Phil Taitt
Prior to joining WABC, he anchored weekend evening newscasts at NEWS12 and reported nightside and on breaking news in the city. As a journalist, he strives to be out front and at the epicenter of important events and issues that matter to New Yorkers, with reports that are memorable and meaningful. Topics he's highlighted include gun violence, housing, politics, and social justice. Hitting the streets of his hometown, Phil is Brooklyn-bred with both Caribbean and British roots.
Memorable reports of his include days-long coverage of the social unrest following the killings of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, and Ahmaud Arbery. He also led highly watched political coverage of the NYC Primary of Mayor Eric Adams, and the historic election of Vanessa L Gibson, the first woman to represent the Bronx as Borough President. Also, during one of the city's darkest hours, the Twin Parks tragedy, a fire that claimed the lives of 17 New Yorkers, Phil helmed several hours of live coverage, keeping New Yorkers informed.
One of Taitt's proudest works was his Emmy Award-winning 30-minute half-hour special, Next Generation Dreams. The Black History Month piece, filmed in Atlanta, Georgia, was an exclusive conversation with the family of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. At the King home, Taitt talked with Martin Luther King III, Arndrea King, and their daughter Yolanda about voting rights, critical race theory, and their hopes for the future, in aiming to fulfill Dr. King's dream.
Phil graduated from St. Francis College with a bachelor's degree in communications - public relations and advertising. He interned at FOX 5 Good Day New York and Spectrum NY1 and has worked for other media outlets. Phil is a proud member of the National Association of Black Journalists. When he isn't reporting, you can catch him serving his community through his local non-profit, which aims to give access and opportunity to young people, by engaging with today's leaders.
Phil's Stories
Speeding BMW driver wanted after father of 5 on bicycle killed in Bronx crash
Loved ones said the victim frequently used his bicycle to get around and leaves behind five children. He was also one of six siblings.
Amtrak reopens East River Tunnel line damaged by Superstorm Sandy
The tunnel, which carries more than 450 daily Amtrak, Long Island Rail Road and NJ Transit trains, underwent a year-long overhaul after sustaining damage during Superstorm Sandy in 2012.
Manhattan subway train fire injures 8 MTA workers, 6 firefighters at Astor Place station
A fire on a subway work train filled the Astor Place station with smoke early Tuesday, injuring 8 MTA workers and 6 firefighters. Service on the 4 and 6 lines was disrupted.
Son of retired NYPD sergeant, 12, killed in Bronx stray shooting; suspect charged
A 12-year-old Bronx boy who police say was an innocent bystander killed by stray gunfire has been identified as the son of a retired NYPD detective sergeant, according to the Sergeants Benevolent Association.
Police search for 2 suspects after off-duty NYPD officer stabbed in Queens
Police are searching for two suspects accused of stabbing an off-duty NYPD officer during an early-morning confrontation in Queens.
Mount Vernon woman fatally shot in the Bronx; gunman flees on moped
The victim was found with multiple gunshot wounds to the chest and was rushed to a local hospital, where she died.
Midtown high-rise stabilized after buckling columns spark collapse scare
Officials said the investigation remains ongoing as engineers determine the root cause of the failure and develop a long-term repair plan.
Secret Service helping crack down on EBT card skimming scam targeting New Yorkers
There's a new crackdown on scams targeting New Yorkers who use SNAP food benefits.
2 men playing dominoes fatally shot in Soundview; police search for gunmen
The gunfire erupted just minutes after 10 p.m. Thursday on Westchester Avenue in the Soundview section.
56 arrested during unruly Knicks celebrations outside Madison Square Garden
As the San Antonio Spurs headed inside their hotel after the game, some people threw trash at Victor Wembanyama. In a video, it appears he was struck by an egg.