Clarissa McClain

Clarissa McClain anchors WHNT News 19 at 5:00 with Lee Marshall and WHNT News 19 at 9:00 on WHNT2 with Greg Screws.

Helping people, keeping them informed, and inspiring them is what drives her passion for news. Her personal philosophy: "Everyone has a story -- good or bad, happy or sad -- It's my job to share it with others. One story has the power to change many lives."

One would think after years of pretending to be Vanna White, staging talk shows in her parent's living room, and developing a slight obsession with MAC makeup, she would have known all along that she was destined for a future in television. But it took her four years and two academic major changes to figure it out. In 2005, she received her Bachelor of Arts degree in Mass Communications from Auburn University. WAR EAGLE!!!

Her broadcasting career began with an internship with the award-winning Investigative Team at FOX5 News in Atlanta, Georgia. Shortly after that, she landed her first job at WTVY News 4 in Dothan, Alabama. Clarissa spent one year in the Wiregrass, reporting on a range of topics from city government to the Enterprise tornado disaster. In April 2007, she moved to North Alabama to work at WHNT-TV.

Clarissa is originally from Atlanta, Georgia, yes a real native, (there aren't many left), but loves living in the Tennessee Valley. Clarissa is a newlywed. In her spare time, she enjoys spending time with her husband, hanging out with friends, traveling, and cooking.

On her top five list of favorite things: two hour naps, shoe sales, singing loud and very off key in the car, old Disney movies, and playing with her terribly spoiled pooch Elle.

Email Clarissa a story idea.

Recent Articles

  • Group Endeavors to Expand Madison’s Text to Protect Progam

    Posted on: 8:25 pm, May 3, 2013, by , updated on: 09:53pm, May 3, 2013

    Texting is a big part of how a lot of people communicate and Madison Police want to be in on... Read More ›

    text to protect
  • Special Report: A Fighting Chance

    Posted on: 10:05 pm, April 30, 2013, by , updated on: 10:37pm, April 30, 2013

    HOLLYWOOD, Ala. (WHNT) – Dog fighting isn’t something people talk about openly, but police say it’s definitely happening. We have... Read More ›

    AFightingChance_Horz
  • Special Report: A Fighting Chance – Tuesday at 10:00 p.m.

    Posted on: 5:00 pm, April 29, 2013, by , updated on: 08:46am, April 30, 2013

    (WHNT) – Many of us have dogs as pets, and a lot of people consider them members of the family.... Read More ›

    AFightingChance_Horz
  • Daily Blog: WHNT Anchors, Producer Try To ‘Live Below The Line’

    Posted on: 11:43 am, April 29, 2013, by , and , updated on: 04:25pm, May 3, 2013

    This week, WHNT News 19′s Greg Screws, Clarissa McClain and producer Alicia Esteban will try to live on $1.50 a... Read More ›

    Live_Below_The_Line400
  • Plant Sale Underway to Benefit Morgan County Special Needs Program

    Posted on: 9:56 am, April 19, 2013, by , updated on: 10:05am, April 19, 2013

    Brewer’s Center for Training Minds and Hands helps special needs students all over Morgan County from the ages of 15... Read More ›

    greehouse
  • Within Reason Performs in Huntsville

    Posted on: 7:11 pm, April 5, 2013, by

    The recent winners of the CBS Grammy Live contest are performing in Huntsville tonight. The band, Within Reason, serenaded the... Read More ›

    within reason plays in huntsville
  • Vote to Help Huntsville Host Social Media Tourism Symposium

    Posted on: 3:27 pm, March 13, 2013, by , updated on: 09:32am, March 14, 2013

    HUNTSVILLE, Ala. (WHNT) – The Huntsville/Madison County Convention & Visitors Bureau shared some exciting news with everyone today. Huntsville is... Read More ›

    social media symposium
  • Newly Appointed Auburn Board of Trustee Member Discusses Goals

    Posted on: 3:05 pm, March 12, 2013, by , updated on: 03:07pm, March 12, 2013

    The Alabama Senate recently approved two new members of the Auburn University Board of Trustees. One of those new members... Read More ›

    mike demaioribus
  • WHNT News 19 Special Report: Gang Signs

    Posted on: 2:32 pm, February 20, 2013, by , updated on: 11:03am, February 26, 2013

    HUNTSVILLE, Ala. (WHNT) – Gang activity is something most people only associate with large cities or lower income neighborhoods, but... Read More ›

    Photo Courtesy: Madison County Detention Facility
  • Dog Tales: The Ridiculous Reasons People Surrender Pets

    Posted on: 3:37 pm, February 5, 2013, by , updated on: 10:33pm, February 6, 2013

    HUNTSVILLE, Ala. (WHNT) – Animal shelters across the country are packed with stray or unwanted dogs. Many of us are... Read More ›

    Dog Tales
  • Trulock Delivers His First Madison State of the City Address

    Posted on: 9:52 pm, January 25, 2013, by and , updated on: 10:35pm, January 25, 2013

    MADISON, Ala. (WHNT) – Hundreds of people gave their attention to Madison Mayor Troy Trulock as he delivered his first... Read More ›

    Mad_Connect2013_400