Biography
Brien Blakely is a multi-talented television host, actor, and award-winning journalist based in Charlotte, North Carolina. His career began with hosting over 70 episodes of Weekend Warriors on HGTV and starring in BattleDome. On-screen, he has appeared as a news reporter on shows like The X-Files, The Practice, and Roswell, and has hosted programs including E! News Daily, The National Enquirer TV Show, and Weekend Warriors. He has also made guest appearances on various series, often humorously noting he still receives residual checks. Shifting to journalism, Brien currently anchors Queen City News in Charlotte, where he has garnered multiple Emmy and Edward R. Murrow Awards. Known for his dedication and community engagement, he reports on major stories throughout the Carolinas, covering politics, weather, and breaking news. Before settling in Charlotte, he worked in television markets such as Seattle, Phoenix, Los Angeles, Palm Springs, and Bristol, Virginia. Outside the newsroom, Brien is deeply involved in community activities—hosting charity events, serving on local boards, and leading the annual CMPD Toy Drive. He also manages ‘Find A Fugitive,’ a public safety program in partnership with Crime Stoppers. A graduate of Western Kentucky University, Brien was drafted by the Cincinnati Reds and worked in the Atlanta Braves front office before embarking on his television career. He occasionally offers guest commentary for the Charlotte Knights on WMYT. Originally from Kentucky, Brien appreciates Charlotte’s size, calling it big enough for excitement yet small enough to feel like home. He lives with his wife, Ava, their son Wes, and their Shih Tzu, Kobe. In his free time, he enjoys golfing and hosting barbecues.
