When you flip on the TV in the Windy City, there’s a sense of familiarity that’s hard to replicate. It’s like a warm blanket on a January morning. Honestly, for many of us, the nbc 5 chicago female reporters and anchors are more than just faces on a screen; they are the people who’ve guided us through blizzards, political scandals, and championship parades.
Chicago is a tough news town. It demands grit. If you can’t handle a 4:00 a.m. live shot in a sub-zero wind chill outside the United Center, you won't last. The women currently leading the charge at WMAQ-TV aren't just surviving that environment—they are defining it.
The Veterans Keeping the Ship Steady
You can't talk about Chicago news without mentioning Allison Rosati. She’s basically an institution at this point. Having been with NBC 5 since 1990, Rosati has a level of trust with the audience that you just can't buy. She’s the co-anchor for the 5:00 p.m., 6:00 p.m., and 10:00 p.m. slots, usually seen alongside Stefan Holt.
Rosati has this incredible ability to pivot. One minute she’s delivering heavy news about city hall, and the next, she’s sharing a personal story about her recovery from shingles or her life as a mom of four. That vulnerability is what makes her human. In 2025, she made headlines again by using her platform to advocate for health awareness, reminding viewers that even the "invincible" people on TV have their own battles.
Then there’s Marion Brooks. If you’ve ever watched the 11:00 a.m. or 4:00 p.m. news, you know her voice. It’s commanding but fair. Brooks is a heavy hitter on the NBC 5 Investigates team, often digging into social and criminal justice issues. Her work on The Lost Story of Emmett Till wasn't just "good TV"—it was essential history. She’s been with the station since 1998, and her transition from weekend anchor to a staple of the weekday lineup has been seamless.
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Reporting from the Streets: The Ground Crew
While the anchors get the studio lights, the reporters out in the field are the ones dodging Lake Michigan spray. Natalie Martinez is a prime example. As a two-time Emmy Award-winning journalist, Martinez is often the lead reporter for the 10:00 p.m. broadcast. She’s covered everything from the devastating tornadoes in Fairdale to local community stories that usually go unnoticed.
What’s cool about Martinez is her connection to the city's diverse roots. She’s Ukrainian and Dominican, and she’s been a massive advocate for the Latino community, even serving as the president of the Chicago chapter of the National Association of Hispanic Journalists.
- Kacy Standohar: A newer but high-energy addition to the sports desk. She’s not just reading scores; she’s a sideline reporter for FS1 and the Big East, bringing a deep knowledge of the game that resonates with Chicago’s "sports-crazy" culture.
- Kye Martin: If you’ve ever tried to navigate the Eisenhower Expressway at 6:30 a.m., you’ve probably listened to Kye. She handles traffic and reporting for NBC 5 News Today, keeping the morning commute from becoming a total disaster.
Why Representation Actually Matters Here
Chicago is a patchwork of neighborhoods—Pilsen, Bridgeport, Rogers Park, the Gold Coast. If the newsroom doesn't look like the city, the city stops watching. The roster of nbc 5 chicago female reporters reflects a shift toward more nuanced storytelling.
Take Zoraida Sambolin, for instance. While she has moved in and out of the station over the years (including a stint at CNN), her impact on morning news is undeniable. She was the first Chicago broadcaster to work at both English and Spanish-language stations simultaneously. Even though her full-time daily anchoring duties have shifted recently, her legacy of breaking ground for Latinx journalists remains a cornerstone of the station’s identity.
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It's not just about diversity of background, but diversity of expertise. You have women like Kate Chappell and Mary Ann Ahern, who bring years of political and general assignment experience. Ahern, in particular, is known for being a "pitbull" in the best way possible. If there’s a politician trying to duck a question, she’s usually the one holding the microphone in their face.
The Evolution of the Newsroom
The way these women work has changed drastically. Gone are the days when a reporter just showed up, read a teleprompter, and went home. Now, they are "multi-platform" journalists. They are tweeting updates from the courtroom, filming behind-the-scenes clips for Instagram, and writing digital-first articles for NBCChicago.com.
Sometimes the pressure is immense. You've got to be fast, but more importantly, you have to be right. In a world of "fake news" accusations, the longevity of someone like Allison Rosati or Marion Brooks acts as a shield for the station's credibility.
How to Follow the NBC 5 Team
If you’re looking to stay updated on what these journalists are doing, the best way isn't just the 6:00 p.m. broadcast.
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- NBC Chicago App: Most of the reporters, including Natalie Martinez and the investigative team, post expanded versions of their stories here.
- Social Media: Kye Martin and Kacy Standohar are particularly active on X (formerly Twitter) and Instagram, providing real-time updates on traffic and sports that don't always make the main broadcast.
- Happy to Report: Check out Allison Rosati’s digital-only show if you’re tired of the "doom and gloom" and want to see the lighter side of Chicago stories.
Actionable Steps for the Viewer
To get the most out of your local news and support the work these women do:
- Engage with Investigative Pieces: When Marion Brooks or the investigative team drops a long-form story, read it on the website. Digital hits tell the station what the public actually cares about.
- Sign Up for Newsletters: The "Morning Brief" often features commentary and lead-ins from the morning female anchors like Kye Martin.
- Send in Tips: These reporters rely on the community. If there’s something happening in your neighborhood that isn't being covered, use the "Report It" feature on the NBC 5 website to reach out to the assignment desk.
The landscape of media is shifting, but the need for reliable, local journalism isn't going anywhere. Whether it's a major breaking news event or a small human-interest story about a neighborhood bakery, the women of NBC 5 Chicago continue to be the backbone of the city's information stream. They’ve earned their spot at the desk, and more importantly, they’ve earned the city's trust.
To keep up with the latest assignments, visit the official NBC 5 Chicago News Team page where they list current bios and contact information for the entire reporting staff.