Tracy Kornet

Anchor
Nashville, TN
Tracy Kornet

Tracy Kornet is a seven-time Emmy Award-winning news anchor, host, and writer who anchors WSMV4 at 3, 4, 6:30 and 10 p.m.

While at Vanderbilt University, Tracy spent intermittent semesters working in Japan as Cinderella at Tokyo Disneyland and singing backup for the Japanese pop star, Anri.

She earned her MBA in 2002, which reignited her passion for international affairs, and was selected as one of 6 U.S. journalists for a 10-day U.S.-Korean journalism exchange in 2023.

Awarded Best News Anchor multiple times by the Tennessee Associated Press, Tracy is a passionate non-profit board member, emcee/speaker, and community volunteer. A member of the 2018 class of Leadership Nashville, Tracy serves on the state board for Habitat for Humanity and the Advisory Board for UpRise Nashville, a career training program helping pull people out of poverty through education and job placement. She is a member of the U.S. - Japan Council in Washington, D.C. and the President's National Advisory Council at Asbury University. Tracy is also a former co-chair and long-time board member of the Sexual Assault Center of Nashville.

Tracy's almost 30-year television career started in Lexington, Kentucky and continued on to Phoenix, Dallas, and Nashville. She's enjoyed multiple career highlights, including interviewing three U.S. presidents and field anchoring the 2020 Presidential debate. She also co-hosted "The View" in New York, filling in for the legendary Barbara Walters.

Tracy and her husband Frank met as undergrads at Vanderbilt, where his Milwaukee Bucks jersey hangs in the basketball hall of fame. Their three grown children all played college basketball, including 7'2" Luke who now plays with the Boston Celtics

Education
  • University of Kentucky, B.A. Communication, 1993
  • Vanderbilt University, French and International Relations
  • Asbury University's Howard and Beverly Dayton School of Business, Master of Business Administration, 2023
  • U.S. - Korea Journalism Exchange, International Relations and Affairs, 2023
  • Awarded full Fellowship, Patterson of Diplomacy and International Commerce, University of Kentucky, 1994
  • Affiliations
  • Council Leader, U.S.- Japan Council; 2018 Class Leadership Nashville; President's National Advisory Council at Asbury University
  • Awards
  • Emmy Award-winner, Regional Murrow Award-winner, Best TV News Anchor
  • Model Behavior Philanthropy Award,2019
  • Toastmasters International Communication and Leadership Award, 2014
  • Books
  • Contributor, Anne Neilson's Entertaining Angels: True Stories and Art Inspired by Divine Encounters , Thomas Nelson
  • News

    Non-profit honors daughter killed in 2020 Putnam County tornado

    ‘We’re able to share Hattie.’ Nonprofit honors daughter killed in 2020 Putnam County tornado

    Updated: May. 15, 2024 at 6:11 PM CDT|By Tracy KornetThe nonprofit Magnolia Foundation helps pay funeral, burial, and cremation costs for children birth to eighteen.

    News

    Macy and Matt Collins, who lost their 4-year-old daughter when an EF-4 tornado tore through...

    Parents of 4-year-old killed in 2020 tornado launch non-profit to help other grieving families

    Updated: May. 10, 2024 at 7:02 AM CDT|By Tracy KornetMacy and Matt Collins, who lost their daughter Hallie in a 2020 Putnam County tornado, co-founded the Magnolia Foundation to help other families through their grief of losing a child. The non-profit helps pay for funeral expenses, headstones, grief counseling, and what they call commemorative care.

    News

    Roughly the size of a grain of rice, the pellets are implanted into the hip with a tiny...

    ‘Some of us want to dance to the finish line’: Controversial pellet therapy battling symptoms of menopause

    Updated: May. 3, 2024 at 10:45 AM CDT|By Tracy KornetHormone pellet therapy is the latest iteration of the once widely-prescribed hormone replacement therapy, which has long helped women battle the key symptoms of menopause. But pellet therapy is not without controversy.

    News

    Danielle Pyle talks about her recovery from a sexual assault three years ago.

    “Danielle’s Law”: Nashville woman turns pain into change for future rape survivors

    Updated: Apr. 27, 2024 at 12:05 AM CDT|By Tracy KornetDanielle Pyle has turned her pain into change for future rape survivors, fighting to change the Tennessee law giving survivors more time to sue their attackers. On April 4, 2024, she won when Governor Bill Lee signed "Danielle's Law."

    News

    WSMV anchor Tracy Kornet will deliver the keynote address at the April 30th Safe City...

