Today we’d like to introduce you to Ariyl Onstott
Hi Ariyl, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I grew up in a small town in Mississippi, about an hour outside New Orleans. As the oldest of six kids, I’ve always been a high achiever, and I think growing up in such a small place, especially in the South with all of its contradictions, helped fuel the big dreams I had for myself.
When I got to the University of Mississippi for my undergrad, I was having trouble landing on what I wanted to do. (I blame my Libra ways; I want to do all the things and be all the things!) While I originally planned to work in intelligence for the U.S. Government or the foreign service, I ended up switching my major to journalism and public policy with a Russian language certificate.
No matter what, I knew I wanted to leave a positive impact on the world, and I ultimately felt journalism (or work creating policy) would allow me to do that. I did in-depth reporting trips in South Africa and Sri Lanka, and I got my first job at WTOL 11 in Toledo, OH, leaving the South behind for more than four years. I covered and broke incredible stories, finding my own voice along the way. I also won an Emmy for breaking news coverage! I realized how the feeling I felt of not fitting in to my small town gives me this sense of empathy and makes me independent in a way that allows me to perceive what others miss. That is crucial to story-telling.
I moved to Atlanta in July 2022, and worked in public relations for over year as a social media manager where I managed restaurant and hotel accounts. Then in April 2024, I returned to news as a streaming host and producer for FOX 5 Atlanta, where we are currently launching a local news streaming platform. I love being in a role that blends my digital and TV news skills. It’s also exciting to be on the forefront of something new, covering big stories live, and creating content that resonates and connects. The conversation around what being a TV journalist looks like is changing, and I enjoy challenging the status quo, while also providing crucial information to keep people informed. Social media has also opened a platform for me to share my passions — like playing dress up, maintaining a healthy lifestyle, and traveling. I think it’s so rewarding to connect with others and inspire each other.
While the South formed me in so many ways, I feel most at home out West. My dad’s from California, my mom’s from Texas, and I was born in Texas, so I think there is just something formative there for me. I love to travel and read. My love of reading has absolutely helped shape me into who I am today. In the past three years, I’ve grown to love pilates and try to attend multiple classes a week, as I believe I show up best when I feel healthy. Through my own health journey, advocating for wellness and healthy living has become a key part of who I am. I feel very fulfilled when I am sharing info people find useful, connecting with humans, and inspiring them to become their best selves.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Growing up in a small town where I didn’t fully fit in was a defining experience. It made me question and see things others would take for granted. What I didn’t realize then, is that my experiences would shape the path I would take and inform my talent as a story-teller, interviewer, news-gatherer and creative.
One of my defining struggles is focusing on progress over perfection. My drive to achieve is always in conflict with this feeling of ‘is it good enough?’ As I have grown, I’ve realized perfectionism is often rooted in fear. Fear of rejection, fear of failure, etc. I can trace this back to the pressure I put on myself growing up, and I’m proud of the growth I’ve realized in not letting perfection stop progression.
Another huge transformation in identity for me came when I went from news to public relations. News can be so all-consuming, and so many in the industry can relate to the feeling of news becoming or shaping their identity. When I left, I questioned who I was without it. What was my purpose? How would I make a difference? Through that year, I really grew into myself as a person, learned how to forge independent paths for myself, and let go of self-limiting beliefs. Now that I am back in news, I work to maintain a balance, and no longer let it fully consume who I am. It’s an ongoing focus!
I believe one’s vision and identity are so important to shaping the person they ultimately become. How you see yourself becomes your road map. I have often questioned my identity and the legacy I want to leave behind. As a result, sometimes I may re-draw routes or priorities on my map, but I think the core destination remains the same.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I specialize in hosting thoughtful interviews and sharing valuable information here in Atlanta, as well as creating engaging social media content. If there is breaking news or a trending topic, I’m likely talking about it on social media @ariylceleste or the FOX Local app. I host news content from 2-4 p.m. on weekdays and podcasts on the weekend. As a streaming host and producer, you have to be multi-talented and savvy at a lot of different things. Be it ad-libbing a breaking news event for hours with limited information or ideating and producing a show concept that will connect, you’ve got to constantly elevate your skills.
The podcasts I host on weekends are super fun. Casting Call explores film and casting opportunities here in Georgia. Light and Sound offers artistic story-telling from FOX 5 photojournalist Eli Jordan as he visits hidden gems in Georgia and shares unique stories. You can download the FOX Local app to watch and stream Atlanta’s news for free.
I’m best known for my style of asking questions that resonate. If it’s breaking news, I’m discussing what you want to know and following up on it. If it’s live coverage of an event (ex: the recent death of President Jimmy Carter), I’m having a thoughtful conversation that provokes emotion. Along with that, I’m known for my ability to tell a compelling story with limited information — something we have to do often in news!
I’m proud of my ability to balance emotion with tenacity and to balance playfulness with seriousness. I think so often, we try to fit ourselves in boxes set by others. We think if we’re too fun, people won’t take our work seriously, or if we’re too serious, people won’t see us as human. I like to challenge that thinking. Humans are multi-faceted and complex. Sometimes I want to wear a bow in my hair and put on my bright lipstick, while I discuss how Persian Gulf politics has shaped the current crisis in the Middle East or explain how recent monetary policy decisions will affect your ability to buy a house, and I don’t think those things need to cancel each other. By staying true to my personality, I’m able to inform, connect, and inspire in ways that just wouldn’t be possible if I went with the status quo.
Do you have recommendations for books, apps, blogs, etc?
I am a religious user of Apple’s ‘Notes’ app. It catches all my to-do lists, creativity bursts, and streams of consciousness.
I adore the Mel Robbins podcast — she covers topics with nuance and expert opinion — and I always finish listening feeling elevated about where I want to go in life. I also enjoy staying informed with New York Times’s ‘The Daily’ and AXIOS’s ‘1 Big Thing.’
For books, I have enjoyed Atomic Habits, Creativity, Inc., The Courage to be Disliked, and the Mountain is You.
I also have a long list of novels I enjoy (Kristin Hannah is an incredible writer, though she will break your heart.) Often, the best inspiration comes from imaginative fiction!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.fox5atlanta.com/person/o/ariyl-onstott
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ariylceleste/
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ariylonstott/
