Elise Preston is a highly accomplished American journalist who currently serves as a correspondent for CBS News based in Los Angeles. Her extensive career in broadcast journalism spans major national breaking news stories, in-depth investigations, and impactful feature reporting across multiple network broadcasts. With a strong foundation in field reporting, she has established herself as a trusted and respected voice in modern news media.
Early Life and Educational Background
Born and raised in Columbus, Ohio, Elise Preston developed an early passion for storytelling and journalism. She pursued her higher education at Hampton University, graduating from the prestigious Scripps Howard School of Journalism and Communications. Her academic excellence and dedication to the field earned her an induction into Hampton University's Forty Under 40 Alumni Society in 2020.
During her time in college and early career, Preston actively engaged in professional networking and community leadership. She is an active member of the National Association of Black Journalists and Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated. These foundational experiences helped shape her professional standards and commitment to ethical reporting.
Career Beginnings and Local Journalism
Elise Preston began her broadcast career as an assignment editor in Norfolk, Virginia, learning the foundational mechanics of newsroom operations. She subsequently moved into field reporting, serving as a reporter for KFDA in Amarillo, Texas, and later at CBS affiliate WREG in Memphis, Tennessee. Her compelling field reports and dedication to local stories quickly caught the attention of industry executives.
Prior to making her transition to national news, Preston served as a weekday anchor and reporter at WTMJ-TV in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. During her tenure in Milwaukee, she earned an Emmy nomination for her sensitive coverage of a local family advocating for youth mental health resources. This milestone reflected her ability to handle complex social issues with empathy and journalism rigor.
Rise at CBS News
In February 2020, Preston joined CBS Newspath as a freelance correspondent, reporting on major national events across the country. She covered critical breaking stories including the legal proceedings surrounding Tyre Nichols in Memphis, major winter weather disasters, and significant labor movements. Her consistent and clear reporting during high-pressure situations led to her official appointment as a network correspondent.
Now based out of Los Angeles, Preston reports across all CBS News platforms, including CBS Evening News, CBS Mornings, and CBS Weekend News. Her work encompasses diverse subjects ranging from environmental disasters and public safety to racial equity and social culture. She continues to elevate human-centered stories that provide valuable context to national audiences.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Elise Preston? Elise Preston is an American broadcast journalist and national correspondent for CBS News based in Los Angeles.
Where did Elise Preston go to college? She graduated from the Scripps Howard School of Journalism and Communications at Hampton University.
What major awards or honors has she received? She earned an Emmy nomination for her local reporting in Milwaukee and was inducted into Hampton University's Forty Under 40 Alumni Society.