Eva Pilgrim is celebrating a significant milestone as she completes one year as the anchor of *Inside Edition*. Taking over the role last summer, she succeeded Deborah Norville, becoming only the fourth individual to lead the newsmagazine in its history. This past year has brought numerous changes for Pilgrim, who previously worked as a co-anchor at ABC’s *GMA3: What You Need to Know* and has enjoyed a distinguished career in journalism.
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Reflecting on her experiences over the past year, Pilgrim shared with *PEOPLE* the surprising adjustment to a more traditional working schedule. She remarked with a laugh, “Inside operates like a normal, standard corporate office, where you get off Memorial Day and Fourth of July.” This shift has given her the opportunity to enjoy holidays with her family, which she admits has been an adjustment as well as a gift.
Pilgrim’s previous roles in the fast-paced world of 24/7 news left her with a sense of constant anxiety regarding her schedule and availability. She noted, “I didn’t realise the amount of anxiety that I was just carrying around with me because I didn’t have control of my own schedule.” The shift to *Inside Edition* provided her with a refreshing sense of balance, allowing her to disconnect from the relentless demands of breaking news.
This newfound work-life balance also translates into quality family time. Pilgrim and her husband, Ed Hartigan, share a four-year-old daughter named Ella. The anchor expressed her joy in being able to create family traditions that she remembered from her own childhood. “It’s been so fun. I can sneak off to the beach on the weekends,” she said, highlighting how the stability of her current job allows her to enjoy moments with family without concern for sudden work commitments.
In addition to the positive changes in her personal life, Pilgrim has quickly grown fond of her colleagues at *Inside Edition*, whom she describes as a supportive and dedicated team. She commended Executive Producer Charles Lachman, calling him a “creative genius” and noting his unwavering support. “I’ve never worked with a boss quite like that before, who is cheering for you in every kind of way professionally,” she said, emphasising the value of teamwork in their daily operations.
As she embarks on her second year in the anchoring role, Pilgrim is conscious of the long-standing legacy of the programme, aiming to be a responsible custodian of its reputation. “You’re not trying to reinvent the wheel here,” she explained. “I don’t want to screw up what they’ve done — they’ve done it very well.” Pilgrim intends to respect the foundation laid by her predecessors while incorporating her unique voice into the show.
In her efforts to connect with a broader audience, Pilgrim and her team at *Inside Edition* have begun experimenting with various storytelling techniques and formats. She mentioned, “We’ve been playing with some stuff to see what works and how long.” Such innovations underscore her commitment to understanding audience engagement, even if it means trying out unconventional approaches online.
The journey of Eva Pilgrim as anchor of *Inside Edition* not only marks her growth as a journalist but also highlights the importance of balance in both personal and professional realms. As she looks ahead, she aims to continue fostering a positive environment for her team while remaining true to the values and strengths of this beloved newsmagazine. For viewers interested in tuning in, *Inside Edition* can be found on various local listings, offering engaging stories and informative content catered to its audience.