Janelle Burrell is one of the most respected names in American journalism today. Known for her calm presence on screen and her ability to explain complex stories in simple words, she has become a familiar face for viewers in Philadelphia and beyond. As of March 2026, she continues to anchor CBS 3 Eyewitness News This Morning and Eyewitness News at Noon, where her reporting style blends accuracy with empathy.
Her journey is inspiring because it shows how dedication and hard work can take someone from a modest background in Brooklyn to a leading role in one of the country’s top newsrooms. Over the years, she has covered major events, mentored young journalists, and built a reputation for being trustworthy and relatable.
Janelle Burrell Birthday, BIO, Husband, Family, Net Worth
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Janelle Burrell |
| Date of Birth | September 25, 1983 |
| Age (as of 2026) | 42 years |
| Birthplace | Brooklyn, New York, United States |
| Nationality | American |
| Ethnicity | Afro‑American |
| Parents | Lloyd G. Burrell Jr. (Mechanical Engineer), Yhavier M. Burrell (Nurse) |
| Education | B.A. in English & Biology (Penn State University); M.A. in Journalism (Columbia University) |
| Profession | Journalist, News Anchor |
| Current Employer | CBS 3 Philadelphia – Eyewitness News |
| Years Active | 2006 – Present |
| Spouse | Derricke Dennis (ABC News Anchor) |
| Marriage Year | 2015 |
| Children | None (as of 2026) |
| Height | 5 ft 6 in (1.68 m) |
| Weight | Approx. 58–68 kg |
| Net Worth (2026) | Estimated $1 million – $3 million |
| Salary Range | $89,500 – $150,000 annually |
| Notable Roles | Anchor of Eyewitness News This Morning & Noon |
| Awards/Recognition | Known for investigative reporting and mentoring at Columbia University |
| @janelleburrell/ | |
| IMDb | @nm13102693/ |
| @janelleburrell/ |
Early Life and Birthday
Janelle was born on September 25, 1983, which makes her 42 years old in 2026. She grew up in Brooklyn, New York, in a family that valued education and hard work. Her father, Lloyd G. Burrell Jr., worked as a mechanical engineer, while her mother, Yhavier M. Burrell, was a registered nurse.
Her childhood was filled with curiosity. She loved reading and writing, often spending hours with books and newspapers. Growing up in a diverse city like New York also exposed her to different cultures and voices, which later helped her connect with audiences from all walks of life.
Education Journey
Education played a big role in shaping Janelle’s career. She first attended Penn State University, where she studied English and Biology. This unusual combination gave her both a love for storytelling and a scientific way of thinking. While at Penn State, she also got her first taste of broadcasting by working with WPSU-TV, the university’s PBS station.
After completing her undergraduate degree, Janelle decided to pursue journalism seriously. She enrolled at the Columbia University Graduate School of Journalism, one of the most prestigious institutions in the field. At Columbia, she learned the skills of reporting, writing, and presenting news.
Career Beginnings
Like many journalists, Janelle started her career with smaller assignments before moving to bigger platforms. She worked at News 12 Westchester and Time Warner Cable News-Binghamton, where she reported on local stories and community issues. These early jobs taught her the importance of connecting with everyday people and telling stories that mattered to them.
She also gained valuable behind-the-scenes experience at WNYW Fox 5 and MSNBC, where she worked as a producer and writer. This period helped her understand how newsrooms function and how stories are shaped before they reach the audience. Eventually, she transitioned to on-camera roles, where her natural communication skills and calm presence made her stand out.
Rise to Prominence at WCBS New York
After gaining experience in smaller newsrooms, Janelle Burrell’s career took a major leap when she joined WCBS in New York in 2013. At WCBS, she worked as a general assignment reporter, which meant she covered a wide range of stories across the city. Her reporting style was clear and direct, and she quickly became known for her ability to explain complicated events in a way that viewers could easily understand.
During her time at WCBS, she reported on several high-profile events. She covered the Pope’s visit to New York, the 2014 Super Bowl, and the Manhattan terrorist attack. She also investigated issues like the public housing crisis in New York City, where she exposed problems that affected thousands of residents. She played a role in launching CBSN New York, a streaming news channel that allowed viewers to access local news online.
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CBS 3 Philadelphia – Eyewitness News Anchor
In 2018, Janelle moved to CBS 3 Philadelphia, where she became the anchor of Eyewitness News This Morning and Eyewitness News at Noon. She co-anchors these shows with Jim Donovan, and together they have built a strong connection with viewers in Philadelphia.
Her presence on CBS 3 has made her one of the most trusted voices in Philadelphia journalism. She covers local issues, national events, and human-interest stories with equal dedication. Viewers appreciate her balanced reporting style, which avoids sensationalism and focuses on facts.
Personal Life and Marriage
Beyond her career, Burrell’s personal life also draws interest from her fans. She is married to Derricke Dennis, who is also a journalist and anchor at ABC News. The couple met at a journalism convention in 2010, and their shared passion for news brought them closer. They tied the knot in October 2015 at the Liberty House in Jersey City, New Jersey.
Their marriage is often described as supportive and balanced. Both Janelle and Derricke understand the demands of journalism, which can involve long hours and unpredictable schedules. Despite this, they have managed to build a strong relationship based on respect and shared values. As of 2026, the couple does not have children, but they continue to focus on their careers and personal growth.
Net Worth and Salary
Janelle has built a successful career in journalism over more than a decade. As of 2026, Burrell’s estimated net worth ranges between $1 million and $3 million. This wealth comes mainly from her work as a television anchor and reporter. Anchors at major stations like CBS 3 Philadelphia earn competitive salaries, and her annual income is believed to fall between $89,500 and $150,000.
Her financial success is not just about money; it reflects the respect she has earned in the industry. Journalism is not always a high-paying profession, but Janelle’s steady rise shows how dedication and credibility can lead to both recognition and financial stability. She continues to invest her time in meaningful reporting, which keeps her career strong and her earnings stable.
Physical Appearance
Janelle stands at 5 feet 6 inches (1.68 metres) tall and weighs around 58–68 kilograms. She has a graceful presence on screen, with dark eyes and natural black hair that add to her professional look. Her appearance is often described as elegant yet approachable, which helps her connect with viewers.
Beyond her looks, Janelle’s personality is what truly shines. She is known for being calm, thoughtful, and empathetic. These qualities make her a trusted anchor, as audiences feel she is not just delivering news but also understanding the emotions behind the stories.
Media Presence and Public Engagement
Janelle is active on social media, where she shares updates about her work and personal life. On Instagram, she has more than 7,900 followers, while her Facebook page has over 6,900 followers. On Twitter, she has around 7,700 followers. These platforms allow her to connect directly with viewers and share behind-the-scenes moments from her career.
She has also appeared on national shows such as CBS Mornings, The Drew Barrymore Show, and even in archive footage on Last Week Tonight with John Oliver. These appearances show her wide reach beyond local news. Her media presence reflects her ability to stay relevant in both traditional broadcasting and digital platforms.
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