Ernie Freeman is an Emmy Award-winning American broadcast journalist, investigative reporter, and television news anchor who serves as the prominent co-host of Good Morning Memphis on FOX13 (WHBQ-TV). With more than two decades of experience in television news markets across the United States, Freeman has established a reputation for hard-hitting local investigations and reliable live reporting during critical regional events.
From exposing systemic vulnerabilities in state safety networks to tracking local financial crises, his dedication to the Mid-South community has made him one of the most recognizable and trusted faces in Tennessee broadcast media.
Early Life and Academic Background
Ernie Freeman spent his early years living and learning across the Midwest before building his professional media foundation.
Academic Background
Freeman attended Michigan State University, where he actively pursued a degree in communications and broadcast journalism. As an alumnus, he frequently roots for his alma mater’s sports teams with his trademark catchphrase, “Go Green!” His time at the university sharpened his passion for local storytelling, ethics in media, and public interest investigative techniques.
Career Timeline and Rise to Anchor Desk
Freeman’s career path highlights his versatility, moving steadily from small-market news stations across multiple states into a major metropolitan news anchor position.
1. Broadening Regional Experience
Before making Memphis his permanent home, Freeman built a diverse reporting portfolio by working at various local news affiliates in several major states. His early stops included reporting and anchoring duties in Ohio, Illinois, Maryland (Baltimore), Georgia (Atlanta), and other parts of Tennessee (Nashville and Chattanooga).
2. Joining FOX13 Memphis (2004)
Freeman officially joined the FOX13 news team in 2004, initially signing on as the station’s weekend anchor. His energetic presentation style and deep community connection resonated quickly with viewers, leading to a permanent promotion to the early morning schedule on Good Morning Memphis in 2005.
3. Making News History (2010)
In 2010, FOX13 made regional broadcasting history by launching its highly anticipated 10:00 PM evening newscast. The station selected Freeman to step away from mornings to serve as the solo news anchor for the primetime slot. After two successful years leading the nightly broadcast, he returned to his beloved morning seat on Good Morning Memphis in April 2012, where he continues to anchor alongside his morning team.
Major News Coverage and Investigative Highlights
Throughout his tenure in the Mid-South, Freeman has stood at the front lines of both national news breaks and deep-dive local investigations.
Landmark Field Reporting
- Presidential Inauguration: Traveled directly to Washington, D.C., providing live, historic on-the-scene reports during the first inauguration of President Barack Obama.
- Natural Disasters: Guided local viewers safely through severe weather catastrophes, anchoring live segments from the historic regional flooding in Nashville and the devastating aftermath of the deadly tornado in Smithville, Mississippi.
Hard-Hitting Investigative Exposes
As an investigative reporter, Freeman is known for pulling back the curtain on corruption, financial waste, and community safety lapses. His most prominent investigative profiles include:
- The Foreclosure Crisis: Traced the root origins and predatory lending practices that catalyzed the housing market collapse across local neighborhoods.
- Speed Traps & Fine Collection: Exposed rural town speed traps designed exclusively for municipal revenue, and tracked down evasive drivers who collectively owed the city of Memphis millions of dollars in unpaid parking violations.
- State Monitoring Loopholes: Uncovered massive oversight weaknesses in how the state of Tennessee monitors registered sex offenders.
“Memphis in Black and White”
Driven by a passion for addressing deep-rooted social topics, Freeman co-created the groundbreaking, ongoing television series titled “Memphis in Black and White.” The comprehensive multi-part series tackled complex issues surrounding race relations, modern equity, and historical divisions within the Memphis community, earning widespread acclaim.
Personal Life and Community Advocacy
Ernie Freeman resides in Memphis, Tennessee. He is highly active in local charity organizations and frequently participates in public community health events. He regularly teams up with regional campaigns like the American Cancer Society’s “Men Wear Pink” initiative to raise awareness and research funds for breast cancer. Outside the newsroom, he is an avid sports fan, a culinary enthusiast, and enjoys interacting directly with local viewers across the Mid-South area.
Fast Facts & Biography Summary
| Detail | Information |
| Current Station | FOX13 Memphis (WHBQ-TV) |
| Current Role | Co-Anchor, Good Morning Memphis |
| Joined Network | 2004 |
| Alma Mater | Michigan State University |
| Key Series Co-Created | Memphis in Black and White |
| Major Awards | Regional Emmy Award Winner |
