Introduction: Tanja Babich Age
Tanja Babich is a celebrated American news anchor currently working at ABC7 Chicago. Born on June 29, 1980, in Toronto, Canada, Tanja Babich is now 43 years old as of 2023. Over the course of her journalism career, Babich has garnered widespread recognition and respect for her professionalism and ability to connect with her audience. As an anchor, she hosts two major segments: the morning newscast from 4:30 a.m. to 7:00 a.m. and the midday news from 11:00 a.m. to noon. Her journey into the world of broadcast journalism has been nothing short of remarkable, and her impact on the industry is clear from her dedication and talent.
Wiki Bio
| Field | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Tanja Babich |
| Date of Birth | June 29, 1980 |
| Age | 43 (as of 2023) |
| Place of Birth | Toronto, Canada |
| Nationality | American-Canadian |
| Ethnicity | Chilean (mother), Serbian (father) |
| Languages Spoken | English, French, Spanish (conversational), Serbian |
| Education | – Bachelor’s in Government, Cornell University – Master’s in Journalism, Medill School of Journalism (Northwestern University) |
| Occupation | News Anchor, Journalist |
| Current Employer | ABC7 Chicago |
| Years Active | 2007–present |
| Notable Roles | – Anchor of ABC7 Chicago Morning News (4:30 a.m. – 7:00 a.m.) – Midday News Anchor (11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.) |
| Net Worth | $1 million – $5 million (estimated) |
| Spouse | Paul Durbin |
| Children | 3 daughters: Adelaide, Lola, and Josephine Emily |
| Parents | Chilean mother, Serbian father |
| Awards | Multiple Emmy Awards |
| Notable Work | Coverage of Pope Francis’s U.S. visit, U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds flight, and President Obama’s inauguration |
| Philanthropy | Board member of HFS Chicago Scholars, Founder of Lake Effect Chicago |
| Social Media | Active on Instagram, Twitter |
Table of Contents
Early Life and Education
Tanja Babich’s background is as diverse as her career. She was born to a Chilean mother and a Serbian father, which gave her a multicultural upbringing. Fluent in multiple languages, Babich speaks English, French, conversational Spanish, and Serbian. This linguistic versatility has been a unique asset throughout her career, allowing her to connect with a broader audience.
Babich initially had no plans to pursue journalism. She earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Government from Cornell University, where she aspired to become an intelligence officer. However, a twist of fate led her into the world of journalism when a public speaking engagement caught the attention of a city official. This suggestion opened a new career path for Babich, who decided to apply for journalism school. She was accepted into the prestigious Medill School of Journalism at Northwestern University, where she received her Master’s degree, setting the stage for her journalism career.
Tanja Babich Career Journey
Early Career
Before rising to prominence at ABC7 Chicago, Babich began her journalism career at WSYR-TV, a news station in Syracuse, New York. She spent three years anchoring the morning news show there and simultaneously hosted a weekday morning talk show called “Bridge Street”. This program covered community events, trends, and profiles of interesting people, giving Babich the opportunity to develop a deep understanding of local issues.
Babich’s tenure at WSYR-TV was marked by several high-profile assignments, including covering President Barack Obama’s inauguration in 2009 and reporting on the Bernie Madoff Ponzi scheme, where she provided insights into the losses faced by labor unions due to Madoff’s actions. This assignment solidified Babich’s reputation as a reporter with the ability to cover national and global news stories with precision.
Joining ABC7 Chicago
In January 2014, Babich made a significant career leap by joining ABC7 Chicago Eyewitness News as a general assignment reporter. Her ability to cover breaking news stories quickly earned her a promotion. In September 2016, Babich was elevated to the role of morning news anchor, and two years later, in June 2018, she began anchoring the midday newscasts. These roles have allowed Babich to become a staple of Chicago’s morning routine, delivering crucial news updates to early risers and mid-morning viewers alike.
Some of her most memorable reporting experiences include covering Pope Francis’s first visit to the United States in 2015 and taking a courageous flight with the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds. She has also reported from some of the most significant moments in recent history, including President Obama’s inauguration and the aftermath of the Bernie Madoff scandal.
Babich’s journalistic achievements have earned her numerous accolades, including Emmy Awards, which highlight her exceptional reporting and storytelling skills.
