Summer Knowles: A Complete Biography of the Emmy-Winning WESH 2 News Anchor

Summer Knowles is a respected and multi-award-winning American journalist best known for anchoring the 6pm and 11pm newscasts at WESH 2 News, a prominent NBC affiliate in Orlando, Florida. Over the past two decades, she has built a distinguished reputation for powerful storytelling, impactful community reporting, and an unwavering commitment to journalistic integrity. From her early years as an athlete at the University of North Carolina to her rise as a leading news anchor, Summer Knowles has become an influential figure in modern broadcast journalism.

Summer Knowles Age and Early Life

Born on 25 January 1982, Summer Knowles is 44 years old as of 2026. She was raised in a strong military family, the daughter of two retired United States Army officers, Carolyn Knowles and Gilbert Knowles. Growing up in a household shaped by service, discipline, and mobility, Summer lived in various states during her childhood and often refers to herself as a proud “military brat.” She does not claim a single hometown, but the state of Florida has always held a special place in her heart due to her family roots and summers spent with her grandparents in Miami.

From a young age, Summer demonstrated leadership, academic dedication, and exceptional athletic talent. In secondary school, she excelled in track and field, setting multiple NCHSAA records in sprint events and hurdles. Her ability to balance athletics, academics, and leadership roles would later translate seamlessly into her demanding career in journalism.

Summer Knowles Education

Education has been a defining factor in shaping Summer Knowles’ professional path. She attended the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, one of the top journalism schools in the United States. At UNC, she studied Journalism and Mass Communication (JOMC) and minored in Spanish, demonstrating her commitment to both storytelling and multicultural communication. She also engaged in pre-law coursework, which helped deepen her understanding of legal processes — knowledge that later benefited her crime, court, and investigative reporting.

While at UNC, Summer continued her athletic pursuits as a collegiate track competitor. She participated in the 200m and 400m events, showcasing the drive and discipline that would later define her broadcast career. She graduated in 2004, fully prepared to enter the challenging world of journalism.

Summer Knowles Parents and Military Family Background

Summer’s parents, Carolyn and Gilbert Knowles, are both retired Army officers. Their careers significantly shaped Summer’s worldview, instilling in her values of resilience, adaptability, and service to community. She often expresses deep admiration for her parents, publicly celebrating them on occasions such as Veterans Day. Their influence is evident in her empathetic reporting style and her ability to connect with people from diverse backgrounds. Despite her demanding professional life, she maintains a close relationship with her family and credits her parents for her work ethic and moral foundation.

Summer Knowles Husband and Personal Life

Summer Knowles is married to LaVar Smith, a bespoke menswear professional and custom clothier with the Tom James Company. Their love story began years before their marriage — they were college sweethearts and friends long before they became husband and wife. The couple married on 26 August 2017, and their relationship is frequently described by Summer as her greatest blessing and source of strength.

Together, Summer and LaVar are parents to three young daughters, a role that Summer embraces wholeheartedly. As a working mother in the demanding broadcast industry, she often shares her journey of balancing career, family, motherhood, and health. Her social media posts highlight her dedication to fitness, postpartum wellness, and the joy she finds in raising her children.

Summer Knowles Daughters

Summer is a proud mother of three daughters. She frequently refers to motherhood as her most rewarding role. Her posts often celebrate her daughters’ milestones, her postpartum journey, and the importance of raising strong young girls. Being a mother has enriched her perspective as a journalist, strengthening her compassion and enhancing the depth of her storytelling.