    Safe City Breakfast celebrates Sexual Assault Center’s 45 years in Nashville

    Updated: Apr. 24, 2024 at 11:02 PM CDT|By Tracy KornetThe Sexual Assault Center offers trauma-informed therapy for men, women, and children who’ve suffered sexual assault, as well as education, training, and legal services.

    News

    The newly created BrightStone show choir and WSMV anchor Tracy Kornet join Grammy-winning trio...

    Spotlight shines on 25 years of BrightStone in Tennessee

    Updated: Apr. 17, 2024 at 11:20 PM CDT|By Tracy KornetBrightStone recently opened its first of 13 planned residential homes for clients.

    News

    The Strother family poses for a family photo at Brentwood Baptist Church.

    ‘Everybody can do something’: How the faith community is filling in the gap for Tennessee’s foster kids

    Updated: Mar. 22, 2024 at 5:43 PM CDT|By Tracy KornetWith 200 children in Tennessee waiting to be adopted, Jay and Tanya Strother are calling on the faith community to support those children, case workers, and caregivers any way they can.

    News

    WSMV anchor Tracy Kornet and husband Frank visit with students at BrightStone, after touring...

    BrightStone opens first home for adults with special needs

    Updated: Mar. 6, 2024 at 8:08 PM CST|By Tracy KornetFor more than 20 years, BrightStone has offered programs for adults with autism, brain injuries, and other intellectual challenges.

    News

    Fisk University President Dr. Agenia Walker Clark

    How Dr. Agenia Clark plans to lead Fisk University into the future

    Updated: Feb. 29, 2024 at 6:15 PM CST|By Tracy Kornet“We are indeed filling the gap of a whole generation of young people into the future. And that’s exciting.”

    News

    Savannah Guthrie talks to WSMV4's Tracy Kornet prior to an event at Belmont University...

    NBC anchor Savannah Guthrie shares her foundation of faith in new book

    Updated: Feb. 19, 2024 at 10:01 PM CST|By Tracy KornetGuthrie says she’s “relating my faith in real life that’s not perfect and never was, and never will be.”

    WSMV4 Investigates

    Tennesseans turning to psychedelics for mental health help

    Tennesseans turn to psychedelics for mental health help

    Updated: Jan. 10, 2024 at 6:26 PM CST|By Meredith Whittemore and Tracy Kornet“I just found joy again. I found laughter again, I found my interests again.”

    News

    Highly contagious Hand-Foot-Mouth virus spreading in Middle Tennessee

    Highly contagious Hand-Foot-Mouth virus spreading in Middle Tennessee

    Updated: Jan. 5, 2024 at 10:47 PM CST|By Tracy Kornet“Because the blisters and sores hurt, they stop eating and they stop drinking, and that puts them at risk for getting dry and hydrated.”

    News

    Wreaths Across America at N. Nevada Veterans Cemetery

    Nonprofit to place wreaths on 30,000 veterans’ graves at Nashville National Cemetery

    Updated: Nov. 20, 2023 at 6:31 PM CST|By Tracy KornetThe group is asking the public for help in achieving their mission.

    News

    Charter schools getting creative to keep teachers

    Charter schools getting creative to keep teachers

    Updated: Nov. 17, 2023 at 6:14 PM CST|By Tracy Kornet and Meredith WhittemoreStem Prep and Intrepid say they can’t ignore outside issues, like the childcare crisis in Davidson County when it comes to trying to keep teachers in the classroom. So while they’re tackling the issue differently, they say the ultimate goal is the same.

    News

    Tracy Kornet, right, hosted Renewal House's annual Thanksgiving luncheon on Tuesday.

    Hundreds give thanks for Nashville non-profit Renewal House at annual Thanksgiving luncheon

    Updated: Nov. 7, 2023 at 8:47 PM CST|By Tracy KornetThe nonprofit recently doubled its capacity with a new campus and will create a on-site childcare center that will be open to the public.

    News

    Jason Alexander performed at Studio Tenn.

    Seinfeld’s Jason Alexander brings magic and memories to Franklin fundraiser

    Updated: Nov. 6, 2023 at 5:57 AM CST|By Tracy KornetJason Alexander brought his one-man show “As Long as You’re Asking” to Studio Tenn.

    News

    Injured Mt. Juliet firefighter shares his story for the first time

    Injured Mt. Juliet firefighter shares story of fighting major apartment fire

    Updated: Oct. 27, 2023 at 7:36 PM CDT|By Tracy Kornet“I was thinking of her,” Hudson explained. “I was trying to stay strong till we got to the hospital. Then I was able to just let it go.”

    News

    Franklin podcasters provide a voice for women in midlife: Hot Flashes & Cool Topics

    Franklin podcasters provide a voice for women in midlife: Hot Flashes & Cool Topics

    Updated: Sep. 29, 2023 at 3:30 PM CDT|By Tracy Kornet“So many women don’t go out of their house anymore or leave their jobs or lose their marriages, because they just don’t know about it,” Garrett said.

