Alison Starling is a well-known American journalist who spent more than two decades as a trusted face on television news. She became a familiar name in Washington, D.C., where she anchored for WJLA-TV, the ABC affiliate. Even after stepping away from daily anchoring in 2023, Alison continues to remain active in media through podcasting and training, showing her passion for communication and storytelling.
Her journey is inspiring because it reflects dedication, hard work, and balance between professional success and family life. Alison is not only known for her Emmy-winning journalism but also for her role as a mother and wife. She has built a career that blends credibility with warmth, making her a role model for young journalists.
Alison Starling BIO, Career, Husband, Net Worth, Children
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Alison Starling |
| Date of Birth | October 28, 1973 |
| Age (as of 2026) | 52 years |
| Birthplace | Orlando, Florida, United States |
| Nationality | American |
| Parents | Father – Bruce Starling (worked with U.S. Trade Representative) Mother – Dolores Starling |
| Education | Bachelor’s degree in Broadcast Journalism & Telecommunications, University of Florida (1995) Rotary International Cultural Ambassadorial Scholarship – Tours, France |
| Profession | Journalist, Former News Anchor, Podcaster, Media Trainer |
| Career Start | WDEF-TV (CBS affiliate, Chattanooga, Tennessee) – Reporter & Morning Anchor |
| Major Roles | Reporter at KIRO-TV, Seattle (2000–2003) Anchor at WJLA-TV, Washington D.C. (2003–2023) |
| Notable Coverage | 2001 Nisqually Earthquake (Seattle) 2011 Virginia Earthquake Baltimore Riots (2015) Navy Yard Shooting Pope Francis’ U.S. Visit |
| Awards | 7 Emmy Awards (including coverage of Virginia earthquake & Navy Yard shooting) Washingtonian “Rising Star” (2005) |
| Podcast | Living Well with Alison Starling (launched 2024, partnership with VHC Health) |
| Other Work | Media Trainer with Baker Dillon Group |
| Husband | Peter Alexander (NBC News Chief White House Correspondent) |
| Marriage Date | April 21, 2012 (Newseum, Washington D.C.) |
| Children | Ava Starling Alexander (born July 2013) Emma Pink Alexander (born June 16, 2015) |
| Height | 5 feet 8 inches (1.72 m) |
| Net Worth (2026) | Estimated between $2 million – $5 million |
| Residence | Washington, D.C. area |
| Philanthropy | Big Brothers Big Sisters of America – “Big Sister of the Year” (2009) Supports cancer research and women’s empowerment |
| @alison7news/ | |
| Wikipedia | @Alison_Starling |
| @alisonstarlingmedia/ |
Early Life and Family Background
Alison was born on October 28, 1973, in Orlando, Florida. She grew up in a family that valued education and global exposure. Her father, Bruce Starling, worked with the U.S. Trade Representative, which meant the family often moved between Orlando and Washington, D.C. Her mother, Dolores Starling, played a strong role in shaping her values and supporting her ambitions.
Alison’s background is also interesting because of her ancestry. A DNA test revealed that she has mainly British and Irish roots. This cultural mix added to her curiosity about the world and influenced her interest in international experiences later in life. Her childhood was marked by exposure to different places and people, which helped her develop the adaptability and confidence that later became important in her career as a journalist.
Education and Academic Achievements
Alison studied at the University of Florida, where she completed her bachelor’s degree in Broadcast Journalism and Telecommunications in 1995. During her college years, she showed a strong interest in media and communication. She was not only focused on academics but also took practical steps to prepare for her career.
Her education also included international exposure. She received a Rotary International Cultural Ambassadorial Scholarship, which allowed her to spend six months in Tours, France. This experience gave her fluency in French and a deeper understanding of global culture. It also shaped her personality, making her more confident and open-minded.
