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
Vigil for innocent bystander shot and killed during gang gunfire in Brooklyn
Amadou Diallo, an innocent bystander, was killed in the shooting.
Off-duty NYPD officer fatally shoots man carrying firearm in Washington Heights
Police say two men on mopeds approached the off-duty officer just before 9:45 p.m. Sunday and asked if they knew a certain person's name.
NYPD officers shoot one gunman, continue search for another after Flatbush shootout
Police say the two suspected shooters turned a busy intersection into the Wild West and residents woke up Wednesday to find bullet holes in their cars and shell casings underneath.
Fire destroys 125-year-old synagogue in Rutherford; rabbi and family escape safely
The congregation has been at the location since the early 1950s and it was the target of an arson attack 10 years ago.
11 people rescued from sinking boat at pier in Sheepshead Bay
The boat began taking on water while docked at Pier 1. One person was rushed to the hospital, while others were treated at the scene.
Las Vegas police release bodycam footage tied to Park Ave shooter Shane Tamura
The evidence documents Tamura's years-long struggle with mental health before he opened fire in a Midtown office building.
4 NYPD officers injured after 2 cruisers collide in the Rockaways
The officers were responding to a call for shots fired nearby when they crashed.
Fellow officers, colleagues, share emotional stories at vigil for NYPD Detective Didarul Islam
The day after NYPD Detective Didarul Islam was laid to rest, he was honored with a vigil at the precinct where he worked in the Bronx.
Search for suspects continues in violence after Bronx Dominican Parade
Following the violence on Sunday, police are trying to connect the dots between the victims and their involvement to the parade.
Teen slashed in back by group in lobby of high-end apartment building on Upper West Side
The 16-year-old victim was surrounded and attacked in the lobby of the building on West 61st Street.