South Bend ABC57 News Anchor Jennifer Copeland has passed away. She died on Friday 18th October 2024 after battling with ovarian cancer. She was confirmed through a post shared on Facebook that reads “Jennifer Copeland was light and love. She radiated it wherever she went. She showed me the way with tv news in South Bend.”
Jennifer was a mainstay in Michiana television, a figure whose dedication and professionalism shaped the local news landscape for over two decades. Her journey in broadcasting is marked by a commitment to integrity and trust, qualities that resonated deeply with viewers as she delivered compelling stories that mattered to the community.
Beginning her career at WJW FOX8 News in Cleveland, Ohio, Jennifer focused on consumer and investigative journalism, honing her skills in storytelling. This experience laid the foundation for her subsequent move to South Bend, where she joined WSBT 22. Here, she made history as the first anchor to launch a 4 p.m. newscast, a significant milestone that showcased her innovative spirit and ability to connect with audiences.
Over the years, Jennifer garnered numerous awards for her reporting and storytelling excellence, earning recognition as a trusted voice in Michiana. Her dedication did not go unnoticed; she was voted Best Anchor in Michiana in the Leader Publication’s Best of the Best Readers’ Choice Contest, solidifying her status as a beloved figure in local media.
Jennifer’s career path took her from South Bend to Champaign, Illinois, where she served as the main anchor at WICD-TV. Her journey continued in Charlotte, North Carolina, where she took on the roles of evening anchor and reporter at WCNC-TV. After a successful stint in Charlotte, she made her way to Minneapolis, Minnesota, as a primary anchor for KSTP-TV. Yet, her heart was always drawn back to Michiana, and she returned to be closer to family.
Jennifer graduated from Kent State University, where she cultivated her passion for storytelling and community engagement. Her legacy in Michiana was not just about the accolades or the titles she held, but about the impact she made through her work empowering her viewers, advocating for important issues, and bringing the stories of Michiana to life.