If you’ve spent any time watching the evening news in the D.C. area over the last decade, you know Michelle Marsh. She isn't just a talking head reading a prompter; she’s basically the heartbeat of the 7News (WJLA) evening block. In a world where local news can sometimes feel a bit "rinse and repeat," Marsh has managed to carve out a space where she feels like an actual human being who happens to be telling you what’s going on in the world.
But honestly, if you Google her name, things get kinda confusing. There’s another famous Michele Marsh—the legendary New York City anchor who sadly passed away in 2017. Our Michelle Marsh, the one currently anchoring the 4 p.m., 6 p.m., and 11 p.m. newscasts in Washington, D.C., is very much active, winning Emmys, and somehow balancing the chaos of live TV with being a relatively new mom.
The Long Road to the DMV
Most people don't realize that Michelle is a native New Yorker. She didn't just wake up one day in the nation's capital. She put in the work at the "farm league" level of journalism. We’re talking Binghamton and Albany. You’ve gotta respect that hustle. After New York, she spent time in Atlanta at WGCL and then moved to Raleigh, North Carolina.
It was in Raleigh at WRAL where things really started to click. She picked up two Emmys there for breaking news and best newscast. By the time she landed at WJLA in 2016, she wasn't just a "new hire." She was a seasoned pro who knew how to handle the heat of a live breaking news desk.
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Why 2021 Was Such a Big Deal for Her
Every journalist has a "year." For Michelle Marsh news anchor fans, 2021 was the standout. Most people remember where they were on January 6th, but Marsh was actually the one on the air, interviewing Senator Chris Van Hollen while the Capitol was literally under siege. Think about that for a second. The building is being breached, and she’s on the line with a lawmaker inside. That’s the kind of high-stakes reporting that earned her an Emmy for Outstanding News Anchor that year.
She also won Best TV News Anchor from the Chesapeake Associated Press Broadcasters Association. It wasn't just about the big national tragedies, though. She spent a lot of that year hosting town halls on food insecurity and racial equity. It’s that range—from "the world is ending" to "how do we fix our local schools"—that makes her stick.
A New House at Syracuse
Marsh is a Syracuse University alum (Magna Cum Laude, no less), and she’s clearly kept those ties strong. She’s an adjunct professor at the Newhouse DC program.
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- She teaches the next generation of reporters.
- She focuses on the reality of the industry, not just the textbook stuff.
- She balances this while anchoring three major daily shows.
The Sister Act You Didn't Know About
Journalism clearly runs in the blood. Michelle’s sister, René Marsh, is the Aviation and Government Regulation Correspondent for CNN. Can you imagine the dinner conversations at their house? "How was your day?" "Oh, I interviewed the Secretary of Transportation, you?" "I just broke a story on the local school board." It’s a literal powerhouse family.
In a 2025 interview, Michelle opened up about how much she leans on René. They both have young kids—Michelle has a son named Denver—and they’ve been very vocal about the "grace" you have to give yourself when you're trying to be a top-tier journalist and a present parent. Michelle actually became a mom in her 40s, which she’s said gave her a much better perspective on who she is.
What Most People Get Wrong About the Job
People think being a news anchor is all about the hair and the makeup. Sure, she looks polished, but the reality is much grittier. She’s reported from the middle of snowstorms, tornadoes, and hurricanes. She’s field-anchored impeachment trials.
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The Dance Factor
Here’s a fun fact most people miss: she’s a dancer. Not just "I dance at weddings" dancer, but trained in tap, pointe, and modern dance. She’s mentioned lately that she’s rediscovered her love for tap as a way to decompress. When you spend your day talking about the heaviest news on the planet, you probably need to make some noise with your feet to let it all out.
What’s Next for Michelle Marsh?
As we move through 2026, Marsh is still very much the face of 7News. She’s increasingly leaning into long-form town halls. The audience seems to be moving away from 30-second soundbites, and she’s adapted by leading these hour-long deep dives into community issues.
If you're looking for her, she's usually on at 4 p.m., 6 p.m., and 11 p.m. on WJLA, or the 10 p.m. news on NewsChannel 8. Honestly, in an era of "fake news" accusations and shrinking local newsrooms, having someone like Michelle Marsh—who has the receipts, the awards, and the local roots—is kind of a big deal.
To keep up with her latest reporting or to see some of those "mom-life" updates she occasionally shares, you should follow her verified social media accounts. She’s pretty active on Instagram and X, often giving behind-the-scenes looks at the newsroom that you don't see during the broadcast.
Actionable Insight: If you’re a student or an aspiring journalist, look into the Newhouse DC program. Learning from someone like Marsh, who is actively working the "big chair" while teaching, is about as close to real-world experience as you can get without actually being on the payroll.