Erica Bryant is half of an historic first for Charlotte broadcasting.

Bryant

Bryant, who on Tuesday was named co-anchor of WSOC-TV’s Eyewitness News broadcasts at 5, 6 and 11 p.m., becomes part of the first all-black prime-time anchor team in the market’s history. Bryant’s new partner is Vince Coakley.

“I take this new responsibility very seriously,” Bryant said. “My goal is to continue Channel 9’s tradition of news excellence. I will work diligently to make sure we continue to provide our viewers with complete and accurate information.”

Bryant, who joined WSOC in 2004, succeeds Debi Faubion, who retires June 4. Pairing her with Coakley signals an evolution in how African Americans are seen by TV executives and viewers, said Cassandra Wynn, a journalism professor at Johnson C. Smith University and a Charlotte native.

“We are probably in a different place than in the 1970s when we saw the first black anchors,” Wynn said. “It’s not shock and awe when people see black people giving the news or black people together.”

Eyewitness News has been king of the ratings hill since the mid-1980s, consistently beating rivals WBTV (channel 3) and WCNC (channel 36). WCCB (channel 18) broadcasts at 10 p.m. only.

Comments

Erica Bryant is an excellent anchor. I enjoy watching her to get factual information.

Posted on November 14, 2025

erica byrant sucks

Posted on June 13, 2025

erica bryant sucks

Posted on May 23, 2025