Rachel Cole: 12News KPNX-TV Anchor and Reporter Biography
Rachel Cole (sometimes styled as Rachel Lynn Cole) is an Emmy Award-winning American journalist serving as an anchor, reporter, and multi-skilled journalist for 12News (KPNX-TV, NBC affiliate) in Phoenix, Arizona.
She has been with the station since September 2017, where she covers a wide range of stories, from local sports and community events to investigative pieces on mental health access and gas prices in Arizona.
Her work has appeared in syndication across outlets like MSN, KING-TV (Seattle), KHOU-TV (Houston), and others. Known for her engaging on-air presence and storytelling, Cole describes herself as “always looking for a story.”
Early Life and Education
Cole is a Phoenix native and a proud graduate of Arizona State University. She earned her degree Cum Laude from the Walter Cronkite School of Journalism and Mass Communication, one of the nation’s top journalism programs.
Professional Career
Cole’s journalism career began in Texas, where she worked as a morning anchor and reporter at KRIS-TV (Channel 6) in Corpus Christi from approximately 2015 to 2017.
In this role, she honed her skills in live reporting and multi-platform storytelling.
Upon returning to her home state, she joined 12News, part of TEGNA Inc., as part of their commitment to local journalism serving Arizona for over 70 years.
At 12News, Cole anchors and reports on key segments, including morning shows and special features. Notable stories include interviews with Arizona Diamondbacks outfielder Alek Thomas on high school baseball programs, analyses of Arizona’s mental health care challenges (ranking it worst in the U.S. per a LendingTree study), and coverage of rising gas prices pushing toward $5 per gallon.
She has earned an Emmy Award for her broadcasting excellence and is recognized for her versatility in video production and community engagement.
Prior to KRIS-TV, Cole’s early career details are not extensively documented, but her rapid rise underscores her passion for broadcast journalism.
In addition to her professional work, Cole is known for being active in the community. She enjoys running, hiking, and supporting Arizona sports teams. She has also hosted community events, such as the “Summer of a Million Meals Friends Breakfast.”
Rachel Cole Age:
Rachel Cole is estimated to be 36 years old as of 2025, based on her graduation from Arizona State University in 2011 (assuming a typical college graduation age around 22).
Her zodiac sign is Libra, as her birthday falls on October 13. Her ethnicity is white. She holds American nationality.
Rachel Cole Parents and Siblings:
Rachel grew up in Arizona, which has shaped her strong connection to the region and its people. Her familiarity with the local culture and issues adds depth to her storytelling on 12News.
As of now, Rachel Cole has not publicly shared details about her parents or siblings. She maintains a private stance on her family life, which is consistent with her overall approach to personal boundaries in the public eye.
Rachel Cole Husband:
Rachel Cole is married to Ryan Johnson. The couple had a quiet legal wedding ceremony in Las Vegas, followed by plans for a formal celebration in Italy in May 2023.
Their approach to marriage reflects a blend of intimacy and adventure, keeping their personal life relatively private while still sharing joyful milestones with close friends and family.
Rachel Cole Height:
Rachel Cole stands at an estimated height of around 5 feet 6 inches (167 cm) and weighs approximately 125 to 135 pounds (57–61 kg).
Her body measurements are reported to be around 34-26-36 inches (86-66-91 cm), and she is believed to wear a US dress size 4–6.
She reportedly wears US shoe size 7.5–8. Rachel has blonde hair and hazel to light brown eyes.
12News Rachel Cole Career Timeline:
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Early 2010s: Student Journalist, Arizona State University
- Cole graduated cum laude from the Walter Cronkite School of Journalism and Mass Communication. This foundational education equipped her for a career in broadcast journalism.
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Pre-2017: Morning Anchor & Reporter, KRIS-TV (Corpus Christi, TX)
- While at KRIS-TV, she served as a morning anchor and reporter.
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- She gained significant experience covering major legal stories, most notably the Hannah Overton case. This high-profile trial involved a foster mother convicted of killing her foster son, whose conviction was later overturned.
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2017–Present: Anchor, Reporter & Multi-Skilled Journalist, 12News KPNX-TV (Phoenix, AZ)
- Rachel Cole joined Team 12 in September 2017.
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- Her title as a multi-skilled journalist means she is trained to handle all aspects of a news story, from reporting and writing to shooting and editing video.
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- She covers a wide range of topics, including breaking news, legal affairs, and community features.
