Brief Introduction of Elex Michaelson
Elex Michaelson is a distinguished American television journalist and news anchor, currently with CNN. He gained significant recognition during his tenure at KTTV (FOX 11 Los Angeles) from 2017 to 2025, where he co-anchored the evening newscasts and hosted the statewide political talk show, “The Issue Is.” Known for his insightful interviews with prominent political figures and his engaging coverage of local and national politics, Michaelson has established himself as a respected voice in broadcast journalism. His career is marked by a commitment to in-depth reporting and providing a platform for meaningful public discourse. Michaelson’s work has been honored with numerous awards, reflecting his dedication and skill in the field of journalism.
Elex Michaelson Overview
| Full Name | Elexander Michaelson |
| Date of Birth | October 18, 1986 |
| Age(as of 2025) | 39 |
| Birthplace | Agoura Hills, California, USA |
| Profession | Television Journalist, News Anchor |
| Husband/Wife | Not publicly available |
| Family | David Michaelson (Father), Crystal Michaelson (Mother), Danielle Michaelson (Sister) |
| Relationship/Affairs(GF/BF) | Information not disclosed |
| Net Worth | Estimated between $1 Million – $5 Million |
Early Life and Education of Elex Michaelson
Elex Michaelson was born on October 18, 1986, in Agoura Hills, California, to parents David and Crystal Michaelson. His mother, Crystal, is a painter and mixed media artist. He has a sister named Danielle. Growing up in Agoura Hills, Michaelson developed an early interest in journalism and politics. He attended Agoura High School, where he was an active and engaged student, serving as the student body president and playing on the school’s basketball team. His leadership qualities were recognized in 2003 when he received the Interscholastic Federation Award for Pursuing Victory with Honor. After graduating from high school in 2004, Michaelson pursued higher education at the University of Southern California (USC). He enrolled in the prestigious Annenberg School for Communication and Journalism, where he excelled academically. He graduated summa cum laude and as the valedictorian of his class, earning Phi Beta Kappa honors. Michaelson obtained dual bachelor’s degrees in broadcast journalism and political science, laying a strong academic foundation for his future career in news and political reporting. During his time at USC, he was also involved with the Joint Educational Project (JEP), where he tutored and taught classes, an experience he credits with providing him a deeper understanding of social and political issues.
Elex Michaelson’s Career
Elex Michaelson’s career in journalism began with a determined start as an intern at KTTV (FOX 11), a station he would later rejoin as a prominent anchor. He secured this initial internship by proactively showing up unannounced and waiting for an in-person meeting with the executive producer. He also held internships in Washington, D.C., and New York City, gaining valuable experience in different news environments. His first on-air role was at XETV in San Diego, where he worked as a weeknight reporter and weekend morning anchor. From 2010 to 2017, Michaelson served as a reporter and fill-in anchor at KABC-TV in Los Angeles, covering a wide range of significant events, including the Boston Marathon bombings and the shooting of Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords. In 2017, he returned to KTTV, initially joining the “Fox 11 Morning News.” He later became a co-anchor for the station’s evening newscasts at 5 p.m., 6 p.m., and 10 p.m. A defining achievement of his time at KTTV was creating, producing, and hosting “The Issue Is,” a weekly political talk show that became the only statewide political show in California. On this program, Michaelson conducted in-depth interviews with nearly every major political figure in the country, including Joe Biden, Donald Trump, Kamala Harris, and Gavin Newsom. His reputation as a skilled and fair-minded “political junkie” led him to moderate numerous debates for key political races, including for California Governor and L.A. Mayor. A well-liked figure in the Los Angeles media landscape, he was known for a personal touch: gifting each of his interviewees a box of desserts made by his mother. In August 2025, Michaelson announced his departure from KTTV for a new opportunity. Shortly after, in September 2025, CNN announced that he would be joining the network as a Los Angeles-based anchor. His new show, “The Story Is with Elex Michaelson,” launched in October 2025, airing weeknights on CNN and CNN International.
