Erin Simonek serves as the co-anchor of 21 News 11 P.M. and is a nightside multi-skilled journalist.

She joined the 21 News team in May 2020 as a dayside multi-skilled journalist and stepped into the 11 P.M. weekday anchor position in January 2021.

Erin is deeply involved in every aspect of her reporting, writing, shooting, and editing her stories each day before joining Derek Steyer on the anchor desk every weeknight.

Her career began amid the global challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, providing her with a unique opportunity to cover critical stories. Erin has interviewed several notable local and national political figures, including Donald Trump Jr., J.D. Vance, Ben Carson, Mike DeWine, and Tim Ryan. She was among the first reporters on the scene of the East Palestine toxic train derailment and continues to offer extensive coverage of its ongoing aftermath. Erin has also appeared on numerous national broadcasts, including NBC News NOW with Hallie Jackson.
 
Before joining the WFMJ family, Erin honed her skills as an assignment editor, digital content producer, and investigative intern at Cleveland 19 News during her junior and senior years at Kent State University.
 

Erin graduated Cum Laude from Kent State University's School of Journalism and Mass Communication with a B.S. in broadcast journalism and a minor in public relations in May 2020. She was heavily involved in Kent State's award-winning television station, TV2, recently renamed KSTV, as an anchor, reporter, weather anchor, producer, and digital content producer throughout her four years in the program. She became the News Director of the station her senior year, where she managed 200+ student journalists.

Upon graduation, Erin was awarded the Carol Costello Award for excellence in journalism for her time in the program.

Erin is from North Royalton, Ohio. Her passion for storytelling started early on, with her two favorite classes being 'Journalism' and 'Broadcasting' at North Royalton High School.

When she's not busy working in a newsroom or out on a story, Erin enjoys traveling, cooking, practicing yoga, eating out at local restaurants, and spending quality time with her loved ones.

Erin is married to her husband, Dan, and they constantly spoil their miniature dachshund, Louie. 

You can connect with Erin at [email protected] or find her on Instagram, X, and Facebook.