Press Release: 10/27/2025

Hannah Wilson named Director of Public Affairs & Community Services, Jessica Brown named host of CityLine at WCVB

hannah wilson and jessica brown

Updated: 1:48 PM EDT Oct 27, 2025

 Editorial Standards ⓘNEEDHAM, Mass. —

Hannah Wilson has been named Director of Public Affairs & Community Services, and Jessica Brown has been named Host of CityLine, as announced today by Andrew Vrees, WCVB President and General Manager. Wilson and Brown succeed Karen Holmes Ward who announced her retirement after more than four decades of service. 

“As Hannah and Jessica take on their expanded roles, both are uniquely qualified to build upon WCVB’s strong foundation of public service through their passion for impactful storytelling and their commitment to community,” said Vrees. “Their leadership and dedication will further strengthen our station’s role in engaging, inspiring, and giving back to the communities we call home. Both will continue to be tremendous assets as we advance our mission as Boston’s community leader.” 

 

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“After three years of working alongside Karen Holmes Ward, it is a privilege to take on this new role leading public affairs and community services,” said Wilson. “WCVB has a legacy of public service and a deep commitment to bettering our community. I am eager to build on that legacy—shining a light on untold stories, fostering dialogue, and celebrating the people and organizations making a difference.”

“I am honored to host CityLine, a cornerstone of WCVB’s public affairs programming,” said Brown. “The program is a vital platform for telling stories that matter, elevating voices too often overlooked, and celebrating the incredible communities of Boston. I look forward to carrying that mission forward and to exploring important and compelling topics every Sunday morning.”

Wilson joined WCVB in 2022 as the Executive Producer of Public Affairs & Community Services with extensive experience in public service, philanthropy, and community engagement. Her work in the Public Affairs Department and as an Emmy Award-winning producer of CityLine has impacted Boston by highlighting voices and advancing initiatives that strengthen partnerships between organizations and the people they serve. Prior to WCVB, Wilson served as Senior Corporate Giving Lead and Social Impact Advisor to the Multicultural Network at BAE Systems. Her previous roles include Director of External Affairs at Apprentice Learning and Special Projects Manager for Boston Public Schools, where she helped build partnerships that created opportunities for thousands of students. A Massachusetts native, Wilson also serves on the board of Soccer Unity Project and advisory board of Inspiring Educators. She holds a B.A. from Simmons University and a M.S. from Medill School of Journalism, Media, Integrated Marketing Communications at Northwestern University.

Brown joins CityLine as an Emmy Award-winning journalist and current co-anchor of NewsCenter 5 at Noon and NewsCenter 5 at 4PM and serves as the station’s medical reporter. 

She is an active member of the National Association of Black Journalists and is dedicated to community service, with a passion for mentoring young girls and supporting organizations that embody her faith and dedication to making a meaningful difference. Before joining WCVB, she anchored and hosted at WXIX-TV in Cincinnati, where her reporting spanned major national stories including the Ray Tensing trial and the George Floyd protests. A seasoned journalist, Brown began her career in Atlanta and has covered events ranging from severe weather to community resilience in the wake of disaster. A South Florida native with Jamaican and Afro–Costa Rican roots, Brown holds a B.A. from Florida State University and loves travel, food, and spending time with her dog, Rocco.

ABOUT WCVB

WCVB is Boston’s broadcast/digital media leader, providing news, weather, sports, community service and entertainment on multiple platforms including WCVB, wcvb.com, WCVB mobile and MeTV Boston. Founded by community leaders in 1972, WCVB is committed to its mission to serve the region with quality local content. In addition to 47 hours of NewsCenter 5 coverage each week, original offerings include Chronicle, the nation’s longest running local news magazine; CityLine, a weekly urban magazine program; and On The Record, a weekly political roundtable. WCVB, Boston’s ABC affiliate station, is owned by Hearst Television, a wholly owned subsidiary of Hearst, a leading media company whose global holdings include 33 television stations and two radio stations. Follow us on Facebook (wcvb5) and X (@wcvb).

ABOUT HEARST TELEVISION

Hearst Television owns and/or operates 35 television and two radio stations serving 27 media markets across 39 states reaching 24 million U.S. television households. Through its partnership with nearly all major networks, Hearst Television distributes national content over more than 120 video channels including programming from ABC, NBC, CBS, CW, MY Net, MeTV, Estrella and more. The radio stations are leaders in Baltimore news/talk and rock music listenership. Its Hearst Media Production Group unit produces original programming across linear and streaming platforms for domestic and international distribution. Its Very Local app, free to download on household OTT devices and available across popular streaming services, offers 24/7 access to local news, weather and an array of local and regional programming. Hearst Television is recognized as one of the industry's premier companies and has been honored with numerous awards for distinguished journalism, industry innovation, and community service. Hearst Television is a wholly owned subsidiary of Hearst.