Erica Francis FOX 2 Detroit Bio: Age, Husband, Career, Net Worth

Erica Francis: FOX 2 Detroit Anchor & Award-Winning Journalist Biography

Erica Francis is an Emmy-nominated journalist currently serving as a morning news anchor and reporter at FOX 2 Detroit (WJBK-TV).

She co-anchors the station’s early morning newscasts from 4:00–6:00 a.m. alongside Josh Landon and contributes to morning reporting.

A West Michigan native, Erica is known for her community-driven storytelling with a focus on growth, economics, and real estate, while also shining a light on local issues in Detroit and beyond.

Early Life & Education

Born and raised in Holland, Michigan, Erica discovered her passion for journalism at West Ottawa High School, where she anchored the morning announcements and joined the school’s broadcast journalism program, WOBN. Her early experience reporting on student events fueled her love for storytelling and communication.

She went on to earn a Bachelor of Applied Arts degree in Journalism from Central Michigan University (CMU) in 2015.

While at CMU, Erica gained extensive hands-on experience as a reporter and backup anchor for News Central 34, and worked with CMU Athletics. She was also active in the Alliance for Women in Media.

Her education extended abroad with a semester at Nanyang Technological University in Singapore, where she studied journalism and film. During this time, she broadened her global perspective and honed her reporting skills.

Erica also completed multiple internships, including at:

• City of Holland TV

• HOMTV

• 95.3 WCFX Radio

• Ignition Media Group in Detroit

• FOX 2 Detroit (2013 internship, returning nearly a decade later as anchor)

Career Journey

FOX 17 Grand Rapids (2015–2019)

Erica began her career at FOX 17 (WXMI-TV) in Grand Rapids, Michigan, starting as a general assignment reporter. She was quickly promoted to morning and midday anchor, covering local politics, breaking news, and major events, including the 2016 Republican National Convention in Cleveland.

WKRN Nashville (2019–2022)

In June 2019, she joined WKRN News 2 in Nashville, Tennessee, as the 4:00 p.m. co-anchor and reporter. Her reporting centered on the city’s growth and challenges, as well as entertainment and community issues. She interviewed high-profile figures such as Garth Brooks and Luke Combs during the CMA Awards.

FOX 2 Detroit (2022–Present)

Erica returned to FOX 2 Detroit in July 2022, nearly nine years after her first internship there. She now co-anchors the 4:00 and 5:00 a.m. newscasts and contributes to FOX 2’s morning coverage. Known for her energy and compassion on-air, Erica delivers stories that give a voice to the voiceless, with a focus on Detroit’s growth, resilience, and community impact.

Awards & Recognition

Erica’s work has earned her multiple honors, including:

• Edward R. Murrow Award – Co-anchoring breaking news coverage in Nashville

• Michigan Association of Broadcasters Award

• Mark of Excellence Award – Society of Professional Journalists

• Best TV Personality – Holland Sentinel

• Emmy Nominations – Writing and reporting

Reporting Style & Interests

Erica is known for her ability to balance accuracy with empathy, often covering stories that uplift and inspire—especially those highlighting people overcoming adversity.

Her professional interests include:

• Community-focused reporting

• Real estate and economic trends

• Entertainment coverage and celebrity interviews

Beyond journalism, Erica enjoys traveling, singing, golfing, watching football, and listening to country music. From a young age, she has been drawn to performance and communication, passions that continue to shape her career today.

Erica Francis Age:

Erica Francis was born on October 20, 1992, in Holland, Michigan, making her 32 years old as of 2024. Her zodiac sign is Libra. She is American by nationality and comes from a White ethnic background.

Erica Francis Parents and Siblings:

Erica Francis was born and raised in Holland, Michigan, a lakeside community known for its Dutch heritage and close-knit atmosphere.

Growing up in West Michigan, she discovered her passion for communication and performance at West Ottawa High School, where she read morning announcements and took part in activities such as singing and dancing.

