Ernie Freeman Biography: Award-Winning Anchor & Host at FOX13 Memphis

Ernie Freeman is a four-time Emmy Award-winning journalist and co-anchor of Good Morning Memphis on FOX13 (WHBQ-TV).

A veteran broadcaster with more than two decades of experience, he is widely respected for his investigative reporting, compelling storytelling, and engaging on-air presence.

Freeman blends serious journalism with approachable, lighthearted banter, making him one of the most recognizable media figures in the Mid-South.

Early Life and Education

Freeman is a proud graduate of Michigan State University, where he earned a bachelor’s degree in Communication. He often references his Spartan roots and carries his alma mater’s iconic “Go Green!” spirit into his professional and personal life.

Professional Career

Early Career

Before joining FOX13 Memphis, Freeman worked as a reporter and anchor in several markets across the United States, including:

• Ohio

• Illinois

• Atlanta, Georgia

• Baltimore, Maryland

• Nashville, Tennessee

• Chattanooga, Tennessee

These diverse experiences helped him develop a sharp investigative edge and a versatile broadcasting style.

FOX13 Memphis

Freeman joined FOX13 Memphis in 2004 as a weekend anchor, later transitioning to evenings. Since April 2012, he has co-hosted Good Morning Memphis alongside Valerie Calhoun.

The Emmy Award-winning show airs weekdays and is known for its mix of hard news, local storytelling, and community-driven content.

Investigative Reporting

Freeman has built a reputation for tackling complex and impactful stories. His reporting has addressed issues such as:

• The foreclosure crisis and fraudulent property transfers

• Rural speed traps and unpaid parking tickets

• Weaknesses in Tennessee’s sex offender monitoring system

• Political accountability, including free NBA ticket use by local officials

• Student safety concerns, including rising aggression and weapons in schools

• Police reform and community trust initiatives in Memphis

He also co-created Memphis in Black and White, a series examining race relations in the city.

Major Coverage

Throughout his career, Freeman has provided live coverage of significant national and regional events, including:

• President Barack Obama’s 2009 inauguration

• The 2009 Nashville floods

• The 2011 Smithville, Tennessee tornado

Recognition and Style

Freeman’s work has earned him multiple Emmy Awards and recognition as one of the Mid-South’s most trusted journalists.

Viewers appreciate his balance of hard-hitting investigations with approachable humor and camaraderie on-air.

His chemistry with co-hosts, particularly Valerie Calhoun, often draws audience praise—and even sparks lively discussions on social platforms like Reddit.

Ernie Freemam Age:

Ernie Freeman’s exact age is not publicly confirmed, though based on his career timeline, he is likely in his late 50s or early 60s. He was born on August 30, which makes his zodiac sign Virgo. Freeman is African American and holds American nationality.

Ernie Freeman Fox 13 Memphis Married, Wife:

Ernie Freeman, anchor at FOX13 Memphis, is married to Kim Freeman. The couple exchanged vows on October 17, 2020, during the COVID-19 pandemic. Due to restrictions at the time, they held a small, intimate ceremony rather than a large public celebration.

His co-anchor, Valerie Calhoun, shared photos and videos of the joyful occasion on social media, proudly captioning them “Mr. and Mrs. Ernie Freeman.” She also noted how happy Ernie was leading up to the wedding.

Although Kim Freeman’s age and personal details are not publicly disclosed, the couple occasionally shares glimpses of their life together on social media and in public appearances, giving fans a window into their warm partnership.

Ernie Freeman anchor Height:

Ernie Freeman stands at an estimated 5’10” to 6’1” (178–185 cm) and maintains a healthy weight in the range of 170 to 200 lbs (77–91 kg). His stature and presence complement his authoritative yet approachable style as a news anchor.

Ernie Freeman FOX News Career Timeline:

Ernie Freeman has been a key figure at FOX13 Memphis (WHBQ-TV) since joining in 2004, evolving from weekend anchor to Emmy-winning morning show co-host. Below is a chronological overview of his tenure, based on station bios and journalism profiles.

Prior to FOX13, he worked in Ohio, Illinois, Atlanta, Baltimore, Nashville, and Chattanooga after graduating from Michigan State University (early 1990s–early 2000s).

