Natalie Jacobson

Natalie Jacobson is an American broadcast journalist renowned for her pioneering role in Boston television news. For over three decades, she was the lead anchor at WCVB-TV, the ABC affiliate in the city, where she became one of the most trusted and recognizable media figures in New England. Her career, often in partnership with co-anchor Chet Curtis, helped define the era of dominant local news and set standards for journalistic integrity and community connection.

Early life and education

Born in Boston, she was raised in nearby Winchester and attended Winchester High School. She pursued higher education at the University of New Hampshire, graduating with a degree in English. Her initial career path led her to work in public relations for Filene's, the prominent Boston department store, before she transitioned into broadcasting.

Career at WCVB-TV

Jacobson joined WCVB-TV shortly after its sign-on in 1972, having previously worked at WHDH. She quickly rose to prominence, first as a reporter and later as a primary anchor. She anchored the station's flagship 6 PM and 11 PM newscasts, most famously alongside Chet Curtis; the duo, known professionally as "Chet and Nat," became a beloved institution in Boston media for nearly a quarter-century. During her tenure, she covered seminal events including the Boston busing crisis, the rise of Massachusetts political figures like Michael Dukakis and John F. Kerry, and national tragedies such as the September 11 attacks. She also conducted notable interviews with figures ranging from Mother Teresa to several U.S. Presidents. Her reporting extended to major stories across New England and earned her a reputation for calm authority and deep community knowledge.

Awards and recognition

Throughout her career, Jacobson received extensive acclaim, including numerous Emmy Awards from the Boston/New England Chapter of the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences. She was inducted into the Massachusetts Broadcasters Hall of Fame and received a prestigious George Foster Peabody Award for her coverage of the 1991 Perfect Storm. Her contributions to journalism were also recognized with awards from organizations like the Associated Press and the Radio Television Digital News Association. In 2003, she was honored by the Boston Museum of Fine Arts with its "Making a Difference" award.

Personal life

Jacobson was married three times. Her first marriage was to Chester Suwinski. Her second marriage was to a senior executive at WCVB-TV. In 1985, she married Pulitzer Prize-winning poet W. D. Snodgrass; they remained together until his death in 2009. She has been involved with various philanthropic endeavors in the Boston area, supporting institutions such as the Dana–Farber Cancer Institute and the Boston Symphony Orchestra. Following her retirement from daily broadcasting in 2007, she has maintained a lower public profile while occasionally contributing commentary on local media developments.

Legacy and impact

Natalie Jacobson is widely regarded as a trailblazer for women in broadcast journalism, helping to pave the way for future generations of female anchors and reporters. Her long-standing presence at WCVB-TV contributed significantly to the station's historic dominance in the Boston television market and its reputation for quality news. The "Chet and Nat" era is remembered as a golden age for local news in New England, characterized by high viewership loyalty and a deep sense of public trust. Her legacy endures in the continued high standards of Boston media and in the memories of viewers for whom she was a definitive voice during decades of regional and national history.

Category:American television news anchors Category:People from Boston Category:University of New Hampshire alumni