These early experiences sparked her interest in journalism and laid the foundation for her future career.

Erica’s mother, Bernadene Francis, has been a central influence in her life, encouraging her perseverance and determination—especially during her college years. Erica often credits her mother for inspiring her resilience and work ethic.

Her father’s identity has not been publicly disclosed, and Erica chooses to keep those details private.

Erica has mentioned enjoying family trips, including visits to Chicago, with at least two sisters. Beyond this, she has shared little about her siblings, preferring to keep family matters private.

Erica Francis Husband:

As of now, Erica Francis has not publicly disclosed being married. In a 2023 social media post, she humorously stated she was “married to my career,” which many fans interpreted as a lighthearted way of affirming her dedication to journalism.

She maintains a high level of privacy regarding her personal relationships, and there are no verified reports of a spouse or partner. If that ever changes and she chooses to share it publicly, it will likely be through her official platforms.

Erica Francis Height:

Erica Francis stands at 5 feet 4 inches (1.63 meters) tall and weighs around 53 kilograms (117 pounds). Her estimated body measurements are 33-24-34 inches (bust-waist-hips).

She has brown hair and striking hazel eyes, complementing her professional yet approachable on-air presence.

Erica Francis FOX 2 Detroit:

Education & Internships (2013–2015)

Erica Francis built the foundation of her career through a mix of internships and campus reporting while studying at Central Michigan University (CMU). Between 2013 and 2014, she gained practical experience across different platforms:

• WJBK FOX 2 News (Detroit): First exposure to a major newsroom, where she learned reporting, editorial workflows, and field production.

• Holland TV & HOMTV: Covered civic issues and community programming, sharpening her public affairs reporting skills.

• Detroit Marketing Firm: Developed an understanding of media strategy and branding, complementing her journalism training.

• 95.3 WCFX (Mt. Pleasant): Strengthened her voice work, live reporting, and scriptwriting in radio broadcasting.

• CMU Sports Reporter: Covered athletics on campus, demonstrating versatility and leadership in student media.

In May 2015, Erica graduated with a Bachelor of Applied Arts in Broadcast & Cinematic Arts, with a minor in Journalism.

A highlight of her education was a semester abroad at Nanyang Technological University in Singapore, where she studied journalism and film, gaining international perspective and cross-cultural media experience.

Rising in West Michigan: FOX 17 (2015–2019)

Right after graduation, Erica joined FOX 17 (WXMI-TV) in Grand Rapids, Michigan.

• 2015–2016: General Assignment Reporter
  Covered breaking news, community events, and human-interest stories, earning recognition for her clarity and empathy on-air.

• 2016–2019: Morning & Midday Anchor
  Promoted after just a year, she anchored multiple daily newscasts, led coverage of major regional stories, and conducted live interviews. Her role showcased her ability to balance breaking news with community-focused journalism.

Expanding Horizons: WKRN Nashville (2019–2022)

In June 2019, Erica advanced to a larger market, joining WKRN News 2 in Nashville, Tennessee, as the 4:00 p.m. co-anchor and reporter.

Here, she focused on stories tied to city growth, economic development, and real estate trends—reporting that reflected the city’s rapid transformation.

Her work earned her:

• An Edward R. Murrow Award for breaking news coverage

• Multiple Emmy nominations

She also interviewed high-profile figures, including country music stars Garth Brooks and Luke Combs at the CMA Awards, further expanding her reporting portfolio.

Returning Home: FOX 2 Detroit (2022–Present)

In July 2022, Erica returned to Michigan to rejoin the very station where she once interned—FOX 2 Detroit (WJBK-TV).

She currently serves as morning co-anchor from 4:00–6:00 a.m. alongside Josh Landon, while also contributing to morning reporting. Her coverage ranges from community uplift and economic trends to lifestyle and entertainment stories, making her a trusted presence in Detroit’s morning news landscape.

