Ed HeilandLead Anchor, Reporter

With more than two decades of broadcast experience, Ed Heiland has carved a niche as a no-nonsense reporter and news anchor. 

Coming from a military family background, Ed’s initial career goal was to be a Navy pilot but he was bitten by the Journalism bug while attending college and opted to embark on a high-flying career in broadcasting.  His rookie years were spent as a radio reporter for the first all-news network (yes, before CNN!) and he then made the transition to television at WSOC-TV in Charlotte.  Quickly adapting to the demands of live television, Ed advanced to become the Bureau Chief in Pensacola, Florida for the NBC affiliate and stayed with NBC when tapped for duty at WESH-TV in Orlando. 

Among his many duties at WESH, Ed served as Health reporter and News Anchor as well as co-hosting the annual MDA telethon.  During his tenure Ed was honored with more than a dozen reporting awards including four First Place-Major Market media awards from the Florida Medical Association and the American Cancer Society and two SunCoast Emmy nominations.

Success in the nations 20th market inspired a desire to utilize his experience as a Primary Anchor and Ed accepted the challenge at the CBS affiliate in Moline, Illinois.  For three years, the station saw ratings growth and numerous awards but working with a staff comprised mainly of first-time reporters also inspired a desire to work as a leader at a center for learning.

Joining the University of Central Florida in 2004 Ed has been the Host, Writer and Producer of programs seen by over a half million people on UCF-TV.  Always looking to expand his horizons, Ed also works with CNTV as Anchor/Reporter for Aviation International News. The internet-based coverage of business aviation (www.aintv.com) has taken him around the world and averages more than 10 thousand web hits daily. In his spare time Ed enjoys reading, bowling and the occasional good cigar.