
Emma Jade: 12 News Biography & ‘Momcast’ Host
Emma Jade is a seven-time Emmy Award-winning journalist recognized for her engaging on-air presence at 12 News, the NBC affiliate in Phoenix, Arizona. She has built a respected career in broadcast journalism, covering some of the world’s biggest events while also connecting with local communities through her anchoring and reporting.
Early Life and Education
Emma Jade was born in San Diego, California, where she grew up in a suburban neighborhood. She developed an early passion for storytelling and media, which led her to pursue higher education at Brigham Young University. In 2008, she graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Communications and Broadcast Journalism.
Career Beginnings
Jade began her professional career in New York City, working as an associate producer at ABC News’ Primetime. Shortly after, she took on freelance roles with NBC Sports (2008–2014), where she contributed to coverage of global sporting events.
Her big break came at the 2008 Beijing Summer Olympics, where her work earned her first Emmy Award. During this time, she also worked as an anchor and reporter at KIFI, the ABC affiliate in Idaho Falls, Idaho, gaining valuable on-air experience.
Olympic Coverage and Major Assignments
Emma Jade’s career is closely tied to high-profile international events:
2008 Beijing Summer Olympics – Emmy Award-winning coverage
2010 Vancouver Winter Olympics – reporting and behind-the-scenes storytelling
2012 London Olympics – continued global sports coverage
2014 Sochi Olympics – anchor and reporting role
Beyond the Olympics, she covered:
Golden Globe Awards (3 consecutive years)
The Voice red carpet
Behind-the-scenes reporting for The Today Show
12 News Career in Phoenix
In 2010, Jade relocated to Phoenix, joining KPNX 12 News. Over the years, she has reported on major Arizona stories, including:
The death of the Granite Mountain Hotshots
Severe flooding along Interstate 10 (2014)
At 12 News, she has anchored both morning and evening newscasts and contributed to “Today in AZ.” Her strong presence on-air has earned her multiple regional Emmy Awards, including Best Morning Newscast in Arizona.
Momcast with Emma Jade
In 2019, Emma Jade launched “Momcast with Emma Jade”, a program designed to connect with busy parents. It airs every Thursday at 2:30 p.m. on 12 News and is also available for streaming on 12+. The show has become a trusted space for parenting conversations, advice, and storytelling.
Personal Life and Interests
Outside of journalism, Emma Jade enjoys:
Hiking scenic trails around Arizona
Painting and exploring her creative side
Visiting museums
Relaxing with her favorite drink, Diet Coke
Emma Jade Age
Emma Jade was born on August 18, 1986, in San Diego, California, making her 39 years old as of 2025. Her zodiac sign is Leo. She is of White-American ethnicity with proud Greek heritage, tracing her family roots to the Isle of Lesbos.
Emma Jade Upbringing, Parents and Siblings
Emma Jade was born and raised in San Diego, California, in a large and lively household. She grew up in a family of nine children, which gave her a strong sense of community, resilience, and adaptability—qualities that later shaped her approach to journalism. While she has kept specific details about her parents and siblings private, it’s clear that her upbringing in a bustling, close-knit environment helped cultivate her warmth and relatability on screen.
Her family heritage includes Greek roots, with her grandfather’s side originating from the Isle of Lesbos. This cultural background has been a source of pride for Emma and adds depth to her identity as a storyteller. Though she hasn’t publicly shared much about her parents, she often emphasizes the importance of family in her life, both in her personal choices and professional projects like Momcast, which blends parenting insights with candid reflections.
Emma Jade Husband
Emma Jade is married to Brad Ahlstrom, her longtime partner and biggest supporter behind the scenes. The couple tied the knot in 2012, after dating for several years and enduring two winters together in Idaho Falls—a detail Emma has mentioned fondly, hinting at the strength of their bond through life’s colder seasons.
Brad and Emma have built a warm and vibrant family life in Mesa, Arizona, where they raise their four children: Eli, Beverly, Eden, and August. While Brad tends to stay out of the public spotlight, Emma has occasionally shared glimpses of their life together through her podcast Momcast and social media, often highlighting his role as a hands-on father and steady presence in their busy household.
Though not much is publicly known about Brad’s professional background, his support has clearly played a key role in Emma’s ability to balance a demanding journalism career with motherhood. Their partnership reflects the values Emma often champions—family, authenticity, and resilience.