Notable Stories

Erica Francis has covered a wide range of impactful stories throughout her career. Here are some notable reports:

• 2016 Republican National Convention: Erica reported live from Cleveland, providing comprehensive coverage of the event and offering insights into the political atmosphere.

• Tragic Incident at Alma Mater: She reported live from Central Michigan University after a tragic incident, handling the situation with sensitivity and professionalism.

• Wheelchair Dancing in Bloomfield Hills: Erica highlighted the growing popularity of wheelchair dancing, featuring the first Paralympic ballroom dance competition in the U.S.

• New Hope Center for Grief Support: She covered the story of the New Hope Center for Grief Support, focusing on how the center helps individuals find their “superpowers” to cope with loss.

• Catholic Central’s New STEM Center: Erica reported on the opening of a new $35 million STEM center at Catholic Central High School in Novi, Michigan.

• Ronaldo Candido Academy: She covered the story of the Ronaldo Candido Academy, which teaches Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu to students.

• Detroit Prowl Women’s Tackle Football Team: Erica reported on the team’s journey to securing the AWFL championship, showcasing their grit and determination.

Awards and Recognitions

Erica Francis has received several awards and recognitions throughout her career, highlighting her excellence in journalism:

• Michigan Association of Broadcasters Award: Erica was honored with this award for her outstanding contributions to the field of broadcasting in Michigan.

• Mark of Excellence Award: Presented by the Society of Professional Journalists, this award recognizes Erica’s exceptional reporting and writing skills.

• Regional Emmy Awards: Erica has won two regional Emmy Awards for her writing and reporting, showcasing her talent and dedication to delivering high-quality news coverage.

• Edward R. Murrow Award: While working at WKRN News 2 in Nashville, Erica received this prestigious award for co-anchoring breaking news coverage.

• Best TV Personality: Named by the Holland Sentinel, this award acknowledges Erica’s engaging presence on screen and her ability to connect with viewers.

• 10 Within 10 Recognition: Erica was recognized by Central Michigan University for her achievements within ten years of graduation.

These awards reflect Erica’s commitment to journalism and her ability to make a positive impact through her reporting.

Here’s a list of Erica Francis’s colleagues at FOX 2 Detroit (WJBK-TV), based on her current role and newsroom team:

Erica Francis Net Worth and Salary:

Erica Francis has an estimated net worth between $500,000 and $1 million, accumulated through her journalism career. Her annual salary as a Detroit news anchor ranges from $65,500 to $150,500, with estimates around $83,000 based on her experience.

Is Erica Francis Married?

No, Erica Francis is not married and has referred to herself as dedicated to her career instead.

How Old Is Erica Francis?

Erica Francis was born on October 20, 1992, in Holland, Michigan. That makes her 33 years old as of 2025.

Is Jacqueline Francis and Erica Francis related?

No, Jacqueline Francis and Erica Francis are not related. Despite sharing the same last name and both working as journalists in Michigan—Jacqueline at WDIV Local 4 and Erica at FOX 2 Detroit—they come from different families. Erica has publicly clarified that she is not related to Jacqueline Francis.

Jacqueline’s siblings are named Alexandra Francis and John Francis, while Erica has not disclosed any siblings.

Where Is Erica Francis?

Erica Francis is currently based in Detroit, Michigan, where she works as a morning news anchor and reporter at FOX 2 Detroit (WJBK-TV).

She co-anchors the 4:00–6:00 A.M. weekday morning newscasts alongside Josh Landon and also contributes field reporting throughout the day. After previous roles in Grand Rapids and Nashville, Erica returned to her home state in July 2022, fulfilling a long-held dream to anchor in Detroit.

Summary table:

Sources:

• FOX 2 Detroit – Erica Francis Profile
• LinkedIn – Erica Francis
• WKRN News 2 Nashville – Erica Francis Archive
• Central Michigan University Alumni Feature
• Muck Rack – Erica Francis Journalist Profile
• Instagram – @ericaonair
• Twitter/X – @EricaOnAir