Briana Smith Biography: Trailblazing Journalist at 6abc WPVI-TV
Briana Smith is a prominent American journalist currently working as a reporter for 6abc WPVI-TV in Philadelphia.
She joined the Action News team in May 2023. Before moving to Philadelphia, Briana spent the last two years working in Pittsburgh.
Early Life and Education
Briana was born in New Jersey and attended Passaic Valley High School. She pursued her higher education at Hofstra University, where she earned both a Bachelor’s and a Master’s degree in Journalism.
Career Journey
Briana’s career began with internships at various media outlets, including MSNBC, WNBC4 I-Team, and NY1 News.
She then worked as a multimedia journalist and reporter for Spectrum News in Syracuse and Binghamton, New York. In March 2021, she joined KDKA-TV in Pittsburgh as an anchor and reporter.
Current Role
Since joining 6abc WPVI-TV, Briana has been a general assignment reporter, covering a wide range of topics from politics to crime to human interest stories. She is passionate about stories involving veterans, youth, and recovery.
Personal Interests
Outside of her professional life, Briana enjoys volunteering, exercising, traveling, and spending time with family and friends.
She has been a volunteer at the Veterans Affairs Hospital since February 2019 and for the Rescue Mission since November 2018.
Age:
Briana Smith was born on December 18, 1993, making her 31 years old as of 2025.
Her zodiac sign is Sagittarius. She is of American nationality and African American ethnicity.
Husband:
Briana Smith is currently married to her lovely husband, Jeff. However, she keeps details about her husband’s private life and their relationship quite private.
There isn’t much publicly available information about Jeff, and Briana prefers to maintain their privacy.
Height:
Briana Smith is 5 feet 9 inches (175 cm) tall and weighs 58 kg (127 lbs). Her body measurements are 34-24-36 (Bust-Waist-Hip in inches). She has brown hair and brown eyes.
Career and Background:
Briana Smith earned both her bachelor’s and master’s degrees in journalism from Hofstra University. After graduating, she participated in the News21 program, reporting on water contamination on military bases across the U.S.
She began her professional career as a reporter and fill-in anchor for Spectrum News in Syracuse and Binghamton, New York, covering a wide range of topics from politics to crime.
In March 2021, she joined KDKA-TV in Pittsburgh as a morning reporter and weekend morning anchor.
In May 2023, Briana transitioned to 6abc Action News in Philadelphia, where she continues her journalism career as a general assignment reporter.
Early Career
Briana Smith began her journalism career as an On-Air Reporter and Engineer at PVTV in Little Falls, New Jersey, from September 2010 to May 2012.
This role allowed her to gain valuable experience in both reporting and technical aspects of broadcasting.
PVTV (September 2010 – May 2012)
- On-Air Reporter and Engineer
- Gained early experience in both reporting and technical aspects of broadcasting in Little Falls, New Jersey.
Hofstra University and Related Roles (2013 – 2017)
- Online Journalist & Editor at Long Island Report (September 2013 – May 2017)
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- Wrote local news stories, conducted interviews, and formatted stories on WordPress.
- News Anchor at Hofstra Today (September 2016 – May 2017)
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- Co-anchored broadcasts focusing on campus news and conducted live interviews.
- Host for ‘For Your Island’ (September 2015 – May 2017)
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- Hosted a broadcast covering people, places, and activities on Long Island.
- Debate TV Reporter (September 2016)
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- Covered events during the 2016 presidential debate at Hofstra University, interviewing notable figures like Bobby Jindal and Michael Eric Dyson.
News21 (January 2017 – August 2017)
- News21 Reporter
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- Reported on water contamination on military bases, producing in-depth multimedia news stories and managing social media accounts.
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- Earned recognition for the “Troubled Water” documentary, including a Rocky Mountain Emmy nomination.
Spectrum News (September 2017 – March 2021)
- MMJ/Reporter and Fill-In Anchor
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- Reported for evening shows in Syracuse and Binghamton, New York, and covered hard news and feature stories.
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- Created engaging digital stories and managed social media accounts.
KDKA-TV (March 2021 – May 2023)
- Anchor/Reporter
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- Covered a wide range of topics, including local news and community stories in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
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- Notable segments included the KD Sunday Spotlight series, addressing mental health struggles and supporting veterans.
