About Shannon
Born in Fort Knox, Kentucky and raised in the eight states and three foreign countries where her military father was stationed, Shannon Cake developed an early interest in meeting new people from all backgrounds and understanding their stories.
Shannon earned degrees in Journalism and Political Science from the University of Alabama where her interest in news reporting flourished. She launched her career in broadcast journalism at WUAL-FM in Tuscaloosa, Alabama as a Reporter & Anchor. Shannon then joined the Alabama Radio Network in Mobile, Alabama serving as an Anchor and Producer. She entered the television news market as a Morning and Midday Anchor and Producer at WMBB Panama City, Florida.
In 1996, Shannon joined the WPTV (West Palm Beach) team as a Consumer and Investigative Reporter. Later, she served as anchor for the 5:30 p.m. newscast, Anchor for WFLX (FOX 29) at 10 P.M and Anchor/Host for The NOW South Florida on WPTV at 4p.m.
For nearly 30 years, Shannon's investigative work has changed policies in guardrail protection along Florida's busiest roadways. Her reporting has also influenced local legislation resulting in improved restaurant cleanliness and exposed government waste related to Medicare spending. Her reporting has earned 18 Regional Emmy Awards, a Regional Edward R. Murrow, and dozens of Associated Press Awards.
Shannon resides in West Palm Beach, Florida with her husband and two sons.
“Words are sacred. They deserve respect. If you get the right ones, in the right order, you can nudge the world a little.”
— Tom Stoppard
Awards
Shannon's reporting has earned 18 Regional Emmy Awards, A Regional Edward R. Murrow, and dozens of Associated Press Awards.
* NATAS Emmy Awards (Suncoast Chapter): 2003, 2004 (nominee), 2005, 2006, 5-time Emmy award winner in 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011 (nominee), 2013 (nominated), 2014—3 awards.
* RTNDA Regional 2008 Edward R. Murrow Award/News Documentary
* SPJ Regional Green Eyeshade Award- 2007 finalist
* SPJ Florida Chapter
* MADD Media Awards 2004
* Florida Associated Press
* Alabama Associated Press
Work
Haiti Earthquake Victim
A survivor story that is sure to inspire. This young college woman has battled more in her 21 years than most of us face in a lifetime.
Badgley Mischka
Legends in the fashion industry, Mark Badgley and James Mischka offered up this laugh out loud sit-down interview. Our chat weaved through the pandemic plus the rebound, as well as the couple's meteoric rise in the world of fashion. We also covered the reason the pair now calls South Florida home.
U.S. Rep. Charlie Crist part 1
Part one of Shannon Cake's interview with Democratic Gubernatorial candidate, U.S. Rep. Charlie Crist.
Julie's fight for change
Julie Diehl Weil trusted me with her horrifying story about her own rape—witnessed by her two young children. She boldly relives her tragedy in an effort to change laws regarding rape kit backlogs in our nation. Her testimony in front of Congress has shaped national guidelines on how to handle rape victims.
Veteran Shoes
Sometimes the story you set out to cover isn’t the story. This veteran in need wound up giving us all so much more than he received.
The making of Filthy Rich: The Epstein Story
Former WPTV reporter Tim Malloy speaks about his collaboration with authors James Patterson and John Connolly on their book about the Jeffrey Epstein case.
FAU arena named after retired Boca Raton educator
Shannon Cake speaks with the Boca Raton woman whose name dons the FAU's basketball arena.
Guardrail Investigation
We learned modifications had been made to one of the most commonly installed guardrail heads in the world. Here, our team questions whether the modification could be causing the guardrails to fail.
Honda Classic
This South Florida golf tournament has a storied past. Some of the greatest in the game and Hollywood have played these links. Walk down memory lane with an in-depth look at all that makes the Honda Classic a legacy event.
Marco rubio
Sen. Marco Rubio speaks to WPTV NewsChannel 5 anchor Shannon Cake during a special edition of "To the Point" about rapid coronavirus testing and how to reopen.
Timeline of disappearance
A Palm Beach Gardens ride-share driver went missing. His car turned up in another state. This quickly changing story required a clear and concise updated timeline almost daily.
Believe With Me
If you ever had any doubt that one woman can inspire thousands to make a difference, watch this story about Lyette Reback. Through her vision and her army of volunteers, she makes sure Gold Star children in our great nation are never forgotten on Christmas morning.
Westgate Tabernacle Church
Money was disappearing as fast as it was donated at the county’s only homeless shelter. Our investigative team followed the trail of the missing cash and never, ever gave up until changes were finally made.
Not on the Menu
Not on the Menu exposes a string of health problems inside restaurants across South Florida. The Investigators spent several years uncovering these eye-opening conditions.
Bogus Billing
One woman. One phone call. That’s all it took to blow the lid off of a massive Medicare scam that was stealing seniors’ healthcare benefits and your tax money! We turned this series of reports into an hour-long investigation called Bogus Billing. Ultimately dozens went to jail.
What’s in the Water
A disturbing outbreak of green algae shut down the waterways of South Florida last summer. Here, we learn what kind of impact a toxic algae bloom can have on residents living in coastal communities.
‘Alexander Ware Cable Barrier Story’
If there is ever good to come from tragedy, this story delivers. A 7-year-old boy, whose name was Alexander Ware, will forever live in my heart. His mom shared her story of loss and because of that, Alex’s legacy now lives along one of Florida’s busiest roadways. Florida Turnpike officials spent millions of dollars to install the ‘Alexander Ware Cable Barrier System’...which protects drivers from Ft. Lauderdale to Orlando.
behind the scenes
On The NOW South Florida, we weave in and out of serious and sometimes complex stories, quickly shifting into light-hearted, local and fun topics. Politics remains my favorite beat to cover—whether in the field or from the anchor desk. Currently, I also co-anchor WPTV NewsChannel 5 at 5:30 p.m.
Connect
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