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- Her work has been recognized with awards, and she is known for her contributions to public service campaigns like the “Summer of a Million Meals.”
👥 Rachel Cole’s Colleagues at 12News
Rachel Cole works alongside a talented team of journalists, anchors, and meteorologists at 12News KPNX-TV in Phoenix. Some of her notable colleagues include:
| Name | Role | Notable Contributions |
|---|---|---|
| Mark Curtis | Anchor | Veteran journalist with decades of experience in political reporting |
| Tram Mai | Anchor | Co-anchor of 12@12 and evening newscasts; known for health and lifestyle segments |
| Krystle Henderson | Meteorologist | Emmy-winning forecaster; covers weather and climate stories |
| Jen Wahl | Meteorologist | Morning weather anchor with a focus on Arizona’s seasonal shifts |
| Jonathan McCall | Reporter/Anchor | Covers breaking news and community impact stories |
| Rachel McNeill | Anchor | Former Houston anchor; now co-anchors morning and midday shows |
| Joe Dana | Investigative Reporter | Known for in-depth reporting on public accountability and safety issues |
Rachel Cole Net Worth and Salary:
Rachel Cole’s estimated net worth is approximately $656,000, reflecting the success she has achieved throughout her career as a journalist and anchor.
Her annual salary is believed to range between $64,000 and $110,500, depending on her role and tenure at 12News KPNX-TV.
Is Rachel Cole Married?
Yes, Rachel Cole is married to Ryan Johnson. The couple had a quiet legal wedding ceremony in Las Vegas, followed by plans for a formal celebration in Italy in May 2023.
How Old Is Rachel Cole?
Rachel Cole is estimated to be 36 years old as of September 2025, derived from her 2011 graduation date from Arizona State University.
Where Is Rachel Cole?
Rachel Cole is currently based in Phoenix, Arizona, where she works as an anchor, reporter, and multi-skilled journalist for 12News KPNX-TV, the NBC affiliate serving the Valley.
She is actively involved in covering breaking news, community stories, and legal affairs across the region and remains a visible presence both on-air and through her social media platforms.
Summary Table
Rachel Cole — 12News KPNX-TV Anchor & Reporter Biography Summary
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Rachel Cole (also known as Rachel Lynn Cole) |
| Profession | Anchor, Reporter, Multi-Skilled Journalist |
| Current Employer | 12News (KPNX-TV), NBC affiliate in Phoenix, Arizona |
| Years Active at 12News | September 2017 – Present |
| Previous Experience | Morning Anchor & Reporter at KRIS-TV (Corpus Christi, Texas) |
| Education | Graduated cum laude from Arizona State University – Walter Cronkite School of Journalism and Mass Communication |
| Age (Estimated) | 36 years old (as of 2025) |
| Date of Birth | October 13 (Zodiac: Libra) |
| Ethnicity / Nationality | White / American |
| Upbringing | Born and raised in Phoenix, Arizona |
| Parents & Siblings | Not publicly disclosed |
| Marital Status | Married to Ryan Johnson |
| Height | ~5 ft 6 in (167 cm) |
| Weight | ~125–135 lbs (57–61 kg) |
| Body Measurements | ~34-26-36 in (86-66-91 cm) |
| Dress / Shoe Size | ~US 4–6 / US 7.5–8 |
| Hair / Eye Color | Blonde / Hazel to Light Brown |
| Notable Coverage | Arizona gas prices, mental health access, Arizona Diamondbacks’ Alek Thomas, community events |
| Awards | Emmy Award for broadcasting excellence |
| Community Involvement | Hosts and supports local campaigns like “Summer of a Million Meals” |
| Net Worth (Estimated) | ~$656,000 |
| Salary (Estimated) | ~$64,000 – $110,500 annually |
| Current Location | Phoenix, Arizona |
Sources
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12News KPNX-TV (Official Bio): Role as anchor/reporter, prior work at KRIS-TV, ASU Cronkite graduate.
🔗 12News Profile -
Twitter (@RachelColeTV): Emmy-winning 12News anchor, shares stories and Arizona sports.
🔗 Twitter Profile -
Facebook (Personal): 12News anchor/reporter in Phoenix since 2017, posts updates and photos.
🔗 Facebook Profile -
Instagram (@rachelcoletv1011): Features work stories, running, hiking, and personal life.
🔗 Instagram Profile
If you want, I can also make this a bulle
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