    News

    BNA ribbon cutting

    Nashville International Airport to open new terminal on Wednesday

    Updated: Sep. 26, 2023 at 10:18 PM CDT|By Chuck Morris, Jerry Shannon and Tracy KornetThe new terminal is part of the airport’s ongoing expansion and renovation project.

    News

    Laura Osnes is one of the leads in Shiners each week at Woolworth Theatre.

    Broadway star Laura Osnes writing a ‘Shiny’ new chapter in Nashville

    Updated: Aug. 25, 2023 at 7:22 PM CDT|By Tracy Kornet"I’m a lot stronger than I was, and I’ve found my backbone and my fortitude and endurance."

    News

    The show Shiners can be seen on  Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights at the Woolworth Theater...

    Broadway star and Franklin resident helps Nashville musical hit $1M milestone

    Updated: Aug. 25, 2023 at 1:03 AM CDT|By Tracy KornetShiners maintains residency at the historic Woolworth Theater in downtown Nashville.

    News

    KPTV

    Menopause: What you need to know during the transition

    Updated: Aug. 22, 2023 at 7:32 PM CDT|By Jerry Shannon and Tracy KornetDoctor Archelle Georgiou says brain fog is something many women don’t realize is a symptom of menopause.

    News

    Counseling Services generic

    More counselors heading to Middle Tennessee schools thanks to $4.8M grant

    Updated: Aug. 2, 2023 at 7:18 PM CDT|By Tracy Kornet and Lydia FielderThe American School Counseling Association recommends one counselor for every 250 students, but Tennessee law only requires one counselor per 500 students for K-6 grades and one per 350 students for 7th through 12th grades.

    News

    Songfest is being held in Nashville for the first time.

    SongFest brings a unique musical genre to Nashville for the first time

    Updated: Jun. 12, 2023 at 9:34 PM CDT|By Tracy KornetVanderbilt University’s Blair School of Music is hosting the festival through June 23.

    News

    Some of the items donated to Tennessee Resettlement Aid which are given to refugees to use in...

    Call for hand-me-downs to help refugees across Tennessee

    Updated: Jun. 3, 2023 at 12:12 AM CDT|By Tracy KornetThe Tennessee Resettlement Aid is currently helping 2,000 people, including 750 families.

    News

    Realtors using chat GPT

    How Artificial Intelligence may help in your next house hunt

    Updated: May. 12, 2023 at 6:09 PM CDT|By Tracy KornetReal estate agents use AI to help find the perfect home or location.

    News

    Woman helps other families after daughter's death

    Skanska trailblazer turning loss into driving force to help families with sick children

    Updated: May. 5, 2023 at 9:57 PM CDT|By Tracy KornetMendy Mazzo created charity to honor her daughter that helps pay expenses for families with sick children.

    News

    Changing the culture of incarceration

    New approach to jailing in Nashville provides second chances, attracts national attention

    Updated: Mar. 24, 2023 at 8:09 PM CDT|By Tracy KornetThe DCSO said data shows the BCC is keeping people from returning to jail, but personal stories are showing its impact.

    News

    Chief of Police John Drake with Tracy Kornet

    ‘De-escalation and transparency’: Nashville Police Chief John Drake shares core values leading department

    Updated: Feb. 16, 2023 at 8:02 PM CST|By Tracy KornetNow more than two years as metro Nashville's top cop, Metro Police Chief John Drake talks to News4 anchor Tracy Kornet about the key themes of his department under his leadership -- de-escalation and transparency-- in the wake of the Tyre Nichols beating death by Memphis police officers.

    News

    Tracy Kornet visits BrightStone

    ‘Land of Dreams’: BrightStone works to raise final million of $20 million campus for adults with special needs

    Updated: Feb. 9, 2023 at 9:46 PM CST|By Tracy KornetNon-profit BrightStone is working to raise the final million dollars of a $20 million goal for its new Land of Dreams.

    News

    skinny juice cleanse

    Nashville juice cleanse taking wellness community by storm

    Updated: Jan. 30, 2023 at 5:34 PM CST|By Tracy KornetStill holding firm for a dry January or a resolution for better health in 2023? Some Nashville men and women are making “cleansing” part of their wellness routine.

    News

    Chief of Police John Drake with Tracy Kornet

    Chief of police speaks on crime in Nashville

    Updated: Jan. 19, 2023 at 9:22 AM CST|By Tracy KornetAs crime in Nashville spikes, Chief John Drake explains some of the causes.

