Tony Perkins, News4 Anchor

Tony Perkins is a veteran Washington, D.C., journalist and host. He joined NBC4 in 2023 to anchor News4 Today.

For more than 30 years, Perkins has been part of the D.C. media scene as a weatherman, reporter, host and news anchor on both television and radio.

Perkins grew up in the D.C. area, attending school in Prince George's and Fairfax counties and then at American University, where he majored in communications and cinema studies.

Perkins started out as a stand-up comedian in what was then D.C.’s thriving comedy club circuit. He spent nine years performing at clubs, colleges and theaters across the country and opened for headliners such as Smokey Robinson, Aretha Franklin and Sinbad.

His comedy led to a job with Donnie Simpson’s #1-rated morning radio show on KYS-FM, which was then broadcast from NBC4 studios. From there, he hosted a show called "DC20 Breakaway," for which he won an Emmy Award, and then joined WTTG-TV as the morning weatherman and feature reporter.

In 1998, Perkins joined Good Morning America, bringing viewers weather reports and feature stories throughout the early hours of the day. He covered dozens of hurricanes and weather events and interviewed many celebrities during his six years there.

Missing the Washington region, Perkins returned to WTTG in 2006, eventually anchoring the evening newscasts with Shawn Yancy and earning his second Emmy award.

In 2018, Perkins reunited with Donnie Simpson, this time on an afternoon show on MAJIC 102.3 and 92/7. He co-hosted that show from 3 to 7 p.m until 2024. He also spent three years anchoring the morning news on WUSA-TV.

Perkins lives in Northern Virginia with his wife.

The Latest

4 Your Health 6 hours ago

Men Take Ten raises awareness of prostate cancer risk for Black men

All of us have been touched by cancer in some way. I recently shared my prostate cancer diagnosis and the need for additional treatment, including surgery. Immediately, support poured in from viewers like you and activists like Clinton Burnside, who has made it his life’s work to shatter the stigmas that keep men, especially Black men, from getting screened....

Health Oct 28

Free prostate cancer screening bill signed by DC's mayor

A bill to make prostate cancer screening free for men in D.C. is a step closer to becoming law.

Education May 22

‘See themselves in us': Study Buddy gives kids a greater chance of success

Two young entrepreneurs started the Study Buddy tutoring program in Prince George’s County, Maryland, and some of their students have already been accepted to 40 different colleges. News4’s Tony Perkins reports.

Fairfax County Apr 9

Ask the chief: How do officers train for situations like the Springfield ‘street takeover'?

Fairfax Co. Police Chief Kevin Davis speaks about a frightening incident involving a swarm of people that left an officer injured. Davis says officers will need to train differently in the future.

Washington DC Feb 29

DC native Donell Rawlings talks Netflix special, Howard Theatre show

The comedian is coming home for a show at Howard Theatre. News4’s Tony Perkins spoke to Rawlings about the upcoming performance.

Things to Do DC Feb 23

Comedian Amber Ruffin headlines Kennedy Center shows

“What if I just sang my favorite songs from all of the musicals I’ve written? Most … are excellent. EXCELLENT. Some are BAD.” News4’s Tony Perkins sat down with Ruffin for a chat about Friday night’s shows.

Fairfax County Dec 12, 2023

Ask the chief: Fentanyl, Santa's Ride and more in Fairfax County

News4’s Tony Perkins spoke with Fairfax County Police Chief Kevin Davis about the dangers of fentanyl, the latest crime news and how the department is celebrating the holidays.

Washington DC Dec 8, 2023

Dave Chappelle talks about DC's comedy scene, Duke Ellington School and ‘art as activism'

Comedian Dave Chappelle surprised students at his alma mater, Duke Ellington School of the Arts, to participate in a workshop on activism. NBC4’s Tony Perkins chatted with Chappelle about the seminar, criticism, and how Ellington and the D.C. comedy scene impacted his life.

Northern Virginia Oct 23, 2023

Donna M. Saunders Foundation talks supporting breast cancer patients

The foundation honors the life of its namesake by helping individuals with breast cancer. News4’s Tony Perkins spoke to the foundation’s president and Donna’s brother.