Summer Knowles WESH 2 Career

Early Career Development

Before joining WESH 2 News, Summer began her career at NBC News Channel in Charlotte, North Carolina, where she worked as a researcher, writer, and overnight producer. Her strong news judgement quickly earned her recognition, paving the way for her first on-air reporting role in Charlottesville, Virginia. She went on to hold positions at several well-known stations, including:

• FOX 2 News in St. Louis

• WPEC CBS 12 in West Palm Beach

• KSLA News 12 in Shreveport, where she anchored the morning and noon news

• WFOR CBS4 Miami, where she covered national stories, including the George Zimmerman trial, the 2014 gubernatorial debate, and the release of Alan Gross during US–Cuba negotiations

Rise to Prominence at WESH 2 News

Summer joined WESH 2 News in January 2015, beginning her journey in Central Florida as a weekend anchor. Her exceptional reporting, strong on-camera presence, and ability to engage audiences led to rapid promotions. She currently anchors the 6pm and 11pm weekday newscasts, the station’s flagship programmes.

Her most acclaimed work includes her contributions to the documentary “Project Community: Crusade for Change”, produced following the death of George Floyd. This project earned a prestigious Edward R. Murrow Award and an Emmy Award, solidifying her reputation as a journalist committed to meaningful storytelling.

Summer has also conducted several high-profile interviews, including conversations with:

• Joe Biden

• Mike Pence

• Stacey Abrams

• Corrine Brown

• Val Demings

Her leadership and professionalism have made her one of the most recognisable faces in Central Florida journalism.

Summer Knowles Salary

Although Summer Knowles’ exact salary is not publicly disclosed, industry estimates for senior anchors in the Orlando media market suggest an annual income ranging between $120,000 and $200,000. Her extensive experience, awards, tenure, and role as a lead anchor for WESH 2 News place her at the higher end of the pay scale for her region.

Summer Knowles’ Commitment to Community and Wellness

Beyond the newsroom, Summer is deeply committed to community service, mentorship, and personal wellness. She often volunteers, participates in charitable causes, and supports organisations dedicated to empowerment and education. Fitness plays a crucial role in her life — she regularly trains in weightlifting and competes in fitness events, demonstrating the same discipline that drives her professional success.

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Conclusion

Summer Knowles stands as a shining example of excellence in modern journalism. From her days as a collegiate athlete to her rise as a respected WESH 2 News anchor, she has consistently embodied hard work, courage, and compassion.

At 44 years old, she continues to inspire viewers, communities, and future journalists through her award-winning storytelling, dedication to family, and unwavering commitment to truth. With a thriving career, a strong family foundation, and an influential public presence, Summer Knowles remains one of the most impactful voices in American local news.

FAQs

1. Who is Summer Knowles?

Summer Knowles is an Emmy and Edward R. Murrow award-winning American journalist best known as the 6pm and 11pm news anchor at WESH 2 News, an NBC affiliate in Orlando, Florida. She has more than two decades of experience in broadcast journalism and has worked at major stations including CBS4 Miami, KSLA News 12, FOX 2 St. Louis and NBC News Channel. She is recognised for her impactful reporting, high-profile interviews, and community-focused storytelling.

2. How old is Summer Knowles?

Summer Knowles was born on 25 January 1982, making her 44 years old in 2026. She celebrates her birthday every year on 25 January, as shown in her public social media posts.

3. Did Summer Knowles leave WESH 2 News?

No. Summer Knowles has not left WESH 2 News. She continues to serve as the 6pm and 11pm anchor and remains one of the leading journalists at the station. There has been no official announcement suggesting her departure.

4. Where is Summer Knowles now?

As of 2026, Summer Knowles is based in Orlando, Florida, where she anchors the evening newscasts for WESH 2 News. She lives in Central Florida with her husband, LaVar Smith, and their three daughters. She remains actively involved in the community, broadcasting, and fitness competitions.

5. Is Summer Knowles still working in journalism?

Yes. Summer Knowles is actively working in journalism, continuing her award-winning career at WESH 2 News. She remains a respected and influential figure in local news reporting and continues to engage in major stories, community projects, and investigative coverage.

6. Is Summer Knowles married?

Yes. Summer Knowles is married to LaVar Smith, a bespoke menswear specialist and custom clothier. The couple married on 26 August 2017 and share three young daughters. Summer frequently expresses her love and gratitude for her husband and family on her social media platforms.

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