Sherri Jackson has been a familiar, trusted presence in Birmingham television news for decades. As the weekday evening anchor for CBS 42, she brings a calm, clear delivery to stories that range from breaking weather to local government coverage. Viewers rely on her steady reporting and newsroom leadership during the trials and day-to-day moments that shape central Alabama.
From small markets to a long run in Birmingham
Jackson’s path into broadcast journalism followed the classic route of several regional stations before arriving in Birmingham. Early in her career she reported and anchored at stations in Macon and Savannah, and other Southern markets, building the on-camera experience that prepared her for a larger role at CBS 42, where she joined the team in the late 1990s. Those earlier stops sharpened her reporting instincts and helped her develop the practical newsroom skills she still uses today.
Anchor, managing editor two jobs in one
More than just the face viewers see on the 4, 5, 6 and 10 p.m. newscasts, Jackson holds editorial responsibility as the managing editor of the evening broadcasts. That means she helps choose which stories air, verifies facts, times segments, and works with producers and reporters to make sure coverage is accurate and fair. Combining an on-air role with behind-the-scenes editorial work gives her direct influence over the station’s daily journalism and helps maintain consistent standards across broadcasts.
Recognized work and awards
Jackson’s journalism has received multiple formal honors. She is a two-time Emmy Award winner and has been recognized repeatedly by regional broadcasting organizations for excellence in anchoring and reporting. Local industry groups have named her among Alabama’s top anchors, a reflection of both her craft and her connection with viewers. These awards matter locally because they signal that peers and professional bodies value the quality and public service of her work.
Reporting style: clarity, compassion, context
What stands out in Jackson’s reporting is an emphasis on clarity and human context. Whether covering policy decisions, school issues, or public-safety events, she asks questions designed to reveal consequences for viewers and to make complex issues accessible. That approach — straightforward, without theatrics — helps build audience trust. During fast-moving events, her composure and focus on essential facts make coverage easier for viewers to follow.
Community engagement beyond the anchor desk
Jackson’s public role extends past the newsroom. She participates in community events, delivers talks on journalism and ethics, and partners with non-profits that support children and public health. Those activities reinforce the connection between a local news outlet and its audience; they also reflect a common expectation that local anchors will engage with the places they cover, not only report on them. Her outreach work has included lectures at universities and board service with area organizations.
Notable projects and enterprise pieces
Across her career, Jackson has anchored routine nightly coverage and led enterprise reporting that digs deeper into systemic issues. Her work on health topics and human-interest packages has won attention and helped raise awareness around local needs. Anchors who double as editorial leaders often push for follow-up reporting that connects news events to broader timelines and solutions; Jackson’s role at CBS 42 positions her to encourage that kind of thoughtful enterprise journalism.
Digital presence and connecting with viewers
Like many modern broadcasters, Jackson uses social media to extend coverage beyond the broadcast schedule. Short clips, community announcements, and behind-the-scenes updates on platforms such as Instagram and Facebook let viewers interact directly and receive faster reminders about breaking stories. That digital connection is an important complement to television news: it helps stations stay relevant for audiences who increasingly consume information across multiple channels.
Mentorship and newsroom leadership
Veteran anchors often become informal mentors, and Jackson fits that model. Her managing editor role includes guiding younger reporters, helping shape scripts, and offering practical newsroom coaching. This mentorship helps preserve institutional knowledge and raises the overall quality of daily reporting. The presence of an experienced anchor in the editorial chain also supports newsroom stability during high-pressure moments.
Why local anchors still matter
In an era of national cable outlets and viral social posts, local anchors remain essential because they translate national trends into local effects and verify what matters for specific communities. Jackson’s mix of on-air presence, editorial responsibility, and community involvement illustrates how a local anchor can serve both as a newsperson and as a civic resource — someone viewers turn to when they need reliable, place-based information.
Looking ahead
Given her long tenure and dual role, Jackson will likely continue to influence Birmingham’s local journalism through both reporting and mentorship. Future viewers can expect more in-depth local investigations and continued community-focused storytelling that links problems with potential solutions. For many in central Alabama, her voice will remain a steady guide through the daily news cycle.
