Shannon Perrine: Biography of WTAE-TV Pittsburgh Anchor
Shannon Perrine is a prominent news anchor for WTAE-TV, the ABC affiliate in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
She is a familiar face to viewers in the Pittsburgh area, co-anchoring the 5:00 pm and 5:30 pm weeknight newscasts, and also the 7:00 pm newscast.
Early Life and Education:
Shannon Perrine is a Pittsburgh native and has a deep connection to the city. She attended the University of Delaware.
Career at WTAE-TV:
Perrine has spent a significant portion of her career at WTAE-TV, having been with the station for over two decades.
Her local roots are a distinct advantage in her reporting, as she possesses a rich understanding of Pittsburgh’s history and its community.
She has often shared personal anecdotes related to the city in her reporting, demonstrating her connection to the area.
Notable Work and Awards:
Shannon Perrine is an Emmy Award-winning journalist. She received an Emmy for her coverage of the U.S. military’s brain research on servicemen and women who sustained traumatic brain injuries.
Her reporting in this area delved into significant and sensitive topics.
Reporting Style and Philosophy:
Perrine is known for her dedication to accurate and thoroughly researched reporting. In an age of “fake news,” she emphasizes the importance of journalists checking their work, confirming information, and getting the facts right.
She considers her role at WTAE not just a job, but a calling, showing a genuine love for her city and its residents.
Community Engagement:
Beyond her anchoring duties, Perrine is active in the Pittsburgh community. Her work often highlights local issues and events, further solidifying her connection with the people of Pittsburgh.
Shannon is a proud Pittsburgher, having grown up in Moon Township. She is actively involved in her community, including volunteering as a Sunday school teacher. She lives in the South Hills with her husband and three children.
Age
Husband
Shannon Perrine is married, but she has kept details about her husband private, including his name and profession. They have been together for several years and share a strong bond.
She is a mother of three children, though their names and personal details are not widely shared. However, one publicly known fact is that she has a daughter named Catherine Mary, whose birth was celebrated by WTAE-TV.
Height
Shannon Perrine stands at 5 feet 6 inches (1.68 m) and weighs approximately 125 lbs (55 kg). She has brown eyes and golden-brown hair, which complement her professional presence on screen.
Career and Background
Shannon Perrine has had a distinguished career at WTAE-TV in Pittsburgh. She joined the station in 1999 and has since become a familiar face to viewers.
Over the years, she has taken on various roles, including reporting and anchoring. Currently, she co-anchors the 5 p.m. newscast. Before joining WTAE, she worked at WGAL, a sister station in Lancaster, Pennsylvania.
Throughout her career, Shannon has covered a wide range of stories, from breaking news to in-depth investigative reports.
Her work has earned her several accolades, including a Mid-Atlantic Emmy Award. She is known for her dedication to journalism and her ability to connect with the community.
Early Career & Foundations
Shannon’s foray into professional journalism began with her work at WGAL-TV Lancaster, Pennsylvania.
At WGAL, she honed her reporting skills and developed her unique on-camera presence, which set the stage for her future endeavors in television news.
Her success there opened the door to joining WTAE-TV Pittsburgh in 1999 as a general assignment reporter.
This move marked the beginning of a longtime association with the station, where she eventually transitioned into a prominent role as a news anchor on Pittsburgh’s Action News 4.
Career Growth & Achievements at WTAE-TV
At WTAE-TV, Shannon’s career flourished as she took on more challenging assignments, from breaking news to community-centered reporting.
Her delivery of the news is characterized by clarity, empathy, and a calm demeanor, which has resonated with Pittsburgh viewers.
Shannon has become known for covering major events and local stories alike, including compelling weather reports.
For instance, one of her notable assignments involved reporting on heavy snowfall in areas like Ligonier—demonstrating her hands-on approach and timely response to local events.
Her exemplary work behind the camera has earned her significant accolades, such as the 2016 Mid-Atlantic Emmy Award for anchoring.
Shannon’s passion for journalism and commitment to accurate, engaging storytelling have made her not only a reliable expert in news delivery but also a respected figure within the community, continually setting high standards for broadcast excellence.
Shannon Perrine has covered a variety of significant stories during her tenure at WTAE-TV. Here are a few notable ones:
- The Jennifer Daugherty Case: Shannon reported on the tragic case of Jennifer Daugherty, who was kidnapped, tortured, and murdered by a group known as the Greensburg Six. This story was later featured in a documentary on Very Local.