Tanja Babich Net Worth
Tanja Babich’s successful career in broadcast journalism has earned her both fame and financial stability. As of 2023, her estimated net worth is between $1 million and $5 million. This wealth comes primarily from her salary as a news anchor at ABC7 Chicago, where her earnings are reported to be between $45,000 and $120,000 per year, depending on her tenure and additional projects.
Given her impressive credentials and experience, Babich’s financial success is well-deserved. Apart from her salary, she also earns from various public speaking engagements and sponsorships, further contributing to her financial portfolio.
Tanja Babich Husband and Family
Tanja Babich’s personal life is as fulfilling as her professional one. She is married to Paul Durbin, and their relationship is a testament to love and mutual respect. The couple got engaged on May 2, 2018, and tied the knot on July 8, 2018. They have built a beautiful life together in Chicago, where they raise their three daughters.
Babich has two older daughters from a previous marriage: Adelaide and Lola Babich, and she welcomed her youngest daughter, Josephine Emily, in May 2019. Family life plays a central role for Babich, who often shares pictures and stories about her daughters on her social media platforms, offering glimpses into her life as a mother.
Her marriage to Durbin has been a solid foundation for balancing the demands of her career and personal life. Despite her busy work schedule, Babich prioritizes family time, often participating in activities like yoga and spending time with her loved ones.
Tanja Babich Wikipedia
Though Tanja Babich does not have an official Wikipedia page, her significant achievements and contributions to journalism are well documented across multiple platforms. Babich’s bio and career milestones are available on official sites such as ABC7 Chicago and other reputable news outlets. Her biography reveals her journey from a government student at Cornell University to a distinguished news anchor in Chicago, one of the most competitive news markets in the United States.
Babich’s multicultural background, linguistic abilities, and dedication to storytelling make her stand out in the field of journalism. While Wikipedia may not yet capture her full story, numerous reliable profiles offer insights into her life and career, ensuring that her contributions are not overlooked.
Tanja Babich Parents and Heritage
Tanja Babich’s multicultural roots are a significant part of her identity. Her mother is from Chile, and her father is from Serbia, giving her a rich cultural heritage that has influenced both her personal and professional life. Babich has often spoken about the importance of her diverse background, noting that it has helped shape her worldview and her approach to journalism.
Fluent in multiple languages, including French, conversational Spanish, and Serbian, Babich’s linguistic skills allow her to connect with a wide audience and cover stories that resonate with different communities. However, Babich has kept much of her personal life private, including detailed information about her parents. While she often shares snippets of her personal life on social media, she remains protective of her family’s privacy.
Tanja Babich’s Impact on Journalism
Throughout her career, Babich has consistently demonstrated a commitment to quality journalism. Her dedication to reporting stories that matter, whether it’s covering local Chicago news or significant national events, has earned her a strong reputation in the industry. Babich’s work has impacted not only her viewers but also the broader journalistic community.
Babich is also deeply involved in mentorship and philanthropy. She serves as a board member of HFS Chicago Scholars, an organization that provides financial and mentoring support to deserving area high school students. Furthermore, she is the founder of Lake Effect Chicago, a kids’ camping retreat designed in partnership with The Wood Family Foundation and Camp Wandawega in Elkhorn, Wisconsin.
Tanja Babich’s Future Endeavors
As Tanja Babich continues her journey in journalism, she remains a pivotal figure at ABC7 Chicago. Her work ethic, professionalism, and ability to handle diverse news stories have cemented her place as one of the top news anchors in the Chicago area. With her unique combination of talent, cultural awareness, and a genuine passion for storytelling, Babich is likely to continue achieving great things in the world of journalism.
As of 2023, she remains focused on delivering high-quality news coverage to Chicago viewers and expanding her influence as a voice for important causes, including education and community support. Her story is one of perseverance, talent, and dedication—a true inspiration to aspiring journalists and those who value the power of storytelling.
In conclusion, Tanja Babich’s age, multicultural background, family life, career, and contributions make her one of the most respected news anchors in the U.S. Her journey from a government major at Cornell University to an Emmy Award-winning journalist at ABC7 Chicago is a testament to her talent and determination. Whether she’s delivering breaking news or mentoring young students, Babich’s impact on journalism and her community continues to grow.
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