Emma Jade Height
Emma Jade stands at an approximate height of 5 feet 6 inches (1.65 meters). Her average body weight is reported to be between 55 to 78 kilograms (121 to 172 pounds). . Her body measurements are thought to be around 34-26-35 inches (86-66-89 cm). She has blonde hair and hazel-green eyes, which complement her dynamic on-air presence.
Emma Jade Career and Background
Emma Jade began her media career in the heart of New York City, where she worked as a production assistant on ABC’s acclaimed hidden-camera series What Would You Do?. Her talent and drive quickly propelled her forward, and she was promoted to associate producer for ABC News Primetime, contributing to investigative segments and long-form storytelling that shaped her editorial instincts.
From 2008 to 2014, Emma transitioned into a global role as a freelance associate producer with NBC Sports and NBC Universal, covering some of the world’s most prestigious sporting and entertainment events. Her assignments included:
- 2008 Beijing Summer Olympics – where her coverage earned her first Emmy Award
- 2010 Vancouver Winter Olympics
- 2012 London Olympics
- 2014 Sochi Winter Olympics
- Golden Globe Awards – red carpet coverage for three consecutive years
- The Voice – behind-the-scenes reporting from the red carpet
- The Today Show – backstage correspondent, offering exclusive access and interviews
During this period, Emma also gained valuable on-air experience as an anchor and reporter for KIFI, the ABC affiliate in Idaho Falls, Idaho. From 2008 to 2010, she covered local news, weather, and community stories, honing her live reporting skills and developing a strong connection with viewers.
Emma Jade KPNX 12 News Career (Phoenix, Arizona)
Emma Jade joined KPNX 12 News, the NBC affiliate in Phoenix, in 2010, initially covering morning traffic. Her engaging delivery and journalistic depth quickly earned her a promotion to full-time anchor on Today in AZ, where she became a trusted voice for Arizona audiences.
Her coverage at 12 News includes some of the state’s most impactful stories:
- 2011 Wallow Fire – one of the largest wildfires in Arizona history
- 2013 Granite Mountain Hotshots tragedy – honoring the lives of 19 fallen firefighters
- 2014 Interstate 10 flooding – providing real-time updates and safety information
In 2016, Emma temporarily stepped back from her anchor duties to focus on raising her growing family. However, she remained active in various capacities, contributing to special segments and community-focused reporting. In January 2025, she officially returned to the anchor desk for Today in AZ, succeeding Emily Pritchard, who stepped away to prioritize family life.
Emma’s work at 12 News has earned her multiple Emmy Awards, including recognition for Best Morning Newscast in Arizona, cementing her reputation as one of the region’s most respected broadcasters.
Career Summary
Organization | Role | Years Active |
---|---|---|
ABC News (New York) | Production Assistant → Associate Producer | 2006–2008 |
NBC Universal / NBC Sports | Freelance Associate Producer (Olympics, Red Carpet) | 2008–2014 |
KIFI (Idaho Falls, ID) | Anchor and Reporter | 2008–2010 |
KPNX 12 News (Phoenix, AZ) | Reporter, Anchor, Podcast Host | 2010–present |
Momcast with Emma Jade
Momcast with Emma Jade is her independent, home-based newscast tailored for mothers seeking quick, relatable news. It’s available across her social media platforms and complements her work at NBC 12 News.
In 2019, Emma Jade launched a new chapter in her career with “Momcast with Emma Jade.” This show is a unique blend of her professional expertise and personal life as a mother.
Momcast features:
- Parenting tips and expert interviews
- Lifestyle discussions and wellness insights
- Curated news relevant to families and caregivers
The show airs on 12 News and is available for streaming on 12+. Her career history reflects a seamless transition from behind-the-scenes network production to prominent local anchoring, while consistently earning critical acclaim and awards.
Emma Jade has worked alongside a talented team of journalists and anchors at 12 News (KPNX) in Phoenix, Arizona.
Over the years, her colleagues have included:
- Mark Curtis – Veteran anchor known for political coverage and co-anchoring evening newscasts
- Caribe Devine – Chief meteorologist and evening anchor, recognized for her weather expertise and community involvement
- Ryan Cody – Former co-anchor of Today in AZ, often paired with Emma Jade during morning broadcasts
- Stella Sun – Traffic anchor and reporter, contributing to Today in AZ
- Paul Gerke – Former sports anchor and morning show contributor
- Emily Pritchard – Morning anchor who Emma succeeded on Today in AZ in January 2025
- Rachel Cole – Anchor and reporter covering lifestyle and breaking news
- Jen Wahl – Meteorologist known for her engaging weather segments on Today in AZ
Emma Jade Weight Loss
Emma Jade has openly shared her inspiring weight loss journey, which began after the birth of her third child in 2019. She experienced a significant transformation by committing to healthier habits and embracing a structured wellness plan.
