working at WKMG-TV (CBS Affiliate) in Orlando, Florida. He serves as an anchor and reporter, anchoring the 6 PM and 11 PM newscasts on Saturdays and Sundays.

Erik has been with WKMG-TV since February 2003 and has covered significant events, including space shuttle launches at Kennedy Space Center and various national stories.

Additionally, he hosts “Getting Results at Home” on News 6+, offering home improvement and DIY project tips.

Erik von Ancken is active on social media. You can find him on platforms like Twitter and Instagram, where he shares updates about his work, personal life, and various interests.

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