Rob Nelson

Rob Nelson joined the WWL-TV news time in June 2007 as a morning anchor and reporter. It was a new foray into television for Rob, whose background is entirely in print journalism and who worked at the local New Orleans daily newspaper for more than six years before jumping ship to WWL.

Rob is a native of southern New Jersey. He graduated from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill in 2000 and, three months later to the day, began his career at The Times-Picayune in New Orleans. While there, he covered crime and city government.

For the majority of his time at the newspaper, Rob covered education, specifically the Orleans and Jefferson parish public school system as well as statewide educational issues. Public education is an issue that Rob remains deeply interested in, especially with the complex social and political issues that make schools such a fascinating topic in southeast Louisiana.

While in college and in New Orleans, Rob's won several journalistic awards, including those from the Society of Professional Journalists, the National Association of Black Journalists, the North Carolina Press Association, the Press Club of New Orleans and the Louisiana Press Association.

Rob admits that his foray into television has come with a steep learning curve but that he's enjoying the experience of delivering the news through a different medium. "Especially since Hurricane Katrina, the thirst and need for news in this city has grown overwhelmingly, which definitely adds a sense of urgency and importance to the job of being a reporter," Rob said. "New Orleans is one of those cities that just gets into your blood, and to be able to cover the fascinating news we have here, is never dull."

Rob anchors the 5 a.m. newscast Monday through Friday and anchors the newsbreaks during the morning show from 7 to 9 a.m. He also contributes regularly to the highly watched noon broadcast.

In his free time, Rob enjoys simply exploring New Orleans, from its restaurants and its nightlife to its culture and festivals. "These days, I'm usually in bed by 8 p.m., but on the weekends, trust me, I'm heading out somewhere," he said.

rdnelson@wwltv.com