Elex Michaelson
Elex Michaelson | |
|---|---|
 Michaelson in Los Angeles, February 2020 | |
| Born | Elexander Michaelson October 18, 1986 Agoura Hills, California, U.S. |
| Education | Agoura High School |
| Alma mater | University of Southern California (B.J., BSocSc) |
| Occupations | |
| Notable work |
|
Elexander Michaelson[1][2] (born October 18, 1986) is an American television journalist and news anchor for CNN. From 2018 until his departure in 2025, he served as a co-anchor for KTTV's evening newscasts, as well as the host and producer of The Issue Is, the station's weekly political talk show. On The Issue Is, he gained recognition for reporting on local and state politics, conducting interviews with various officeholders, and providing sports coverage. He is currently anchor of the show of The Story Is with Elex Michaelson on CNN.
Early life and education
[edit]Michaelson was born on October 18, 1986 in Agoura Hills, California to David and Crystal Michaelson, a painter and mixed media artist. In 2010, his family moved to Venice, an area in Los Angeles. He has a sister, Danielle Michaelson, who resides and works in Santa Monica, California.[3][4] He attended Agoura High School, where he served as the student body president and played on the school's basketball team.[5] In 2003, he received the Interscholastic Federation Award for Pursuing Victory with Honor in recognition of his leadership in several projects at the school. He graduated from there in 2004.[6][7]
Elex Michaelson attended the University of Southern California's Annenberg School for Communication and Journalism, where he graduated summa cum laude with a bachelor's degree in both broadcast journalism and political science, also receiving Phi Beta Kappa honors.[8] He initially enrolled as a political science major and was accepted to the school of journalism during the second round of applications.[9]
Journalism career
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Michaelson began his journalism career as an intern at KTTV, after meeting with the executive producer by arriving unannounced and waiting for an in-person meeting.[5][9] He also held internship positions in Washington, D.C. and New York City, before working at XETV in San Diego as a weeknight reporter and KABC in Los Angeles as a fill-in news anchor from 2010 to 2017.[10][11][12] He returned to KTTV in 2017, joining the Fox 11 Morning News alongside Araksya Karapetyan.[10]
During his tenure at KTTV, he organized and co-moderated debates for various state and local political positions, in addition to covering national politics for the station. He became a "well-liked figure" in the Los Angeles media according to the Los Angeles Times, conducting interviews with national figures including Donald Trump, Hillary Clinton, and Bernie Sanders, as well as Gavin Newsom, Arnold Schwarzenegger, Rick Caruso, Karen Bass and other politicians.[12][13] Michaelson was known for providing each interviewee and panelist with a box of desserts made by his mother, Crystal Michaelson. The gesture was noted by columnist Gustavo Arellano in the Los Angeles Times, who described the treats as a variety that "didn't last the drive back to Orange County."[14] In August 2025, he announced that he would be leaving the station for an opportunity that he was unable to disclose.[12][13] On September 11, 2025, CNN announced that Michaelson would be joining the network to host a late-night program from Los Angeles.[15] The show, The Story Is with Elex Michaelson premiered on October 27, 2025.[16]
Personal life
[edit]Michaelson has participated in the Malibu Triathlon for several years to benefit Children's Hospital Los Angeles. During the COVID-19 pandemic in Los Angeles, he stopped exercising and put on weight. He started exercising and lost 28 pounds after his pants split on air while sitting during a newscast.[17]
References
[edit]- ^ "Awards". Annenberg TV News.
- ^ "USC Annenberg remembers alumnus and USC Trustee Herb Klein". USC Annenberg School for Communication and Journalism. July 2, 2009.
- ^ Bertholdo, Stephanie (September 19, 2013). "Featured artist inspired by beach culture". The Acorn.
- ^ "Art & Life with Crystal Michaelson". VoyageLA. May 28, 2018.
- ^ a b Hayes, Kelly Taylor (May 7, 2018). "Elex Michaelson on becoming a political reporter, new podcast". FOX 11 Los Angeles.
- ^ Ames, Steve (May 15, 2003). "Agoura High's Michaelson gets honor". The Acorn.
- ^ Bertholdo, Stephanie (August 15, 2013). "Reyes Adobe Days festivities expand". The Acorn.
- ^ Corwin, James (July 18, 2023). "Elex Michaelson: A Beacon of Light in Journalism". Beverly Hills Lifestyle Magazine.
- ^ a b Bertholdo, Stephanie (September 29, 2011). "Agoura High alumnus shares career tips with students". The Acorn.
- ^ a b "KABC Anchor Heads to FOX 11 as Morning Anchor". Adweek. January 11, 2018.
- ^ "KTTV Anchor Elex Michaelson Leaving LA Station". Adweek. August 5, 2025.
- ^ a b c Battaglio, Stephen (August 5, 2025). "Longtime anchor Elex Michaelson exits Fox station KTTV". Los Angeles Times.
- ^ a b Tapp, Tom (August 5, 2025). "FoxLA Anchor Elex Michaelson Is Leaving Station". Deadline Hollywood.
- ^ Arellano, Gustavo (August 4, 2025). "The cookies that unite California's politicians, no matter their party". Los Angeles Times.
- ^ Battaglio, Stephen (September 11, 2025). "Elex Michaelson joins CNN as anchor for a late-night program based in Los Angeles". Los Angeles Times. Retrieved 2025-10-26.
- ^ Harris, Raquel 'Rocky' (2025-10-24). "CNN Sets Week 1 Guests for New Show 'The Story Is' With Elex Michaelson". TheWrap. Retrieved 2025-10-26.
- ^ Ellis Philip (October 9, 2021). "This News Anchor Burst Out of His Pants on Live TV. Now He's in the Best Shape of His Life". Men's Health.