Elex Michaelson Personal Life & Family
Elex Michaelson maintains a relatively private personal life. He was born to David and Crystal Michaelson and has one sister, Danielle. His mother is an artist, and he has shared her baked goods with his political show guests, a gesture that became a signature part of his program. Information regarding his marital status or relationships is not publicly disclosed. Michaelson is deeply committed to community service and philanthropy. He actively volunteers with several non-profit organizations, including the ALS Golden West Association, the Drew Child Development Corporation, and the Boys and Girls Clubs. He has also participated in the Malibu Triathlon to raise funds for Children’s Hospital Los Angeles. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Michaelson shared a personal story about gaining weight and then losing 28 pounds after a humorous on-air incident where his pants split, which motivated him to focus on his health. Raised in a Jewish tradition, his unique first name, Elexander, was created by his parents in honor of his maternal great-grandmother, Ethel. He is known for being approachable and enjoys connecting with viewers and his community. In his leisure time, Michaelson enjoys going to the beach, working out, and spending time with friends and family.
Awards and Achievements of Elex Michaelson
- Winner of eight Emmy Awards.
- Recipient of eight Golden Mics.
- Honored with six L.A. Press Club awards, including TV Journalist of the Year.
- Received an L.A. Press Club award for “outstanding political affairs show” for “The Issue Is.”
- Interscholastic Federation Award for Pursuing Victory with Honor (2003).
- Graduated Summa Cum Laude and Phi Beta Kappa from the University of Southern California.
- Graduated first in his class from the USC Annenberg School for Communication and Journalism.
Elex Michaelson Net Worth and Income
As of 2025, Elex Michaelson’s net worth is estimated to be between $1 million and $5 million. His primary source of income is his successful career as a television journalist and news anchor for prominent media outlets like KTTV (FOX 11) and, most recently, CNN. While at Fox 11, his annual salary was reported to be in the range of $45,000 to $110,500. His move to a national platform with CNN is expected to have a significant positive impact on his earnings. In addition to his salary, his work hosting and producing his own political talk show, “The Issue Is,” also contributed to his income. Further financial details are not publicly disclosed.
Legacy and Influence
Elex Michaelson has built a legacy as a tenacious, insightful, and well-respected journalist, particularly in the realm of political reporting. His influence stems from his ability to conduct fair and probing interviews with high-profile political leaders from across the ideological spectrum, making complex policy issues accessible to a broad audience. Through his show “The Issue Is,” he created a unique and vital platform for political discourse in California, filling a void in statewide political coverage. Michaelson is also recognized for his role as a moderator, facilitating important conversations in numerous political debates. Colleagues describe him as one of the hardest-working members of his news teams, setting a high standard for journalistic commitment. Beyond his professional achievements, his dedication to community service and mentorship has had a lasting impact, encouraging aspiring journalists and actively supporting various charitable causes. His transition to a national role at CNN solidifies his influence on American journalism, bringing his distinctive style of in-depth reporting and civil discourse to a worldwide audience.
Interesting Facts about Elex Michaelson
- His full first name is Elexander, a name his parents created to honor his great-grandmother, Ethel.
- He was the student body president of Agoura High School.
- Michaelson landed his first internship at FOX 11 by showing up at the studio unannounced and waiting to speak with the executive producer.
- He is known for giving guests on his show “The Issue Is” a box of cookies and desserts baked by his mother, Crystal.
- A self-described “political junkie,” his interest in journalism was sparked as a child watching “The Today Show.”
- He once went bungee jumping in Mexico during a bachelor party without signing a waiver.
- He participated in the Malibu Triathlon to support Children’s Hospital Los Angeles.
- An embarrassing on-air incident where his pants split motivated him to lose 28 pounds.
Controversies
There are no widely reported controversies associated with Elex Michaelson. He is generally regarded as a professional and respected journalist who maintains journalistic integrity and a commitment to fair and unbiased reporting.
Social Media Presence
- Twitter: Over 14,100 followers.
- Instagram: Over 13,100 followers.
- YouTube: The “Elex Michaelson” YouTube channel has 1,912 videos.
Final Words about Elex Michaelson
Elex Michaelson’s journey from a determined intern to a nationally recognized CNN anchor is a testament to his passion for journalism and relentless work ethic. Throughout his career, particularly during his impactful years at FOX 11 in Los Angeles, he carved out a niche as a premier political journalist, adept at navigating complex issues and fostering substantive dialogue. His creation of “The Issue Is” provided an essential forum for California politics, while his nightly news anchor role made him a familiar and trusted face for millions of viewers. Now, as he embarks on a new chapter with his CNN show, “The Story Is with Elex Michaelson,” he brings his signature blend of sharp interviewing, comprehensive analysis, and genuine curiosity to a global stage. Michaelson’s commitment to both his craft and his community ensures that his influence on the landscape of American journalism will continue to grow, solidifying his legacy as a dedicated and insightful chronicler of our times.
