What Is Ed Harding’s Age? His Career, Family, and Boston Legacy
What is Ed Harding’s age? It’s a question many longtime viewers of Boston’s WCVB Channel 5 have asked as they continue to watch him deliver the news with his signature professionalism and warmth. Born on December 11, 1954, Ed Harding is 70 years old as of 2025. His age is a testament to a career that has spanned more than four decades and has made him a household name across New England. With his steady presence and enduring commitment to journalism, Harding continues to inform and inspire audiences every evening.
Early Life and Education
Ed Harding was born and raised in Newton, Massachusetts, a Boston suburb that would remain central to his life even as his career took him around the country. From an early age, Ed showed an interest in communication, public speaking, and storytelling. These traits made journalism a natural career path.
After graduating from high school in Newton, Harding enrolled at Emerson College in Boston, a school known for its strong communication and journalism programs. He earned his degree in Communications in 1975, laying the foundation for what would become a highly respected career in broadcast news.
While at Emerson, Harding was active in student media, honing his voice and delivery while learning the fundamentals of production, reporting, and broadcast ethics. The skills and discipline he developed during his college years would become instrumental as he navigated the competitive world of television journalism.
Broadcasting Career Beginnings
Ed Harding’s career in broadcasting began shortly after college. He took his first professional steps at WPTZ-TV in Plattsburgh, New York. There, he served as a sports director and anchor, gaining valuable experience in both live reporting and production. His ability to combine clear reporting with an engaging on-air presence helped him stand out, even in smaller markets.
From there, Harding went on to work in larger markets, including KMSP-TV in Minneapolis and WDSU-TV in New Orleans. At each station, he brought a unique energy and professionalism to his roles as sports anchor and reporter. These early experiences allowed him to refine his skills, develop a clear journalistic voice, and build the reputation that would follow him back to his hometown.
His time in these markets was marked by hard work, long hours, and a growing recognition of his abilities—not only as a presenter but as a reporter who valued accuracy and integrity above all else.
WCVB Channel 5 and Career Highlights
In 1988, Ed Harding returned to Massachusetts to join WCVB Channel 5 in Boston. Initially hired as a weekend sports anchor and reporter, he quickly made his mark on the station. His deep roots in the Boston area and natural charisma made him a favorite with local viewers.
Over time, Harding transitioned from sports to general news anchoring. His credibility, warmth, and calm demeanor proved to be perfect for evening newscasts. Today, he co-anchors the 4:00, 6:00, 7:00, and 11:00 p.m. editions of NewsCenter 5, one of Boston’s most-watched news programs. He also regularly co-hosts special coverage of major events and breaking news, playing a key role during moments of crisis and celebration alike.
Ed Harding’s presence on WCVB has been a constant in an era of rapid change in media. Whether covering local elections, community stories, national headlines, or regional weather emergencies, he delivers the news with steadiness and trust that viewers rely on. His voice and presence have become synonymous with dependable journalism in the Boston area.
Awards and Recognition
Over the years, Ed Harding has earned numerous accolades for his work in journalism. Among his most notable honors are three Boston/New England Emmy Awards for Best Anchor-News. These awards recognize not only his technical skill but also his consistent ability to connect with audiences.
In addition to his Emmys, Harding has received two first-place Massachusetts Broadcasters Association Sound Bites Awards for On-Air Personality. These honors reflect his popularity and effectiveness in engaging viewers, as well as his long-term contributions to the field.
Peers and colleagues often praise Harding for his mentorship and leadership in the newsroom. His professional ethics, preparation, and respect for journalistic standards make him a role model for younger reporters entering the industry.
Personal Life and Family
Behind the scenes, Ed Harding leads a fulfilling personal life rooted in the same community where he grew up. He has been married to Andrea Harding for many years, and together they have two children: Adam and Caitlin.
Interestingly, his son Adam Harding has followed in his father’s footsteps, carving out his own successful career in journalism. Adam currently works as a news anchor and reporter, further extending the family’s legacy in the media industry.
The Hardings continue to reside in Newton, Massachusetts, where Ed enjoys the balance of his high-profile career and close-knit family life. Despite his public role, he values privacy and humility, choosing to focus on the quality of his work and time with his loved ones rather than the spotlight.
Ed Harding Today: Legacy and Ongoing Work
At 70 years old, Ed Harding shows no signs of slowing down. He remains one of WCVB’s most prominent and trusted figures. In a media environment that often changes rapidly, Harding’s longevity and consistency offer something rare: a sense of trust and familiarity that viewers can count on.
His voice has narrated decades of Boston history—from elections to Red Sox victories to winter storms—and he continues to be a part of viewers’ daily routines. Whether he’s reporting breaking news or sharing a community spotlight, Harding brings a depth of experience and calm professionalism that sets him apart.
His continued relevance in the digital era is also notable. While many journalists of his generation have retired or faded from public view, Harding has adapted to changing media trends, integrating digital news formats and social media into his workflow while maintaining the same journalistic values he began with.
Featured Image Source: wcvb.com
