Melanie Hastings Biography
Melanie Hastings is an accomplished American Emmy Award-winning journalist serving as the co-anchor of Good Morning Washington and Good Morning Washington Express at WJLA ABC 7 in Arlington, Virginia. Since joining the station in 1991, following her tenure at WTTV-TV in Indianapolis, Indiana (1989 to 1991), Hastings has covered breaking news and community issues that matter most, earning accolades for her commitment to excellence in journalism.
How old is Melanie Hastings?
Hastings was born on May 9, 1955, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, making her 71 years old as of 2026. She always celebrates her birthday on May 9 every year.
Education | Career Background
Hastings attended the University of Delaware, where she graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Speech Communications. At ABC 7, Hastings serves as the co-anchor of Good Morning Washington at 4:24 a.m. on ABC7, Good Morning Washington Express at 6 a.m. on WJLA 24/7, and the Midday Report on WJLA 24/7. She has been a central figure at the station since 1991, when she anchored the very first newscast of NewsChannel 8 (now WJLA 24/7). She is also the former host of Let’s Talk Live, a locally produced daytime talk show in the D.C. area.
Prior to joining ABC 7, Hastings served at several stations including WTTV-TV in Indianapolis, Indiana (1989 to 1991), WSAZ-TV in Huntington/Charleston, West Virginia (1985 to 1989), and KTVI-TV in St. Louis, Missouri (1979 to 1980). She has won several broadcasting awards, including “Best Public Affairs” by the Associated Press, a commendation from American Women in Radio and Television, and was nominated for a regional Emmy Award.
At WJLA ABC 7, Hastings works alongside;
- Scott Thuman
- Adam Longo
- Michelle Marsh
- Veronica Johnson
- Eileen Whelan
- Adrianna Hopkins
- Megan Clarke
- Scott Abraham
Melanie Hastings, Partner | Kids
Hastings is married to her husband, Edmund Ross Wotring Jr. The couple tied the knot on April 19, 1980, and 2026 marks their 46th wedding anniversary. Together, they have two children: Edmund Ross III and Allison Stewart Hastings.
Melanie Hastings’ Parents and Siblings
Hastings was born and raised in the United States to her parents, Jean Athanase and Annabell Sayegh. Details about her siblings have not been shared publicly, and any updates will be provided if and when she decides to disclose more.
Melanie Hastings’ Salary
Hastings earns an average salary that ranges between $ 30,000 and $ 50,000.
Melanie Hastings’ Height
Hastings is approximately 5 feet 6 inches tall, equaling 1.68 meters.
Melanie Hastings Net Worth
Hastings’ net worth is estimated to range between $500,000 and $ 2 million. She has accumulated this wealth primarily through her career as a journalist.
Social Media
Hastings is gaining popularity on social media, particularly on Instagram @melanie7news, where she has more than 970 followers. You can also follow her on her Facebook account @Melanie Hastings, where she has over 1.2k followers, and on Twitter @@Melanie7News, where she has about 2.4k followers.