Career Beginnings in Journalism
Alison’s career started at WDEF-TV, a CBS affiliate in Chattanooga, Tennessee. She worked as a reporter and morning anchor, covering local government, community issues, and breaking news. Her work at WDEF showed her ability to connect with viewers and present news in a clear and relatable way.
In 2000, Alison moved to KIRO-TV in Seattle, where she worked until 2003. During this time, she covered major events, including the 2001 Nisqually earthquake, which was a significant story in the region. Her reporting during such events showed her ability to handle pressure and deliver accurate information when people needed it most.
Two Decades at WJLA-TV (ABC7, Washington D.C.)
Alison joined WJLA-TV in 2003 and quickly became one of the most trusted anchors in Washington, D.C. Within a year, she was promoted to co-anchor, and from then on, she became a familiar face for viewers across the region. She anchored several shows including Good Morning Washington, the Noon News, and later the 4 PM and 5 PM newscasts.
During her time at WJLA, Alison covered many important stories. She reported on the 2011 Virginia earthquake, the Baltimore riots in 2015, the Navy Yard shooting, and even the visit of Pope Francis to the United States. Each of these events required careful reporting, and Alison was praised for her ability to balance accuracy with empathy.
See Also:- Trish Regan
Awards and Recognitions
Alison’s career has been marked by recognition from both her peers and the public. She has won seven Emmy Awards, which is a remarkable achievement for any journalist. These awards were given for her anchoring and for special coverage of major events. For example, she won an Emmy in 2012 for her coverage of the Virginia earthquake and another in 2013 for her reporting on the Navy Yard shooting.
Her work also earned her a place in Washingtonian magazine’s “Rising Stars” list in 2005, which highlighted her as one of the most promising journalists in the city. Readers of Washingtonian later voted her as one of their favorite anchors in 2013. Alison’s awards reflect not only her skill but also her dedication to journalism.
Transition to Podcasting and Media Training
After leaving WJLA in November 2023, Alison did not step away from media completely. Instead, she moved into new areas that allowed her to continue sharing stories and helping people. In 2024, she launched her podcast “Living Well with Alison Starling” in partnership with VHC Health.
Alongside podcasting, Alison also works as a media trainer with Baker Dillon Group. In this role, she coaches professionals on public speaking, storytelling, and communication. Her years of experience as a journalist give her unique insights into how to connect with an audience.
Personal Life and Marriage
Alison’s personal life is also an important part of her story. She met Peter Alexander, who is now NBC News Chief White House Correspondent, in Seattle in 2001 when both were working in journalism. Their relationship grew over the years, and in 2011, Peter proposed to Alison in Paris. The couple married on April 21, 2012, at the Newseum in Washington, D.C.
Alison and Peter have two daughters. Their first child, Ava Starling Alexander, was born in July 2013. Their second daughter, Emma Pink Alexander, was born on June 16, 2015. Alison often speaks about how motherhood changed her perspective and made her more focused on balancing work and family.
Height, Net Worth, and Lifestyle
Alison stands at 5 feet 8 inches (1.72 meters), which adds to her confident presence on screen. Her estimated net worth ranges between $2 million and $5 million, built from her long career in journalism, her podcasting work, and her role as a media trainer.
Her lifestyle reflects a balance between professional commitments and personal priorities. She is known for her dedication to health and wellness, which is also reflected in the themes of her podcast. Alison’s life today is less about the daily rush of newsroom deadlines and more about meaningful projects, family time, and community engagement.
Philanthropy and Community Engagement
Beyond her work in television and podcasting, Alison has always believed in giving back to the community. She has been actively involved in Big Brothers Big Sisters of America, where she was named “Big Sister of the Year” in 2009.
Alison has also supported causes related to cancer research and women’s empowerment. Through her reporting and later through her podcast, she has highlighted issues that affect women’s health and well-being. She has used her platform to bring attention to stories that might otherwise go unnoticed. Her “Working Woman” series profiled accomplished women in different fields, giving them visibility and inspiring others.
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