Emma followed the CSIRO Total Wellbeing Diet, a scientifically backed program that helped her overhaul her eating habits. Before starting, she described her lifestyle as chaotic—frequent oversized meals, processed foods, sweets, and little to no exercise. The turning point came when she realized she was gaining nearly 1 kg per week and could no longer fit into her size 18 pants. Motivated by her father’s passing due to obesity-related health issues, she decided to prioritize her own well-being.
💪 Transformation Highlights
- Starting Weight: 110.7 kg (244 lbs)
- Current Weight: 78 kg (172 lbs)
- Total Weight Loss: 32.7 kg (72 lbs) over one year
Emma initially focused solely on changing her diet, losing 20 kg without any exercise. Later, she added physical activity for enjoyment rather than pressure. She credits the CSIRO diet’s flavorful recipes and realistic goals for helping her stay committed.
Today, Emma says she feels mentally and physically stronger, no longer needing oversized clothes to hide her figure. Her journey reflects the same resilience and authenticity she brings to her journalism and podcasting work.
Emma Jade Net Worth and Salary (Estimate)
Emma Jade’s estimated net worth ranges between $1 million and $5 million, reflecting her long-standing career as a journalist, anchor, and Emmy Award-winning correspondent. Her income stems from over a decade of work with KPNX 12 News, as well as previous roles with ABC News and NBC Sports, where she covered global events including four Olympic Games.
Her annual salary is projected to fall between $75,500 and $110,500, typical for experienced anchors in major U.S. media markets. These figures are based on publicly available estimates and may vary depending on contract terms, speaking engagements, and podcast-related earnings.
Is Emma Jade Married?
Yes, Jade married Brad Ahitrom in a private ceremony in 2012, and the couple moved to Phoenix shortly after. They have four children: Eli, Beverly, Eden, and August.
How Old Is Emma Jade?
Emma Jade was born on August 18, 1986, in San Diego, California. That makes her 39 years old as of 2025.
Where Is Emma Jade?
Emma Jade is currently working as a contributing anchor at KPNX 12 News, the NBC affiliate based in Phoenix, Arizona. She rejoined the anchor desk for Today in AZ in January 2025, following a brief hiatus to focus on her family. In addition to her anchoring duties, she also hosts Momcast with Emma Jade, a weekly segment and podcast that airs Thursdays at 2:30 p.m. on 12 News and streams on 12+.
Summary Table
Category | Details |
---|---|
Biography Intro | Emmy-winning anchor at KPNX 12 News; creator and host of Momcast |
Date of Birth | August 18, 1986 |
Current Age | 39 years old (as of 2025) |
Zodiac Sign | Leo |
Ethnicity | White-American with Greek heritage (Isle of Lesbos) |
Nationality | American |
Upbringing | Born and raised in San Diego, California; one of nine siblings |
Parents & Siblings | Details not publicly disclosed |
Marital Status | Married |
Husband/Partner | Brad Ahlstrom (married since 2012) |
Children | Four: Eli, Beverly, Eden, and August |
Height | Approx. 5′6″ (1.65 meters) |
Weight | Estimated between 55–78 kg (121–172 lbs) |
Body Measurements | Approx. 34-26-35 inches (86-66-89 cm) |
Hair & Eye Color | Blonde hair; hazel-green eyes |
Career Background | ABC News → NBC Olympics → KIFI Idaho Falls → KPNX 12 News Phoenix |
Major Coverage | Beijing Olympics, Granite Mountain Hotshots, Wallow Fire, Golden Globes |
Momcast | Weekly lifestyle and parenting show airing Thursdays at 2:30 p.m. on 12 News |
Weight Loss Journey | Lost 32.7 kg (72 lbs) through CSIRO Total Wellbeing Diet |
Net Worth | Estimated between $1 million and $5 million |
Salary Estimate | Approx. $75,500–$110,500 annually |
Location | Based in Mesa, Arizona |
Emma Jade is active on social media:
Instagram: @emmajadetv
X (Twitter): @emmajade12news
Facebook: Emma Jade 12 News
She shares updates on Momcast, her family life, and her journalism career..
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