“Local news is about people—their stories, their passions, and the communities they build.” — Charley Belcher
Charley Belcher has become one of Tampa Bay’s most recognizable media personalities. With more than two decades in broadcast journalism, he is celebrated for his creative storytelling and approachable style. His Emmy-winning features highlight the unique people, places, and events that make Tampa Bay special, blending professionalism with humor and heart.
Timeline Overview
| Year | Milestone |
|---|---|
| Early 1980s | Grew up in Pasco County, Florida |
| 1990s | Attended Appalachian State University, earning a degree in Broadcasting |
| Mid-1990s | Began career at WIVK radio and WATE-TV in Knoxville, Tennessee |
| 1998 | Joined FOX 13 Tampa Bay as feature reporter |
| 2000 | Won first Suncoast Regional Emmy for coverage of Tampa Bay Buccaneers at NFC Championship |
| 2005 | Won second Emmy for profile of photographer Bud Lee |
| 2010s | Earned third Emmy for feature on butterfly farmer in St. Petersburg |
| Present | Continues as feature reporter on Good Day Tampa Bay with “Charley’s World” segments |
Quick Facts
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Charley Belcher |
| Date of Birth | 1983 (approx.) |
| Age | 42 (as of 2025) |
| Birthplace | Ft. Myers, Florida |
| Raised | Pasco County, Florida |
| Height | Approx. 5 ft 10 in |
| Education | Appalachian State University – BA in Broadcasting |
| Profession | Feature Reporter |
| Employer | FOX 13 Tampa Bay (WTVT-TV) |
| Marital Status | Married |
| Children | Two daughters |
| Net Worth | Estimated $1–2 million |
| Salary | Estimated $75,000–$120,000 annually |
Early Life & Education
Charley Belcher was born in Ft. Myers, Florida, and raised in Pasco County, part of the Tampa Bay area. His love for storytelling and broadcasting led him to pursue higher education at Appalachian State University in Boone, North Carolina, where he earned a degree in Broadcasting.
Career Background
Belcher began his career in Knoxville, Tennessee, working at WIVK radio and later at WATE-TV as a reporter. These early experiences gave him a strong foundation in both radio and television journalism.
In 1998, he returned to Florida and joined FOX 13 Tampa Bay (WTVT-TV) as a feature reporter. His signature segment, “Charley’s World,” airs weekday mornings on Good Day Tampa Bay, showcasing local businesses, events, and human-interest stories.
Belcher’s creative approach to storytelling has earned him three Suncoast Regional Emmy Awards. His first came in 2000 for coverage of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ NFC Championship game in St. Louis. He won his second in 2005 for a profile of renowned photographer Bud Lee, and his third for a feature on a butterfly farmer in St. Petersburg.

Achievements
- Three-time Suncoast Regional Emmy Award winner
- Longtime feature reporter for FOX 13 Tampa Bay
- Creator and host of “Charley’s World” on Good Day Tampa Bay
- Coverage of major Tampa Bay events and community stories
- Recognized for blending humor, creativity, and authenticity in reporting
Personal Life
Charley Belcher is married and has two daughters. In recent years, he has spoken publicly about his family’s challenges, including his daughter’s battle with cancer, which brought him closer to the Tampa Bay community. His openness and resilience have made him not only a respected journalist but also a relatable figure to viewers.
Salary & Net Worth
- Salary: Estimated $75,000–$120,000 annually
- Net Worth: Estimated $1–2 million, reflecting his long career in broadcast journalism and community involvement
Legacy
Charley Belcher’s legacy lies in his ability to celebrate everyday people and places. Through “Charley’s World,” he has highlighted the stories that often go unnoticed, giving a platform to small businesses, local artists, and community events.
His Emmy-winning work demonstrates the power of feature reporting to connect audiences with their communities. By combining humor, creativity, and authenticity, Belcher has become one of Tampa Bay’s most beloved broadcasters.
As he continues his career at FOX 13, Charley Belcher remains a symbol of local journalism’s impact, showing that storytelling is not just about headlines but about the people who make a community thrive.