Early Career and Promotion

• 2004: Freeman started as the weekend anchor at FOX13 Memphis, bringing prior experience from various markets, including Ohio, Illinois, Atlanta, Baltimore, Nashville, and Chattanooga. This role established him as a trusted voice in the community.

• 2005: He was promoted to the early morning schedule, joining the Good Morning Memphis team as a co-host. His engaging style and chemistry with co-host Valerie Calhoun helped make the show a staple for Memphis viewers.

Lead Anchor and Investigative Journalism

• 2010: Freeman was selected as the solo news anchor for FOX13’s first-ever 10 p.m. newscast. This role solidified his position as a lead journalist.

• Concurrently, he co-created Memphis in Black and White, an Emmy-winning series that delved into race relations in Memphis, a city with a population where 64% is Black. This series focused on topics like systemic inequality and community dialogue.

• 2010–2012: As the evening shift anchor, Freeman covered major events, including the 2011 Smithville Tornado, the 2010 Nashville Floods, and President Barack Obama’s 2009 inauguration. His reporting on these events showcased his versatility.

Return to Morning Show and Continued Impact

• 2012–Present: In April 2012, Freeman returned to Good Morning Memphis as co-host, a role he has held for over a decade.

• During this period, his investigative work has addressed critical local issues such as:

• • A 2023 school safety investigation into student aggression and weapons in Shelby County Schools.

• • Government accountability reports on the use of free NBA tickets by local mayors.

• • Coverage of the Memphis Police Department’s efforts to build community trust in the wake of the Black Lives Matter movement.

• • Reports on youth violence trends in the city.

Ernie Freeman Fox 13 Net Worth and Salary:

Ernie Freeman, veteran co-anchor of FOX13’s Good Morning Memphis, has spent more than two decades in local journalism, including 20 years in Memphis. While neither Freeman nor FOX13 disclose his personal finances, industry benchmarks provide reliable estimates.

Estimated Salary:

Local anchors in Memphis typically earn $40,000–$110,000 annually. With Freeman’s seniority, Emmy-winning track record, and investigative reporting duties, his salary likely falls toward the higher end—around $80,000–$100,000 per year.

Estimated Net Worth:

Freeman’s net worth is projected at $1-3 million, reflecting his career earnings, community presence, and long-term role at FOX13.

Is Ernie Freeman anchor Married?

Yes, Ernie Freeman is married. He tied the knot with Kim Freeman on October 17, 2020. While he maintains a relatively private personal life, their marriage has been publicly acknowledged through social media and occasional mentions in professional circles.

How Old Is Ernie Freeman anchor?

Ernie Freeman, anchor at FOX13 Memphis, was born on August 30, is estimated to be around 60 years old, based on a public record from Cordova, TN, and his career timeline starting in the early 2000s.

Where is Ernie Freeman anchor?

Ernie Freeman is currently an anchor at FOX13 Memphis (WHBQ-TV) in Memphis, Tennessee, where he co-hosts the station’s award-winning morning show, Good Morning Memphis. He’s been with FOX13 since 2004, making him one of the station’s longest-serving and most recognizable journalists.

Summary Table

Sources:

• FOX13 Memphis Bio: Career (joined 2004, weekend anchor; 2005 morning team; 2010 10 p.m.; 2012 Good Morning Memphis), investigative work, “Memphis in Black and White.” Updated March 28, 2025. https://www.fox13memphis.com/about-us/fox13newsstaff/ernie-freeman-anchor/article_fb6508f6-74af-11ed-a238-f331fcea26fc.html

• Muck Rack Profile: Articles, Memphis base, investigative reports (foreclosures, speed traps), live coverage (2009 floods, 2011 tornado). Updated 2025. https://muckrack.com/ernie-freeman

• The Knot Registry: Confirms marriage to Kim Middleton, October 17, 2020, Gallaway, TN. Archived 2020. https://registry.theknot.com/kim-middleton-ernie-freeman-october-2020-tn/39798265

• Valerie Calhoun FB Post: Wedding announcement (October 16, 2020), 20 years at FOX13 (2024).

• Ernie Freeman FB Page: August 30 birthday, Memphis anchor. Active 2025. https://www.facebook.com/erniefreemanfox13/

• LinkedIn Profile: Emmy-winning anchor at WHBQ, Memphis. Active 2025. https://www.linkedin.com/in/ernie-freeman-b5137510/