Melissa Hipolit Biography: CBS 6 Investigative Reporter Biography, Richmond VA

Melissa Hipolit is an award-winning investigative reporter and journalist based in Richmond, Virginia, currently working for WTVR-TV (CBS 6).

She is known for her tenacious reporting on local issues, including healthcare, government accountability, and community concerns.

Melissa Hipolit Age:

Melissa Hipolit is 42 years old (born October 23, 1982, Falls Church, Northern Virginia), making her zodiac sign Scorpio. Her ethnicity is white, but she holds American nationality as a U.S. native.

Melissa Hipolit Parents and Siblings:

Melissa Hipolit was born and raised in Falls Church, Northern Virginia, where she experienced a warm and supportive childhood.

She often credits her parents—whom she affectionately refers to as “daddy and mommy”—for providing what she has described as “the best upbringing possible.”

Their guidance and encouragement played a central role in shaping her values and her passion for storytelling.

While Melissa has not publicly revealed her parents’ names or professions, she has acknowledged their deep influence on her life.

On social media, she has shared heartfelt tributes, including a Mother’s Day message expressing gratitude for her mom’s unwavering support.

Melissa has kept details about her siblings private, and there is no publicly available information confirming whether she has brothers or sisters.

Although her career often places her in the public eye, Melissa maintains a respectful boundary between her work and personal life.

She chooses to highlight her investigative journalism while keeping her family largely out of the spotlight.

Melissa Hipolit Husband:

Melissa Hipolit is married to John Ralston, and together they share a life filled with intimacy, joy, and family-centered values.

The couple tied the knot in November 2020 during a micro wedding ceremony at The Ashby Inn in Paris, Virginia.

Surrounded by close family, their firstborn son Bryce was also present, making the day especially meaningful as they celebrated their union as both partners and parents.

Following their marriage, Melissa and John expanded their family with the arrival of two more sons:

• Bryce Ralston – Their firstborn, who symbolized the foundation of their family even before their vows.

• John Theodore “Teddy” Ralston – Born on April 5, 2021, Teddy brought fresh joy to the household just months after their wedding.

• Third Son – Melissa has publicly acknowledged the couple’s third child, though she has chosen not to share his name or birthdate, maintaining her family’s privacy.

Melissa occasionally offers heartfelt glimpses into her home life on social media, celebrating milestones and everyday moments with her husband and children.

Her posts reflect warmth, gratitude, and the balance she maintains between her demanding career as an investigative journalist and her cherished role as a wife and mother.

Melissa Hipolit Height:

Hipolit stands at approximately 5 feet 6 inches (1.68 meters) and weighs around 64 kilograms (141 pounds).

Melissa Hipolit WTVR-TV (CBS 6) Career Timeline:

2004–2005: Executive Assistant, Stateside Associates (Northern Virginia)

Melissa began her professional journey in public affairs at Stateside Associates, a firm specializing in state and local government relations.

As an executive assistant, she supported senior staff, managed communications, and assisted with legislative tracking and policy analysis.

This early role gave her valuable exposure to the mechanics of government and laid a strong foundation for her future in investigative journalism.

2005–2006: Assistant Editor, CQ Researcher (Washington, D.C.)

At CQ Researcher (Congressional Quarterly), Melissa worked as an assistant editor, where she contributed to long-form reports on political, social, and economic issues.

She co-authored the article “Blog Explosion: Are Blogs a Passing Fad or a Lasting Revolution?” (2006) with Kenneth Jost, which was published in CQ Researcher (Vol. 16, Issue 22).

This position sharpened her editorial judgment, advanced her research skills, and exposed her to the high standards of political journalism.

2006–2007: Desk Assistant, PBS The NewsHour with Jim Lehrer (Washington, D.C.)

Melissa continued her work in journalism at PBS NewsHour, one of the nation’s most respected news programs.

As a desk assistant, she supported producers and correspondents in daily coverage by coordinating interviews, preparing scripts, and assisting with newsroom logistics.

The role immersed her in the world of broadcast journalism and gave her firsthand experience with national-level reporting.

2008–2013: Anchor & Reporter, WJHL-TV News Channel 11 (Johnson City, Tennessee)

Melissa transitioned to on-air journalism at WJHL-TV, where she served as both anchor and reporter. During her five years at the station, she covered political campaigns, community issues, and breaking news across northeast Tennessee and southwest Virginia.

Her standout work included an investigative piece on coal country during the 2012 presidential election, which earned her the Tennessee Associated Press Award. This role demonstrated her ability to connect local stories to broader national conversations.

2013–Present: Investigative Reporter, WTVR CBS 6 (Richmond, Virginia)

Melissa joined WTVR-TV (CBS 6) in October 2013 as an investigative reporter, returning to her home state of Virginia.

Over more than a decade, she has established herself as a leading voice in accountability journalism. Her investigations have exposed:

• Failures in hospital inspections and oversight

• Billing disputes and consumer protection issues in healthcare

• Political leadership changes within Virginia’s U.S. Attorney’s Office

• Voting irregularities, including incorrect ballots in Richmond

• Environmental concerns, such as sewage dumping and water quality issues

• Government mismanagement in programs like food benefits distribution

Her reporting style blends empathy with persistence, often giving a voice to individuals directly affected by systemic failures.

In July 2024, Melissa announced her departure from WTVR after more than ten years, but within months, she rejoined the station, reaffirming her dedication to Richmond and the community she serves.

She continues to break impactful stories, with bylines appearing as recently as September 2025.

Melissa Hipolit works alongside a talented team of journalists, anchors, and meteorologists at WTVR CBS 6 News in Richmond, Virginia.

Here are some of her notable colleagues:

Melissa Hipolit Net Worth and Salary:

Melissa Hipolit’s estimated net worth ranges from $1 million to $5 million, accumulated through her career in broadcast journalism.

Specific salary details are not publicly disclosed, but investigative reporters in similar markets typically earn between $50,000 and $100,000 annually based on experience.

Is Melissa Hipolit Married?

Yes, Melissa Hipolit is married to John Ralston since November 2020.

How Old Is Melissa Hipolit?

Melissa Hipolit is 42 years old as of October 2025 (born October 23, 1982).

Where Is Melissa Hipolit?

Melissa Hipolit is currently based in Richmond, Virginia, where she continues to serve as an investigative reporter for WTVR-TV (CBS 6). Although she briefly said farewell to the station in mid-2024, she rejoined CBS 6 just a few months later, reaffirming her commitment to impactful local journalism.

Her recent reporting includes investigations into healthcare access, environmental concerns, and consumer protection issues across Virginia. Melissa remains active on social media and regularly engages with viewers through updates and behind-the-scenes insights.

Summary Table

Sources: