Elex Michaelson is an anchor and correspondent for CNN based in Los Angeles. He anchors The Story Is with Elex Michaelson live weeknights from 9-11 pm PT / 12-2am ET on CNN and CNN International.

Since joining CNN in 2025, Michaelson has conducted news-making interviews with political leaders including California Governor Gavin Newsom; former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi; Rep. Kevin Kiley; Rep. Eric Swalwell; former Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg; and former California governor Arnold Schwarzenegger.

He has also featured leading names in entertainment, sports, pop culture and tech on The Story Is including entrepreneur Tony Robbins; ‘KPop Demon Hunters’ director Maggie Kang; ‘Heated Rivalry’ director Jacob Tierney; Snapchat cofounder Evan Spiegel; Emma Heming Willis, wife of actor Bruce Willis; music legends Sammy Hagar and Joe Walsh; NBA Champions Derek Fisher ,Metta World Peace and Matt Barnes; YouTuber turned WWE wrestler Logan Paul and more.

Additionally, Michaelson has anchored CNN’s live coverage of multiple breaking news stories including the capture of Venezuela’s Nicolás Maduro; protests in Minneapolis, MN; the return of SpaceX Crew Dragon capsule; and President Trump’s high-stakes meeting with Chinese leader Xi Jinping in South Korea.

Michaelson previously served as evening anchor at KTTV FOX 11 in Los Angeles, where he created, hosted, and executive produced California’s first statewide political show, The Issue Is with Elex Michaelson, which aired in every TV market in California.

A veteran political reporter, Michaelson has interviewed many key political figures including President Donald Trump, former President Joe Biden, former Vice President Kamala Harris and former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton.

While at KTTV, he organized and co-moderated live, televised debates in the races for California governor, US senator, Los Angeles mayor, Los Angeles County sheriff and multiple congressional seats. He also field-anchored live from multiple Democratic and Republican national conventions and presidential inaugurations and hosted more celebratory live broadcasts such as the Tournament of Roses Parade, the Emmys red carpet and World Series postgame shows.

Michaelson anchored continuous coverage of major breaking news events including Southern California’s devastating wildfires, civil unrest, mass shootings and the COVID-19 pandemic. He also produced a series highlighting people who use their platforms to serve their communities featuring George Clooney, Sammy Hagar, Magic Johnson, Clayton Kershaw and Father Greg Boyle.

From 2010 to 2017, Michaelson was a reporter at KABC-TV in Los Angeles. Before that, he served as a weekend morning anchor and weeknight reporter at XETV in San Diego.

Michaelson has won eight Emmy Awards, eight Golden Mikes and six Los Angeles Press Club Awards, including TV Journalist of the Year in 2023.

Michaelson graduated first in his class from the Annenberg School of Journalism at the University of Southern California. He earned summa cum laude and Phi Beta Kappa honors while earning dual degrees in broadcast journalism and political science.