Erica Francis

I first walked into the FOX 2 newsroom about a decade ago as an eager intern, ready to learn. 

News reporting and storytelling was my passion - and it still is. I've felt that way since I first read the morning announcements at West Ottawa High School in my hometown of Holland, Michigan. 

I was blessed to know what I wanted to do at such a young age. Whether it was singing, dancing, or acting, performing was written in my soul, as was giving a voice to the voiceless. 

I pursued my dream of becoming a TV news anchor and reporter at Central Michigan University (Fire Up Chips) and I didn't stop there. I ended up spending a semester at Nanyang Technological University in Singapore where I studied both journalism and film.  

Following graduation, I was hired as a full-time general assignment reporter in Grand Rapids at FOX 17 and was soon promoted to a morning and midday anchor.  

After a four-year stint in the Mitten, covering everything from tragedy to triumph, even the 2016 Republican National Convention in Cleveland, it was off to Nashville, TN. 

I joined the WKRN news team in June of 2019 as the 4:00 p.m. co-anchor and reporter and focused mainly on Nashville’s growth and the growing pains that came along with it. When I wasn't chatting about real estate, I was chatting with Garth Brooks or Luke Combs at the CMA Awards. Talk about a cool experience. But truly, what's cooler than being home surrounded by the Great Lakes? Not much. 

Nine years following my internship at FOX 2, I'm back, but this time, it's the real deal. Holy cow! What they say is true, 'dreams don't work unless you do.'

All these years later, I'm proud to say I've received a Michigan Association of Broadcasters award, a Mark of Excellence Award from the Society of Professional Journalists, multiple Emmy nominations for both my writing and reporting and most recently, I won an Edward R. Murrow award for my work co-anchoring breaking news coverage out of Nashville, Tennessee. 

I am so thrilled to be home in Michigan reporting and anchoring in one of the best news towns in the country. You all have already welcomed me with open arms and have been so, so kind. For that, I am grateful. I feel so fulfilled. 

I am looking forward to sharing your stories, especially the ones that make people smile.

When I'm not in the field reporting, you can catch me behind the anchor desk, with Josh Landon, dark and early from 4:00 to 6:00 A.M. I hope you'll tune in! 

If you see me out and about, please say hi and don't forget to send your story ideas to my email at erica.francis@fox.com.