Lelan Statom Wikipedia | Biography
Lelan Statom is an Emmy Award-winning meteorologist who brings his expertise to the viewers of WTVF NewsChannel 5 in Nashville, Tennessee, where he serves as a weather anchor and co-host of the popular show Talk of the Town with Cole Johnson and Heather Mathis.
Since 1999, Statom has been a familiar face on the station’s highly-rated morning newscast, NewsChannel 5 This Morning. He first joined the NewsChannel 5 family back in 1993, taking on the role of weather anchor for the weekend morning and evening broadcasts. In September 2006, he stepped into the role of co-host for Talk of the Town, a beloved talk show that has been a staple in the community.
Originally from Chicago and raised in Dyersburg, Tennessee, Statom’s fascination with weather sparked during his seventh-grade years. His enthusiasm was clear when he set up his very own weather center right in his backyard during middle school.
Statom earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Communications, focusing on news and public affairs, from the University of Tennessee in Knoxville. He later pursued a Certificate of Broadcast Meteorology from Mississippi State University.
His television journey kicked off in Knoxville, where he began at WTVK-TV, now known as WVLT, before moving on to WATE. During his time there, he wore many hats, including weather anchor, producer, photojournalist, tape editor, and weekend assignment editor. He also contributed to Black Entertainment Television News while in Knoxville.
In 1990, Statom made the move to Bristol, Virginia, joining WCYB as a weekend weather anchor and reporter. Just three years later, he relocated to Nashville, where he has built a remarkable career with NewsChannel 5.
Over the years, Statom has garnered numerous awards and accolades. In 2007, he, along with Ron Howes and Charlie Neese, received a Mid-South Regional Emmy Award for their outstanding coverage of the tornadoes that hit the area in April 2006. Additionally, Statom has earned three more Emmy nominations for Best Weathercast and was honored with the Best Weathercast award from the Tennessee Associated Press in 2006.
Lelan Statom Age
The exact date of birth for Lelan Statom isn’t something you’ll find in many reliable public sources, so his precise age remains a bit of a mystery. However, considering his extensive broadcasting career, which kicked off in television and saw him move to Nashville in the early 1990s, he’s generally thought to be in his 60s as we look ahead to 2026.
Lelan Statom Education
Lelan Statom pursued his education at the University of Tennessee in Knoxville, where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Communications, focusing on news and public affairs. He didn’t stop there; he furthered his meteorological expertise by obtaining a Certificate of Broadcast Meteorology from Mississippi State University.
This educational background beautifully merged his passions for journalism and weather broadcasting, paving the way for a successful career as a television meteorologist.
Lelan Statom Family
Originally from Chicago, Illinois, Lelan Statom grew up in Dyersburg, Tennessee. He tends to keep his family life under wraps, but he has shared bits and pieces about his immediate family.
Lelan is happily married to Yolanda, and together they have two children. He’s also an avid photography enthusiast, often capturing moments with his wife and kids as his favorite subjects.
Lelan Statom Nationality
Lelan Statom proudly holds American nationality. Born in Chicago and raised in Tennessee, he eventually launched his television career in Knoxville.
Lelan Statom Height
Unfortunately, Lelan Statom’s exact height hasn’t been officially disclosed by WTVF or any other trustworthy biographical sources, so we can’t confirm how tall he really is.
Lelan Statom Wife
Lelan Statom is married to Yolanda Statom, and they’ve managed to keep their family life relatively private, away from the public eye. He often mentions his wife in relation to his photography hobby, describing her as one of his favorite subjects to capture.
Lelan Statom WTVF
Lelan Statom has had an impressive journey with WTVF NewsChannel 5 in Nashville, Tennessee. He first joined the team back in 1993, stepping in as a weather anchor for the weekend morning and evening newscasts.
By 1999, he became a key part of NewsChannel 5 This Morning, the station’s popular morning show. Then, in September 2006, Statom took on the role of co-host for Talk of the Town, WTVF’s beloved talk and lifestyle program that has been a staple for years.
With his long-standing presence at WTVF, Lelan has truly become one of the recognizable faces of Nashville television weather.
Lelan Statom Meteorologist
Lelan Statom is a celebrated meteorologist and television personality, proudly holding an Emmy Award. His fascination with weather sparked back in seventh grade when he even set up a little weather station in his backyard.
Before making his mark at WTVF, Statom honed his skills in Knoxville at WTVK-TV, which is now known as WVLT, and WATE. In those early days of his broadcasting journey, he juggled various roles, including weather anchor, producer, photojournalist, tape editor, and weekend assignment editor.
He then took his talents to Bristol, Virginia, where he served as a weekend weather anchor and reporter at WCYB before finally joining WTVF in Nashville in 1993.
Throughout his impressive career, Statom has earned numerous accolades, including a Mid-South Regional Emmy Award for his coverage of the devastating tornadoes in April 2006. He’s also received several Emmy nominations for Best Weathercast and was honored by the Tennessee Associated Press for Best Weathercast in 2006.
Lelan Statom Salary
The specific salary of Lelan Statom at WTVF hasn’t been made public. Salaries for television meteorologists can vary widely based on factors like experience, the size of the market, job responsibilities, and the terms of their contracts.
Given his extensive experience, his senior role at WTVF, and his additional duties as a co-host on Talk of the Town, it’s reasonable to estimate his annual salary to be somewhere between $100,000 and $180,000. Keep in mind, this is just an estimate and not an officially confirmed amount.
Lelan Statom Net Worth
Considering his many years in the Nashville television scene, his net worth might be estimated to fall between $1 million and $2 million by 2026.
