Shannon Sohn Biography and Wikipedia

Shannon Sohn, an Emmy Award-winning helicopter reporter and anchor for WABC-TV Eyewitness News in New York City, has built a distinguished career in aerial reporting. Born Shannon Paige Sohn on February 27, 1974, she grew up in Old Bridge Township, New Jersey, and graduated from Cedar Ridge High School in 1992. She earned a degree in Journalism and Communications with a minor in Advertising from Rutgers University before completing a degree in Broadcast Meteorology at Mississippi State University in 2000. She started her career as a traffic reporter for New York City radio stations, including WABC, WHTZ, and WPLJ. In 2001, she joined WABC-TV as part of the Eyewitness News Team on NewsCopter 7. In 2005, she made history by becoming the first helicopter reporter to win a national Emmy Award for her coverage of the crash of WNBC’s Chopper 4.

Age and Birthday

Shannon Sohn was born on February 27, 1974, making her 51 years old as of 2025.

Height

Shannon Sohn is approximately 5 feet 5 inches (166 cm) tall.

Education Background

Shannon Sohn built a strong educational foundation that supports her journalism career. She graduated from Cedar Ridge High School (now Old Bridge High School) in 1992. She then attended Rutgers University, where she majored in Journalism and Communications while minoring in Advertising. In 2000, she expanded her expertise by earning a degree in Broadcast Meteorology through online courses at Mississippi State University.

Nationality

Shannon Sohn holds American citizenship.

Significant Contributions and Notable Work

Shannon Sohn has significantly advanced journalism through her expertise in aerial reporting and breaking news coverage:

Significant Contributions

Pioneering Aerial Reporting: Shannon became the first helicopter reporter to receive a national Emmy Award for her outstanding coverage of the WNBC Chopper 4 crash in 2005, demonstrating her commitment to delivering precise and timely news from the air.

9/11 Coverage: She played a vital role in reporting during the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks, an effort that earned her and her team a Peabody Award for exceptional journalism during a national crisis.

Traffic and Breaking News Expertise: Shannon has built a reputation as a reliable source for traffic and breaking news updates, ensuring that viewers in the New York City area receive crucial information when it matters most.

Notable Work

WABC-TV Eyewitness News: As a key member of the NewsCopter 7 team, Shannon has consistently delivered top-tier aerial reporting, covering significant events and emergencies with accuracy and professionalism.

Mentorship and Training: She has also played a role in shaping the next generation of journalists by mentoring aspiring reporters and sharing her knowledge in aerial reporting and live news coverage.

Husband and Kids

Shannon Sohn is married to Dan Rice, a fellow journalist who mentored her during the early stages of her career. The couple exchanged vows in May 2001 and maintain a strong bond both personally and professionally. They have two children, Mackenzie and Zachary, and live together in Long Valley, New Jersey.

Career

Shannon Sohn launched her career as a traffic reporter for several New York City radio stations, including WABC, WHTZ, and WPLJ. She also gained experience as a weekend news anchor at WCTC News Radio in New Brunswick, New Jersey, honing her skills in delivering accurate and timely reports.

In 2001, she joined WABC-TV as a member of the Eyewitness News Team, where she began reporting from NewsCopter 7. Throughout her tenure, she has covered significant events such as the Staten Island Ferry crash, the 2003 blackout, and the Midtown steam pipe explosion, providing essential updates from the sky.

Her exceptional reporting earned her national recognition when she became the first helicopter reporter to win an Emmy Award for her outstanding coverage of the WNBC Chopper 4 crash in 2005. Additionally, her contributions during the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks played a crucial role in informing the public, earning her and her team a prestigious Peabody Award.

Shannon’s career reflects her commitment to journalism, her expertise in aerial reporting, and her ability to deliver critical news with precision. Her work continues to set a high standard in the field, inspiring future journalists to follow in her footsteps.

Recognition & Legacy

Recognition

• National Emmy Award: Shannon became the first helicopter reporter to receive a national Emmy Award for her outstanding coverage of the WNBC Chopper 4 crash in 2005.
• Peabody Award: She played a key role in her team’s award-winning coverage of the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks, earning a prestigious Peabody Award.
• Associated Press Award: Early in her career, she received a reporting award from the Associated Press, highlighting her talent and dedication to journalism.

Legacy

• Trailblazer in Aerial Reporting: Shannon’s groundbreaking achievements have set a high standard for helicopter journalism, inspiring future generations of reporters.
• Commitment to Excellence: Her ability to deliver critical updates during emergencies and breaking news has established her as a trusted journalist.
• Mentorship: She has helped shape the future of journalism by mentoring aspiring reporters, sharing her expertise in aerial reporting.

Salary & Net worth

Shannon Sohn earns an estimated annual salary between $43,000 and $120,000 as a helicopter reporter and anchor at WABC-TV. Her net worth is estimated to range from $1 million to $4 million, highlighting her successful career in journalism.

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