Liz Collin, a prominent and often polarizing figure in Minnesota media, has navigated a dynamic career path from mainstream broadcast journalism to independent conservative news. While public curiosity often centers on details such as Liz Collin's age, a deeper look reveals a journey marked by professional accolades, significant controversy, and a fundamental shift in her journalistic focus. This article explores the key milestones of her life, from her early beginnings and award-winning tenure at a major network affiliate to her current role as a leading voice in alternative media, examining the events that have defined her public and professional identity.
Early Life and Educational Foundation
Born on **August 10, 1982**, Liz Collin is currently 41 years old. Her roots are firmly planted in Minnesota, having grown up in the city of Worthington. It was in this small-town setting that she developed an early interest in storytelling and communication, a passion that would later shape her academic and professional pursuits. After completing her primary and secondary education, Collin enrolled at the University of Minnesota, a major public research university renowned for its journalism program.
At the university, she immersed herself in her studies, honing the skills necessary for a career in broadcast journalism. She graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Journalism, equipped with the theoretical knowledge and practical training to enter the competitive world of television news. Her education provided the essential groundwork for her future roles as a reporter and anchor, emphasizing the principles of reporting, ethics, and on-air presentation.
Forging a Career in Broadcast Journalism
Like many aspiring journalists, Liz Collin began her career in smaller media markets, building experience and refining her craft. Her professional journey started at KSFY, the ABC affiliate in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. There, she worked as a reporter and anchor, covering local news stories and learning the fast-paced rhythm of a daily newsroom. This initial experience was crucial, allowing her to develop her on-camera presence and reporting skills.
Her talent and hard work soon caught the attention of a major market station. In 2008, Collin made a significant career move, joining WCCO-TV, the CBS-owned-and-operated station in Minneapolis-St. Paul. Her arrival at WCCO marked her entry into one of the top media markets in the country. Over the next several years, she became a familiar face to Minnesota viewers, serving as both a reporter and a weekend news anchor.
During her tenure at WCCO, Collin covered a wide range of stories, from breaking news and crime to in-depth investigative pieces. Her work was recognized with multiple accolades, including several regional Emmy Awards. These awards underscored her capabilities as a journalist and solidified her reputation within the industry. Some of her notable reporting included:
- Investigative Reports: Collin was known for digging into complex issues, contributing to WCCO's investigative "I-Team."
- Major News Coverage: She was on the front lines of many of the state's most significant news events, providing live coverage and detailed reports.
- Weekend Anchor Desk: As an anchor, she was responsible for presenting the news to a broad audience, becoming a trusted source of information for many households in the region.
A Confluence of Personal and Professional Life
A significant turning point in Liz Collin's career and public perception was her marriage to Bob Kroll, the former president of the Police Officers Federation of Minneapolis. Kroll was a highly controversial and outspoken figure, particularly known for his staunch defense of police officers and his often-combative relationship with city leadership and activists. Their marriage placed Collin in a difficult position as a journalist covering news in the same city where her husband was a central and polarizing figure in law enforcement.
This dynamic came to a head following the murder of George Floyd in May 2020. As protests erupted in Minneapolis and across the world, both Kroll and the police union he led became focal points of public anger and scrutiny. Critics and media observers began to raise serious questions about a potential conflict of interest, arguing that Collin's personal relationship with Kroll compromised her objectivity as a reporter for WCCO, especially on stories related to policing and social justice.
The pressure mounted as protestors gathered outside the couple's home and calls for her removal from the air grew louder. While WCCO management stood by her publicly for a time, the situation became increasingly untenable. Collin eventually transitioned away from on-air reporting roles before ultimately leaving the station, ending a long and successful chapter in mainstream media.
A New Chapter: Alpha News and "They're Lying"
After her departure from WCCO, Liz Collin embarked on a new phase of her career, fully embracing a different model of journalism. She joined **Alpha News**, a Minnesota-based independent media outlet with a decidedly conservative perspective. At Alpha News, she has taken on multiple roles, including journalist, anchor, and partner, allowing her to report from a viewpoint unconstrained by the editorial standards of mainstream news organizations.
In 2022, she released a book and accompanying documentary titled **"They're Lying: The Media, The Left, and The Death of George Floyd."** This project became her definitive statement on the events that reshaped her career and the city of Minneapolis. In it, Collin presents a counter-narrative to the widely accepted story of George Floyd's murder and the subsequent riots. She argues that mainstream media outlets and progressive politicians distorted the facts to push a specific political agenda. The work directly challenges the official autopsy findings, the characterization of Derek Chauvin, and the motives of the protestors.
In an interview discussing the project, Collin stated her motivation: "I watched my city burn, and I knew that what was being reported was not the full story. My goal was to provide the public with the information that was being ignored or deliberately suppressed by legacy media." The book and documentary were met with a deeply divided response. Supporters praised her for her courage in challenging the dominant narrative, while critics accused her of producing propaganda aimed at downplaying police brutality and discrediting the social justice movement.
Legacy and Ongoing Influence
The journey of Liz Collin's career reflects the increasingly fragmented and polarized media landscape in the United States. She transitioned from a decorated, Emmy-winning journalist at a respected network affiliate to a prominent figure in the world of conservative, independent media. For her supporters, she is a truth-teller who broke free from the constraints of a biased mainstream press. For her detractors, she is a partisan operative whose journalism is compromised by her personal and political allegiances.
Regardless of public opinion, Liz Collin remains an influential voice in Minnesota's media and political discourse. Her work at Alpha News continues to reach a significant audience, and she actively reports on issues concerning crime, politics, and culture from a perspective that stands in stark contrast to that of her former employers. Her story is a compelling case study in the evolving definition of journalism and the complex interplay between a reporter's personal life and professional obligations in an era of intense public scrutiny.