    Local News

    UpRise Nashville helps woman get a job

    Nashville faith-based program helps mother of 8 reach career goal

    Updated: Dec. 20, 2022 at 11:01 AM CST|By Tracy KornetThe program is several months long and provides free opportunities that will potentially help pull them out of poverty and change the trajectory of their life.

    Montgomery County

    Habitat for Humanity builds 5,000th TN house

    Tennessee Habitat for Humanity builds 5,000th home

    Updated: Nov. 17, 2022 at 10:35 PM CST|By Tracy KornetHabitat for Humanity celebrates its 5,000th home built in Tennessee.

    Local News

    Jerry Lee Lewis

    ‘The definition of cool’: Franklin man remembers Jerry Lee Lewis’ legacy

    Updated: Oct. 28, 2022 at 10:58 PM CDT|By Tracy Kornet“Jerry Lee was the originator. A pioneer. Not only as an artist, but in his personal life as well."

    Local News

    'Hot Spot': A doctor's diary from the pandemic

    ‘Hot Spot’: A doctor’s diary from the pandemic

    Updated: Sep. 16, 2022 at 10:00 PM CDT|By Tracy KornetThe former metro coronavirus task force chairman, who helped lead Nashville through the COVID pandemic, released a book chronicling his experience.

    Davidson County

    One-on-one with 'Uprise Nashville'

    UpRise Nashville helps people learn work skills to better themselves

    Updated: Sep. 8, 2022 at 7:17 PM CDT|By Tracy KornetThe high cost of living in Nashville leaves a lot of people struggling to support their families.

    Local News

    WSMV Iraqi family

    Iraqi family become U.S. citizens in Nashville

    Updated: Aug. 23, 2022 at 11:06 AM CDT|By Tracy KornetZainab Rahman and her children were allowed to leave Baghdad after her husband was murdered.

    Entertainment

    Colin Reed, CEO, Ryman Hospitality Properties

    Ryman CEO said company’s sale will increase demand for all things Nashville

    Updated: Apr. 14, 2022 at 12:09 PM CDT|By Tracy Kornet and Marius PaytonRyman's CEO Colin Reed said the sale of a part of the company to NBC Universal will further increase demand for all things Nashville.

    Tennessee

    Supreme Court Hearing Day2

    Questioning gets heated during second day of Supreme Court confirmation hearing

    Updated: Mar. 22, 2022 at 5:55 PM CDT|By Tracy KornetThe confirmation hearings for President Biden’s nomination to the Supreme Court, Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson, continued Tuesday as she looks to become the first Black woman to serve on the nation’s highest court.

    4 Your Community

    The height of the COVID-19 pandemic left many people in need of one thing: face-to-face...

    Middle Tennessee psychiatrist sees boost in business following height of COVID

    Updated: Feb. 25, 2022 at 6:48 PM CST|By Tracy KornetThe height of the COVID-19 pandemic left many people in need of one thing: face-to-face interaction. One of Middle Tennessee's top psychiatrists said communication could change your brain.

    4 Your Community

    Kathie Lee Gifford

    Kathie Lee Gifford talks about her life

    Updated: Feb. 16, 2022 at 7:00 PM CST|By Tracy KornetDuring 15 years co-hosting LIVE with Regis and Kathie Lee and 11 on the fourth hour of NBC’s Today, Kathie Lee Gifford has lived her life like an open book.

    4 Your Community

    Katie Finn never planned to go from helping save the planet to helping protect people.

    Nashville woman creates Tennessee Resettlement Aid to help Afghan families

    Updated: Feb. 4, 2022 at 6:30 PM CST|By Tracy KornetKatie Finn never planned to go from helping save the planet to helping protect people.

    Davidson County

    The family of Travis and Barbara Pitts. Travis Pitts killed Barbara and two daughters on...

    Goodlettsville murder-suicide leaves many seeking answers

    Updated: Jan. 31, 2022 at 10:01 PM CST|By Tracy KornetFriends of the Pitts family struggle to understand how a father can shoot his wife and two daughters in their home before killing himself this week.

    4 Your Community

    jeff Pender said driving members of the FiftyForward Martin Center on field trips is his joy.

    Fire marshal gives back to community at FiftyForward

    Updated: Jan. 14, 2022 at 6:30 PM CST|By Tracy KornetHe may be a bit over-qualified, but Fire Marshal Jeff Pender said driving members of the FiftyForward Martin Center on field trips is his joy.

    Williamson County

    Patrick Cassidy

    Cassidy brings production to life in Franklin

    Updated: Dec. 9, 2021 at 6:30 PM CST|By Tracy KornetPatrick Cassidy is living a dream of a different kind in Franklin as artistic director of Studio Tenn.

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