- Local Community Stories: Shannon has been involved in numerous community-focused stories, highlighting local events, issues, and inspiring individuals in the Pittsburgh area.
- Breaking News Events: Over the years, Shannon has covered various breaking news events, including severe weather incidents, major accidents, and significant local and national news developments.
These stories showcase her dedication to journalism and her commitment to bringing important news to the Pittsburgh community.
Pittsburgh’s Action News 4 has a talented team of anchors. Here are some of the key members:
- Mike Clark: Evening anchor
- Janelle Hall: Morning anchor
- Elena LaQuatra: Traffic and noon anchor
- Kristen Powers: Evening anchor
- Ryan Recker: Morning anchor
- Kelly Sasso: Evening anchor
- Andrew Stockey: Anchor and sports director
- Michelle Wright: Morning anchor
They all bring a wealth of experience and dedication to their roles, ensuring comprehensive news coverage for the Pittsburgh area.
Net Worth and Salary
Shannon Perrine’s net worth and salary are not publicly disclosed, but estimates suggest she earns a competitive income as a long-time anchor at WTAE-TV Pittsburgh.
Given her extensive career in broadcast journalism, her net worth is likely in the low to mid-millions range, though exact figures remain speculative.
Local news anchors in mid-sized markets like Pittsburgh typically earn between $50,000 and $150,000 per year, depending on experience, tenure, and contract negotiations.
Perrine, having worked at WTAE-TV since 1999, is likely on the higher end of this scale. However, without official confirmation, these numbers remain approximations.
Is Shannon Perrine Married?
Yes, Shannon Perrine is married to Steven Welch. Shannon lives in the South Hills of Pittsburgh with her husband and their three children. She is also active in her church and volunteers as a Sunday school teacher.
What Happened to Shannon Perrine?
Shannon Perrine is a well-known news anchor at WTAE-TV in Pittsburgh. She has been with the station since 1999, starting as a general assignment reporter.
Over the years, she has become a prominent figure in Pittsburgh’s news scene, co-anchoring Pittsburgh’s Action News 4 weekdays at 5 p.m.
Shannon has received numerous awards for her work, including a Mid-Atlantic Emmy Award in 2016. There have been no recent reports of any incidents or accidents involving her, so it appears she is doing well.
Does Shannon Perrine Have Children?
Yes, Shannon Perrine is a mother of three children. She and her husband reside in the South Hills area of Pittsburgh with their family.
Shannon has shared moments of her family life publicly, including the birth of her daughter, Catherine Mary, in 2012. She also has a son and another daughter.
How Old Is Shannon Perrine?
Shannon Perrine was born on September 11, 1971, which makes her 45 years old as of 2025.
Where Is Shannon Perrine Working?
Shannon Perrine is a well-known anchor for WTAE-TV, an ABC-affiliated television station in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, where she co-anchors the 5 p.m. newscast.
She has been with the station since 1999 and has received several awards for her work, including a Mid-Atlantic Emmy Award.
Shannon is known for her engaging reporting style and her commitment to delivering accurate and timely news to her viewers.
There are several interesting aspects of Shannon Perrine’s career that can be explored further:
- Career Progression: Detailing her journey from a general assignment reporter to a co-anchor at WTAE-TV. This can include her early career experiences, challenges, and milestones.
- Awards and Recognitions: Highlighting the various awards and recognitions she has received over the years, such as the Mid-Atlantic Emmy Award for anchoring.
- Community Involvement: Exploring her active participation in community service, including her volunteer work as a Sunday school teacher and other local initiatives.
- Notable Interviews: Discussing some of the high-profile interviews she has conducted with significant figures in politics, entertainment, and local community leaders.
- Special Reports and Investigations: Looking into any special reports or investigative journalism pieces she has worked on, which may have had a significant impact on the community or brought about change.
- Personal Insights: Sharing personal anecdotes or insights from her career, such as memorable moments, lessons learned, and her perspective on the evolving field of journalism.
- Mentorship and Influence: Examining her role in mentoring young journalists and her influence on the next generation of reporters.
Shannon Perrine is active on social media. You can find her on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook, where she shares updates and engages with her audience.

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