Sharla McBride is a prominent American journalist known for her sharp reporting, charismatic on-screen presence, and inspiring career path. She has worked as a sports anchor, news anchor, and TV host for nearly two decades, gaining respect and multiple awards along the way. Her story shows how hard work, love for storytelling, and commitment can build a great career in media.
Here are 5 key things to know about Sharla McBride before we dive deeper:
- She has over 17 years of experience in journalism.
- Currently, she co-hosts Wake Up America on Newsmax.
- She has won several Emmy Awards for her reporting.
- Fitness and cooking are some of her favorite hobbies.
- Sharla is married and has a stepdaughter.
Early Life: Where It All Began
Sharla McBride was born on December 28, 1984, in Austin, Texas. Growing up in a military family, she learned discipline, respect, and determination from a young age. Her father, Richard McBride, served bravely in the Vietnam War and earned honors such as the Bronze Star and Combat Infantry Badge. This background gave Sharla a strong foundation and a sense of purpose.
At Westwood High School in Austin, Sharla was not just a student but an active participant in many activities. She played basketball and volleyball, cheered for her school, did gymnastics, and spent 18 years playing the piano. These experiences helped her develop confidence, teamwork skills, and creativity qualities that would serve her well in her future career.
After high school, Sharla enrolled at the University of Georgia. There, she pursued a double major in Broadcast Journalism and International Affairs, focusing on National Security. This combination showed her interest not only in media but also in understanding the world, politics, and security issues. During college, she also gained real-world experience by interning at a TV station.
Building a Career: From Intern to National TV Host
First Steps in Journalism
Sharla’s journey in journalism began during her university days. She interned at WAGA-TV, a FOX affiliate station in Atlanta, Georgia. Starting as an associate sports producer, she learned the behind-the-scenes work required for a successful broadcast from editing video to writing scripts. Her enthusiasm and talent quickly helped her move into an on-air role.
After college, Sharla took a job at KTXS-TV in Abilene, Texas. Here, she worked as a sports reporter and fill-in anchor. This role allowed her to practice live reporting, interview athletes, and tell exciting sports stories. It was an important step that shaped her skills and helped her gain confidence on camera.
Growing Reputation: WNEP-TV and WUSA9
In 2015, Sharla joined WNEP-TV in Scranton, Pennsylvania. She started as a sports anchor and reporter, but soon expanded her role to co-anchor the evening news. This transition from sports to general news demonstrated her versatility and ability to cover diverse topics. During this time, she earned praise for her professionalism and engaging style.
In March 2020, Sharla moved to WUSA9 in Washington, D.C. There, she took on the role of a sports and news anchor. Reporting in the nation’s capital gave her the opportunity to cover major events, political stories, and breaking news, broadening her experience and exposure.
National Spotlight: Joining Newsmax
In October 2023, Sharla McBride reached a new milestone by joining Newsmax as co-host of the morning show Wake Up America, alongside Rob Finnerty. This role brought her into national television, where she shares news, interviews guests, and interacts with a wide audience every weekday morning. This platform allows her to use all her accumulated skills and connect with viewers across the country.
Awards and Achievements: Recognizing Excellence
Sharla McBride’s hard work has earned her multiple prestigious awards. These honors recognize her dedication to accuracy, storytelling, and professionalism in journalism.
- Emmy Awards: She has won several Emmy Awards, which are among the highest honors in the television industry. These awards celebrated her skillful reporting and anchoring.
- Edward R. Murrow Award: This is another highly respected journalism award Sharla received for excellence in news coverage.
- Associated Press Award: Sharla also earned recognition from the Associated Press, which values quality and ethical journalism.
These awards not only highlight her talent but also her commitment to delivering truthful, meaningful news to the public.
Personal Life: Beyond the Camera
Family and Relationships
Outside of her busy career, Sharla McBride enjoys a happy family life. She is married to Todd Hiller, a professional photographer. The couple tied the knot on September 1, 2013, and have a stepdaughter named Maris, born in 2004. Sharla often shares how important family is to her and how they support each other’s passions.
Hobbies and Interests
Sharla is passionate about staying fit. She regularly practices running, yoga, and Pilates, showing her dedication to a healthy lifestyle. She has completed multiple half-marathons, including the prestigious Boston Marathon in 2014, proving her discipline extends beyond the newsroom.
Cooking and baking are other loves of Sharla’s. She enjoys experimenting with recipes and trying cuisines from different cultures. This hobby helps her relax and express creativity outside of work.
Giving Back: Philanthropy
Sharla is not only a talented journalist but also a generous person. She supports several charities, including:
- St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital: Helping kids with serious illnesses.
- American Cancer Society: Fighting cancer through research and support.
- Special Olympics: Promoting sports opportunities for people with disabilities.
Her involvement in these causes reflects her caring nature and desire to make a positive impact beyond her career.
Fun Facts About Sharla McBride
- She speaks Spanish fluently, thanks to her travels across Latin America, Europe, and Asia.
- Despite her sports reporting role, Sharla didn’t play competitive sports growing up.
- Before journalism, she once dreamed of joining the FBI.
- She is a big fan of country music and loves attending concerts.
- Her favorite sports teams include the Dallas Cowboys, Texas Longhorns, and Georgia Bulldogs.
A Quick Overview: Sharla McBride’s Career Timeline
| Year | Role | Location | Notes |
| Early 2000s | Intern/Associate Sports Producer | WAGA-TV, Atlanta | Began career during college |
| Mid-2000s | Sports Reporter/Fill-in Anchor | KTXS-TV, Abilene | First full-time on-air job |
| 2015 | Sports Anchor & News Co-anchor | WNEP-TV, Scranton | Expanded role to general news |
| 2020 | Sports & News Anchor | WUSA9, Washington D.C. | Covered national stories |
| 2023 | Co-host, Wake Up America | Newsmax, National | National TV morning show |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- What shows does Sharla McBride currently host?
She co-hosts Wake Up America on Newsmax, a national morning news program. - Where did Sharla McBride study journalism?
She graduated from the University of Georgia with degrees in Broadcast Journalism and International Affairs. - Has Sharla won any major awards?
Yes, she has received multiple Emmy Awards, the Edward R. Murrow Award, and the Associated Press Award. - What are some of her hobbies?
Fitness, cooking, baking, and attending country music concerts are among her favorite activities. - Is Sharla active on social media?
Yes, she shares career and personal updates on Instagram, X (formerly Twitter), Facebook, and LinkedIn.
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Final Thoughts: What Makes Sharla McBride Stand Out
Sharla McBride’s career is a shining example of what passion and hard work can achieve. From her early days in Texas to becoming a national TV personality, she has shown remarkable growth, versatility, and commitment. Her ability to connect with viewers, tell important stories, and maintain professionalism makes her a respected journalist.
Beyond the screen, Sharla’s love for fitness, cooking, and helping others shows her as a well-rounded individual who inspires many. Her journey encourages young people to follow their dreams with determination and kindness.