6abc WPVI-TV Philadelphia (May 2023 – Present)
- Reporter
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- Covers various topics, from breaking news to human interest stories, with notable reports on a Marlton soldier surprising his family after deployment, and stories of loss and remembrance.
Notable Reports:
Briana Smith has covered a variety of impactful stories throughout her career. Here are some of her notable reports:
At 6abc WPVI-TV Philadelphia
- Marlton Soldier Surprises Family for Holidays: Briana reported on a heartwarming story of a soldier surprising his family after returning from deployment overseas.
- Loved Ones Honor 19-Year-Old Pregnant Woman: She covered the tragic story of a 19-year-old pregnant woman, including the charges against her boyfriend.
- Exclusive: Wife of Fallen Philadelphia Police Sergeant: Briana shared an exclusive interview with the wife of a fallen police sergeant, highlighting his “heart of gold”.
At KDKA-TV Pittsburgh
- KD Sunday Spotlight: Positive Painting Project: She reported on a project addressing mental health struggles through art.
- KD Sunday Spotlight: The Yellow Ribbon Girls: Briana highlighted how this group supports veterans and their families.
Spectrum News
- Neva Ricardo Battled COVID on a Ventilator: Briana covered the story of a woman who fought COVID-19 on a ventilator for three weeks.
- Fulton Air Force Veteran Trains Young Athletes: She reported on a veteran training young athletes to reach new heights.
At News21
- Troubled Water: Briana produced an in-depth multimedia story on water contamination on military bases, which earned a Rocky Mountain Emmy nomination.
Awards and Recognitions
Briana Smith has received several awards and recognitions throughout her journalism career:
- Rocky Mountain Emmy Nomination: For her work on the “Troubled Water” documentary while at News21, which investigated water contamination on military bases.
- Pro-Am Student Award: Also for the “Troubled Water” documentary, recognizing her outstanding student journalism.
- Volunteer Work: She has been recognized for her volunteer efforts at the Veterans Affairs Hospital since February 2019 and at the Rescue Mission since November 2018.
These accolades highlight her dedication to impactful journalism and her commitment to community service.
Here are seven notable colleagues that Briana Smith has worked with throughout her journalism career:
- Mary Ours: Colleague at KDKA-TV in Pittsburgh, known for their collaborative work on weekend news.
- Jessica Faith: Worked with Briana at Spectrum News and later moved to WPXI-TV in Pittsburgh.
- Kathy Hostetter: News director at KDKA-TV who played a key role in Briana’s transition to Pittsburgh.
- Sarah Bloomquist: Colleague at 6abc WPVI-TV in Philadelphia, collaborating on various news stories.
- Rick Williams: Another 6abc WPVI-TV journalist who has worked alongside Briana on several projects.
- Walter Perez: Reporter and anchor at 6abc WPVI-TV, known for his mentorship and support.
- Jessica Kartalija: Co-anchor at KDKA-TV, who has been a supportive colleague and friend.
These colleagues have played significant roles in Briana’s professional journey, contributing to her growth and success as a journalist.
Net Worth and Salary:
Briana Smith’s net worth is estimated to be between $250,000 and $1 million. This wealth comes from her extensive career in journalism, along with other investments.
As for her salary, it ranges from $47,000 to $120,000 annually, depending on her role and contract specifics.
Is Briana Smith Married?
Yes, Briana Smith is married. She is currently married to her husband, Jeff. However, she keeps her personal life quite private, so there isn’t much information available about him or their relationship.
How Old Is Briana Smith?
Briana Smith was born on December 18, 1993. In 2025, she will be 31 years old.
Where Is Briana Smith or Is She Still Working At?
Briana Smith is currently working at 6abc WPVI-TV Philadelphia as a general assignment reporter.
She joined the Action News team in May 2023 and continues to cover a wide range of topics, from breaking news to human interest stories.
Briana Smith is active on several social media platforms, including Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook.
She shares a lot of her modeling photos and interacts with her followers on Instagram under the handle @brianaans. She also has a presence on Threads, where she engages with her audience.
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