Erin Kiernan Biography: WHO 13 Anchor, Advocate & Fitness Mentor, Birthdate, Birthplace, Age, Height, Ethnicity, Education, Profession, Spouse, Children, Net Worth

“Journalism is about telling stories that matter and connecting with people in their everyday lives.” — Erin Kiernan

Erin Kiernan is an American journalist, fitness instructor, and community advocate best known as a news anchor for WHO 13 News in Des Moines, Iowa. With a career spanning decades in broadcast journalism, Kiernan has built a reputation for her professionalism, warmth, and ability to balance newsroom demands with personal advocacy. Her journey reflects resilience, adaptability, and a passion for both storytelling and health.

Timeline Overview

Year Milestone
1970s Born in Chadron, Nebraska (exact date not publicly disclosed)
1992 Enrolled at Drake University
1996 Graduated with BA in Broadcast Journalism
Late 1990s Began career at KCCI-TV in Des Moines
2005 Joined WHO 13 News as reporter and anchor
2006 Promoted to evening anchor at WHO 13
2013–2019 Worked as fitness instructor at Meredith Corporation
Present Anchors weekday evening newscasts at 5, 6, and 10 p.m.

Quick Facts

Attribute Detail
Full Name Erin Kiernan
Birthplace Chadron, Nebraska, USA
Age Estimated late 40s–early 50s (as of 2025)
Height Approx. 5 ft 7 in
Education Drake University – BA in Broadcast Journalism
Profession Journalist, Anchor, Fitness Instructor
Employer WHO 13 News (Des Moines, Iowa)
Marital Status Married to Michael Kiernan
Children One son
Net Worth Estimated $1–2 million

Early Life & Education

Erin Kiernan grew up in Chadron, Nebraska, where she developed an early interest in journalism. As a child, she often imitated television reporters, foreshadowing her future career. In 1992, she enrolled at Drake University in Des Moines, Iowa, graduating in 1996 with a degree in Broadcast Journalism. Her education provided the foundation for a career that would blend storytelling, community engagement, and advocacy.

Erin Kiernan photo  - wikiiTrends
Erin Kiernan photo – wikiiTrends

Career Background

Kiernan began her professional career at KCCI-TV in Des Moines, where she worked as a reporter and anchor for nearly five years. Her reporting covered a wide range of topics, from breaking news to community stories, earning her recognition for her ability to connect with viewers.

In 2005, she joined WHO 13 News as a reporter and part-time anchor. By 2006, she was promoted to evening anchor, a role she continues to hold today. Kiernan anchors the 5 p.m., 6 p.m., and 10 p.m. newscasts, becoming a familiar face to Iowa audiences.

Beyond journalism, Kiernan also worked as a fitness instructor and personal trainer at the Meredith Corporation from 2013 to 2019. This role reflected her passion for health and wellness, complementing her broadcasting career.

Challenges & Achievements

  • Broadcasting Success: Anchored evening newscasts at WHO 13 for nearly two decades.
  • Fitness Advocacy: Balanced journalism with fitness instruction, promoting health and wellness.
  • Community Engagement: Known for her approachable style and commitment to local issues.
  • Unique Experiences: Once storm-chased as a young reporter, sent directly into a developing tornado.

Personal Life

Erin Kiernan is married to Michael Kiernan, an Iowa native with deep community ties. The couple married in the historic Madison County Church, famously visited by Pope John Paul II in 1979. They have one son, who was baptized in the same church.

Kiernan is also known for her quirky personality and openness. She has shared personal anecdotes, such as regretting a tattoo and piercing she got in her youth, and her humorous confession about “accidentally” throwing away her retainer in grade school.

Salary & Net Worth

  • Salary: Estimated between $70,000–$120,000 annually as a WHO 13 anchor.
  • Net Worth: Approximately $1–2 million, reflecting her long career in journalism and fitness instruction.

Legacy

Erin Kiernan’s legacy lies in her ability to blend journalism with authenticity and advocacy. As a trusted anchor in Iowa, she has delivered news with professionalism while also sharing personal stories that resonate with viewers. Her dual career in journalism and fitness highlights her versatility and commitment to community well-being.

By combining newsroom excellence with personal engagement, Kiernan stands as a role model for aspiring journalists and community leaders. Her career demonstrates that journalism is not just about reporting events—it’s about connecting with people, inspiring resilience, and making a difference.

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